Recessed lights-shower trims-CFL's

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goldstar

goldstar

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I've been using Halo 6" recessed IC cans with shower trims over shower stalls. Mfr. recommends a 40 watt bulb with this trim. Problem is it doesn't throw off enough light. I've since changed to 100 watt CFL's even though they are not (specifically) listed for use with this fixture. The illumination is greater and the bulb only draws 23 watts. Does anyone see a problem with this (code violation or otherwise) ?

I've also used Juno 5" cans with shower trims and 50 watt PAR bulbs. They're great but twice the price. Any suggestions ?

Thanks,

Phil
Gold Star Electric
New Jersey
 
The last time I looked at the small print on a screw-in cfl lamp it stated that it was not to be used in an enclosed recessed fixture. ;)
 
Small wattage lamps in shower trims is a problem. Particularly on higher ceilings. I am about 99% sure Halo has a shower trim that takes a 60 watt A-19 but it may have to go into a non-IC housing. I make sure I really explain to my customers that you won't be reading War and Peace in the tub anytime soon. Because there is a light fixture doesn't mean it's bright. If the budget is high it can be solved. Can someone verify the enclosed thing about the cfl's?
 
bill j said:
Small wattage lamps in shower trims is a problem. Particularly on higher ceilings. I am about 99% sure Halo has a shower trim that takes a 60 watt A-19 but it may have to go into a non-IC housing. I make sure I really explain to my customers that you won't be reading War and Peace in the tub anytime soon. Because there is a light fixture doesn't mean it's bright. If the budget is high it can be solved. Can someone verify the enclosed thing about the cfl's?
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I have it in front of me(cfl) it says,

"Enclosed fixture is required for outdoor use...Not for use in totally enclosed indoor fixtures." Westinghouse

Tom
 
cpal said:
does the mfg list the fixture and trim withcfl or incandesent??
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To the best of my knowledge Halo does not list CFL's for use with shower trims

iwire said:
Why not use a 26 watt florescent rough in kit?
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Bob, I can't tell from the link but can they be used with a shower trim ?

yanici said:
The last time I looked at the small print on a screw-in cfl lamp it stated that it was not to be used in an enclosed recessed fixture.
Click to expand...
The problem with using A-19 bulbs with shower trims is the amount of heat they throw off so Halo restricts you to a 60 watt bulb for non IC and 40 watts for IC rated cans when used with shower trims. If a 100 watt CFL (equivilant only in brightness) actually uses 23 watts of power, how much heat can it possibly throw off ? Is there any danger in using these bulbs with shower trims ?

I'm not trying to merely make a case for using CFL's in Halo 6" cans with shower trims, I'm trying to bail out some existing customers who have inadequate lighting issues in their shower/tub areas. Frankly, I think Halo should be the ones addressing this problem. I've since gone to Juno housings with 50 watt PAR bulbs. They light up the shower area like Yankee Stadium.

As a side bar we have to come to the realization that CFL's are being manufactured in many different forms today. Several weeks ago I replaced a dimmer switch at a residence and found that only four out of eight bulbs in recessed light fixtures would dim. It drove me crazy for a while until I looked up into the bulb and realized that the four that didn't dim were actually CFL's inside an R-40 type bulb. The long and short of this is that if I don't install a CFL with a shower trim a homeowner will. I'm just trying to find out if there are any code compliance or danger issues.
 
goldstar said:
Bob, I can't tell from the link but can they be used with a shower trim ?
Click to expand...
You need to refer to page 2 of the pdf (http://www.cooperlighting.com/specfiles/pdf/Halo/H272ICATspecsheet.pdf):

Dome Shower Light
26W DTT, 26W TTT
compact fluorescent
272PS= Dome Shower
Light with Full Reflector,
White Trim Ring and
Frosted Glass
Dome
(NOTE: This one does NOT indicate "LISTED" like the one below) ~ my note, not Halo's

Drop Opal Lens
26W DTT, 26W TTT compact fluorescent
271PS=Wet Location Listed Shower
Light with Drop Opal Lens and
White Trim Ring
 
Does not help in this case but a low voltage can with a shower trim is nice in a shower. Halo now has a 3" can with a shower trim that takes a 50watt mr 16 or a 50 watt 120v GU10 lamp.
 
Thanks Celtic. Your link didn't work but I went back to Iwire's and found the info. So, basically we went from a std. Halo IC can with a shower trim & A-19 bulb for about $40.00 to about $45.00 (unlisted) with a CFL, to a $75.00 Juno with a PAR bulb and now back to a listed Halo with a CFL and trim for about $100.00. Scott, where (about) are we in terms of $$ with the LV fixture you suggested ?
 
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