When lights are always on, the energy costs can quickly add up, and keeping them on for too long can cause them to overheat and possibly malfunction early into their warranty period and life expectancy. To help ensure that lights are only used when necessary, LED manufacturers have developed different types of sensors that work with their line of LED products with some fully integrated into the light fixtures.

By using sensors, lights can be controlled to turn on and off in response to individual or a combination of conditions including occupancy, motion, or levels of natural light, ensuring that they are used only when they are needed, making it easier for people to move freely without having to constantly switch lights on and off, and improves safety by providing visibility in otherwise dark and empty areas. They help reduce consumption, contribute to energy savings, and help extend the lifespan of the light bulbs.

About Light Sensors

There are 2 major groups of sensors for lighting control. Sensors that detect motion and occupancy (e.g. Microwave, PIR and Ultrasonic), are intended for indoor applications. Sensors that detect natural light (e.g.Photocell and Daylight Harvesting), are intended for areas with access to natural light and outdoor applications.

Sensors are installed separately or integrated into modern LED fixtures. Sensors are available as external controllers for a network group of lights e.g. installed on the wall, ceiling or fixture or integrated into modern LED fixtures e.g. photocell sensors on wall packs. Some sensors can be set up to adjust their sensitivity depending on the traffic or availability of natural light.

Sensors can be linked to advanced network lighting controls. Sensors can be linked to a Bluetooth Mesh / NLC system that sends sensor data to other lights in a network for automated control, energy management, and rerouting, which can lead to significant cost savings over time. Read on to know more about Bluetooth Mesh / NLC and how they work together with light sensors.

Sensors also control brightness levels. Also known as "Bi-Level Lighting Controls", it allows the user to adjust the level of brightness in two ways (up/down). Traditionally, it requires an external switch or dimmer to adjust the light levels based on the time of day or occupancy. Modern LED light fixtures includes bi-level lighting controls for controlling brightness levels.

Dual-technology sensors work together for on/off and dimming control. Modern LED fixtures and external sensors combine at least two sensing technologies working together for controlling light and brightness levels e.g. PIR / Daylight Harvesting where PIR sensors control lights with movement and Daylight Harvesting sensors adjust brightness with available light. With dual-technology sensors, you can be sure that your space is always well-lit when needed, and not over-lit at all times.

Sensors are interfered by certain conditions. Sensors that automate lighting offer numerous advantages but they are not without some drawbacks. Sensors can be impeded by elements in its immediate surroundings and therefore should be installed correctly and with caution in order to function properly. Carefully consider the upsides, downsides and limitations of each type of light sensor before making a final decision.

Sensors that Detect Motion and Occupancy

Motion sensors detect movement within a space, while occupancy sensors detect presence regardless of movement. Microwave, PIR (Passive Infrared), and Ultrasonic technologies are commonly used in detecting motion and occupancy, and all three technologies are almost exclusively used indoors.

Microwave Sensors

Microwave motion sensors use high-frequency radio waves to detect movement within their detection range, and when it detects motion, the lights turn on. It is effective at short distances but can have problems with false alarms due to over-sensitivity and interference from other nearby movements and signals.

Microwave Sensors

Fixture Integrated Microwave Sensor

Ceiling-mounted Microwave Sensor

Fixture-mounted Microwave Sensor

Surface-mounted PIR / Microwave Sensor

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Can detect motion at a distance of up to 20 feet in one or all directions (400 ft²).
• Adjustable distance settings so that the motion sensor will only detect movement at certain distances.
• Microwave signals, such as those emitted from cell phones and routers, are non-ionizing forms of radiation and do not cause long-term damage to humans.

Downside:

• As a motion sensor, it can be overly sensitive and set off the lights unnecessarily when placed in areas near trees, plants, and moving machinery.
• As an occupancy sensor, it can be interfered with by continuous movements e.g. bodies of water, and ventilation fans.
• Affected by gusts of wind, rain, and extreme weather conditions.

PIR Sensors

PIR sensors, or passive infrared sensors, detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects including the human body that have a temperature above absolute zero. It is effective at long distances and has low false alarm rates but can be affected by other heat sources within the same space.

PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensors

Ceiling-mounted PIR Sensor

Wall-mounted PIR Sensor

Wall switch Integrated PIR Sensor

Fixture-mounted PIR / Daylight Harvesting Sensor 

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Integrated into some modern LED fixtures.
• Can detect motion at a distance of up to 30 feet in one or all directions (900 ft²).
• Most PIR sensors work without any external power source by harvesting the available light or using battery sources.
• Can be used to detect both small and large movements at various distances due to its wide sensitivity range.
• Detects heat and is unaffected by gusts of wind and other environmental factors.

Downside:

• Can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity of the environment.
• Affected by other high heat sources like steam, radiators, and heat vents.

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard by the human ear. The principle is based on the fact that sound waves travel in all directions and can be reflected back to the source when they come into contact with an object.

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ceiling-mounted Ultrasonic Sensor

Wall-mounted Ultrasonic Sensor

Wall Switch Integrated Ultrasonic Sensor

LED Integrated Ultrasonic Sensor

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Integrated into some modern LED fixtures.
• Can detect motion at a distance of up to 33 feet to 40 feet in one or all directions (1000 ft² - 1200 ft²). 
• Preferred over other types of detection such as infrared due to their wide range of detection and non-contact nature i.e. senses occupancy despite not being in direct line of sight. 
• Detects moving objects that are large enough e.g. humans to reflect sound.

Downside:

• May not work effectively in areas with high levels of background noise e.g. heavy machinery or if the motion is slow.
• May be affected by temperature variations in the environment, mostly by heat.

Sensors that Detect Natural Light

Photocell sensors detect natural light and turn light fixtures on in the daytime and off in the nighttime. Daylight Harvesting sensors detect natural light and control light dimmers to maintain appropriate light levels. Both technologies can be used in open and outdoor areas with ample daylight and help reduce energy consumption by using natural light whenever available.

Photocell Sensors (On/Off Control)

Photocell or "dusk-to-dawn" sensors are used to detect light levels and turn lights on or off in response to available natural light. When the light level is lower (i.e. at night) than a predetermined threshold, the sensor will activate a switch that turns on the lights. When the light level rises (i.e. during the day) above the threshold, the sensor will deactivate the switch and turn off the lights. 

Photocell Sensors

Fixture-mounted Photocell Sensor

Fixture Integrated Photocell Sensor

Wall-mounted Photocell Sensor

Pole-mounted Photocell Sensor

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Comes built-in to some modern LED fixtures.
• Relies on reflected light in the surroundings and functions even on a cloudy day.
• Designed to detect light levels and adjusts accordingly to natural daylight and artificial light sources like streetlights.

Downside:

• Must be installed facing north, not placed under a shade, and not placed under direct sunlight or will risk malfunction and overheating.
• Adjusting the sensitivity can be difficult, making it hard to ensure that the lights come on when needed and don’t stay off when not needed.

Daylight Harvesting Sensors (Dimming Control)

Daylight harvesting sensors monitor the amount of natural sunlight available and adjust the intensity of lighting accordingly.

Daylight Harvesting Sensors

Wall-mounted Daylight Harvesting Sensor

Ceiling-mounted Daylight Harvesting Sensor

LED Integrated Daylight Harvesting Sensor

Fixture-mounted PIR/Daylight Harvesting Sensor

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Integrated into some modern LED fixtures along with motion and occupancy sensors and replaces external dimming controls for adjusting brightness. 
• Relies on reflected light in the surroundings and functions on a cloudy day.
• Designed to detect light levels and adjusts accordingly to natural daylight and artificial light sources like streetlights.

Downside:

• Must be installed in places with enough natural light e.g. windows or sky lights to work properly.

Timers

Timers for lighting work by setting a specific start and end time for a light to be on or off. This allows you to have the flexibility of turning lights on at different times depending on when you need them lit. By using timers, you can ensure that your lights stay on and off on schedule and won't unnecessarily waste energy.

Light Timers

Manual Light Timer

Digital Light Timer

Preset Light Timer

WiFi / Smart App Light Timer

Contact Duralec Today to Pick Out the Best Sensor For Your Lights!

Upside:

• Using timers with other sensors ensures that lights stay off on the preset schedules and would not be turned on by the sensors. 

Downside:

• When using timers by itself, it relies on preset schedules and do not adapt to current conditions.

Bluetooth (BLE) Mesh Light Controls and Sensors

 

KeystoneTech SmartLoop Wireless Controls 

SmartLoop is powerful enough to run a space with multiple zones, but simple enough to program in minutes with your phone—perfect for warehouses, offices, schools, and auditoriums, whether new construction or retrofit. The Keystone SmartLoop Control app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

Bluetooth (BLE) Controls and Sensors for Rooms

LED lighting is the most energy-efficient and economical lighting option but it is not without issues. One of the most common issues is that one doesn’t always have the same brightness and color as the next - even when made under the same specifications. This can pose problems, particularly in settings that require a consistent and well-maintained look, such as high-end retail stores or galleries, where it is essential for presenting products or artifacts in the best light. 

Knowing how much wattage you need, how many lumens you want, and what color temperature you’d like is key to creating the exact lighting theme you have intended. Once you know exactly what you need and why, you would be able to make the right choices before rolling out the budget for new lights. With a wide variety of wattage, lumens, and color temperatures available, you can create the perfect atmosphere in any room. From energy-saving modes to dynamic scenes, explore all the possibilities at Duralec!

Choosing Wattage and Voltage

The different wattage and voltage ratings are used to ensure compatibility with the existing power supply setup of the home or building. By offering different wattages and voltages, LED light manufacturers make sure their products will be compatible with a wide variety of applications.

Knowing the Voltage AC (Alternating Current) rating indicated on LED product specifications helps determine the appropriate wattage to use. Wattage (W) refers to the power rating of a particular LED light bulb and indicates how much power is required to light the LED to its maximum brightness. Normally, a high-wattage LED bulb would be recommended for use in a high-voltage power setup. Using a high-wattage bulb in a low voltage socket can be dangerous as they draw more power than the wiring it is designed to safely handle and can cause wires to heat up and spark, potentially leading to fires.

It's imperative to always match bulbs to the watts listed on the socket and never exceed that number. If you're unsure about the wattage is best for your setup, make sure to consult an electrician.

AC 100V to 240V to 277V is commonly used in split-phase power systems and is the voltage supplied to most of the US and Canada households and retail outlet applications. LED bulbs recommended for this setup can range from 10W to 120W.

AC 277V to 347V to 400V+ is commonly used in three-phase power systems and is the voltage supplied to many industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. LED Bulbs recommended for this setup can range from 150W to 320W.

You can optionally use LED drivers (built-in or external) to provide power, regulate current, and protect against voltage spikes and surges, which can damage LEDs. Some LED strips and bulbs are self-contained and do not require an external driver.  

Choosing a Lumen Output

Remember that the Wattage rating on a bulb indicates how much energy it uses - not how bright it is. The brightness of an LED light is determined by its lumen (lm) rating. Lumens measure how much light the bulb produces; and is what you need to look for on your bulb packaging. A higher lumen rating means brighter light and greater visibility. By looking at the lumen output of different LED lights, you can make sure that you are selecting the right lighting for your space. While having a higher lumen output may mean a higher input wattage, this is not necessarily true for all LED products.

As an example, an older LED 12W bulb might produce the same amount of lumen output as a more modern 9W LED bulb. An LED bulb with the same output lumens and lower wattage is always the better option.

Choosing a Color Temperature

LEDs are also available in different color temperatures that determine the shade of color that the bulb emits and whether it leans towards warm (like golden hour),  white (like daylight), or cool (like a cloudy day). To make sure you get the perfect light for your space, always look for CCT rating of the fixture.

CCT (Correlated color temperature) is a measure of the color appearance of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). It is used to describe the temperature of a light source and its ability to appear white or neutral.

Warm fixtures are typically used in residential installations because they create a softer, more comfortable ambiance, often used in bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and other areas that require a cozy atmosphere. Whiter and cooler fixtures are more suitable for commercial environments. Cooler lighting creates an efficient and productive atmosphere ideal for office settings or retail spaces.

Contrary to popular belief, LED lights set to warm colors do not require more energy than whiter and cooler ones so there's really nothing to worry about when choosing a warmer colored light in any setting. In fact, LEDs have an even longer lifespan when used in warm light settings and will last much longer making them perfect for a variety of applications.

Tuning Your LED Lights

How do you make sure that the brightness and color of your LED lights are consistent? LEDs tend to vary in intensity over time, so if a particular area requires consistent lighting, this could cause problems down the road. Since different manufacturers produce LEDs with different color temperatures and levels of brightness, it can be difficult to find LED lights that match each other perfectly without test-fitting them all first. Consider the following when selecting LED lights for any project.

1. Use quality LED lights: Invest in high-quality LED lights to ensure that it is consistent and reliable. 

2. Regularly monitor and replace bulbs: Over time, LED bulbs can become less bright, so regularly monitoring the hours they are on and replacing them as needed can help ensure consistency in output.

3. Inspect diffusers and fixture covers: Make sure that included or added diffuser materials on enclosed LED lights are UV-treated and will not cause dimming or yellowing over time.

4. Utilize dimmers: Utilizing dimmers when possible can help to regulate the output of the LED lights, allowing users to get the most out of them e.g. adjusting the brightness to match the current brightness of a set of LED lights where it is added.

5. Choose the right color temperature: Different types of LED lights are available with different color temperatures, so choosing the same color temperature is essential for achieving a consistent look.

6. Choose dimmable, CCT-Selectable, and watt-switchable LEDs: With modern dimmable, color-selectable, and watt-switchable lighting products available at Duralec, you can make adjustments to the energy intake, temperature, and light output with a single installation. Many of these lights are retrofit, and can be easily installed in existing standard fixtures.

CCT-Selectable LED Products

Switchable Wattage LED Products

Duralec's switchable wattage LEDs have the ability to be switched between two or more different wattages. This type of LED is used in a variety of applications, such as ambient lighting for residential and commercial spaces, and industrial lighting for warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Switchable wattage LEDs provide the user with the ability to adjust the intensity of the light output from their LED fixtures based on their current selected wattage input, offering significant energy savings in the process.

Shop Switchable Wattage Fixtures at Duralec.

Choosing The Most Efficient And Elegant LED Fitting For Any Type Of Ceiling

It goes without saying that ceilings are not built the same for every structure, and so the light fixtures that can be installed on them would depend on the way it was designed and constructed. Taking time to learn about the fixtures that fit well into your existing ceilings or renovation plans can help prevent costly mistakes and make sure that you get the most efficient and elegant lighting for your budget.

When choosing LED light for ceilings, you will want to look for fixtures that provide a comfortable and even light distribution with the appropriate lumen output for the ceiling height and the room size. There are 3 main things to consider when choosing ceiling lights:

1. Ceiling Construction: The method of installation for the LED fitting will vary depending on the height and method of construction of the ceiling.

2. Task: Consider what intensity of lighting you need – task lighting, ambient lighting, or accent lighting should all be considered when selecting ceiling lights.

3. Style: The style of the ceiling lights should match the overall design of the space. Consider different materials, shapes, sizes, and colors to find something that fits the interior.

Main (Structural) Ceilings

Main (structural) ceilings are the most basic ceiling type that consists only of the concrete slab with no other materials added. This ceiling type is common in low-rise buildings and apartments.

The recommended LED light fittings for main (structural) concrete ceilings are the track, pendant, and flush-mounted.

Track lighting is a great choice for concrete ceilings as it offers adjustable, directional lighting that can be used to highlight specific areas of a room.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into track lighting fixtures.

Flush-mounted lights can also be used for both task lighting and ambiance. Flush-mounted lights are installed directly to the ceiling, giving them a recessed, streamlined look. Semi-flush lights are slightly recessed but still hang down from the ceiling with a short stem or cord. They provide a more direct illumination than flush-mounted lights and can be used in areas where there is limited space above the fixture.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into flush-mounted lighting fixtures.

Pendant lights can be used for task lighting and decorative purposes with a wide range of designs and themes to choose from.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into flush-mounted lighting fixtures.

Tightly Attached Ceilings

Tightly attached ceilings have a direct covering of material such as wood planks or beams or metal bars and metal sheets. This type of ceiling is not common in commercial and residential settings and is mainly built for aesthetic purposes. They can be found mostly in bars, cafes, and restaurants.

The recommended LED light fittings for tightly attached ceilings are architectural strip lights, pendant-mounted, and flush-mounted.

Strip lights provide a clean, streamlined look with minimal disruption to the overall design of the ceiling. The light can easily be installed with spring clamps to securely attach to the ceiling, ensuring the fixture is stable and flush with the ceiling. 

Duralec's LED Strip Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in 4-feet and 8-feet lengths, and can be installed in different ways - including recessed, retrofit, surface, hanging or continuous row mount.

Flush-mounted lights are designed to be installed into the ceiling surface, providing a more subtle and elegant look.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into flush-mounted lighting fixtures.

Pendant-mounted lights are also great for tightly attached ceilings as they hang low to maximize the open space and accentuate the ceiling design while illuminating the room.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into pendant lighting fixtures.

Exposed Ceilings

Exposed ceilings consist of a basic framework of beams and columns with no covering. This ceiling type is common in spaces that maximize as much vertical space as possible such as factories, warehouses, and gymnasiums.

The recommended LED light fittings for exposed ceilings are linear high bay and architectural strips.

High bay lighting is designed to provide powerful illumination in large spaces with high ceilings.

Duralec's LED Linear High Bay Lights are a great option, made with durable and long-lasting 2835 SMD LED Lights and set to 5000K. They come in sizes including 1x2 and 1x4 and installed in different ways - including hanging, surface and boom installation.

Strip lighting offers an attractive, modern look and can be mounted directly onto the joists for a seamless installation. 

Duralec's LED Strip Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in 4-feet and 8-feet lengths, and can be installed in different ways - recessed, retrofit, surface, hanging or continuous row mount.

Pendant-mounted lights are also great for areas with exposed ceilings as they hang from the ceiling and maximize the open space while illuminating the room.

Duralec's LED UFO High Bay Lights are a great option, set to 5000K with Daylight Harvesting Occupancy Sensor. They come with hooks for fast and easy pendant installation. 

Dropped Ceilings

A dropped ceiling, also known as a false ceiling or suspended ceiling, is a type of secondary ceiling that hangs below the main (structural) ceiling. The 2 most common types of dropped ceilings include the T-bar or grid type and flat drywall.

T-Bar or Grid Type Ceiling

The T-bar or grid-type ceiling has a visible grid system that holds removable tiles or panels made of drywall or acoustic boards with light panels and HVAC installed in between. They are the most common ceiling construction for commercial buildings such as offices, retail stores, studios, and schools. It allows for easy access to the wiring, lighting, HVAC, and plumbing while maintaining a modern and contemporary look.

The recommended LED light fittings for grid-type ceilings are panel lights and troffer lights.

Panel lights are a cost-effective and highly efficient lighting solution that can easily replace traditional fluorescent fixtures. They provide a soft and unobtrusive light and are flexible enough to easily change colors and intensity if desired. These lights are also easy to mount with minimal hardware, making them a great choice when looking to update existing drop ceiling fixtures to LED.

Duralec's LED Panel Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500/4000/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common grid sizes including 2x2, 1x4 and 2x4, and are easy to install.

Troffer lights offer a concentrated light source and attractive appearance, which makes them ideal for nearly any space including office buildings and homes.

Duralec's LED Troffer Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500/4000/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common grid sizes including 2x2 and 2x4, and are easy to install.

Flat Drywall Ceiling

Flat drywall dropped ceilings are typically made of drywall boards for a smoother finish. This ceiling type is common in building hallways and lobbies, and residential homes, where plumbing and wiring are located in the space above the drywall and the main ceiling. This allows for easy access to the wiring, lighting HVAC, and plumbing while still maintaining a smooth, finished look.

The recommended LED light fittings for flat drywall ceilings are recessed downligts and strip lights.

Recessed round downlights provide a clean, modern look that complements the flat dropped ceiling while also occupying minimal space. Choose housed recessed lighting for ceilings that are rated for areas with higher clearance (6-inch to 8-inch drop). Choose slim or wafer-thin recessed lighting fixtures that are rated for areas with lower clearance (3-inch to 5-inch drop).

Duralec's LED Downlights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common recessed light sizes including 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch for residential applications and 8-inch for commercial applications, and are easy to install.

Recessed strip lights provide functional and decorative lighting. These lights are typically installed on thin grooves on the ceilings, where they can provide bright, even illumination with minimal distraction from other light sources. They are available in a variety of lengths and colors, allowing them to be tailored to fit any interior design scheme.

Duralec's LED Strip Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in 4-feet and 8-feet lengths, and can be installed in different ways - recessed, retrofit, surface, hanging or continuous row mount.

Interstitial Space Ceilings

Interstitial space ceilings have a gap between regular-use floors, specifically in buildings with clean rooms and laboratories, healthcare facilities, and food and drug preparation facilities. This type of ceiling is often used to house the inner mechanics of a building, such as plumbing, electrical wires, ductwork, special machinery, and lighting. 

The recommended LED light fittings for interstitial ceilings are recessed utility panels and round recessed downlights - specifically, wet-location suitable.

Utility recessed panel lights for clean rooms feature sealed units that are IP65-rated dustproof and waterproof, suitable for ISO5 clean rooms. The housing is also corrosion-resistant, with a gasket seal, to ensure that it is airtight and can withstand chemical cleaners.

Duralec's LED Wet-location suitable recessed panel lights are a great option, providing light up to 4000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common grid sizes including 2x2 and 2x4, and are easy to install.

Wet location downlights are IP65-rated to withstand moisture and humidity, and typically feature watertight housing and sealed lenses.

Duralec's LED Wet-location suitable downlights are a great option, providing light up to 4000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common recessed light sizes including 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch for residential applications and 8-inch for commercial applications, and are easy to install.

Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings are highly decorative and consist of beams and coffers made of wood or metal. This type of ceiling is common in ancestral homes and historic buildings. These types of ceilings would need statement lighting to accentuate the design of the coffers.

The recommended LED light fittings for coffered ceilings are pendant-mounted, flush-mounted, and recessed lights.

Ornate pendant-mounted lighting fixtures like bowl pendants and chandeliers provide a single focal point of light that can be used to draw attention to the coffered beams.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into pendant lighting fixtures.

Tunable flush-mounted lights are also a good option as they allow for different subtle designs that complement the coffered ceiling.

Duralec's LED refractor bulbs are a great option, providing light up to 5000K. They come in many common mogul base sizes including E26 and E39 and fits readily into flush-mounted lighting fixtures.

Recessed lighting can be used to accentuate the architectural features of a coffered ceiling. The recessed lights can be placed in the center of each panel and aimed up or down to create a dramatic effect. Recessed lighting is also a great way to provide subtle illumination for the area, adding soft, ambient light throughout the room.

Duralec's LED Downlights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common recessed light sizes including 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch for residential applications and 8-inch for commercial applications, and are easy to install.

Bulkhead and Soffits

Bulkhead and soffits ceilings are structures that protrude from the main ceiling and are often box-shaped, round or wavy commonly added to conceal differences in height occurring in ceilings, as well as plumbing, electrical wires, ductwork, and lighting. 

The recommended LED light fittings for bulkhead and soffit ceilings are recessed can downlights and strip cove lights.

Recessed can lights are a popular choice for bulkhead ceilings as they are installed directly into the ceiling line and are great for creating accent lighting specially in a lounge area or living room.

Duralec's LED Downlights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in many common recessed light sizes including 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch for residential applications and 8-inch for commercial applications, and are easy to install.

Strip lights as cove lights are often used to create a dramatic effect in a room or hallway, as the light from the strips can be directed up and down walls in order to provide indirect lighting that creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Duralec's LED Strip Lights are a great option, providing light adjustable between 3500K/4000K/5000K and can be dimmed from 0-10V. They come in 4-feet and 8-feet lengths, and can be installed in different ways - recessed, retrofit, surface, hanging or continuous row mount.

Maximize ROI with LEDs: See how much you can save by switching

LED lighting technology has revolutionized the way we light our homes and businesses. LEDs are now the most popular form of lighting, due to their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and cost savings. LED lights can help maximize your return on investment (ROI) by reducing operating costs and increasing efficiency. Read on to learn more about how much can save by switching to LED lighting.

By switching to LED lighting, you can save money in the short term through decreased energy consumption and in the long term through reduced maintenance costs. You may even qualify for additional incentives from utility companies or local governments for using LED lights. Additionally, you’ll be helping to reduce your carbon footprint by using an energy-efficient lighting option.

On average, an LED light bulb can last up to 25 times longer than a comparable traditional light bulb and uses 70%-90% less energy, so you can expect to save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. 

The exact amount of money saved by switching from traditional lighting to LED lighting depends on the wattage of the lights being replaced, how many hours per day they are used, and the cost of electricity in your location. In summary, switching to LED lighting can save homes and businesses between 70%-90% on energy costs. 

How much do you save by switching from Halide to LED?

How much do you save by switching from CFL to LED?

LEDs consume around 75% less energy to produce the same amount of light as CFLs. The average lifespan of a CFL bulb is between 8,000 and 15,000 hours while LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours. This means you don’t need to replace the bulbs as often, saving you time and money in maintenance costs.

LEDs also produce a wider range of colors than CFLs and have dimming capabilities, making them more versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings. 

How much do you save by switching from fluorescent to LED?

LEDs consume around 80% less energy to produce the same amount of light as fluorescents. The average lifespan of a fluorescent bulb is between 8,000 and 15,000 hours while LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours. This means you don’t need to replace the bulbs as often, saving you time and money in maintenance costs.

LEDs also produce a wider range of colors than fluorescent and have dimming capabilities, making them more versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Recessed lighting is a type of lighting installation where the light fixture is concealed within a hollowed-out area in the ceiling or wall. It creates a more subtle and elegant look than traditional overhead-mounted lighting fixtures and can be used to create dramatic lighting effect to any space. Recessed lighting can make a home or property more attractive to potential buyers. Statistically, it adds anywhere from 1% to 5% to the overall value of a property - enough to cover the entire realty agent fee for some.

Parts: Housing, Trim and Bulb

Recessed lighting consists of three main parts; the housing, trim, and bulb.

• The housing is the part that gets installed into the ceiling or wall cavity and provides the base for the bulb and all other components usually made with fire rated materials and insulated. The housing is installed separately or built in on some new, modern LED fixtures.
• The trim is the material that surrounds the housing, holds up the bezel and the cover, and fastens them on the ceiling or wall. The trim is installed separately or built in on some new, modern LED fixtures.
• Finally, you have the bulb as a light source, with LED as the most popular and suitable option.

Many LED lights for recessed lighting available at Duralec from manufacturers like Intrinsix, Luxurio, Topaz, Cree Lighting, Maxlite, Eiko and Keystone were engineered to retrofit existing recessed housings and bulbs and can be easily installed without major remodeling or rewiring.

Choosing the right LED recessed light

Recessed lighting is ideal for providing a soft, subtle light that doesn't take up too much ceiling space. Recessed lights provide even illumination and can be used to highlight certain areas, such as artwork or furniture. If you have low ceilings, recessed lights can help raise the ceiling height and make the room appear higher and wider. If you want to create an intimate atmosphere in a room, recessed lighting is ideal because it gives off a more diffused light than traditional lights. 

Retrofitting with LED Recessed Lights

Duralec offers a range of recessed lighting solutions that are designed to readily replace recessed lighting bulbs without replacing the existing recessed housing and trims. 

Replacing Bulbs on Existing Recessed Fixture

An LED bulb with a mogul base is the perfect retrofit for a recessed downlight bulb. It replaces both CFLs and halogens, making it the ideal update to your lighting without having to change out the entire housing and trim. Some popular brands to consider include Intrinsix and Topaz.

Topaz LED PAR38 Lamp 5 CCT Selectable

Topaz's PAR38 CCT Selectable lamps are high-efficiency replacement lamps, offering 85% energy savings compared to traditional incandescent lamps. These lamps are 5CCT Selectable: 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K. They are suitable for both open and enclosed fixtures and are ideal for recessed downlighting. (Source: https://www.topaz-usa.com/)

Duralec Refractor Led Screw-In 12W Corn Light Bulb

Duralec Refractor Led Screw-In comes with an integrated heat sink made of high-pressure die-cast for maximum durability. The lighting solution meets the requirements for DLC qualifications, so you can be confident that your retrofit lights have been designed with high quality and performance standards. With several wattage options available for different use cases, you can find one that serves the specific needs of your commercial space. The wattage options range from12W to100W and you can combine multiple luminaires to illuminate a much wider area. (Source: https://www.duralec.com/)

Replacing Bulbs and Trim on Existing Recessed Fixture

A recessed LED bulb with built-in trim and a E26 Edison base adapter is the perfect retrofit for a recessed downlight that uses a separate bulb and trim, making it the ideal replacement for your lighting without buying a separate goof ring or trim to fit.

C-DL6-A Series Premium LED Downlight

Premium LED downlights providing the best combination of performance and value for both residential and commercial applications. Easy to install, these downlights are suitable for use in most standard 5" and 6" housings. Suitable for insulated and non-insulated ceilings. Easy installation with integral clips. No tools required. (Source: https://www.creelighting.com/)

New Construction and Remodeling with LED Recessed Lights

Duralec offers a range of recessed lighting solutions that are designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective. These solutions include retrofit kits for existing or new housings and ultra-thin low-profile fixtures for light housings. Some of these products are designed to be easy to install and require no additional housing and insulation, some without cutting up a hole in the ceiling. They also offer dimmable versions to help control the light levels in the room. With these recessed lighting solutions, you can get quality illumination without spending a fortune on costly housing fixtures or insulation.

Adding recessed LED lights with housing

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, you can typically expect to pay additional for each housing fixture for recessed light installation as it requires cutting into walls and ceilings, running electrical wires, and patching up the wall or ceiling afterward. 

Choosing a recessed light housing

Recessed light housings are usually IC-rated and airtight because they are designed to be installed in direct contact with insulation. The IC rating indicates that the recessed light housing has been tested and approved for use in insulated ceiling applications. An airtight design prevents heated air from entering the enclosure, helping to keep temperatures low and reducing the risk of fire.

Recessed light housing - New Construction

(IC-rated and airtight)

New construction recessed light housings are designed for use in new construction applications, where the housing can be mounted directly into the framing prior to drywall and insulation installation. 

Recessed light housing - Remodel

(IC-rated and airtight)

Remodel recessed light housings are fixtures that are used to install recessed lighting in existing ceilings. They are typically made of metal and have a flange or lip that is used to secure the recessed lights in place. 

Light recessed housing - New Construction or Remodel

(Non IC-rated)

Light recessed light housings are used to install recessed lighting in new construction and remodeled ceilings that do not need insulation or used with IC-rated LED recessed light fixtures. 

New Construction and Remodel Housings

For new construction and remodel housings, we recommend LED recessed lighting with a deep recessed profile and baffle trim. Some popular brands to consider include Maxlite, Cree, Topaz, Eiko and Keystone.

Maxlite Residential Retrofit Downlight

Designed as an energy-efficient lighting solution for remodeling or new construction projects MaxLites LED Residential downlights are available for Recessed and Surface downlighting application. The wet location suitable luminaire come as Single CCT as well as CCT Selectable ranging from 2700K to 5000K and deliver uniform color distribution and superior quality lighting. (Source: https://www.maxlite.com/)

Eiko Commercial Downlight PowerSet

CD Commercial Downlights are economical LED options with multiple “set and forget” lumen levels and CCT options in each fixture. Deep recessed light source for lower glare. Provides comfortable diffused light. Flexible steel conduit with 1/2” KO (3/8” Trade Size) snap in connector. Powder coated aluminum reflector and trim. (Source: https://www.eiko.com/)

Light Housings

For Non-IC light housings, we recommend IC-rated LED recessed lighting with a shallow profile and smooth trim. Some popular brands to consider include Cree, Topaz, Eiko and Keystone.

Topaz CCT Selectable, LED Slim Fit Recessed Downlight

Topaz’s Slim Fit Recessed Downlight is 5 CCT selectable. Choose from five color temperatures with one convenient switch, right on the job site. The improved half-inch profile design is approved for IC and non-IC applications. Quick-connects and the remote J-box offer easy installation. Extension cables and frame-in kits allow for versatile applications in new construction and retrofit projects.(Source: https://www.topaz-usa.com/)

Adding recessed LED lights without housing

Adding recessed lighting without housing would still require cutting up holes in the ceiling to mount the LED fixture properly. One may have to hire a handyman with the right tools and experience to measure and install the fixtures properly.

Flat Ceilings

For flat ceilings, we recommend LED recessed lighting with a slim/shallow profile and built-in mounting brackets for direct installation in the ceiling without a housing. Some popular brands to consider include Cree, Topaz, Eiko and Keystone.

Keystone Advanta-RMT Recessed Downlight

Keystone's AdvantaRMT offers a remote driver option for recessed downlight solutions. It’s ideal for new construction applications with narrow plenums or obstructed spaces. Utilizes remote driver with built-in junction box and quick disconnect, eliminating need for traditional multi-piece fixture setup. Deep recessed design features smooth, non-baffled trim, offering clean, modern appearance. (Source: https://keystonetech.com/)

Low Ceilings or Tight Spaces

For low ceilings, we recommend LED recessed lighting with a wafer-thin / ultra-low profile design that allows it to be installed as low as 3 inches from the suspended ceiling and includes adjustable mounting brackets, making it easy to install in any ceiling type. Some popular brands to consider include Cree, Topaz and Keystone.

Topaz CCT Selectable, LED Slim Fit Recessed Downlight

Topaz’s Slim Fit Recessed Downlight is 5 CCT selectable. Choose from five color temperatures with one convenient switch, right on the job site. The improved half-inch profile design is approved for IC and non-IC applications. Quick-connects and the remote J-box offer easy installation. Extension cables and frame-in kits allow for versatile applications in new construction and retrofit projects. (Source: https://www.topaz-usa.com/)

Sloped or Vaulted Ceilings

For sloped ceilings, we recommend LED recessed lighting with Gimbal trims that allow light to be directed at any angle. Some popular brands to consider include Topaz and Keystone.

Topaz Gimbal CCT Selectable LED Slim Fit Recessed Downlight

Topaz’s Gimbal, Slim Fit Recessed Downlight is 5 CCT selectable. With an ultra-low profile of less than two inches, this downlight has an impressive 360° rotation and 30° tilt to focus the light where you need it most. Easily installs with spring clips quick connects, to enhance kitchens, living areas, basements, and hallways in both new construction and retrofit applications. (Source: https://www.topaz-usa.com/)

Adding recessed LED lights without cutting holes

The best recessed LED lights without cutting holes are ones that use a surface-mounting design. These lights are mounted directly onto the surface of the ceiling or wall, making them easy to install without cutting up holes. 

Flat Ceilings

For flat ceilings, we recommend LED recessed lighting with a slim/shallow profile and built-in mounting brackets for direct installation in the ceiling without making holes. Some popular brands to consider include Cree, Topaz, Eiko and Keystone.

CREE savr™ E-SDR Series

Designed for recessed lighting without the time and cost of labor, the E-SDR Series LED Surface Mount Disk Light delivers up to 835 lumens in 2700K and 3000K, with 90 CRI. It’s perfect for showers and soffits, with 120VAC input and no driver required, and dims to 10% with TRIAC dimmers. (Source: https://www.creelighting.com/)

Power Source: Line Voltage vs Low Voltage

Recessed Lighting has a few key differences that should be taken into consideration when deciding which type of lighting to install.

• Line voltage recessed lighting is typically powered directly from your main power supply and can be used to light large rooms or entire floors of a building.
• Low voltage recessed lighting uses a transformer to reduce the line voltage and steps it down to 12 volts or 24 volts. This makes it ideal for smaller, more enclosed spaces such as closets, or bathrooms where there may not be enough space for bulky fixtures. Additionally, since the reduced voltage reduces the chances of electrical fires, it is a safer option than line voltage lighting. Low voltage recessed lighting is also more energy efficient and can last up to twice as long as line voltage varieties.