ᐅ Planning Recessed Lighting – Need Tips

Created on: 20 May 2014 13:19
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DomZon
Hello everyone,

We are currently planning the lighting design for our new build (construction starting in about 4 weeks). We mainly plan to use recessed downlights on the ground floor (living room, hallway, kitchen).

I am quite inexperienced in this area. Therefore, my question is: What should I consider when planning recessed downlights? What distance should I maintain from the walls and between the downlights? The ceiling height is 2.55m (8 feet 4 inches).

Do I need to pay attention to anything when choosing the downlights, such as beam angle? Would you recommend halogen or LED? (I know LED is more energy efficient, but I’m not sure if it is really worth it.)

The downlights will be installed directly into the concrete ceiling, so the ceiling will not be lowered.

I would really appreciate helpful tips to avoid any dark spots after construction.

Thank you very much.
VillaMoTo21 May 2014 12:33
Example...

Technical drawing showing two roof types with dimension lines and curves.
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DomZon
21 May 2014 12:36
That’s a good idea. I will make one for myself. Thanks!
K1300S23 May 2014 14:48
By the way, the HaloX mounting boxes from Kaiser have a diameter of 16 cm (6.3 inches), but only a maximum of 14 cm (5.5 inches) — or if adjustment is necessary due to imprecise installation position, a maximum of 10 cm (3.9 inches) — may be filled by the fixture itself, also for thermal reasons. Usually, suitable LED downlights tend to be around 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.7 inches) in diameter; anything larger often generates so much heat that it could become too hot again, which affects lifespan.

Apart from that, the LED drivers still need to be accommodated somewhere. Installing them directly on the fixture can also cause heat issues.

Good luck

K1300S
K
klblb
23 May 2014 14:52
The HaloX boxes with transformer tunnels are available in two different sizes.
The transformer is installed inside the tunnel and separated from the luminaire by a small plate, acting as a thermal insulation barrier.

You can find more details on Kaiser’s website.

HaloX-O system overview: ceiling types, speakers, housings, and installation options.
M
Momad
9 Jun 2016 23:21
Does the transformer (LED) need to be wired and connected before pouring the concrete?
What are the advantages of such a transformer compared to transformerless LED spots?
Mycraft10 Jun 2016 07:57
No, the cables and the transformer can also be installed afterward, provided that conduit pipes are used.

The advantages include durability, better lighting, and so on.