Replies

1. 
   FastEddie | Nov 01, 2008 12:10am | #1

   I hope not.  i was planning on the same thing.  Is that the regular coil lamp, or the reflector?

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   splintergroupie | Nov 01, 2008 12:15am | #2

   I have (6) 15 watt ones in my 15x17 kitchen, in a triangle layout with the apex over the kitchen sink and the base of the triangle over the walkway between rooms. I have two switches: the one that controls the three walkway fixtures for general lighting, and one that controls more of the countertop areas. With both switches 'on', it is VERY bright.

   The bulbs i use have an auxiliary glass cover so they fill in a can light more completely and don't have that curley-cue look. They came in a pack of six from Costco and weren't much more expensive than the regular compacts. I've lived here five years and took out the original curley bulbs, still working and subsequently used in other desk lamps, to replace them with these nicer-looking ones.

3. 
   FastEddie | Nov 01, 2008 12:16am | #3

   This is what I had in mind.  23 watt rflector.

   View Image

    

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   j99t99 | Nov 01, 2008 05:56am | #4

   These are recessed flourescents.  I was getting worried since my design gives me about 278fc and 11.7 W/ft2 at the work surfaces.  These numbers seemed a bit high.

   any thoughts?Tim

1. 
   Scott | Nov 01, 2008 07:33am | #5

   Things may have changed since we did our kitchen four years ago, but at that time CF bulbs would die early in recessed fixtures because of heat retention. Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

1. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 01, 2008 07:39am | #6

   Newer technolgies have improved this quirk ... and will continue to do so ... IMO.

2. 
   PlumberJoe | Nov 01, 2008 07:15pm | #10

   Contrary to what he said he is not talking about using CFL's.He is talking about a dedicated fluorescent fixture.It has a built in ballast and reflector. It uses a PLUG IN floursecent "bulb".http://tinyurl.com/6zm7ljThese fixtures are also available in lower wattages.And they are being used in states where they have energy codes that limit the type of lighting that can be used.

1. 
   ruffmike | Nov 01, 2008 08:06pm | #11

   And they are being used in states where they have energy codes that limit the type of lighting that can be used.

   Good point. In California they will not except florescent bulbs only. The fixture has to be florescent to pass final inspections.

   PS

   Are we gonna be stuck with the new moniker from now on? How can we accept electric advice from a plumber. ; ^ )                            Mike

       Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.

2. 
   PlumberJoe | Nov 01, 2008 08:27pm | #12

   Standby for announcement.

2. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 01, 2008 07:44am | #7

   278 FC  ... wow!!  a hundred would be good for the detailed kitchen tasks, IMO. Typical office lighting standards peak around 50-60 FC (average office)  ... detailed tasks at 100 FC for the most part. I'd focus on proper CRI value and color temp (say 4100K or higher) to make sure your food looks right during prep.

   I'd consider the dual switching pointed out by someone else ... but then you have spotty bright lights maybe in a distribution pattern that is awkward.

   Maybe back off to e.g. the 17 W and be happy they cost less while giving you LOTS of light.  ... or pull out your wallet and do dimmable CFL.

3. 
   Engineerguy | Nov 01, 2008 09:33am | #8

   I have some of the recessed fluorescent lights in my kitchen. 

   But I mix them with regular incandescent because it take 4-5 minutes for the florescent to warm up.

   I would recommend that you leave at least two incandescent in the kitchen space. 

   I think I can say, and say with pride that we have some legislatures that bring higher prices than any in the world. - Mark Twain

4. 
   mackzully | Nov 01, 2008 03:10pm | #9

   I'm looking at the same. I picked up a couple 18W versions of the same can for my bathrooms. I've not yet installed them so I have no idea how bright they'll be, but one thing that I've noticed is that 18W bulbs are not as easily found in the stores as 13W or 26W bulbs. If you really didn't have a choice about returning the fixture, you can always change the ballast or the bulbs, the ballast in the 18W fixture has a list of supported bulbs, about a dozen varieties in different wattages. Maybe you can downrate the 26W fixtures if they're too bright with a different bulb?

   Z

5. 
   PedroTheMule | Nov 02, 2008 05:23am | #13

   The main part of our kitchen as far as prep lighting is concerned is 14 x 18 with a 14' cathedral ceiling. We use 5 can lights.....4 23w and 1 17w reflector floods.....borders on too bright. Walls are a soft olive with medium tone cabinets and pewter gray concrete countertops....all surfaces somewhat light absorbing.

   Now when we have multiple guest we also turn on the cabinet halogens and 15 candle glass enclosed brass framed chandelier......looks like a photo set then....

   Pedro - gettin' sunburned in the kitchen