Electrical equipment is getting smaller and smarter. If you own an older home, you’ve likely noticed that as electrical devices age out, simply replacing the product often ends up being more feasible than chasing down replacement parts. Pot lights now fall into that category. Early on in our electrical careers we were installing pot lights in every new build. Although they can still be purchased today, pot lights are considered a less desirable option and are quickly being traded in for the new, younger, skinnier, model: LED wafer lights.
Recessed Lighting - Then and Now
Pot Lights
- Larger housing
- Nailed-in joist-to-joist (limits where they can be positioned)
- Requires separate light bulb and trim (can be difficult to find replacement trims)
- Cannot be retrofit from below (must cut open ceiling or have attic access)
Wafer Lights
- 1/2" thick (same thickness as drywall)
- Colour selectable and dimmable
- Discrete retro-fit installation (can be cut in and wired from below, no drywall repair)
- Easy replacement