Recessed lighting housings, often called cans or rough-in frames, are the foundational fixture installed inside the ceiling that holds the trim and light source. Choosing the correct housing is the critical first step to ensure a safe, code-compliant, and successful recessed lighting installation.
Installation Type: New Construction vs. Remodel
Your first and most important decision is choosing a housing that matches your project's stage of construction.
- New Construction Housing: Designed to be installed before the drywall goes up. These housings feature adjustable hanger bars that mount directly and securely to ceiling joists. They are the ideal choice for new builds and major renovations where the ceiling is open.
- Remodel Housing: Designed to be installed after the drywall is in place. The entire fixture is sized to fit through the cutout hole in the ceiling and is held securely by clips that clamp onto the drywall. This is the required style for adding lights to an existing room.
Insulation Safety: IC-Rated vs. Non-IC Rated
This rating is critical for safety and is often determined by your local building codes.
- IC-Rated Housing: "IC" stands for "Insulation Contact." These housings are specially constructed to be safely buried in or covered by ceiling insulation without creating a fire hazard. This is the standard for most modern, energy-efficient homes.
- Non-IC Rated Housing: These housings require a minimum clearance (typically 3 inches) from any insulation. They are only suitable for ceilings that have no insulation or in specific commercial applications.
Other Key Housing Features
- Airtight (AT) Housing: These housings are sealed to prevent conditioned air from leaking into the attic or ceiling void. This improves your home's energy efficiency and is often required by building codes to reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Shallow Ceiling Housing: For installations with limited vertical depth, such as between floors or under ductwork, a shallow ceiling housing offers a shorter profile to fit where standard-sized cans cannot.
The Foundation of Great Lighting
The right recessed lighting housing is the unseen hero of a professional lighting installation. By selecting the correct model for your project—whether it's a new construction housing, a remodel can, or an IC-rated housing—you guarantee safety and performance for years to come. Browse the collection at Bees Lighting, or call our technical experts at 855-303-0665 to verify the perfect fit.
