Surely everyone knows the type of ceiling light. But surely not everyone knows a standard to evaluate the quality of ceiling lights, called IC. So what does the ic-rated recessed lighting look like? What difference do they make from non-ic-rated ceiling lights?
Let’s find out the answers in this article!
Overview of IC Rated Recessed lighting?
IC rated Recessed lights are lamps installed in the ceiling. This type of lamp brings a higher aesthetic than normal lamps and helps us to save space, the house will look larger. In addition, the life of this type of lamp is also much longer than that of conventional lamps. Some models have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
With this type of lighting, you can arbitrarily adjust the level of the lights to suit the space and needs of users. The light emitted from the ceiling lamp is very soft, some lamps can also block UV rays and protect the eyes. Because of this convenience, ceiling lights are now a popular trend in interior design.
The ceiling for installing recessed lights can be made of plaster or wood, but the ceiling must also be insulated and not overheated. Currently, there are many types of ceiling lights, but only lamps with a limit of 100 watts should be used to limit the risk of fire and explosion.
Currently, all types of ceiling lighting must be installed according to the technique of double cans or double cans. This way, it will be enough to cool and control the heat of the lamp, helping to reduce the risk of fire and explosion.
***Refer to more: [Expert Choice] Top 7 LED Recessed Lights In 2022 For Your House
What is the importance of ic-rated recessed lighting?
You may be wondering how good a floor lamp is. And is the IC standard really important?
#1. Safety
Recessed lights bring convenience as well as potential danger. Therefore, IC was born to ensure that such dangers do not occur. IC-rated recessed lighting is the safest type.
#2. Save money
You may not know, IC-rated recessed lighting is a type of light that can reduce moisture condensation. Moisture is one of the leading causes of electrical problems. As a result, you do not need to ask a mechanic to repair and solve electrical problems like when using conventional lights, and save significant repair costs.
#3. Efficiency
Bulb holders are usually thermal insulators, but IC-rated recessed lights are more energy-efficient and reduce heat loss through the fixture. In addition, if the bulb is too thin, there will be many flickering problems. In IC-rated recessed lighting, this can be overcome. From there, achieve a better lighting effect.
How do non-IC-rated lights differ from IC-rated lights?
Ic-rated-recessed-lighting-vs-non-ic-rated.From the above sharing, we can see that Ic-rated-recessed-lighting will bring more convenience to us. So which ceiling lights will be IC rated. How will IC-rated lights be different from non-rated lights?
#1. Usage
Lights that are not IC-rated must be installed within 3 inches of ceiling insulation. This will be very difficult if the ceiling does not have insulation. Therefore, IC-rated lightings are always more widely used because they can be used in both insulated and non-insulated ceilings.
#2. Price
Most of the IC-rated recessed lighting is more expensive. This is obvious, as IC-rated ceiling lights will provide a higher level of safety and user experience. With these two advantages, IC rated recessed lights on the market are always more expensive than non-IC-rated recessed lights.
#3. Appearance
Color is also one of the factors for us to distinguish between IC-rated recessed lights and non-ic-rated recessed lights. Lights that are not ic-rated will be white, while ic-rated lights will be silver. In addition, IC-rated recessed lights will have insulation around them.
***Refer to more: Best recessed lighting for basement: Top 7 Expert Picks [2022]
Should I use IC Rated Recessed lighting?
IC Rated Recessed lights are one of the most prominent inventions in the field of interior design. However, besides the great benefits it brings, it still has shortcomings that cannot be overcome.
Refer below information about Advantages and Disadvantages of IC Rated Recessed lighting, then using it or not is up to you!
#1. Advantages
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More space illusion
As mentioned, most recessed lights are recessed into the ceiling. This gives us the virtual feeling that the room becomes larger and gives the house a very special highlight. Recessed lighting in corners can make the room appear more spacious and open while recessed lighting on the ceiling creates the illusion of a higher ceiling.
In addition, wall washing is a lighting effect that many people love and apply to their homes. Few people know that this lighting effect is also created by recessed lights. The principle of operation of this light effect is to use a directional reflector, the reflector reflects and directs that light to the wall, creating the feeling of a larger room.
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Accent
The use of soundstage lighting also helps draw the visitor’s attention to an object or an interior block. For example, in your house there is a very beautiful art painting, you want the way visitors to your house will notice that picture, you can install a recessed light below the picture. This will create a focal point in your home space and successfully attract their attention.
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Adjustable
You can change the lighting to provide the kind of ambiance you want. For instance, you can adjust the lighting to spotlighting, accent lighting, or ambient lighting according to the circumstances. They also come in a variety of finishes, colors, and shapes to give you the chance to go with your style. This amazing lighting experience you can only find in recessed lighting.
***Refer to more: Indirect Lighting: 8 Best Ways to Use Indirect Lighting in Interior
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Lightweight
Recessed lights have the smallest weight of all lamps. Its weight is almost non-existent, and it is always in a position of hovering above the ceiling cavity, without any need for any nail fixation. In addition, in the decoration, the ceiling light does not need much-fixed support.
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Versatile & Efficient
Flexibility is one of the top reasons why many people choose recessed lights to use. With recessed lights, you can customize the brightness to suit your space and desires. This is because they come with dimming features that are easy to control. For instance, for kitchen and reading areas, you can install large amounts of lights while dimming the light in other rooms such as the bedroom and movie theater. The added advantage when using recessed lighting in reading areas like the library is that you do not have to use obtrusive light fixtures to get the amount of light you want.
# Disadvantage
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High cost
Unlike traditional light bulbs, recessed lights are more complicated to install and therefore more expensive. Installation costs will depend on the needs of each house, but the current market price is about 5 times more expensive than installing ordinary lights.
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Recessed lights can’t move
One of the biggest disadvantages of recessed lights is that they can’t be moved. That is, if you move to another place, the recessed light is still there. This is an obstacle for us every time we move or rearrange the furniture in our home or office. Because if rearranged, the light position will no longer be suitable.
***Refer to more: Best Lighting For 12 Foot Ceilings: Top 8 Expert Picks 2022
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Takes a long time to install
Installing recessed lights will be much more complicated than conventional lights. Therefore, installers need to have high skills and experience. To install a recessed temple, we need to make a large hole in the ceiling for light to pass through. In addition, it is necessary to install the light tightly to the space to avoid heat loss. Therefore, installing recessed lights also takes more time than installing conventional lights.
Conclusion
Although the installation process of ic rated recessed lighting takes a long time, benefits such as adjustable lighting and lighting effects make the light worth it. And last words, to achieve a perfect lighting plan, always choose a color scheme!
