Ultimate 6 Inch Recessed Lighting LED Shootout

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Brand Commercial Electric Halo Ecosmart Sylvania Utilitech
Model  CER6741-X  RL560WH-R  ECO-575L  LED RT6  DLS02-61327D1E-WF1
Price as Tested $39.96 $49.97 $34.97 $39.98 $25.98
Brightness 695 Lumens 600 Lumens 575 Lumens 700 Lumens 800 Lumens
Color Temperature 3000 K 3039 K 2700 K 3000 K 2700 K
Color Accuracy 83 CRI 83 CRI 90 CRI 82 CRI 82 CRI
Wattage 11 Watts 9.4 Watts 9.5 Watts 11 Watts 13 Watts
Warranty 3 Yr 3 Yr 3 Yr 5 Yr 5 Yr
Dimmable Y Y Y Y Y
AirTight Rated Y Y N N Has Gasket
Wet Location Rated Y Y Y Y Damp Only
Turn On Time Very Long Near Instant Instant Long Instant
Mounting Depth Shallow Medium Deepest Deep Shallow
Trim Ring Size Large Small Medium Large Large

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Garage Exterior Lighting

Update (12/29/16): Cree has changed the standard bulb to the plastic FlowForm version. This does not have the weather resistance offered by the original bulb. You can find the older 75w (13.5w) version here:

One of the very first lighting changes I made to my house was to replace the 13 Watt GE Helical CFLs on the front of my garage with the new Cree 9 Watt Daylight LED Light Bulbs. When I moved into the house I left these lights on 24/7, and there was concern about the power draw from leaving the lights on all time, causing me to look into LED replacements. I quickly searched the web for “best LED light bulb” and stumbled upon the Cree’s. I found one review that said they were the best, and I already knew they were selling for the lowest price at roughly $10 per bulb.

The name Cree is synonymous with high quality LED lighting, they build the diodes found in most high-end flashlights, and light engines for most professional stage lighting. Now with their foray into consumer lighting they’ve proven themselves again. These bulbs turn on instantly, are dimmable, a have very high CRI (90 or greater) ratings powered by the Cree TrueWhite® technology.

Long story short, I stopped by Home Depot, who happens to be the exclusive retailer of Cree bulbs, and picked some up. I installed them and the change blew me away. I use to be able to make out the driveway at night, now the driveway is fully illuminated and part of the street is too. No holds barred, I think these are the best screw in LED bulb money can buy right now. If you’re looking for a screw in replacement you can stop, just buy these.

GE Helical CFL on the Left vs Cree 9 Watt Daylight LED Bulb

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After Replacing Both Bulbs with the Cree Daylight LED Bulb, Garage Lights On For Color Temperature Comparison

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Install: How To Replace A Fixture

How To Replace A Fixture LED 3

So you’ve decided to make the jump, you went out and picked up a brand new LED fixture and you’re ready to install it. What now? Well it probably came with instructions that you already placed in the trash, so I’ll try cover the main points.

Disclaimer: This guide is not meant to be a substitute for common sense or the manual that came with the fixture, use those first.  I am not a licensed electrician.

Continue reading “Install: How To Replace A Fixture”