Can You Use Led Bulbs In Recessed Light Fixtures

Led light bulbs and conventional recessed can lights are not always compatible.

Can you use led bulbs in recessed light fixtures. Using existing fixtures could affect life of led screw in replacement depending on if the fixture is enclosed or open using exiting fixtures doesn t allow for décor updates remodeling etc. Leds that are used in fixtures where there s less than 1 2 around the circumference of the lamp when installed in the fixture are also considered an enclosed application. This would be any kind of light fixture that s on and off only and as long as you stay below the wattage limits of that fixture that s on the label. If the value is no the bulb should not be used in enclosed fixtures.

The performance of the light bulb. Some led bulbs say they re ok in enclosed fixtures. If the fixture or circuit runs a small amount of current through the bulb at all times this can cause a led bulb to stay lit. Some of the led light bulbs used in halogen and incandescent recessed lights might cause a heat sensor inside the housing to trip your circuit breaker.

Using an led bulb in an enclosed fixture when it isn t designed for that may cause the bulb to overheat potentially causing damage to the light bulb and fixture. For most regular standard light bulbs that you might be replacing with led then most of the time they could be used in any light fixture that you have. Unfortunately due to the heat entrapment of enclosed fixtures not all led light bulbs can be used. Just like fluorescent light bulbs led light bulbs need to have a driver that is built in and also designed to be used in standard recessed lighting fixtures.

Or perhaps it is better to say that they should not be used. If you plan to use leds in these types of applications you should use an led that s rated for enclosed fixtures. If the value for enclosed fixture rated is yes that means the light bulb can be used in enclosed fixtures. Screw in led bulb retrofit cons.

Screw the lightbulb end of the led into the empty lightbulb socket in the recessed light housing. It may still be possible to use your regular led bulb in the enclosed fixture but with a shortened life span and the potential for premature dimming. Led bulbs are often larger even if the mount is the same so an led might not fit. Connect the bulb socket adapter included in the kit if not pre assembled.

Led bulbs that are plug and pin based can only be used in dedicated led fixtures that contain a driver. The above statement does not mean that cfl and incandescent bulbs can be used in place of led lights in case of enclosed light fixtures. Maximum fixture wattage remains the same more on this later common challenges with dimming.