Recessed lighting spacing suggestions.

altja

I have a space that is 14'(but could go longer) long and 15'7" wide and a 8' ceiling in a basement, but has a slider so there is some extra light.

I want to install 4 to 6 cam lights. Leaning strongly towards 4.

I know I should have my lights 3' from a wall and 6' to 8' from each other.

So the problem is the width of the room at 15' 7" and 3' from walls that gets me to 9'7" away from each other.

Question:
Should I bring in my lights so they are 3' 9.5" from the wall to get to 8' or is 9'7" not that bad?

k_buz

Bring em out from the wall.

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Jim Port

Fixture spacing depends on the mounting height, trim and bulb selection and beam spread.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

andrew79

a rough guideline to use is for 4" cans you go with a four foot spread, 6" cans a 6 foot spread. so on and so forth. trim and bulb are a huge factor. I put 4 5 inch 75w halogens in a 18 by 12 room and you can get a tan in there

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jeepdawg

What is the purpose of the room?

I have 16 6" recessed cans in my garage....but I have them positioned over the work bench and general work areas...

If you plan to have stuff against the wall but don't want the light directed on it...then space them accordingly

altja

It is a play room in the basement. I have 6" cams.

k_buz

Quad Overhead Cams...LOL

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altja

Thanks. I will take your suggestions. I appreciate the confirmation that it would be the right way to do it.

ssparay

I would also bring them out from the wall. It sounds like, with an 8' ceiling, you would be fine with just 4 lights (most recessed lights that I've installed have a fairly wide reaching beam). If they are all on the same circuit, I would think that 6 might be a bit bright for a room that size. If you have no other sources of lights (lamps etc.) then it would probably be fine. Good luck with your project!


Adam works with Airco Service, Oklahoma's HVAC and Electrical partners, and enjoys writing about home improvement and technology advancements.