Kitchen recessed lights

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hs545

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Been noticing that kitchen counter recessed lights seem to be located at different distances from the cabinets. Have seen the lights located anywhere from 12 inches to two feet from the cabinets. In general, how out from the cabinets do you mount the lights?
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

not a code issue. but a R-30 bulb at 5' has about a 3-4 foot cone of light. closer than 2' from cabnet will shadow under the cabnet. I put my lights at 2 to 3 feet from the cabnet depending on the celling hight.
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

I install cans over the edge of the counter top. I have found through trial and error( more error) that if you place them to far back away from the edge of the counter that they will cast a shadow over the work space on the counter.
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

Anything more than 12" out from the upper cabinet is incorrect. 12" is in line with the edge of the counter. This puts the light in front of you rather than behind you. You don't want to cast your shadow on the work surface. These lights are not meant to light under the cabinets. Undercabinet lights accomplish that.
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

I usually go no closer than 24" out from the wall. Also depends if we have undercab lights. Some kitchens that I are spec'd by designers at 30" from the wall and we also use clear alzak trims (lightolier).
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

I see what your saying with the shadow of the person when the light is behind. but how do you deal with 24"deep full height cabnets most people look up and like to see a nice strait line. witch is better true task light placement or looks I have just found my lithonia book and they do recomend over the counter edge. I my have to re think my layouts

[ April 08, 2004, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: wyatt ]
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

With recessed lighting you have to remember that you put the light where you need it. This does not always lay out in a straight line or any kind of pattern. This is where you communicate with and educate the customer. In the end most people will not give the lights a second look unless they are in a really strange pattern or layout. I have gone into many kitchens to add lighting because they are to dark. a well meaning electrician goes in and does six recessed lights in two rows of three. This lights the middle of the room nicely (By that I mean the floor). The cabinets are then left in a shadow which makes the room appear dark. Wyatt as you point out manufacturer catalogs and web sites are good places for free info on this.
 
Re: Kitchen recessed lights

Scott your right we need to educate the customer ther is a differance in genral light placement vs task light. and that they may have to spend a little money to get great results... But I would add that with a buget minded customer sometimes you have to balance the two task and genral. this is were I came up with the 3' to 4' off the wall from.

[ April 10, 2004, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: wyatt ]
 
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