Bidder warning! Beware RSA

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e57

e57

Senior Member
Location
San Francisco, CA
Just going to warn a few people about this, and figured I should warn everyone else.
RSA Lighting
These things, in particular the square trimmed ones are a nightmare to install. And considering thier cost, should install themselves - but don't.... It should be noted that ALL of these "trim-less" type fixures will have simular problems -especially square or rectangluar.
  • The square trim - even slightly out of square will stick out like a sore thumb - calling into question all placements. This is exasparated by below.
  • Flimsy hanger bars and brackets normally used on cheaper fixtures are used, resulting in additional support straight lines. Butterfly brackets are poorly designed as well, and not readily modified for wood or metal framing.
  • The fixture J-box comes pre-over-packed. As it already has ALL of the thermal, transformer, and line side conductors extra long inside the box, there is barely any room for the feed in and out conductors. See below again:
  • The junction box is not reachable from inside the fixture, and thus not accessible in the real world sense. Sure you can reach, and maybe open it, but as it is 10-14" (NonIC/IC) inside the fixture - unless you have made the feed in and out conductors that long the splices will not be accessible or for that matter visable. Also note above, the thing is already over packed and there will be little chance of re-packing it after install.
  • And the j-box is closed by two 1/4" hex head screws that are not easily reached while the fixure is hung.
  • The trim amounts to a multi-trade organization of trades by the GC after framing, of rockers and and painters to float out its required level 5 finish of 3/16" mud or the cieling will look like crap, and the trim must remain clear, then the trims meust be painted to match in an extremely thin coat or the trim wont fit. Not to mention the extra time the electrician takes in handling everyone of the trims 2-3 times, pointing out deficient work at each opening, and the extra time to install and stabilize each one. Thats four coordinated trades to install correctly!
  • On top of being $150-$250 a fixture matieral cost, if you add up every other cost they amount to ~$300 EACH! (Not including branch wire)
 
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You have my sympathies. It should be required of every new desifn that it actually be installed in field conditions by the designer himself.
I have no first hand experience with this particular product, but can lights are typically pieces of flimsy junk. Perhaps this forum should host an annual contest "The Worst Recessed Fixture of the Year" award. Also "The Worst Florescent Luminaire of the Year Award" and so on...

~Peter

I am Peter and I approve of this message.
 
peter said:
You have my sympathies. It should be required of every new desifn that it actually be installed in field conditions by the designer himself.
I have no first hand experience with this particular product, but can lights are typically pieces of flimsy junk. Perhaps this forum should host an annual contest "The Worst Recessed Fixture of the Year" award. Also "The Worst Florescent Luminaire of the Year Award" and so on...

~Peter

I am Peter and I approve of this message.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I have said for years, you design it, you should have to try to install it a few times!!
 
I concurr, I have never used RSA, but I used a few of the "quiet ceiling" units that fit on IRIS fixures(which are usually a piece of cake to install, they have super stout hangers). While better than the RSA units, they still take a lot of coordination from the trades. May I suggest that you suggest using a SFWF (Self Flange, White Flange) if you ever use these, it is skinny but really easy to install.
 
Iris I will say, are well made, however both Iris and RSA are made by Cooper essentialy.

Even though RSA well - suck. They are nothing compared to anything that is made in Italy. Often even in thier instructions it will say in broken english somthing to the effect that 'Due to hand make of fixture, it may have defects - this is OK - it is nature' Chow......

And I too believe their should be a best of - worst of contest. Or maybe a forum of installer reviews and suplimental instructions that might include "Dispose of promtly"
 
Iris could run in that best of, IMO. Overall quality.... Juno in a separate quality for price range. Lightoiler and Halo in the Cadilac range.... Lucifer is the Peugeot of reccessed cans -Expensive crap! Elco in the Toyota range etc. RSA id the Delorean of cans - Ill concieved - poorly made.
 
e57 (or anyone else)
I've only worked with Halo, Iris, and Elco (OK, protfolio and Lightolier on the commercial side). I've been interested in Juno, but never had a job that I wanted to try them out on, how are they priced compared to Iris? To Halo? What are your impressions on quality with them? I'm talking about the spec grade Juno, not the cheaper Halo look alikes.

I have a job coming up with a couple of Ludifer units, how are they to work with?

I'll admit, after putting in a bunch of Iris, it's hard to go back to working with the "lesser" brands. Then again, I know how much Iris costs, but when the budget is there, it's worth it. Most owners are pleased with their trim selection and looks, and I like the fact that they are never glary, and the rough ins are available in a few days in southern California. Trims are another story....

Mike
 
I use alot of juno and have had a very good experence with them i think there a little better then the halo and install a little easier. My only complaint with juno is they dont make a 4" i/c old work unit that i know of other then that i think the price is comparable to halo. never used iris to compare.
 
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