solarsensei

solarsensei t1_iudkuls wrote

I'm working on a kitchen renovation, and am in the market for recessed can lighting. I believe 4" size is what we want (shorter ceilings, moderate size space). I want a can that has a standard screw base fixture (E26). I understand trends are changing things, but I feel that the base will likely still be around in 20 years. My concern with the super slim LED lights, is when they fail in 10 years, there will not be a replacement to match. And with the E26 bulb style, I have a large option of bulbs to select, with different diffusion patterns and color temperatures and brands, where I'm locked into whatever disk light I select, hoping whatever I replace it with when it fails matches. I see that TP24 is another popular option instead of E26, but don't know anything about that. Am I too old fashion in my thinking? Are there benefits I'm not seeing, besides ease of install, and being able to install under ceiling joists? Can you convince me to go with something besides an old school E26 can? To me, it is worth the extra work with the flexibility of having a E26 base offers.

Quick background, I'm a former journeyman electrician, and worked in trades for nearly 15 years, so consider myself quite handy.

Second question, if we go with a 4" can, are there any other upgrade/nicer options than the HALO H99 from the big box stores? Significant other doesn't want to buy the cheapest thing at Lowes, and is gravitating towards very small or 'zero' trim options. But I have no idea where to shop for lights outside of big box stores. Would rather not pull down the ceiling, so looking for remodel options.

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