[nutshellml]

Evening folks, I am remodeling my 1st home, the hallway (pictures attached - 1 pic shows length and how bad the current lighting is and the other is a more finished product showing floor stain and wall paint) is about 25' long. Currently there is only 1 wall light at the end of the hallway and one ceiling light. The light is horrible and needs to be replaced. There is a small 3 foot off shoot leading to bathroom but other than that it's just bedrooms off of hallway. I have full access to the attic. With that said, questions:
1) Recessed lighting the way to go? If so how many? I was told about 5-6 recessed lights, putting one right at the off shoot to the bathroom
2) I would like LEDs, what size 4, 5, 6" dimmable
3) Is this a DIY or will I need an electrician? I'm thinking to put the cans in then have an electrician do the wiring?
4) Any other recommendations or thoughts are greatly appreciated...

Thanks!

 

[RegeSullivan]

It's difficult to light such a narrow hallway and make it inviting. You could put wall washing cans in for a dramatic effect or even wall sconces. Me... I would stick with 3 or 4 inexpensive LED ceiling lights. Something along the lines of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-Brushed-Nickel-LED-Flushmount-HUI8011LL-BN/205148593. Then put the money you would have spent on trying to do something fancy in that hall where it will never really standout on another room where it will standout.

 

[nutshellml]

Question, that light you posted is about $30, does the cost savings come in I would only use 2 of those vs, 5-6 LED recessed lights and install? Will that LED Flushmount light the hallway successfully? And you think because the hallway is narrow the light of the recessed lighting won't spread evenly? Thanks again for input.

 

[beenthere]

Rotated pics.

 

[oh'mike]

You might want to go to the Home Depot and look at lighting options.

Can lights have their place and might be what you want, however, there are surface mount lights that look almost like a can light---and might be easier than a can to install in that hallway.

With those, you only need a box----

 

[user_12345a]

Can lights increase heat loss to the attic. if you must use pot lights make sure they're ic in insulated boxes, done in accordance with regs. You can't install them like regular fixtures in contact with insulation.

Regular fixtures are better; uses less hydro too.

 

[user_12345a]

2) I would like LEDs, what size 4, 5, 6" dimmable

Be careful with LEDs, they're heat sensitive. In an IC can, the electronics will run hot.

The larger cans are probably better for heat management than the smaller ones. Too bad they're out of style.

MR16/gu10 is the worst for leds.

PAR20 better.

The 25000 hour rating you see on leds is likely at 25c ambient or something; a small sealed can may get into the 60s or low 70s believe it or not. LEDs do produce heat, just not as much.

 

[throrope]

If you really want to go nuts, search the web for a lighting program. There's a professional grade one available free for the download that incorporates manufacturers standard products. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name. Find a similar fixture at ths bo. inStore in appearance and spec, and you'll be close enough.

 

[Jim Port]

Can lights increase heat loss to the attic. if you must use pot lights make sure they're ic in insulated boxes, done in accordance with regs. You can't install them like regular fixtures in contact with insulation.

Regular fixtures are better; uses less hydro too.

Might be the way you worded this, but IC fixtures are allowed to be in contact with insulation.

Air-tight might also be required in your area. If so the rating will look something like ICAT.

 

[user_12345a]

yes, they need to be air tight, insulated as to minimize heat loss.

code or not, it's the right thing to do.

 

[RegeSullivan]

Question, that light you posted is about $30, does the cost savings come in I would only use 2 of those vs, 5-6 LED recessed lights and install? Will that LED Flushmount light the hallway successfully? And you think because the hallway is narrow the light of the recessed lighting won't spread evenly? Thanks again for input.

I would want about 8 - 10 wall washer cans in that hall long or maybe 5 - 6 cans centered in the ceiling to give you a well lit space. You also have the attic access to work around so fewer would be better. 4 of the flush mounts I suggested you give you good light in that hall even with a medium dark paint on the walls. 3 if the paint is very light or white.

Savings would come from fewer and less expensive flush mounts light and no heating/cooling loss through cans leaking into the attic over time.

Check for contractor packs if you shop Home Depot. If they have something that works for you often they are 1/2 cost of a single unit. Even if you don't use all of them now you provably will in the future.

 

[GrayHair]

Why not do some try-out configurations one night with inexpensive LED flashlights hung from the ceiling with string?

"This one's OK." "Uhhhh, don't like this." "Oh yeah, that's the one!"

 

[user_12345a]

Every recessed light put in disrupts the insulation and the insulated box/light will always have a lower r-value than proper insulation.