Most recessed downlight jobs come down to one question: what is above the ceiling? If there is a sound recessed can, a retrofit downlight is the fastest swap. If there is no can, a slim canless downlight wires to its own junction box. If the circuit is 277V or the job calls for 0 to 10V dimming, you need a commercial downlight built for it. And if the ceiling is a fire rated assembly, you need a downlight listed for that use. Here is how to sort it out before you order.
The four types at a glance
| Type | What it mounts to | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofit downlight | An existing 4 inch or 5/6 inch recessed can, using a screw in base adapter | Upgrading old cans without cutting new holes |
| Slim canless downlight | A drywall cutout, with a small remote junction box and spring clips | New construction, remodels and shallow ceilings |
| Commercial downlight | A cutout, on 120 to 277V circuits | Offices, retail, schools and corridors that run 277V or need 0 to 10V dimming |
| Fire rated downlight | A cutout in a fire rated ceiling assembly | Multifamily, hotels and corridors where the ceiling carries a fire rating |
Retrofit downlights for existing cans
A retrofit downlight replaces the lamp and trim in a can that is already in the ceiling. The TCP 5/6 inch beveled downlight is a good example. Per the TCP spec sheet, these units mount directly to a recessed can with an integrated trim, pigtail and spring clips, and an E26 base adapter screws into the old socket. There is no new hole and no new wiring in the ceiling.
From the TCP sheet, the lineup includes:
- 4 inch beveled: 9W, 900 lumens.
- 4 inch flat face: 11W, 900 lumens.
- 5/6 inch beveled: 14W, 1400 lumens.
- 5/6 inch flat face: 16W, 1400 lumens.
All four run on 120V with triac dimming, are UL approved for damp locations, carry a 50,000 hour rated life and offer five selectable color temperatures from 2700K to 5000K. TCP describes them for residential or low ceiling height commercial settings, so they fit break rooms, offices, hallways and restrooms better than tall open areas.
Check the can first. A retrofit is only as good as the housing behind it. Measure the can opening, confirm it is 4 inch or 5/6 inch, and look at its label before you assume it can sit in insulation.
Slim canless downlights
A canless downlight, sometimes called a wafer or slim downlight, needs no housing. You cut a hole, wire a small junction box that rides above the ceiling, and push the light into the opening where spring clips hold it tight. That makes them the go to option for new construction, remodels and ceilings with little space above them.
JEE slim downlights
The JEE spec sheet lists three sizes: the 4 inch at 9W and 752 lumens, the 6 inch at 12W and 1006 lumens and the 8 inch at 18W and 1504 lumens. The fixture body is 0.39 inch deep, color temperature is set with a switch on the junction box, and the sheet lists 120V triac dimming, CRI above 80, ETL listing and Energy Star. Cutouts are 4 21/64 inch (110mm) for the 4 inch and 6 19/64 inch (160mm) for the 6 inch.
TCP edge lit snap in downlights
TCP lists its edge lit snap in models as direct wire with no recessed can required, an external junction box and spring loaded tabs. They are IC rated and UL approved for damp locations. The 4 inch model is 11W and 850 lumens, and the 6 inch model is 12W and 1100 lumens, both 120V with triac dimming. TCP also offers an adjustable frame kit, part 46INFRAMEKIT.
More slim options in the line include the StarLake 6 inch slim downlight and EDIPAI slim and disk styles. See them all in LED downlights.
Commercial downlights for 120 to 277V
Most of the slim and retrofit downlights above are 120V triac products. Many commercial buildings run lighting on 277V and use 0 to 10V dimming controls, and a 120V downlight will not work on those circuits. The EDIPAI SUG6 commercial downlight is built for that. Per the manufacturer, it runs on 120 to 277V, dims 0 to 10V, has three selectable wattages and selectable color temperature, and is rated for wet locations and IC applications.
It comes in four sizes:
- 4 inch for corridors, restrooms and small offices.
- 6 inch for general office, retail and lobby lighting.
- 8 inch and 10 inch for larger rooms and higher ceilings where you want fewer fixtures.
New to the voltage question? Read 120 to 277V vs 277 to 480V fixtures. For controls, read 0 to 10V dimming explained.
Fire rated downlights
When a downlight goes into a fire rated ceiling, such as between units in multifamily buildings or in some hotel and corridor ceilings, the fixture has to be suitable for that assembly. The Gielight RP fire rated downlight spec sheet states it is code compliant for use in fire rated construction for up to a maximum of 2 hours. It needs no existing recessed housing. The included junction box goes up into the ceiling and the light inserts into the drywall opening.
From the Gielight sheet: the 4 inch model comes in 9W at 630 lumens and 12W at 900 lumens, and the 6 inch model comes in 12W at 960 lumens and 15W at 1200 lumens. It runs on 120V with triac dimming from 100% down to 10%, has CRI 90 and selectable color temperature, is suitable for wet locations, and is ETL listed.
Confirm with the inspector. A fire rated downlight is one part of a rated assembly. Check the ceiling design and your local authority having jurisdiction before you cut holes in a rated ceiling.
4, 6 or 8 inch?
If you are replacing existing cans or reusing existing holes, match the opening first. For new layouts, use light output to decide. Here is what the spec sheets list for the 120V slim and fire rated models above:
| Size | Model | Watts | Lumens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | JEE slim | 9W | 752 |
| 4 inch | TCP edge lit snap in | 11W | 850 |
| 4 inch | Gielight fire rated | 9W or 12W | 630 or 900 |
| 6 inch | JEE slim | 12W | 1006 |
| 6 inch | TCP edge lit snap in | 12W | 1100 |
| 6 inch | Gielight fire rated | 12W or 15W | 960 or 1200 |
| 8 inch | JEE slim | 18W | 1504 |
As a rule of thumb, 4 inch downlights suit accent, corridor and small room lighting, 6 inch is the general purpose size, and 8 inch or larger covers more floor per fixture. To work out how many you need for a target light level, see foot candle requirements by space type or use the lighting layout calculator.
Always cut to the template or cutout size on the spec sheet. Two downlights sold as 6 inch can need different hole sizes.
IC rating and wet or damp locations
IC stands for insulation contact. An IC rated downlight is approved to be in direct contact with ceiling insulation. Energy Star notes that downlights that are not IC rated usually need at least 3 inches of clearance to the nearest insulation. If the ceiling above is insulated, choose an IC rated model.
Location ratings matter too. A damp rating covers areas with moisture but no direct water, such as covered entries and many restrooms. A wet rating is needed where water can hit the fixture directly. Read wet vs damp location ratings for the details, and check the spec sheet for each model you are considering.
Dimming and color temperature
Most 120V downlights dim with a triac (phase) wall dimmer, while commercial models like the SUG6 use 0 to 10V. The two are not interchangeable, so match the downlight to the control system on the job. Dimmer compatibility also varies. TCP publishes a list of tested dimmers and recommends trying a few dimmer and lamp combinations in an on site test before a major installation.
Each downlight discussed here has selectable color temperature, set on the fixture or its junction box. The TCP models, for example, offer 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K, so one part number can cover warm hospitality spaces and bright back of house areas. See selectable wattage and CCT and the color temperature guide to choose a setting.
Before you order
- Look above the ceiling. Existing can, no can, or a fire rated assembly?
- Confirm voltage. 120V only, or 277V? That decides between 120V models and a 120 to 277V commercial downlight.
- Match the dimming. Triac wall dimmer or 0 to 10V controls.
- Check insulation. Choose IC rated where insulation will touch the fixture.
- Check the location rating. Damp or wet, per the spec sheet.
- Measure the opening. Use the cutout size on the spec sheet, not just the nominal size.
Not sure how to read the specs? See how to read an LED spec sheet.
Common questions
What is the difference between a canless and a retrofit downlight?
A retrofit downlight installs into an existing recessed can, usually with a screw in base adapter. A canless downlight needs no can. It mounts in a drywall cutout with spring clips and wires to its own small junction box above the ceiling.
Can I put a 120V downlight on a 277V circuit?
No. A 120V downlight is not rated for 277V. On 277V lighting circuits, use a downlight rated for 120 to 277V, such as a commercial downlight built for that range.
What does IC rated mean on a recessed light?
IC means insulation contact. An IC rated downlight can be in direct contact with ceiling insulation. Energy Star notes that downlights that are not IC rated usually need at least 3 inches of clearance to insulation.
Do I need a fire rated downlight?
Use one when the downlight goes into a fire rated ceiling assembly. Check the ceiling design and confirm with your local inspector, since the fixture is only one part of the rated assembly.
Are slim downlights dimmable?
Most 120V slim downlights dim with a compatible triac wall dimmer. Commercial downlights often use 0 to 10V dimming instead. Check the spec sheet and test the dimmer on site before a large install.
Shop LED downlights, including retrofit, slim, commercial and fire rated models. Questions? Contact us or call (845) 681 2684.
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