Quick math: 10 recessed lights × 65W incandescent = 650W. Replace with LED? Under 100W total.
That’s the difference we’re talking about. And if you’re searching for LED downlights in Canada, you’re probably already sold on the energy savings. Now you just need to find a reliable source.
Here’s the short answer: Votatec supplies CSA-certified LED downlights designed specifically for the Canadian market. Direct importer pricing, products rated for our climate, and options for both residential and commercial applications.
But let’s back up. Before you buy, you should understand what makes a quality LED downlight, which size fits your space, and what features actually matter. That way you’re not just buying cheap, you’re buying smart.
Quick Spec Box: LED Downlights at a Glance
| Specification | Typical Range |
| Sizes | 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″ |
| Wattage | 7W-18W (replaces 50W-100W) |
| Lumens | 500-1500 lm |
| Colour Temperature | 2700K-5000K |
| CRI | 80-90+ |
| Lifespan | 35,000-50,000 hours |
| Certifications | CSA, Energy Star, cUL, IC Rated |
What Are Recessed LED Downlights?
Recessed LED downlights are light fixtures installed into the ceiling so the light sits flush with the surface. You don’t see a bulky fixture hanging down. Just a clean, modern look with light directed downward.
They’re called “recessed” because the housing sits inside the ceiling cavity. The visible part, the trim, sits flush or slightly below the ceiling plane. This creates that sleek, minimal appearance you see in modern homes and commercial spaces.
Recessed LED downlights replaced the older incandescent and CFL versions that ran hot and burned out constantly. LED versions use a fraction of the energy, last years longer, and produce better quality light.
You’ll find them everywhere now. Kitchens, living rooms, hallways, offices, retail stores, restaurants. Pretty much any space that needs general or task lighting without visible fixtures cluttering the ceiling.
LED Pot Lights vs LED Downlights: Same Thing?
Yes. In Canada, we typically call them pot lights. Americans say recessed lights or can lights. The lighting industry uses “downlights.” All the same thing.
The term “pot light” comes from the shape of the original housings, which looked like upside-down pots installed in the ceiling. The name stuck, at least in Canada.
So when you’re shopping, don’t get confused by terminology. LED pot lights, LED downlights, recessed LED lights, and LED can lights all refer to the same product category. Search for any of these terms and you’ll find what you need.
Types of LED Downlight Fixtures
LED downlight fixtures come in several styles. Your choice depends on your ceiling type, installation situation, and aesthetic preferences.
New Construction Housings
These install before the ceiling goes up. They attach to joists and include the complete housing. Best for new builds or major renovations where ceilings are open.
Retrofit LED Downlights
Retrofit kits replace the bulb and trim in existing housings. If you already have recessed cans with old incandescent or CFL bulbs, retrofits are the easiest upgrade. No new wiring, no cutting holes. Just swap the old trim for the new LED unit.
Slim LED Downlights
Also called ultra-thin or wafer lights. These have no traditional housing. The LED panel mounts directly to the ceiling with a small junction box above. Only about 1/2″ thick, they work great in spaces with limited ceiling depth, like basements with low clearance or ceilings with lots of obstacles.
IC Rated vs Non-IC
IC rated means “insulation contact.” These fixtures can safely touch insulation without overheating. If your ceiling has insulation above it (most do), you need IC rated downlights. Non-IC fixtures require clearance from insulation, which complicates installation.
Always check the rating before buying. Using non-IC fixtures in insulated ceilings is a fire hazard.
4-Inch LED Downlights: Compact and Versatile
4-inch LED downlights work well in smaller spaces or where you want more fixtures with tighter spacing. They’re popular in hallways, closets, bathrooms, and kitchens where you might cluster several lights together.
Typical output: 600-900 lumens at 9-12W. That’s equivalent to a 50-65W incandescent.
The smaller diameter creates a more focused beam. Good for task lighting or accent lighting. Less ideal as the sole light source in a large room.
6-Inch LED Downlights: The Popular Choice
6-inch LED downlights are the standard for most residential and commercial applications. They provide broader light coverage and higher output than 4-inch models.
Typical output: 900-1200 lumens at 12-15W. Equivalent to 75-90W incandescent.
For general room lighting, 6-inch is usually the right choice. One fixture covers more area, so you need fewer total fixtures. In a typical 12×12 room, four 6-inch downlights provide excellent coverage.
| Size | Best For | Typical Spacing | Output Range |
| 4-inch | Hallways, task areas, accents | 3-4 feet | 600-900 lm |
| 6-inch | Living rooms, kitchens, offices | 5-6 feet | 900-1200 lm |
| 8-inch | Commercial, high ceilings | 6-8 feet | 1200-1500 lm |
How to Choose the Best LED Downlights
Choosing the best LED downlights comes down to five factors: size, lumens, colour temperature, dimmability, and certifications.
- Lumens, Not Watts
Forget wattage. Lumens measure actual light output. A 10W LED might produce 800 lumens, while a cheap 10W LED produces only 600. Same wattage, different brightness.
For reference:
- 450 lumens ≈ 40W incandescent
- 800 lumens ≈ 60W incandescent
- 1100 lumens ≈ 75W incandescent
- Colour Temperature
Measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers are warmer (yellowish), higher numbers are cooler (bluish-white).
- 2700K: Warm, cozy. Best for living rooms, bedrooms.
- 3000K: Soft white. Good for kitchens, bathrooms, general use.
- 4000K: Cool white. Popular in offices, retail, task areas.
- 5000K: Daylight. Very bright and crisp. Workspaces, garages.
Most homes use 2700K-3000K. Commercial spaces often prefer 4000K.
- CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
CRI measures how accurately colours appear under the light. Scale of 0-100, with 100 being perfect. For residential use, look for CRI 80 or higher. For retail or anywhere colour accuracy matters, go for CRI 90+.
- Dimmable LED Downlights: What to Look For
Not all LED downlights are dimmable. And even dimmable LEDs don’t work with every dimmer switch.
If you want dimmable LED downlights, check three things:
- The fixture is labelled dimmable. Non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer will flicker, buzz, or fail.
- Your dimmer is LED-compatible. Old incandescent dimmers often cause problems. Look for dimmers rated for LED or CFL.
- The dimming range. Some LEDs dim to 10%, others to 1%. If you want very low light levels, check the specs.
Dimming extends LED lifespan and saves additional energy. Worth the small extra cost for most applications.
Where to Buy LED Downlights in Canada
Finding LED downlights in Canada isn’t hard. Finding quality ones with proper certifications? That takes more attention.
What to Look For in a Supplier
- CSA or cUL certification: Required for electrical products in Canada. Don’t buy uncertified fixtures.
- Canadian voltage compatibility: Our standard is 120V. Imported fixtures might be 220V.
- Temperature ratings: Products should handle Canadian climate extremes, especially for exterior or unheated spaces.
- Warranty and support: Local support matters when something goes wrong.
- Contractor programs: If you’re a contractor, volume pricing and project support save time and money.
Big box stores carry LED downlights, but selection is limited and staff knowledge varies. Electrical distributors offer more options but often focus on commercial accounts. Online retailers have everything, but certification verification can be tricky.
The Direct Importer Advantage
Buying from a direct importer like Votatec cuts out middlemen. You get manufacturer-quality products at better prices because there are fewer markups along the way.
Direct importers also have closer relationships with factories. That means input on product design, quality control, and access to the latest technology before it hits mainstream retail.
Why Buy LED Downlights from Votatec
Votatec is a Canadian LED lighting distributor specializing in products built for our market. Here’s what that means for you.
1- CSA Certified Products
Every Votatec LED downlight carries CSA certification. This isn’t optional, it’s the baseline. The CSA Group tests and certifies electrical products for Canadian safety standards. If it doesn’t have the mark, it shouldn’t go in your ceiling.
2- Built for Canadian Conditions
LED performance depends on temperature. Cheap imports designed for mild climates can fail in Canadian winters, especially in garages, porches, or unheated spaces. Votatec products are rated for the temperature extremes we actually experience, from -40°C to +50°C.
3- Direct Importer Pricing
As a direct importer, Votatec offers pricing that competes with or beats big box stores, but with better product quality and selection. No distributor markup, no retail markup. Just straightforward pricing.
4- Energy Star and DLC Options
Many Votatec LED downlights qualify for Energy Star certification or are DLC listed. This matters for two reasons: verified efficiency and rebate eligibility.
Provincial utility programs like Ontario’s SaveOnEnergy and BC Hydro’s rebates often require Energy Star or DLC qualification. Buying qualified products means you can access those incentives.
5- Contractor and Commercial Programs
For electrical contractors and commercial buyers, Votatec offers volume pricing, project quotes, and technical support. If you’re lighting a whole building, not just one room, that support makes a difference.
According to Natural Resources Canada, switching to LED can reduce lighting energy use by up to 75%. For commercial buildings, that’s significant operational savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About LED Downlights
How many LED downlights do I need per room?
A general rule: one 6-inch downlight per 25-35 square feet of floor space. A 12×12 room (144 sq ft) needs about 4-6 fixtures depending on ceiling height and desired brightness. Kitchens and task areas need more light, living rooms and bedrooms need less. Use a lighting calculator or consult with a supplier for specific recommendations.
Can I replace my old pot lights with LED?
Yes, and it’s usually straightforward. Retrofit LED kits fit into existing housings. Remove the old bulb and trim, connect the LED retrofit, and snap it into place. No new wiring required. Just make sure the retrofit is compatible with your housing size (4″, 5″, 6″, etc.).
Are LED downlights worth the cost?
Absolutely. LED downlights cost more upfront than incandescent, but they use 75-85% less energy and last 25-50 times longer. A $20 LED that lasts 25,000 hours beats a $3 incandescent that lasts 1,000 hours. Do the math over 10 years and LED wins easily, even before counting energy savings.
What’s the difference between IC and non-IC rated?
IC rated (Insulation Contact) fixtures can safely touch ceiling insulation. Non-IC fixtures need 3″ clearance from insulation to prevent overheating. Most residential installations require IC rated fixtures. Check your local electrical code and fixture specifications before installing.
Do LED downlights work in cold temperatures?
Yes, LEDs actually perform better in cold conditions. Unlike CFLs, which struggle to start in cold weather, LEDs turn on instantly at any temperature. For garages, porches, and unheated spaces, LED is the best choice. Just verify your specific fixture is rated for the temperature range you need.
Get Quality LED Downlights for Your Next Project
LED downlights combine energy efficiency, long life, and clean aesthetics. Whether you’re upgrading an existing home, building new, or lighting a commercial space, choosing the right fixtures matters.
Quick recap:
- Recessed LED downlights (pot lights) install flush with the ceiling
- 4-inch for task areas and accents, 6-inch for general lighting
- Look for: CSA certification, IC rating, appropriate lumens and colour temperature
- Dimmable options require compatible fixtures AND dimmer switches
Votatec carries a complete range of CSA-certified LED downlights in multiple sizes, colour temperatures, and styles. All products are designed for Canadian electrical standards and backed by local support.
Request a quote today or browse our LED downlight collection to find the right fit for your project.
