NICOR's LED downlights are used for both retrofit projects and new construction projects. If the job is for new construction, a housing (sometimes called a "can") is needed. We carry housings for new construction as well as for remodel projects. Below you will see a housing for new construction shown with a lamp and trim (on the left) and a picture of a remodel housing (on the right).
The new construction housing (on the left) has the adjustable mounting brackets allowing for the housing to be mounted to studs. The remodel housing (on the right) is used for existing ceilings. The entire remodel housing fits into a hole in the ceiling. If the housing is 6", it will fit into a 6" hole. These should be installed by a professional.
Take a look below the products to learn more about the different types of housings that are available.
There are different attributes and options available on housings. Each new construction housing and remodel housing are available with some or all of the following options:
Airtight - To keep the home insulated, this airtight option will now allow airflow to escape. This can keep energy costs down.
Shallow - This housing is for ceilings where there is not much room to operate (i.e. a ceiling between the 1st and 2nd stories). These shallow housings measure about 5.75 inches, compared to a traditional 7.5 inch housing.
IC Rated - Insulation Contact Rated. This means that insulation can literally cover the housing (insulation can be set directly on/around the housing).
Non-IC Rated - Insulation cannot touch the housing for safety purposes. The insulation must be kept at least 3 inches from the housing.
No Bracket - Each housing has a round bracket inside the housing that holds the light bulb base in place (you can see this on the picture below). Housings without the bracket have the light bulb base hanging freely. The brackets can also be removed from any of the other models. Customers that use retro-fit LED downlights such as the DLR Series do not need a bracket.
Adjustable Bracket - This housing has an adjustable bracket that can be adjusted up or down to fit abnormally small or large bulbs.
Sloped Housing / Super Sloped Housing - These housings are meant for pitched ceilings allowing for a straight downward light on a sloped ceiling. Sloped Housings will work with ceilings that slope between 10° and 26.5°. The super sloped housings will work with ceilings that slope within the range of 30° and 42.5°. See image below.
