Replies

1. 
   SteveInCleveland | Sep 16, 2008 02:06pm | #1

   "I find the housing for recessed lights ranges in price from $7.87 to over $50. Why is there such a price difference and is there any safety advantage for buying the higher priced housing?"

   I’ve used a variety of recessed housings over the years, many of them in the low-price range, without any problems. 

    

   Some of the reasons for variations in price could be whether they are…

    

   1.) rated IC or non-IC.  

   2.) remodel vs. new construction cans.

   3.) airtight housings vs. non-airtight housings.

   4.) shallow cans for tight areas.

    

   Also, make sure whatever housings you get will work with the trim kits you plan to use.

    

    

    

    

   "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words."  - St. Francis of Assisi

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 16, 2008 04:11pm | #3

   Not to mention line voltage vs. low-voltage (w/transf)

   Jeff

2. 
   JulianTracy | Sep 16, 2008 03:25pm | #2

   the big scam in recessed lighting is the trim rings...

   $8 for the housing and another $8-9 for a simple plastic ring???

   I found USA lighting.com (or close to it) has some METAL trim rings for about $1.50 - a pop. On a large basement job, we saved close to $300 just on trim rings.

   Julian

3. 
   user-54049 | Sep 16, 2008 05:54pm | #4

   Incandescent=7.80

   Florescent= 35.00

   That's one difference, among many.   matt

4. 
   Gene_Davis | Sep 16, 2008 08:11pm | #5

   And those for low-voltage lamps are pricey, because, among other things, the fixture includes a transformer.

   My electrical contractor prefers the Juno product line, sold by better lighting outlets.  I don't believe Juno goes through the bigbox stores.

    

   View Image

   "A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."

   Gene Davis        1920-1985

5. 
   imcfo | Sep 16, 2008 08:50pm | #6

   Thanks for your thoughts. I think another factor that determines the price is profit motive. I am looking at a recessed light fixture that is packaged to include the trim. The MSRP is $116.60. Searching light fixture vendors on the internet, I found this same exact fixture available from many vendors with the lowest price at $82.94. I bought it this morning at the local Menard's for $28.95. All these prices are for the same fixture from the same manufacturer. Usually I avoid Menard's, but I couldn't this time.