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4 Inch Miniature Housings and Transformers

low voltage recessed lighting housings

The following housings are designed for use with our low voltage recessed lighting products. Refer to the specifications of the recessed light to determine which housings are compatible.

When choosing a housing, the following should be considered:
Magnetic or electronic transformer?
In some instances, you have the option of choosing a housing with a magnetic transformer. Magnetic transformers contain two coils of copper wire wound around a steel core. Current is induced in the secondary coil by the alternating current in the primary coil. Because of this simple contruction, if the transformer is not overloaded and correctly installed, it should give many years of trouble-free performance. Electronic transformers are not really transformers at all, but work, like dimmers do, by rapidly switching the current on and off. You can think of them like a dimmer permanently turned down to a 12 volt output setting. Because of the heat they produce, and the sheer number of different electronic components in an electronic transformer, they are inherently less reliable than magnetic transformers. This should be given particular consideration in commercial applications where the lights are on many hours a day. The type of dimmer that may be used is also dependent on the type of transformer selected. There are two types of dimmers generally used – one is for electronic solid state transformers and the other is for magnetic transformers. Always use a low voltage dimmer with a magnetic transformer. With electronic transformers a regular incandescent dimmer (the common one found at any hardware store)is usually fine.

Remodeling or new construction?
There are housings designed specifically for remodeling applications that save you the trouble of ripping up a ceiling in order to gain access for installation purposes. If you are remodeling, you may want to consider this option.

Remote transformer?
If you are contemplating an installation that uses remote transformers, select simple housings (such as the model 800) that do not have built-in transformers.

Contact with insulation?
If your installation will have more than 3" of clearance between the housing and insulation present in the ceiling, you do not need an "IC" model. If, however, there is a chance that the housing will be in contact with insulation (closer than 3"), an "IC" model (such as model 803) is required.
1. How do I decide between which of the four different housings to use?

FEATURE HR-8401H HR-8401HF HR-8402H HR-8402HF HR-8402HL HR-8402HFL HR-8403H HR-8403H
Wattage 50W 50W 50W 50W 50W 50W 75W 75W
Input 12V 277V 12V 277V 12V 277V 12V 277V
Usage Remodeling Remodeling New construction New construction New construction New construction New construction New construction
Lamp type 20-50W max MR16 20-50W max MR16 20-50W max MR16 20-50W max MR16 50-75W max MR16 50-75W max MR16 20-50W max MR16 20-50W max MR16
Insulation 3"clearance (Non I/C) 3"clearance (Non I/C) 3"clearance (Non I/C) 3"clearance (Non I/C) 3"clearance (Non I/C) 3"clearance (Non I/C) Direct contact (I/C) Direct contact (I/C)
Replacement transformer HR-8001 HR-8001F HR-8002 HR-8002F HR-8002L HR-8002FL HR-8003 HR-8003F

2. Are these products UL listed?

Yes. Visit their website at www.ul.com

3. Can the trims be installed without a HR-8400 series can or housing?

Codes vary from region to region, but in general, the answer is no -- you must use a can or housing with the trims.

4. Are these fixtures New York City approved?

Yes - all of  the HR-8400 series housing are.

5. Can the hanger bars on your HR-8400 series new construction cans be moved to accommodate joists running perpendicular?

Yes, hanger bars can be used on all four sides of the housing.

6. Can your housings be used on a drop ceiling? If so, how?

Yes, the best way to accomplish this is by using new construction housings. The hanger bars rest on the top of the “T” bars and are secured in position. You may also use our remodeling housing and hold them in place with spring clips.

7. Can these fixtures be installed in the bathroom?

Yes - they are suitable for damp locations (porch or bathroom), but not wet locations (above a shower or outdoors).

8. Can I use a HR-836 trim (from the Low Voltage Miniature Trim Series) with the HR-8401H housing?

No - the sizes do not match. The HR-836 trim has a 3-1/2" diameter, whereas the HR-8401H can diameter is 4". None of the trims from the Low Voltage Miniature Recessed Series will fit any of the HR-8400 series housings.

9. What type of dimmer is recommended for use with these fixtures?

The built-in transformer is magnetic (also known as core and coil). Therefore, they require low voltage magnetic dimmers.

10. Why did the lights suddenly go off, and came back on again after a while?

The transformers have a built-in thermal protector. When the temperature reaches 80°C or 176°F, the unit automatically deactivates. This happens very rarely. When it cools, it will work again. This feature extends the life of the fixture.

11. Do you have an all-white trim?

Yes - the HR-8411 and HR-8414 are available in the white trim, white baffle style. Request model numbers HR-8411-WT/WT or HR-8414-WT/WT.

12. Can the housings be installed in the attic where it gets really hot in the summer?

The magnetic transformers (rated class “H”), has a 80ºC or 176ºF heat tolerance. It is very unlikely that the temperature gets to be that high, it is perfectly safe to be installed in the attic.

13. Are these fixtures suitable for 50Hz (cycle) for applications out of the country?

No – just for 60Hz.

14. How much current does HR-8401H draw?

50/120V = 0.42Amp.

15. Do any of the fixtures come with bulbs?

No – you may purchase the MR16 lamps separately.

16. The recessed lights I have in my kitchen are giving too much light. What can I do about it?

You may install a low voltage magnetic dimmer or use a lower wattage lamp (for example, a 20W MR16-BAB) and a frosted lens.

17. I am concerned with a voltage drop in my application. Do you have any guidelines on the subject?

To minimize a voltage drop and lessened light output, the transformer should be located as close to the fixture as possible. A drop of 5% or less is generally acceptable. The chart below details the maximum length to keep the drop below 5%.

WIRE SIZE 35W 50W 75W
18 gauge 8' 8' 6'
16 gauge 12' 12' 10'
12 gauge 20' 20' 18'

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Remodel Housings

In contrast to new construction housings, remodeling housings are appropriate when you have limited or no access to the space above a new fixture, such as in an apartment or a home without crawl spaces or attics above.

New Construction Housings

In contrast to remodeling housings, new construction housings are bulkier and need to be installed between joist beams or onto hangar bars and thus you need full access to the space above the fixture. This style is best used if you are building in a new space, gutting a room, or have an attic above or pop out ceiling, etc.

Non-IC Rated

Non-IC stands for: non insulation contact. Thus, non-IC-rated housings must be kept at least 3 inches away from any insulation.

IC Rated

IC stands for: insulation contact. Thus, IC-rated housings can come in direct contact with thermal insulation.

MR16 Halogen Bulb

MR 16 is a standard format for halogen multifaceted reflector light bulbs. MR16 lamps are regularly used in place of standard incandescent light bulbs as they harness and shoot light, resulting in less light loss than a traditional bulb. These are best used when you want focused light such as in a pendant over a countertop or an accent light on a painting.

cUL Listed

CUL stands for Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, a non-profit company that tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards. If something is UL-listed, I means it has met the agency's safety requirements for things like fire, shock hazards, etc. While you can buy and install non-UL listed fixtures, sometimes insurance policies will limit their liabilities accordingly, inspectors may not approve permits, etc.

UL Listed

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit company that tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards. If something is UL-listed, it means it has met the agency's safety requirements for things like fire, shock hazards, etc. While you can buy and install non-UL listed fixtures, sometimes insurance policies will limit their liabilities accordingly, inspectors may not approve permits, etc.

Damp Location

If the environment exposes the lighting system to moisture condensation, then the location is a damp location. Lights that are approved for damp locations can be used in sheltered outdoor areas such as roofed porches or interior locations subject to moderated degrees of moisture such as basements.

Wet Location

If the lighting system is exposed to direct impact by water from splashing or dripping, which will make the fixture wet, then the location is a wet location. Your most common wet locations are uncovered outdoor areas.

Baffle Trim

The term Baffle refers to the grooved style of the trim. This trim is the most popular choice of all recessed lighting trims and is best used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and dens.

Open Reflector

Reflector trims have a higly polished inner trim, which gives the most amount of light off of the light bulb. This trim is perfect for use in kitchens, offices and commercial buildings.

Slotted Aperture

The slotted aperture trim is used to highlight or accent a specific object or space.

Pin Hole

Pin Hole trims give off a narrow spread of light. This trim is perfect for highlight a small object from above.

Baffle

The term Baffle refers to the grooved style of the trim. This trim is the most popular choice of all recessed lighting trims and is best used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and dens.

Step Baffle

A Step Baffle refers to the evenly spaced and large grooves in the trim. This trim is for use in all living spaces in a house (bedrooms, living rooms, and dens).

Wall Wash

Wall Wash trims will have a shield inserted into the trim. This allows the light to be directed at an angle against a wall or large surface: paintings, large photos, etc.

Gimbal Ring

Gimbal Ring trims allow the light bulb to be directed or angled to highlight a specific spot or general area. This trim is popular in living rooms, dens and home offices.

Eyeball

Eyeball trims refer to the look of the trim as an eyeball. The bulb is housed in the eyeball portion and allows for maximum adjustability in positioning the light. This trim is for use in living rooms, dens and home offices.

Aperture Cone

This trim is for use when superior performance photometrics is desired and low glare is needed. These trims are typically used in commercial applications.

Regressed Fresnel Lens

Lensed trims are for use in wet locations, such as showers, bathrooms and outside applications.

Scoop Wall Wash

Scoop Wall Wash trims will have a shield inserted into the trim. This allows the light to be directed at an angle against a wall or large surface: paintings, large photos, etc.).