Whether selecting lighting replacements for existing fixtures or purchasing luminaires for a new drop ceiling, LEDs are the way to go. LED drop ceiling fixtures are an energy-efficient solution for various commercial and residential applications. Keep reading to learn more about recommended light fixtures, installation tips, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Drop Ceiling LED Lights Overview
What is a Drop Ceiling?
A drop ceiling, also known as a secondary, suspended ceiling, is installed lower than the actual ceiling. These ceilings are standard in many commercial spaces, such as offices, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as residential use in home offices and basements. There are many benefits to installing a drop ceiling, such as noise reduction, lower heating and cooling costs, and covering an unfinished, non-decorative ceiling.
Drop ceiling lighting refers to the type of lights used in these applications. The most common drop ceiling light fixtures are explained in the section below.
Types of Drop Ceiling Light Fixtures
Troffer Lights
LED troffer lights are energy-efficient lighting solutions that can be used in lieu of fluorescent troffers. Modern troffer lights have LEDs placed down the middle of the fixture, with a frosted lens to even the light distribution. The sizes available for troffer lights are 1x4, 2x2, and 2x4.
Panel Lights
LED flat panel lights can replace traditional fluorescent troffers and feature diffused lenses to provide uniform light distribution. These fixtures emit light throughout the entire panel. Panel lights come in the sizes 1x2, 1x4, 2x2, and 2x4.
Check out this buying guide from our affiliate, ICL, for more information on panel and troffer lights.
Grid Frame Lights
Grid frame light fixtures sit around ceiling tiles to illuminate the border. These lights have a unique, innovative design with flexible integration into the drop ceiling. Grid frames are available in 2x2 and 2x4.
Recessed Downlights
Recessed downlights are round light fixtures commonly used for overhead lighting in commercial and residential spaces. They are ideal if you want a less obtrusive look, since they’re compact and sit recessed into the ceiling, as given in their name. Typically, smaller downlights work better for accent lighting or in homes, while larger fixtures suit commercial applications. Drop ceiling recessed lights are available in 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches. Choose one of our low-glare fixture types to reduce eyestrain.
Read our Residential Downlighting Buying Guide to learn more.
Flush Mount Lights
Flush mount downlights feature an unobtrusive, modern design and sit flush against the ceiling. These fixtures work to replace existing downlights or as a new installation in both residential and commercial applications. These lights must mount to a junction box to install, with the tile cut out to fit it. Flush mount downlights generally come as round fixtures, but we do carry a square option. Choose from sizes ranging from 5-14 inches.
Retrofit Fixtures
Retrofit options are a seamless way to replace traditional drop ceiling lights with LEDs. We carry retrofit solutions for troffer lights and recessed downlights. Troffer retrofit kits feature a magnetic backing to fit into existing troffer fixtures without requiring a full replacement. Can light retrofit options can easily fit into existing housing to replace incandescent and fluorescent downlights.
Residential vs Commercial Applications
While the same types of drop ceiling fixtures are used for residential and commercial applications, the specifications on which exact fixture you choose will vary.
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Design Differences: The fixture’s style usually matters more for homes to ensure it matches the rest of the space. For a modern look, you might prefer our grid lights that sit around the ceiling tiles or the troffer lights with LEDs down the middle for an upgraded appearance over traditional fluorescent lights. The needed fixture size will also differ between residential and commercial applications since the lighting areas in homes tend to be smaller than in commercial drop ceilings.
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Lighting Needs: CCT, or Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), refers to the tone of white emitted from a bulb or fixture. Choose the color temperature for a space based on the desired mood. For example, a warm-toned white (3000K) can enhance relaxation and comfort in a residential setting. However, selecting a neutral or cool white (3500K or greater) improves focus and productivity in a commercial environment.
Another difference is the needed lighting levels (lux, lumens, and footcandles). You can refer to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations on the different lighting levels depending on the environment. The first chart shows the recommendations for residential use and the second chart is for commercial use.
This blog outlines a home lighting guide based on IES recommendations, or read this blog from our affiliate, ICL, for the recommended lighting levels for commercial and industrial spaces.
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Control Features: Installing Matter-compatible smart downlights in your home allows you to integrate your lighting into your smart ecosystems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. For example, program your Alexa to turn lights off at night with a command like "Good night, Alexa."
However, a business might benefit more from lights integrated with Networked Lighting Controls, with options like controlling multiple lighting zones simultaneously, setting up scheduling, and reducing energy waste. Read this blog from our affiliate, ICL, for more information.
LED Drop Ceiling Lights Installation
Drop ceilings provide a streamlined installation. Panel, troffer, and grid lights fit into the ceiling tiles without requiring permanent alterations.
How to Cut Ceiling Tiles for a Drop Ceiling?
To install downlights in a new drop ceiling application, you must cut holes in the tile the size of the fixture to ensure they fit correctly. Follow the steps below to cut the tile properly.
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Measure the size of the light and mark it on the ceiling tile. Make your initial measurement smaller than the exact size to ensure the hole isn’t too big for the fixture.
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Then, use a utility knife to cut a hole in the tile.
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After you cut the initial hole, try to install the light. If the light doesn’t fit, continue to make the circle larger in smaller increments until the downlight fits comfortably.
Verify your product installation manual for exact details pertaining to the wiring connections, and use spring clips to snap the downlight into place.
Do I Need an Electrician to Install Drop Ceiling Lights or Can I Do It Myself?
Check your product’s user manual to determine if an electrician is needed. You should also check with your local government for any ordinances related to installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Swap Out Traditional Drop Ceiling Fixtures With LEDs?
Upgrade your existing lighting with LEDs to receive all the benefits included with LEDs.
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Better Light Distribution: Our LED drop ceiling lights provide a uniform light distribution without flicker. This technology allows them to comfortably be in workspaces and homes without worrying about glare or eye strain.
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Long-Term Savings: While LEDs may seem more expensive upfront, many factors in this lighting technology will save you more money in the long run. One is the higher energy efficiency. LEDs consume less energy than fluorescent and halogen fixtures, saving you money on electricity bills. LEDs also have a longer lifespan than traditional fixtures, reducing the replacement and maintenance costs associated with the lights.
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Selectable CCT and Wattage: Selectable CCT and wattage products increase flexibility because you can change the CCT or wattage to the value you need. Selectable CCT fixtures feature different CCT presets that you can adjust via a switch, this is typically easier to do before installation, but can be done after. Our tunable CCT selections let you change the color temperature after installation with a remote or smartphone.
Are Dimmable Options Available for LED Drop Ceiling Lights?
Yes, our product selection features dimmable lighting options. Check with your specific fixture to verify what type of dimming it uses. Common dimming options include 0-10V, 1-10V, TRIode for Alternating Current (TRIAC), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), and remote/app control.
Are These Lights Certified by UL, DLC, ETL, or Energy Star Standards?
We carry lights certified by the UL, DLC, ETL, and Energy Star requirements. Selecting a product with one or more of these certifications or listings can help you feel confident that it’s safe to install. The different organizations and standards are explained below:
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UL: Underwriters Laboratories has created their own set safety and testing standards to ensure products are safe to use. UL has different certifications, including: UL Listed (for various lighting products), Certified by UL (for retrofit lighting), UL Classified (new system that features UL Listed and UL Classified lighting), or UL Recognized (for components of lighting, such as power supply and power cords).
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DLC: DesignLights Consortium is an organization that aims to increase product energy efficiency. DLC-certified products undergo testing to verify their high energy efficiency and light quality. We also carry products with a DLC Premium Certification, indicating they’ve met more rigorous standards of energy efficiency and light quality.
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Energy Star: Energy Star is a government standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to increase the number of cost-effective, energy-efficient products available.
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ETL: Intertek founded the Electrical Testing Laboratories Certification to test products to determine whether they meet safety standards. ETL tests products using the requirements set by UL.
How Much Does Running Drop Ceiling Lights in a Home Cost Per Year?
The exact cost of running drop ceiling lights per year will vary based on several factors, including fixture type, usage, lighting technology, and your electricity rate. However, one consistent fact is that using LEDs instead of fluorescents, halogens, and incandescents will reduce your year-to-year costs due to their high energy efficiency.
You can calculate the energy consumption with the following formula:
Energy-usage (kWh) = (wattage x hours of use per day x days of operation per year) / 100
You would then multiply the answer to the above equation by the electricity rate of your area. This will differ from location to location, but average rates range between $.10-$.25 per kWh
For more information about how to calculate the annual cost of a light fixture, read this blog from our affiliate, ICL.
Do Residential Drop Ceiling Lights Come With Warranties?
Yes, all our drop ceiling products feature competitive warranties. We back our products with at least a 2-year warranty; however, most of our drop ceiling lights come with warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years. Lifetime warranties are available for select strip light fixtures!
Shop now!
Find the right lighting choice for your drop ceiling today! If you have any product questions or need assistance selecting the right fixture for your application, contact one of our product support specialists at 866-590-3533 or fill out our contact form.
by Emily Willis
LED Lighting Specialist
Emily has undergone training to provide technically accurate lighting knowledge on the uses and benefits of LEDs in residential, landscape, commercial, and vehicle applications. These blogs help understand and select lighting for various projects.
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