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Discussion Forum

Porch Lighting Suggestions

| Posted in General Discussion on July 15, 2001 11:23am

*
I want to install 4 new recessed lights in our new porch once completed. I am unsure whether or not a regular interior installation will handle the changes in temperature or possible moisture. I haven’t been able to find some outdoor use recessed cans.

Anyone have any ideas for a supplier?

The ceiling is open now so installation will not be a problem.

Also, would halogen generate too much heat?

Thanks

SJ

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  1. Mike_Smith | Jul 05, 2001 10:30pm | #1

    *
    go to an electrical supply house.. tell 'em what you want...

    1. Darrell_Hambley_PE | Jul 06, 2001 01:42am | #2

      *My electrician installed IC cans on the porch ceiling. I wouldn't think there's much moisture problem there. The ventilation of the porch puts the "same" air over it as there is under it.

      1. Cloud_Hidden | Jul 06, 2001 01:57am | #3

        *My electrician also choose the same insulated cans under the porch ceiling as inside. Same bulbs, too.

        1. Mike_Maines_ | Jul 06, 2001 02:57am | #4

          *I think the only question would be can you get away with uninsulated cans...the electrical house could try to steer Steve to the more expensive option. If there's any moisture concerns besides water vapor I'd get the roof fixed first.Mike

          1. Tom_Moller | Jul 06, 2001 06:58am | #5

            *Halogen too hot? Maybe so. UL approved fixtures have a warning label that is very specific as to the type of lamp to be used. Read the label before you buy the can and the trim ring.Using the wrong lamp can indeed start a fire.

          2. Jack_Lindsey | Jul 06, 2001 09:32am | #6

            *You didn't indicate if this is a front or rear porch, so the lighting requirements cannot be accurately deduced. If it is a front porch the primary visual task is probably identifying visitors, so recessed downlights are probably the last thing you want. Use wall mounted fixtures to provide light to illuminate vertical surfaces (e.g. people at the door). If you are lighting a rear porch and want to be able to see the barbecue at night, downlights are great. What are you lighting, and what is the visual task?The last thing I'd do is ask the electrical supply house. Few of them have personnel who are qualified to help you.With regard to halogens and heat, halogen lamps are incandescent lamps that use a halogen, usually iodine or bromine, in the fill gas. Halogens are incandescent lamps. The heat produced by a lamp is a function of the wattage. Lamp type - incandescent, fluorescent, or HID, is immaterial. One watt hour of electricity produces 3.413 BTU's of heat. No more, no less. This is a simple law of physics.

          3. Mike_Smith | Jul 06, 2001 12:33pm | #7

            *jack..if you have access to lighting catalogues and know how to read them..then have at it..the rest of us should go to an electrical supply house so we can see, touch, and ask questions..and ..there are knowledgeable people in the supply houses...b but hey, whadda i no ?

          4. Steve_Joyce | Jul 06, 2001 02:06pm | #8

            *I appreciate the feedback. I am in the process of completing a screened back porch off the kitchen (used to be a covered deck). We are keeping the existing roof structure and installing a I&I ceiling. There is no water problem from leakage currently. So the moisture I was referring to was just from the air itself/condensation. However if the venting works as it should this will not be a huge problem.It sounds like the real choice is insulated s. on-insulated. I am assuming insulated cans are more expensive. Why would I choose one over the other?I appreciate the help I'm not well versed in fixtures.Since I only need four lights for this porch (it's only 10'x 13'), the cost really shouldn't be too much of a consideration but wasting money isn't what I'm about either.ThanksNJ

          5. Steve_Joyce | Jul 06, 2001 02:06pm | #9

            *I meant T&G ceiling.....early in the morning!!SJ

          6. Louis_Wilson | Jul 07, 2001 06:02am | #10

            *Steve,Mike's advice. Go to the supply house. I think you are headed in the direction of "damp location" fixtures, made to handle some exposure to moisture. For the real outdoors, there are your "wet location" fixtures. Ask a knowledgeble salesperson at a real supply house, not the box.

          7. Ralph_Wicklund | Jul 09, 2001 07:25am | #11

            *IC cans vs non-IC cans........If you are planning to have insulation in the ceiling where the cans are installed, use IC cans. That way you don't have to be concerned with how close the insulation is to your can. A non-IC can requires insulation to be kept at least 3" away from the can.As was mentioned above, damp or wet location fixtures are available. Ask for a unit that is UL listed for damp location and feed-through wiring. One such unit I am familiar with is from Progress Lighting, http://www.progresslighting.com (Recessed housing P87-AT).

          8. BPFORBES | Jul 15, 2001 11:23pm | #12

            *All recess lights have a trim ring...so pick the trim ring which is a milk glass coverwith a foam seal ring.... yes it will stick out from the ceiling about a 1/4 -1/2 inch... but it resolves the moisture concern and you can use a regular bulb, which is much cheaper than a reflector flood ....which brings up another question..... why are the bulbs for can lights so much more expensive than a regular bulb....????

  2. Steve_Joyce | Jul 15, 2001 11:23pm | #13

    *
    I want to install 4 new recessed lights in our new porch once completed. I am unsure whether or not a regular interior installation will handle the changes in temperature or possible moisture. I haven't been able to find some outdoor use recessed cans.

    Anyone have any ideas for a supplier?

    The ceiling is open now so installation will not be a problem.

    Also, would halogen generate too much heat?

    Thanks

    SJ

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