Correct! There are brands that do not require this clearance, but I always train people to read their manufacturers instructions! Thank you for the comment!
I thought I was on to something when I found a great deal on a 12 pack of some no-name brand on Amazon. I installed 6 of them and within 6 months they had all died. Replaced them with the other 6 I had in the box, and they went out just as fast. I put in Halo brand and haven't had a lick of trouble in over a year. That's what I'll stick with if I ever need more of them. In addition to the issues listed in the video, I found that the plastic construction of the cheapos doesn't dissipate heat well enough and the just cook themselves. It's not enough to start a fire, but the LEDs burn our super fast.
I put in over a dozen of these from some Chinese company via Amazon. They have all been running fine for over two years now. I was concerned about reliability, so I purchased extras when I originally ordered them, but so far no issues. They even work on a dimmer and are controlled by Alexa just fine.
I need to install some lights in my house. Long overdue. My bedroom has medium to low lighting. Getting older and can't see as well as before. So I figure 6 inch, but your recommendation on Halo is just want I needed. I have plenty of space in the attic. Thank you for your input.
With over 30 years as a licensed electrical contractor and over 20 of those years as a electrical engineer all commercial and industrial, I will not use nor spec a off-brand fixture. I spec Lithonia, Cooper, Halo and LSI only, with notes as a design basis, equivalent output fixtures may be used. I've had countless building owners and contractors use a "equal to" led found online, after I suggested pay the higher price for the better fixtures, then over a short period of time I get calls about the junk fixtures failing. I designed a 1.3M sf manufacturing facility 6 years ago with Lithonia led high bays throughout the facility, Lithonia in every office and exterior wall lighting, LSI pole lighting. The high bays in warehouse areas are controlled by occ. sensors but high bays in manufacturing areas have been on 24/7 - 365 for over 5 years. I spoke with the plant maintenance superintendent a few months ago and asked how those lights have held up, he said they have replaced 4 of the over 800 fixtures. My home and detached has several Lithonia dusk/dawn led security lights, garage and helicopter hangar all Lithonia led high bays, not one issue with any of them.
love your energy, passion and willingness to teach. I'm a carpenter but I tune in to your channel to see what's going on with other trades. Keep up the good work!
It would be a strong assumption that the manufacturer is probably attempting to protect their element from hot spots or overheating internally which would require premature aging/failure. If they were capable of generating enough heat to cause igniting of materials (like the recessed cans with incandescent bulb could) then they would likely require thermal cut-offs like IC cans do.
They make these with an IC rating and they cost about 3x more then the one in your photos. Overall built better and materials look better, and even with the IC rating I still make sure there is enough clearance when installing. I replaced cans with these, as well as typical bathroom and hallway light fixtures. So far the Torchstar brand I use last about 4 years, probably 4-6 hours daily use.
I installed six during my kitchen remodel. I avoided any hand saw work by using a hole saw with my ancient D handle 1/2" drill. Perfect size, and perfectly round.
What I'm not clear on from those particular instructions is whether that 3" is "AIR" space - similar to the clearance to insulation from all sides you see with certain types of can lights - or if they simply mean you can't get the electrical box through that hole without at least 3" above the hole. It's a distinction that really matters.
@@ElectricalCodeCoach I definitely see the 3" clearance note - but what is decidedly missing is the typical warnings you see with other fixtures. Is that because it's poorly translated Chinese instructions with fake UL listing - or is it because there is no risk. Most of these are virtually clones of one another, so I suppose it could go either way in that regard... and I'm not entirely sure I'd consider the omission from instructions to be a golden pass. I'm going to setup a test with some leftovers I have in the exact configuration I have (with them basically enclosed in 1" polyiso foam with no clearance) and take some thermal measurements for science.
We’re still using the regular recessed fixtures with standard trims, and LED bulbs. My biggest concern is when that one wafer light in the middle of the kitchen with 5 or 6 more surrounding it goes out in 4-5 years, are you still gonna be able to find that exact light again? Probably not, but I bet you’ll be able to find another bulb. We have switched over to disc lights in closets, pantry, and utility room areas. Small areas where it really doesn’t matter as much when it has to be replaced.
I want to install these in my basement rec-room. Was going to order some cheapies from Amazon until I checked out your video. By reading some of the comments here, Halo seems to be the consensus. I'll spend the extra money. Thank you for the information!
Great video. Also I found out the hard way that they are not easy to install in old plaster ceilings. I cut a hole and found an original plaster/lath ceiling with drywall over it for a total thickness of 2 inches. The spring arms, as they come now ,will not secure the led wafer light securely. So along with the bigger ring that you suggested, it would be nice if they had a way to modify the spring clamps for thicker ceilings.
Something to consider is, if they make these to fit a wide variety of wall thicknesses, it'll add to the cost of the part. Also. Every time a manufacturer tries to make their product a 'one size fits all' design, it usually ends up not being particularly good at anything it was _suppose to_ be for. But I do agree that there should be alternative designs for an application such as yours. Maybe an adapter kit.
If I encountered this situation I’d try to remove enough of just the lath & plaster portion of the ceiling where the spring arms would go to allow them to function correctly. Not sure if this is practical or not without seeing the actual ceiling but just a suggestion that I’m hoping might be helpful.
@@sjsomething4936 I was thinking the same thing, just gouge out a little of the deeper material so the springs get some purchase. I've only installed two sets of these type of lights but I've had to pull many from ceilings to gain access and I've found the springs to be pretty strong. A couple of whacks with a hammer and chisel and you'd have enough of a recess for the springs to catch and hold. I'd actually be surprised if the springs wouldn't hold the wafer in place without a recess. I've been "mousetrapped" by them a couple of times and they sting pretty good when they whack your finger.
Well as I recall all can lights need clearance be it incandescent, fluorescent, led there is clearance requirements for wood and insulation for heat dissipation and it must be followed for safety and you should always familiarize yourself with new products before installing.
You are correct, most clearances are achieved through standard boxes and connection to a non-combustible material like drywall. The issue with some of the modern lights is that we're installing them inside of the ceiling. However they do make IC rated fixtures that allow you to go inside the ceiling if there is insulation. They also make these exact same lights I'm talking about that can go on studs and other materials but they have special ratings. Unfortunately the cheaper ones do not have these special ratings. Thanks for the comment!
Agreed. Wouldn’t have hurt to list a few manufacturers that don’t require these clearances, especially considering the video identifies that they do exist.
I'm not here to bash any brand, but to create* awareness and also a standard for electricians when they deal with this fixture any other one. Telling you a bad brand may never serve you cuz they could change their specs tomorrow or sell a separate model that does meet all the requirements.
Fair point, but why not praise the good ones? I bet most of the viewers are here to plan new recessed lighting, so they’d be getting good leads on what to research, and the companies putting out a good product get a little help putting food on the table!
As a lighting designer most of these lights do require a gap above the fixture so that it gets enough air to cool it and keep the LED’s in good condition for the life of the fixture. Less reputable manufacturers may not list it, I would highly recommend contacting the manufacturer or it be stated in the instillation instructions or specifications sheet that it can be in contact with insulation or structure. Sometime things are stated in the instillation sometimes on the spec sheet, sometimes both, you never know.
I purchase some cheap thin clear plastic bins at the Dollar store and place them upside over each fixture in the attic. Blown in insulation about 2 feet thick buries them but gives them some space to breath. Haven't had a failure yet.
I have used these for almost a decade. I only buy Philips. My current house is 6 years old now and haven't replaced a single one, and I have probably around 50 pieces.
The two biggest problems I see with the puck LEDs is a lack of a standard and a lack of warning regarding air space needed to dissipate heat. I remodeled my kitchen recently and used traditional cans with LED lights that screw into the traditional light sockets in them. I know I can replace them easily in the future without worrying about compatibility.
That 3" is to ensure that the connection box can be angled into the hole cut in the ceiling. Not as a fire prevention direction. These wafers are installed in new and rework with insulation already in the ceiling. I wouldn't leave an insulation gap of 3" to clear a junction box. Not necessary. Of course, all connections are sealed in the box.
I would think that the install instructions would have a warning, " Minimum clearance from combustible materials" . My lights had the "3in min clearance", I assume that was for acess to the juction box.
Wow great to know because prior to finding a domed light from a different manufacturer I almost installed wafer lights like that recessed into a 8x6 timber joist yikes
Appreciate the great info. Every since I started using these, I actually don't mind putting in recessed lighting now. It makes things a lot faster and easier. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. By the way, it might be a good idea to let us know the brand of lights that your buddy had burn up. It would kill my soul to think I put something in that did that. I know it can happen to any of us at any time, with any product. But if he knows a little more about what happened to the one that burnt up, or why rather, and to know if it's something the company addressed, or if it will happen again. It would be nice to know that for the future.
Only problems we have had they don’t last, we installed in soffit of a dock and they will start blinking on and off on 1 setting of light and will replace them. Not easy over water.
I recently wired a home and the owner wanted recessed EVERYWHERE. I put in close to 200 of these babies. I used Topaz bc that's what my supplier sells. It's been over a year and so far so good. Keeping my fingers crossed bc that customer is my new next door neighbor.
Other problems with these lights: If one of these fails a year or two down the road, will you be able to find that same lamp to replace it? What about color temperature? Are they all the same and will the one you buy a couple of years later have the same color temp? When we had fixtures with separate bulbs, one could easily replace the bulb
We have seen several of these being installed with no listing or labeling. I know some are but not all . . . Nothing prevents the sale of a non-listed item; installation is another story.
They are approved based on drawings and a written description submitted to UL for approval, but there is nobody form UL standing on the shop floor to inspect the manufactured product.
Just buy IC rated and go to an electrical supply store to purchase at 75% less the cost of HD. Most slim line 4" pots are 3k/4k/5k colour temp, IC rated and dimmable, damp location. Wet location a tad more, make sure they are ul and cul approved for either United States or Canada...I haven't installed cans even in new construction in the last 6 years. We use a 4" smash plate or UFO i like to call em, run the drops and install slim lines...Cans are also more expensive, more time consuming, still require a bulb and trim.
I installed a dozen of these lights in a basement room that had rock wool sound insulation in the ceiling. This is a surprise they need 3” of space. I pulled can lights out because the insulation seemed to push then down and out of the drywall. The puck lights were the solution. There was no 3” of space.
I've got 15 of these to install in new construction with rock wool sound insulation. Because the joist are 2x10's, I have plenty of clearance above, but now I am leaning on pulling the insulation back away from the light and power supply with a bit of metal hardware cloth or other suitable blocking. I don't believe my instructions mentioned this 3" space but I'll double check.
@@RadioChief52 If it is true rock wool it won’t burn so you’d be ok. not sure how an inspector sees that rule. Probably won’t distinguish between rock wool non flammable and fiberglass flammable….
I had sixteen LED Wafer Lights installed in my garage ceiling a few months back and there's six inches above them. My electrician is excellent, and I base that on my conversations with him over the years. I'd like to know if the three-inch height requirement here is due to heat transfer from the units or what??? I thought the only LEDs that get hot are automotive headlights that have a built-in mini cooling fan.
Led puck lamps get hot just like any other light. They over drive these lights so they burn out faster. Buy UL listed lighting options. UL is insurance. If the light burns down the house, UL will pickup the tab and pass that on to the manufacture. Film your installs so when you run into a fire situation the insurance can rule your install out. CYA
I bought 20 cans for my basement remodel and I’m looking into changing some into the wafer lights. My remodel has changed to needing more sound insulation as I need to make it as soundproof as I can. So the wafer lights appeal is a much smaller hole in the suspended drywall. I’ve thought about how to fix a dead transformer box if one goes out after installation and basically realize that a sound insulated can light (using approved insulation) is as good as I’m going to get it. Maybe now that LED lights and light strips have improved in quality and brightness I could completely seal the ceiling and just use track type lights with plug ins on the walls. Things to consider now. 🤔
Make sure you use those new connectors for your wiring makes the job a whole lot easier I forgot what they're called lock something and the pushing plastic grommets
I think I bought it on aliexpress. It was advertised as fitting a 6" pancake and it does. One other thing I would remind people of. All of the lights I have installed the box is only large enough to accommodate a single 14-2 w ground which means I couldn't daisy chain them which was a pain. If there is a brand with a bigger box I would use it.
In my opinion these are good as an upgrade from existing can lights. I have used them to replace older cans when one can in the room died. The can failed so since I had to go up to replace it anyway, I replaced all 4 with these in the existing space. This allowed me to mount the box to a truss and insure it could be accessed later if needed. Biggest mistake people make is NOT reading instructions - “I know what I’m doing” gets people hurt or killed. I have remodeled and/or flipped homes for years(35+) and even with a dining light, I read the instructions - does it require a metal box because of weight or will a plastic box be ok? Etc… I have seen ceiling fans installed on plastic boxes with sheet rock screws - a 1 5/8” and 2” holding the bracket to the box… and it was a 54” great room fan.
The only thing is they look like a can light but they don't have the wave length of light as a can light. I hope they have a warming feature to add more yellow into the spectrum.
@@ElectricalCodeCoach For welding plastics we use quartz lamps for the inrared heat. And I was looking at how the design is how they reflect or what the theory and concept is and it's basically a high Tech canlight.
I'm all about the warmer colors too. I've got dozens of these in my home. You want 2700 or 3000 kelvin. 4000k is close, but that's already starting to get a little too "cool" for my taste.
I love these lights and try to stick with Halo when possible. I like them better on new work because I can make fine adjustments for location ( around kitchen cabinets ) and can also add another if needed with not much work.
With these lights you can change the game and put them on the wall you can actually even put them embedded inside of your wood door or even in the floor itself and light up the house from the bottom up and then you get a better accent lighting and shadowing effect to add to the esthetics and is the esthetics and mood.
Over the past several years I have purchased and installed a couple dozen of these types of led lights. I have yet to have any issues with them. The only issue is wrt the electrical code..... why would the code continue to mandate the use of 12 and 14 gauge cable?? These lights only draw about 50mA. NEC and CSA need to get with the times. 19 or even 22 ga cable would suffice!!
I will never get another integrated canned LED or wafer. I will buy a can fixture and screw in led bulbs. If you buy a wafer or integrated LED and one burns out years later, you'll never replace it with an exact duplicate unless you buy a lot of spares in the beginning.
Thank you very much coach ,for such great information , another ting that I wanted to estate was that most of this lights are not IC rated , what this mean that they can not being in contact with insulation or flammable materials . Let's get to it.
It was definitely worth it to buy a cheap hole saw that matched the size of the light's internal diameter. Ceiling drywall dust goes everywhere along with all that blown insulation.
I have similar recessed lights. I've noticed they burn out quickly. But when we change them it is not the actual light but the junction box. What should I do?
It's interesting that you show this product today considering I was going to buy some this coming weekend instead of putting in canned recess flights I was going to do the led flat base
That's because our phones are listening to us. I was just talking about installing recessed lights and now videos like this are popping up all over. Just like my friend and I were talking about real-estate in FL and then all I see pop up is FL real-estate. It's no coincidence.
So why don't we use 12 volt light systems in new homes, cheaper wire like you had said only 3" clearance and of one puts a driver in the wall woth the switch easy to get at
It doesn’t say in the instructions the reasoning for the 3” clearance. It could be that the light requires a 3” clearance to operate safely. It could also be that the manufacturer is trying to protect you from cutting through something in the ceiling when you are cutting the hole and it doesn’t have anything to do with the proper operation of the fixture.
Have been using these for awhile now. Tried both store brands and mail order cheapo’s and found them unreliable. Only use Halo now.
Correct! There are brands that do not require this clearance, but I always train people to read their manufacturers instructions! Thank you for the comment!
I thought I was on to something when I found a great deal on a 12 pack of some no-name brand on Amazon. I installed 6 of them and within 6 months they had all died. Replaced them with the other 6 I had in the box, and they went out just as fast. I put in Halo brand and haven't had a lick of trouble in over a year. That's what I'll stick with if I ever need more of them. In addition to the issues listed in the video, I found that the plastic construction of the cheapos doesn't dissipate heat well enough and the just cook themselves. It's not enough to start a fire, but the LEDs burn our super fast.
I only use Lithonia Lighting
I put in over a dozen of these from some Chinese company via Amazon. They have all been running fine for over two years now. I was concerned about reliability, so I purchased extras when I originally ordered them, but so far no issues. They even work on a dimmer and are controlled by Alexa just fine.
I need to install some lights in my house. Long overdue. My bedroom has medium to low lighting. Getting older and can't see as well as before. So I figure 6 inch, but your recommendation on Halo is just want I needed. I have plenty of space in the attic. Thank you for your input.
It's easy to find ones that are IC rated. Always read the description before you hit "Buy"
I always buy the IC ones. Avoid the no name mysterious Chinese clones, even if they are a few bucks cheaper. It’s not worth burning the house down.
With over 30 years as a licensed electrical contractor and over 20 of those years as a electrical engineer all commercial and industrial, I will not use nor spec a off-brand fixture. I spec Lithonia, Cooper, Halo and LSI only, with notes as a design basis, equivalent output fixtures may be used. I've had countless building owners and contractors use a "equal to" led found online, after I suggested pay the higher price for the better fixtures, then over a short period of time I get calls about the junk fixtures failing. I designed a 1.3M sf manufacturing facility 6 years ago with Lithonia led high bays throughout the facility, Lithonia in every office and exterior wall lighting, LSI pole lighting. The high bays in warehouse areas are controlled by occ. sensors but high bays in manufacturing areas have been on 24/7 - 365 for over 5 years. I spoke with the plant maintenance superintendent a few months ago and asked how those lights have held up, he said they have replaced 4 of the over 800 fixtures. My home and detached has several Lithonia dusk/dawn led security lights, garage and helicopter hangar all Lithonia led high bays, not one issue with any of them.
Thanks for the tip. I installed plenty of these wafer lights, mainly the ones with the built in night light
Installed Halo brand in the basement, they are a big improvement over the florescent fixtures. They are awesome for drop ceilings.
love your energy, passion and willingness to teach. I'm a carpenter but I tune in to your channel to see what's going on with other trades. Keep up the good work!
Awesome, thank you!
It would be a strong assumption that the manufacturer is probably attempting to protect their element from hot spots or overheating internally which would require premature aging/failure. If they were capable of generating enough heat to cause igniting of materials (like the recessed cans with incandescent bulb could) then they would likely require thermal cut-offs like IC cans do.
Plot twist! All of these come out of the same Chinese factory in different packaging 😅
I thought they all came from Mexico .🤣 Seriously
So do power tools.
I put about 50 of these in my home and have had to replace nearly all 50 at some point. AH lighting brand IC rated
They make these with an IC rating and they cost about 3x more then the one in your photos. Overall built better and materials look better, and even with the IC rating I still make sure there is enough clearance when installing. I replaced cans with these, as well as typical bathroom and hallway light fixtures. So far the Torchstar brand I use last about 4 years, probably 4-6 hours daily use.
PSA: LEDs *should* have a lifespan of over 10 years continuous. :-)
I installed six during my kitchen remodel.
I avoided any hand saw work by using a hole saw with my ancient D handle 1/2" drill.
Perfect size, and perfectly round.
Thanks for sharing, brother!!
What I'm not clear on from those particular instructions is whether that 3" is "AIR" space - similar to the clearance to insulation from all sides you see with certain types of can lights - or if they simply mean you can't get the electrical box through that hole without at least 3" above the hole.
It's a distinction that really matters.
I would guess the 3" requirement is for heat dissipation so it would need to be air. LEDs get hot.
It definitely shows a blocked out space above it saying do not have anything in this area.
@@ElectricalCodeCoach I definitely see the 3" clearance note - but what is decidedly missing is the typical warnings you see with other fixtures.
Is that because it's poorly translated Chinese instructions with fake UL listing - or is it because there is no risk. Most of these are virtually clones of one another, so I suppose it could go either way in that regard... and I'm not entirely sure I'd consider the omission from instructions to be a golden pass.
I'm going to setup a test with some leftovers I have in the exact configuration I have (with them basically enclosed in 1" polyiso foam with no clearance) and take some thermal measurements for science.
@@bradley3549 I'd love to hear back what thermal measurements you get. My wife is wanting to get these and I'm curious of the temperature readings.
3 inches of open space negates the simple plug in play install as you now have to support insulation. This is very timely. Thank you.
We’re still using the regular recessed fixtures with standard trims, and LED bulbs. My biggest concern is when that one wafer light in the middle of the kitchen with 5 or 6 more surrounding it goes out in 4-5 years, are you still gonna be able to find that exact light again? Probably not, but I bet you’ll be able to find another bulb. We have switched over to disc lights in closets, pantry, and utility room areas. Small areas where it really doesn’t matter as much when it has to be replaced.
I want to install these in my basement rec-room. Was going to order some cheapies from Amazon until I checked out your video. By reading some of the comments here, Halo seems to be the consensus. I'll spend the extra money. Thank you for the information!
Great video. Also I found out the hard way that they are not easy to install in old plaster ceilings. I cut a hole and found an original plaster/lath ceiling with drywall over it for a total thickness of 2 inches. The spring arms, as they come now ,will not secure the led wafer light securely. So along with the bigger ring that you suggested, it would be nice if they had a way to modify the spring clamps for thicker ceilings.
Something to consider is, if they make these to fit a wide variety of wall thicknesses, it'll add to the cost of the part. Also. Every time a manufacturer tries to make their product a 'one size fits all' design, it usually ends up not being particularly good at anything it was _suppose to_ be for. But I do agree that there should be alternative designs for an application such as yours. Maybe an adapter kit.
i usually whittle away some of the sheetrock where the clamps land , works well
If I encountered this situation I’d try to remove enough of just the lath & plaster portion of the ceiling where the spring arms would go to allow them to function correctly. Not sure if this is practical or not without seeing the actual ceiling but just a suggestion that I’m hoping might be helpful.
@@sjsomething4936
I was thinking the same thing, just gouge out a little of the deeper material so the springs get some purchase. I've only installed two sets of these type of lights but I've had to pull many from ceilings to gain access and I've found the springs to be pretty strong. A couple of whacks with a hammer and chisel and you'd have enough of a recess for the springs to catch and hold. I'd actually be surprised if the springs wouldn't hold the wafer in place without a recess. I've been "mousetrapped" by them a couple of times and they sting pretty good when they whack your finger.
Thank you for the reminder to read the manual - was looking all over the Internet and realized that the manual had the key information I needed.
You're most welcome, brother. Knowing where to find an answer to a question is as important as already knowing the answer.
Well as I recall all can lights need clearance be it incandescent, fluorescent, led there is clearance requirements for wood and insulation for heat dissipation and it must be followed for safety and you should always familiarize yourself with new products before installing.
You are correct, most clearances are achieved through standard boxes and connection to a non-combustible material like drywall.
The issue with some of the modern lights is that we're installing them inside of the ceiling.
However they do make IC rated fixtures that allow you to go inside the ceiling if there is insulation.
They also make these exact same lights I'm talking about that can go on studs and other materials but they have special ratings.
Unfortunately the cheaper ones do not have these special ratings.
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you. The fire thing,, wow. Me thinking these things were fail proof is probably what 99% of us diy ers think. thanks
You're very welcome. Thank you for the feedback!
I installed some junos in a dropped ceiling so far works n looks great
“These lights are bad” - I’m just not going to tell you which ones! Good job!
Agreed. Wouldn’t have hurt to list a few manufacturers that don’t require these clearances, especially considering the video identifies that they do exist.
I'm not here to bash any brand, but to create* awareness and also a standard for electricians when they deal with this fixture any other one.
Telling you a bad brand may never serve you cuz they could change their specs tomorrow or sell a separate model that does meet all the requirements.
Fair point, but why not praise the good ones? I bet most of the viewers are here to plan new recessed lighting, so they’d be getting good leads on what to research, and the companies putting out a good product get a little help putting food on the table!
We have used that type on and off for many years. I have never seen one that required the clearances you are talking about.
That's good, I would check the instructions every time!
As a lighting designer most of these lights do require a gap above the fixture so that it gets enough air to cool it and keep the LED’s in good condition for the life of the fixture. Less reputable manufacturers may not list it, I would highly recommend contacting the manufacturer or it be stated in the instillation instructions or specifications sheet that it can be in contact with insulation or structure. Sometime things are stated in the instillation sometimes on the spec sheet, sometimes both, you never know.
I purchase some cheap thin clear plastic bins at the Dollar store and place them upside over each fixture in the attic. Blown in insulation about 2 feet thick buries them but gives them some space to breath. Haven't had a failure yet.
I use the Lithonia brand. I never had any problems putting them under joists.
I use the WF4 and WF6 all the time
I have used these for almost a decade. I only buy Philips. My current house is 6 years old now and haven't replaced a single one, and I have probably around 50 pieces.
Thank you for taking the time to help us in doing things the right way
The two biggest problems I see with the puck LEDs is a lack of a standard and a lack of warning regarding air space needed to dissipate heat. I remodeled my kitchen recently and used traditional cans with LED lights that screw into the traditional light sockets in them. I know I can replace them easily in the future without worrying about compatibility.
This is the best way, you create an air gap as well that helps the fixture stay cooler, further increasing light maintenance and life.
I'm looking into buying this type of light. Now I know what to look for. Thank you sir!
They should have a type of screen cage on the back to insure for heat dissipation area
They also make some brands that do not require this clearance
Good information my brothers proud electricians..
Put in 100s. Never have had a call back.
🤘🏼👊🏻👊🏻
That 3" is to ensure that the connection box can be angled into the hole cut in the ceiling. Not as a fire prevention direction. These wafers are installed in new and rework with insulation already in the ceiling. I wouldn't leave an insulation gap of 3" to clear a junction box. Not necessary. Of course, all connections are sealed in the box.
👍🏻👍🏻
I appreciate all the effort that you put into helping others.
Let's go!
Considering these for my unfinished basement (new construction). Good to know!
I would think that the install instructions would have a warning, " Minimum clearance from combustible materials" . My lights had the "3in min clearance", I assume that was for acess to the juction box.
Thank you so much for the heads up
You bet
and make sure the fixture is ETL / UL listed.
thanks for all !!!
How do you change the light when one goes out??
I’m here because my husband doesn’t read any instructions but he might watch your video! 🤞
Ha! That's fantastic!
I don't use them. I use either canless recessed lights or surface mount disc lights.
Thank you for the warning. Much appreciated.
Wow great to know because prior to finding a domed light from a different manufacturer I almost installed wafer lights like that recessed into a 8x6 timber joist yikes
I used a stud finder. Mount edit in the bathroom remodel in the new shower.
Appreciate the great info. Every since I started using these, I actually don't mind putting in recessed lighting now. It makes things a lot faster and easier. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. By the way, it might be a good idea to let us know the brand of lights that your buddy had burn up. It would kill my soul to think I put something in that did that. I know it can happen to any of us at any time, with any product. But if he knows a little more about what happened to the one that burnt up, or why rather, and to know if it's something the company addressed, or if it will happen again. It would be nice to know that for the future.
I'll ask him
Since, a lot of people use blown insulation, Maybe an after market baffle around the fixture would insure no overheating?
Only problems we have had they don’t last, we installed in soffit of a dock and they will start blinking on and off on 1 setting of light and will replace them. Not easy over water.
I recently wired a home and the owner wanted recessed EVERYWHERE. I put in close to 200 of these babies. I used Topaz bc that's what my supplier sells. It's been over a year and so far so good. Keeping my fingers crossed bc that customer is my new next door neighbor.
Wow!
Other problems with these lights: If one of these fails a year or two down the road, will you be able to find that same lamp to replace it? What about color temperature? Are they all the same and will the one you buy a couple of years later have the same color temp? When we had fixtures with separate bulbs, one could easily replace the bulb
I'm pretty sure the version that comes with a control box has full adjustment of the kelvins.
Great things to think about. I agree that device malfunction is a becoming a much bigger problem.
Sounds to me like somebody did a no no with cutting a hole and now the manufacturers have to put in some more instructions. User friendly version.
There are a few lights that really make me wonder how they ever got UL approval. They must manufacture those stickers too.
Lol
They get approved based on their specs, but there are some of these brands out there that do not require the clearance
We have seen several of these being installed with no listing or labeling. I know some are but not all . . . Nothing prevents the sale of a non-listed item; installation is another story.
They are approved based on drawings and a written description submitted to UL for approval, but there is nobody form UL standing on the shop floor to inspect the manufactured product.
Thank you
You are very welcome!
Thanks coach for that heads up ESPECIALLY for someone who hasnt already had to learn the hard way !
Good to know. Thank you for sharing.
Just buy IC rated and go to an electrical supply store to purchase at 75% less the cost of HD. Most slim line 4" pots are 3k/4k/5k colour temp, IC rated and dimmable, damp location. Wet location a tad more, make sure they are ul and cul approved for either United States or Canada...I haven't installed cans even in new construction in the last 6 years. We use a 4" smash plate or UFO i like to call em, run the drops and install slim lines...Cans are also more expensive, more time consuming, still require a bulb and trim.
I installed a dozen of these lights in a basement room that had rock wool sound insulation in the ceiling. This is a surprise they need 3” of space. I pulled can lights out because the insulation seemed to push then down and out of the drywall. The puck lights were the solution. There was no 3” of space.
There are some brands that do not require this clearance
I've got 15 of these to install in new construction with rock wool sound insulation. Because the joist are 2x10's, I have plenty of clearance above, but now I am leaning on pulling the insulation back away from the light and power supply with a bit of metal hardware cloth or other suitable blocking. I don't believe my instructions mentioned this 3" space but I'll double check.
@@RadioChief52 If it is true rock wool it won’t burn so you’d be ok. not sure how an inspector sees that rule. Probably won’t distinguish between rock wool non flammable and fiberglass flammable….
I had sixteen LED Wafer Lights installed in my garage ceiling a few months back and there's six inches above them.
My electrician is excellent, and I base that on my conversations with him over the years.
I'd like to know if the three-inch height requirement here is due to heat transfer from the units or what???
I thought the only LEDs that get hot are automotive headlights that have a built-in mini cooling fan.
Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Led puck lamps get hot just like any other light. They over drive these lights so they burn out faster. Buy UL listed lighting options. UL is insurance. If the light burns down the house, UL will pickup the tab and pass that on to the manufacture. Film your installs so when you run into a fire situation the insurance can rule your install out. CYA
some of them are OK for direct insulation contact above. The newest ones change color with an app.
I bought 20 cans for my basement remodel and I’m looking into changing some into the wafer lights. My remodel has changed to needing more sound insulation as I need to make it as soundproof as I can. So the wafer lights appeal is a much smaller hole in the suspended drywall. I’ve thought about how to fix a dead transformer box if one goes out after installation and basically realize that a sound insulated can light (using approved insulation) is as good as I’m going to get it. Maybe now that LED lights and light strips have improved in quality and brightness I could completely seal the ceiling and just use track type lights with plug ins on the walls. Things to consider now. 🤔
You also need to have an access panel to get back to the box where you made up the power
Good information
Make sure you use those new connectors for your wiring makes the job a whole lot easier I forgot what they're called lock something and the pushing plastic grommets
Wow I did know this I've installed many on studs
I'm not sold on these throw away lights. I'd rather change an LED bulb in a can fixture.
Understandable.
Awesome as always!
Thanks for sharing, coach!
🙏
And some of those are not IC rated so you can't install it on attic with insulation
I bought a 6,3 inch holesaw that works perfect for theses lights
Thank you for sharing!
I think I bought it on aliexpress. It was advertised as fitting a 6" pancake and it does.
One other thing I would remind people of. All of the lights I have installed the box is only large enough to accommodate a single 14-2 w ground which means I couldn't daisy chain them which was a pain. If there is a brand with a bigger box I would use it.
Thanks
Did not know this
In my opinion these are good as an upgrade from existing can lights. I have used them to replace older cans when one can in the room died. The can failed so since I had to go up to replace it anyway, I replaced all 4 with these in the existing space. This allowed me to mount the box to a truss and insure it could be accessed later if needed. Biggest mistake people make is NOT reading instructions - “I know what I’m doing” gets people hurt or killed. I have remodeled and/or flipped homes for years(35+) and even with a dining light, I read the instructions - does it require a metal box because of weight or will a plastic box be ok? Etc… I have seen ceiling fans installed on plastic boxes with sheet rock screws - a 1 5/8” and 2” holding the bracket to the box… and it was a 54” great room fan.
Wow! That’s a lot of weight on a plastic box!
Sounds safe.
Thanks for the update. I appreciate it. I’m going to get some good ones from the local Home Depot store thanks yeah,,
Right on! 👍
Man you are so helpful and spreading knowledge. Your much appreciated
You are too! Thank you!!
The only thing is they look like a can light but they don't have the wave length of light as a can light. I hope they have a warming feature to add more yellow into the spectrum.
Yeah man, they sell them that are color selectable
@@ElectricalCodeCoach For welding plastics we use quartz lamps for the inrared heat. And I was looking at how the design is how they reflect or what the theory and concept is and it's basically a high Tech canlight.
I'm all about the warmer colors too. I've got dozens of these in my home. You want 2700 or 3000 kelvin. 4000k is close, but that's already starting to get a little too "cool" for my taste.
What brand is good ? I'm going to be installing these in our renovation and I want to get a good brand. Thanks 😊
Juno and Halo are good brand in general but still check their paperwork on every light!
@@ElectricalCodeCoach thanks 😊
I hear ya…. Spent a few extra bucks to get the Eaton brand.
Thanx for the info
thanks 🙏
I love these lights and try to stick with Halo when possible. I like them better on new work because I can make fine adjustments for location ( around kitchen cabinets ) and can also add another if needed with not much work.
I only use Halo or Lithonia Lighting
What about the ones that screw into the bulb socket of incandescent can lights?
Interesting. Thanks coach
Why not mention the brand?
It's more than one brand and I'm not here to put anybody down just to create awareness
I'm not even electrician but I watched this entire video and subscribed 🤙🏽
Thank you!!
insulation above it a problem i wonder
Can I use something like this in a commercial building
With these lights you can change the game and put them on the wall you can actually even put them embedded inside of your wood door or even in the floor itself and light up the house from the bottom up and then you get a better accent lighting and shadowing effect to add to the esthetics and is the esthetics and mood.
Good information, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Over the past several years I have purchased and installed a couple dozen of these types of led lights. I have yet to have any issues with them. The only issue is wrt the electrical code..... why would the code continue to mandate the use of 12 and 14 gauge cable?? These lights only draw about 50mA. NEC and CSA need to get with the times. 19 or even 22 ga cable would suffice!!
There could be other things on the circuit. The gauge of the wire needs to be consistent with your circuit breaker.
I will never get another integrated canned LED or wafer. I will buy a can fixture and screw in led bulbs. If you buy a wafer or integrated LED and one burns out years later, you'll never replace it with an exact duplicate unless you buy a lot of spares in the beginning.
Thanks for the heads up...😊
👍
Thank you very much coach ,for such great information , another ting that I wanted to estate was that most of this lights are not IC rated , what this mean that they can not being in contact with insulation or flammable materials . Let's get to it.
Mine are
I think these days most are.
Has anyone ever came across a clicking sound coming from the lighting diodes? Typically o ly when first turned on after they’ve been off for a while
It was definitely worth it to buy a cheap hole saw that matched the size of the light's internal diameter. Ceiling drywall dust goes everywhere along with all that blown insulation.
They have a dust shield for that!
I have similar recessed lights. I've noticed they burn out quickly. But when we change them it is not the actual light but the junction box. What should I do?
It's interesting that you show this product today considering I was going to buy some this coming weekend instead of putting in canned recess flights I was going to do the led flat base
Install them with confidence…
That's because our phones are listening to us. I was just talking about installing recessed lights and now videos like this are popping up all over. Just like my friend and I were talking about real-estate in FL and then all I see pop up is FL real-estate. It's no coincidence.
@@frankrizzo7307 That is scary.
Thanks!
You bet!
These fixtures are not UL approved??
So why don't we use 12 volt light systems in new homes, cheaper wire like you had said only 3" clearance and of one puts a driver in the wall woth the switch easy to get at
It doesn’t say in the instructions the reasoning for the 3” clearance. It could be that the light requires a 3” clearance to operate safely. It could also be that the manufacturer is trying to protect you from cutting through something in the ceiling when you are cutting the hole and it doesn’t have anything to do with the proper operation of the fixture.