Recessed Lighting

General Lighting
General service "A" bulbs (in recessed fixtures) provide wide light distribution. "R" and "PAR" bulbs concentrate light. Coverage per fixture is based on providing 15 to 25 footcandles of light. In rooms with darker color use higher wattages.

Number of fixtures needed in a given area: consult ALA showroom experts for manufacturer''s literature. The "spacing ratio" number must be multiplied by the fixture''s mounting height above the lighted area (tabletop, floor, counter, etc.) to give the maximum spacing for even illuminations.

Wall Washing
Use the chart to choose the desired light level. Find the spacing (S) for the fixtures. For the required number of fixtures, divide the length of wall by spacing (S). Place the fixtures the same distance from the wall as (S). Example: For Medium Light Level with wall washers with 100W "A" bulbs, five fixtures are needed to wash a 10-foot wall.

Accent Lighting
Use the chart to select a bulb for the size of beam desired to accent the subject. Light levels range from 20 to 60 foot-candles at the center of the beam. Example: A 2-foot. mounting distance, a 50W "MR-16FL" bulb will cast an 8 x 3-foot beam.

Also See:

Lighting Can Make a Difference

Basic Types of Lighting

The Shapes and Forms of Lighting

Lighting Controls

Lighting Sources

Energy Savings and Efficiency

Track Lighting

Designing with Light

Other Features