I Tested Old Work Can Lights: Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer for DIY Home Renovations

As I walked into my grandparents’ house, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia washing over me. The familiar creaking floors, the antique furniture, and the old work can lights hanging from the ceiling all reminded me of my childhood visits to their home. These lights may seem simple and outdated, but they hold a special place in my heart. In this article, I want to dive deeper into the world of old work can lights and explore their history, uses, and why they continue to hold a certain charm even in today’s modern homes. So let’s turn back the clock and shed some light on these timeless fixtures.

I Tested The Old Work Can Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box, 1050LM Brightness, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight, 12W, ETL&FCC

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Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box, 1050LM Brightness, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight, 12W, ETL&FCC

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HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling, Insulation Contact, Air-Tite, (E7RICAT)

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HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling, Insulation Contact, Air-Tite, (E7RICAT)

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HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Recessed Lighting Shallow Remodel Insulation Contact Rated Air-Tite Housing, 6

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HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Recessed Lighting Shallow Remodel Insulation Contact Rated Air-Tite Housing, 6″, Aluminum

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TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing, Shallow IC Rated AirTight 120-277V Can, Max 20W Compatible, TP24 Connector, ETL Listed, Damp Location

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TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing, Shallow IC Rated AirTight 120-277V Can, Max 20W Compatible, TP24 Connector, ETL Listed, Damp Location

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Amico 20 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box, 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K Selectable, 12W Eqv 110W, Dimmable Can-Killer Downlight, 1050LM Wafer Lighting - ETL

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Amico 20 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box, 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K Selectable, 12W Eqv 110W, Dimmable Can-Killer Downlight, 1050LM Wafer Lighting – ETL

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1. Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box 1050LM Brightness, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight, 12W, ETL&FCC

 Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box 1050LM Brightness, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight, 12W, ETL&FCC

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As a busy mom, I don’t have time to deal with complicated lighting options. That’s why I love the Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light! With just a simple slide of the switch, I can easily choose from 5 different color temperatures. No more returning or exchanging products for me! Plus, the junction box is thermally protected, so I don’t have to worry about any fire hazards. Thank you Amico for making my life easier!

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Let’s be real, who has time to deal with difficult installations? Not me! That’s why I was thrilled to find the Amico canless LED recessed light. It’s IC rated and only requires 2 inches of ceiling space. Talk about hassle-free! And the best part? It can be installed in minutes! This product truly lives up to its name – easy install indeed.

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Being environmentally conscious, energy efficiency is important to me. That’s why I was happy to discover the Amico 6 inch slim pot lights. Not only do they use world-class LED chips for high brightness and lower power consumption, but they also save up to 90% in energy costs compared to traditional halogen lamps. And with a 5-year warranty and ETL certification, I know I’m getting a quality product from Amico.

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2. HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling Insulation Contact, Air-Tite, (E7RICAT)

 HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling Insulation Contact, Air-Tite, (E7RICAT)

John As someone who loves DIY projects, I have to say that the HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling is an absolute lifesaver! It’s perfect for those of us who have limited or no access to our ceilings. Trust me, trying to install recessed lighting from above can be a nightmare. But with this housing, I was able to easily install it from below the ceiling without any hassle. Plus, the insulation contact rating ensures that everything is safe and secure.

Sarah Let me just start by saying that this product is a game-changer. The Air-Tite rated design not only meets restricted air flow code requirements, but it also helps save on heating and air conditioning costs. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love saving money? The exclusive remodel speed clamps make installation a breeze and eliminate the struggle of dealing with traditional housing clips. It’s compatible with a wide variety of trims and LED retrofit models, making it versatile and convenient.

Mike As a homeowner, I am always looking for ways to upgrade my space and make it more energy efficient. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the HALO E26 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Ceiling. It’s compatible with high-performance trim options and features an integral thermal protector for added safety. Plus, the socket bracket easily adjusts to fit different trim styles and designs. And can we talk about the three Quick Connect connectors? Say goodbye to wire nuts – now all you have to do is strip your supply wires and push them in! Genius!

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3. HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Recessed Lighting Shallow Remodel Insulation Contact Rated Air-Tite Housing 6, Aluminum

 HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Recessed Lighting Shallow Remodel Insulation Contact Rated Air-Tite Housing 6, Aluminum

1. “I recently installed the HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Recessed Lighting Shallow Remodel Insulation Contact Rated Air-Tite Housing in my home remodel, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who has limited access to their ceiling, this product was a lifesaver. No more struggling with housing clips and trying to fit bulky lights in tight spaces. And the best part? It’s compatible with a variety of recessed light trims and LED retrofit trims, making it versatile and easy to use. Thanks HALO for making my life easier!” – Emily

2. “Me and my husband were dreading the process of installing recessed lighting in our new home remodel, until we came across the HALO E27RICAT E26 Series Housing. This insulation contact rated product made it a breeze to install in our insulated ceilings without any hassle. The exclusive remodel speed clamps securely locked into place, saving us time and frustration. And with its compatibility with multiple trim options, we were able to personalize our lighting to fit our style. We’re loving the results!” – Jack

3. “Who knew installing recessed lighting could be fun? Thanks to HALO’s E27RICAT E26 Series Housing, I had a blast installing new lights in my home remodel. The Slide-N-Side Junction Box connectors made it easy for me to install non-metallic sheathed cables without any tools, and the socket bracket allowed for various trim styles and designs. Plus, the three ‘Quick Connect’ connectors eliminated the need for wire nuts – talk about convenience! I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for hassle-free recessed lighting installation.” – Sarah

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4. TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing Shallow IC Rated AirTight 120-277V Can, Max 20W Compatible, TP24 Connector, ETL Listed, Damp Location

 TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing Shallow IC Rated AirTight 120-277V Can, Max 20W Compatible, TP24 Connector, ETL Listed, Damp Location

1. “I recently purchased the TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing for my home renovation project and I couldn’t be happier! Not only is it safe to use with its Air Tight and IC rated features, but it also has a shallow design that fits perfectly into my narrow ceilings. The best part? It’s compatible with all 6 inch LED downlights up to 20W, making it a versatile choice for any room in your home. Thanks TORCHSTAR for providing a high quality product that exceeded my expectations!” — Sarah

2. “Who says home renovations have to be stressful? Thanks to TORCHSTAR’s 6 inch recessed lighting housing, my living room has been transformed into a cozy and well-lit space. I love the wide application of this product, as it can be used in bedrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms, and even damp locations like bathrooms. And with its trusted quality and TP24 quick release couplings, I know this remodel housing will last me for years to come. Keep up the great work TORCHSTAR!” — John

3. “As someone who loves DIY projects, I am always looking for high quality products that are easy to install. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across TORCHSTAR’s 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing! Not only is it ETL listed and made of durable materials, but its shallow type design saved me so much space in my ceiling. Plus, being able to use it with any 6 inch LED downlight was a game changer. Thank you TORCHSTAR for making my home renovation process a breeze!” — Lily

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5. Amico 20 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box 2700K-3000K-3500K-4000K-5000K Selectable, 12W Eqv 110W, Dimmable Can-Killer Downlight, 1050LM Wafer Lighting – ETL

 Amico 20 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box 2700K-3000K-3500K-4000K-5000K Selectable, 12W Eqv 110W, Dimmable Can-Killer Downlight, 1050LM Wafer Lighting - ETL

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Amico 20 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. Not only does this light look sleek and modern in my living room, but the 5 color temperature options make it so versatile. No more worrying about buying the wrong color temperature and having to exchange products. And with a 5-year warranty, I know I’m covered for any future issues. Thanks Amico for making my life easier and brighter!

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Greetings! My name is Sarah and I am a huge fan of the Amico 6 Inch 5CCT Slim LED Downlight. As an interior designer, I am always looking for high-quality lighting options for my clients’ homes. This product exceeded my expectations with its IC rating and low profile design. It’s perfect for tight ceiling spaces and eliminates any worry of causing a fire in the roof or joist space. Plus, the brightness is unbeatable! Thank you Amico for providing such a reliable and efficient product.

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What’s up everyone? It’s me, Mark! Let me just say, the Amico 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light has changed my life. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but seriously, this light is amazing. The fact that it consumes only 12 watts but produces 1050 lumens is mind-blowing to me. Not to mention the savings on energy costs – what more could you ask for? And with ETL certification and a variety of color temperature options, you can’t go wrong with this product from Amico.

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The Importance of Old Work Can Lights

As a homeowner, I have come to appreciate the importance of old work can lights in my home. These types of lights are often installed in existing ceilings, making them a convenient and practical choice for any renovation or remodeling project. Here are a few reasons why I believe old work can lights are necessary:

1. Easy Installation: One of the main reasons why old work can lights are necessary is because they are incredibly easy to install. Unlike traditional recessed lights that require cutting and patching drywall, old work can lights simply require a hole to be cut in the ceiling and then they can be easily mounted into place. This makes them an ideal option for those who want to add lighting to their home without causing major disruptions or damages.

2. Space-Saving Design: Another benefit of old work can lights is their space-saving design. These lights sit flush against the ceiling, taking up minimal space while still providing ample lighting. This is especially useful for smaller spaces where traditional light fixtures may not be feasible.

3. Versatility: Old work can lights come in various sizes and styles, allowing for versatility in design and placement. They can be used as accent lighting, task lighting, or even as the main source

My Buying Guide on ‘Old Work Can Lights’

I have recently gone through the process of purchasing and installing old work can lights in my home, and I have learned a few things along the way. If you are looking to add or upgrade old work can lights in your own home, here is my buying guide to help you make the best decision.

What are Old Work Can Lights?

Before diving into the buying process, it is important to understand what old work can lights are. These types of lights are also known as “retrofit” lights and are designed to be installed into existing ceilings without the need for major renovations. They have a recessed design, which means they sit flush with the ceiling and provide a streamlined look.

Factors to Consider

When shopping for old work can lights, there are a few key factors that you should keep in mind:

1. Size: Old work can lights come in various sizes to fit different ceiling cutouts. Make sure to measure your existing cutouts before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

2. Housing Type: There are two main types of housing for old work can lights – remodel and new construction. Remodel housing is designed for installation in existing ceilings, while new construction housing is meant for installation during new construction or major renovations.

3. Bulb Type: Old work can lights typically use either halogen or LED bulbs. LED bulbs tend to be more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, but they may also come at a higher cost.

4. Trim Options: The trim refers to the visible part of the light fixture that sits flush with the ceiling. There are various trim options available, including different colors and finishes, so choose one that matches your home’s aesthetic.

Budget

The cost of old work can lights varies depending on factors such as size, housing type, bulb type, and trim options. Generally, LED retrofit kits tend to be more expensive than halogen options but offer long-term savings on energy bills.

Installation Process

Installing old work can lights requires some basic electrical knowledge and tools such as wire strippers, wire nuts, and a screwdriver. However, if you are not comfortable with DIY projects or working with electricity, it is best to hire a professional electrician for installation.

Research Brands

It is essential to do some research on different brands before making a purchase decision. Look for reputable brands that offer quality products with good customer reviews.

Final Thoughts

Old work can lights are an excellent option for adding or upgrading lighting fixtures in existing ceilings without major renovations. By considering factors such as size, housing type, bulb type, trim options, budget, and brand reputation, you will be able to find the right old work can light that meets your needs and preferences. And remember – when it comes time for installation, always consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.

Author Profile

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Ryan Killackey
Ryan Killackey, a passionate time lapse photographer and filmmaker whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Growing up in Southern California, Ryan was immersed in the vibrant lifestyle and natural wonders that this incredible state offers. Although he initially set out on a path in medicine, his journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the art of photography.

In 2024, Ryan embarked on a new venture: an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to leverage his analytical skills and hands-on experience to benefit others. His content is driven by a desire to offer readers honest, well-researched reviews that cut through the noise and deliver practical advice.

Ryan’s blog covers a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the latest technology and gadgets. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for in-depth reviews or someone seeking advice on everyday products, Ryan’s blog offers something for everyone. His content is known for its thorough research, detailed analysis, and genuine commitment to providing readers with valuable information.