Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - recessed 4"

I am looking to light a 35'x16' x 10' high area and like the look of the 4" round recessed, can someone tell me what bulb type gives off the most lighting in this type of light.

I will consider both, low voltage and line voltage but prefer the line voltage for options. All comments are appreciated

Personally I would go with a line voltage halogen reflector. I installed some in my living room that are amazing. I went with the bigger 6 inch cans because I had more light options. I then used a wide flood to really spread out the light evenly.

I also prefer line voltage. When you have a large are to light, I prefer 6" cans with wide flood bulbs. I'm not as familiar with bulbs for 4" cans.

Most 4" cans are useally limted to R20 or PAR20 or MR16 type bulbs and the highest wattage you can run from this size useally 50 or 60 watts the most.


For pretty high ceiling appactions the 6 inch cans serve the best due you will have more option with trim lens and also have more flextiblty with wattage however there is a nice gotcha most 6 inch cans useally limited to 75 watts unless specficed by trim and type of can construction.

Merci,Marc

I had installed the 6" cans in my last house and thought that they were a bit too big so I decided to install the 4" line voltage lights yesterday.

This morning I took down the 12 - 4" cans I installed , they just did'nt give out enough lighting with 50 watt bulbs. I will be installing the 6" sloped ceiling line voltage Halos tommorrow with 100 or 120 watt bulbs in the 10' ceiling.

I wouldn't go with 100 watt halogens. I recommend using a 60 or 70 watt halogen reflector but the new ones with the infrared technology. For example a 90 watt 120 volt halogen reflector gives off around 1300-1400 lumens. The new halogen 70 watt 120v gives off 1550 lumens. So you get more light for less energy.

How about using dimmable cfl bulbs?

Dimmable compacts are terrible.

Dimmable CFL ? it depending if screw in or hardwired.,,

With hardwired verison with true ballast design those I have no issue with that However.,, a screw in CFL lamp now that is diffrent ball of game to deal with it and yeah there is some issue come up with it you have to read the fine print what can used and what not espcally in recessed cans some are not even listed to run in the cans and add dimmer some are not worth a stink.

Merci,Marc

How about non-dimmable cfl?

You can try it, but I don't like the light output, or the light quality.

OK.
Whats got the best output, best quality?

Halogen lights are still the best. I don't know what size trim rings you bought, but try and get a bulb with the new infrared technology. More light for less energy. I will send you a pm.