thomask

We are starting reno on our 1987 era kitchen. It currently has a track light fixture on ceiling. We would like to remove track and replace with 4-6 can lights. Kitchen floor area is 10x10 feet with ceiling approx 9 x 9 feet due to soffits. How many lights needed? We do have undercounter lights and one can light already in over the sink. Plan to add two pendants also over bar area.

Thanks for ideas.

__________________
Wife: "You can buy anything you want when you redo this house."

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kok328

There really isn't any rule of thumb for lighting it's more of a personal preference in what you'd like to achieve.
I've got 3 on one side of the kitchen spaced approx. 4-5ft. apart and only one on the other side of the kitchen. Each set has it's own switch so I can throttle down/up the lights as needed.

thomask

Thanks kok328

Are your lights 65 watts each? Do you have plenty of light?

My first plan is to add four can lights spaced about 3 feet apart. I will have them on one switch but with a dimmer. There would be 4-65 watt br30 floodlight bulbs = 260 watts light.
The original overhead box will either get a small decorative ceiling light on separate switch or I will have to patch the ceiling, which is another issue.

BTW Finished trim around two pantry doors this afternoon and looks much improved. That dadgum last carpenter never finished them out.

Hey, that guy was me.

__________________
Wife: "You can buy anything you want when you redo this house."

Husband: "Could I get that in writing, dear?"

kok328

Yes, I have 65W indoor floods in them. I tried 65W CFL's but, they weren't bright enough so I took them out and put the originals back in. Seems to be adequate lighting for me. the bank of 3 lights is over the cooking area and the other light is over the dining table.

thomask

I agree those CFLs just do not have the same light it seems.

They also have a tone that makes food look like you are back in an elementary school cafeteria.

__________________
Wife: "You can buy anything you want when you redo this house."

Husband: "Could I get that in writing, dear?"

ohmy

At 9' the spread should be about 4' with 6" lights. Its best to overlap alittle and when in doubt go with more light and add a dimmer.

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thomask

ohmy

Do you feel four would work ok? I will be adding a dimmer but the ceiling dimensions are only 8 x 8 feet and I don't want a swiss cheese look if you know what I mean. How many can be run off one switch?

__________________
Wife: "You can buy anything you want when you redo this house."

Husband: "Could I get that in writing, dear?"

kok328

thomask, no problem running 4 fixtures off one switch.
Formula: Wattage of fixture time number of fixtures divided by 120 Volts less than or equal to 15 Amps.
So (4) 80Watt fixtures on a 120Volt circuit would be 2.7 Amps on a 15 Amp light switch.
(4*80)/120=2.6666~

thomask

Thanks kok328

Do you feel 4 cans on a 8x8 foot ceiling is enough or is 5 or 6 better?

__________________
Wife: "You can buy anything you want when you redo this house."

Husband: "Could I get that in writing, dear?"

kok328

4 cans should provide ample lighting, assuming you don't need a greater amount of light for other reasons.
You could go with more and use the dimmer and/or install one in the middle of the room where you said there used to be a fixture. With the under-counter lights and sink light, you should be fine. The cans I have are the type you can aim so you can target cooking & eating areas. You can always add more if you need them.