The Complete Guide to Commercial Recessed Lighting
Kevin HernandezIn commercial spaces, lighting is more than ambiance—it’s performance. The right recessed downlights affect how people work, learn, shop, and heal. This guide walks facility teams and contractors through choosing, laying out, and controlling recessed lighting designed for offices, healthcare, retail, and education—backed by code compliance, efficiency, and rebate eligibility.
Why Commercial Recessed Lighting Matters
Residential can lights aren’t built for the demands of commercial facilities. Offices, hospitals, classrooms, and retail environments require higher lumen packages, advanced controls, and certified compliance. Choosing commercial-grade recessed downlights ensures consistent brightness, reduced glare, and long-term energy savings.
The RecessEdge Series Advantage
RecessEdge is engineered for commercial performance. With selectable lumen steps (600–4,200 lm) and CCT options (3500K/4000K/5000K), one fixture adapts across multiple applications. Efficiency up to 139 lm/W, 0–10V dimming, and DLC Premium certification make it ideal for both retrofits and new construction.
Applications: Office, Healthcare, Retail, Education
Office Lighting
Uniform, low-glare lighting supports productivity in open offices and conference rooms. Pair with sensors for occupancy-based savings. Explore office lighting.
Healthcare Lighting
High CRI and selectable CCT improve visual accuracy and patient comfort. Suitable for corridors, nurses’ stations, and exam rooms. See healthcare solutions.
Retail Lighting
Highlight merchandise with adjustable trims and maintain consistent ambiance across aisles and displays. Learn more about retail lighting.
Education Lighting
Deliver uniform illumination in classrooms, libraries, and multipurpose spaces, supporting comfort and focus. Explore education lighting.
Layout & Selection: Size, Lumens, Spacing
Start with aperture (4 in, 6 in, 8 in) and choose the lumen package that meets target foot-candles. Offices/classrooms with 9–12 ft ceilings typically use 6–8 in apertures at 2,000–4,000 lm. Spacing: 8–10 ft apart for even coverage (verify with a layout calculator).
RecessEdge Technical Snapshot
| Aperture | Selectable Wattage | Lumen Output | CCT Options | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 8W–15W | 600–1,515 lm | 3500K / 4000K / 5000K | UL, DLC Premium, ENERGY STAR® |
| 6 in | 15W–30W | 1,440–3,600 lm | 3500K / 4000K / 5000K | UL, DLC Premium, ENERGY STAR® |
| 8 in | 25W–40W | 1,920–4,200 lm | 3500K / 4000K / 5000K | UL, DLC Premium, ENERGY STAR® |
Installation & Safety
Commercial recessed lighting requires compliance with NEC, UL, and ASHRAE standards. Confirm IC/Non-IC rating, maintain insulation clearances, and plan controls wiring early. Commission dimming curves and CCT selections post-installation to avoid change orders.
Design Strategies & Controls
Controls extend performance:
- Daylight harvesting in offices
- Tunable dimming in healthcare
- Accent dimming in retail
- Scene presets in education
RecessEdge integrates seamlessly with 0–10V dimming, sensors, and building management systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes commercial recessed lighting different from residential?
Commercial fixtures deliver higher lumen outputs, last longer, and are certified for codes and rebates.
How do I pick aperture size?
For 9–12 ft ceilings, use 6–8 in with 2,000–4,000 lm. For tighter spaces or accents, 4 in apertures are sufficient.
Will RecessEdge qualify for rebates?
Yes. DLC Premium and ENERGY STAR® certifications often unlock local utility incentives.
Conclusion
The RecessEdge Series makes specifying commercial recessed lighting simple: selectable wattage, selectable CCT, 0–10V dimming, and certifications for rebates. From offices and healthcare to retail and education, one fixture series adapts across sectors—ensuring efficiency, comfort, and long-term value.
