LR6 - 6" LED retrofit module by Cree LLS

LED White Lighting for residential and commercial applications is now practical, both in performance & economics. Cree has received national recognition for the performance of their products, including having won numerous government awards. They have made “going green” easy, affordable, and ready to install. Cree LED Lighting Solutions: http://www.creells.com/

6” (LR6) Downlight Features
Available in warm (2700K, LR6) and neutral (3500K, LR6C) color temperatures
12 watts per fixture, 650 lumens
50,000 hour lamp life (approx. 20 years for residential use)
Contains NO mercury
92+ CRI, Damp Location Rated
Designed for new construction or retrofitting existing applications
Fits into many new and existing 6” housings, including IC rated housings
Dimming capabilities to 25% of full

The manufacturer's website is wonderful and easy to use. In the upper right corner they have a download center that gets you spec sheets on all products, ies files, housings/dimmers compatibility and more. Their website also features a "news" tab that shows so many accomplishments, awards, ratings, high profile installations (including installing their new 2x2 troffers in the Pentagon).http://www.creells.com/PressRelease.aspx?ID=33

Options and differences: The key to the LR6 is to not make it complicated. So here's the skinny on the options:

1. Each 6" downlight is available in a medium base (Edison Base) and a Gu-24 base. Typical retrofit applications will have existing medium base. New construction, California residents (title 24 compliance) will be the ones to typically use the GU-24 base. Cost of LED module would be the same regardless of base.

2. They have an adjustable 'eyeball' version available. You can't add an 'eyeball trim' to an existing LED module, you would buy LE6 version (choose base/color temp), which comes standard with the adjustable 'eyeball'.

3. There is a surface mount housing available to put a standard LR6 into. Offered in white and black.

4. Cree also offers a line of new construction housings. What makes their housing special is that it's rated for 12w only. This means if you're running HVAC loads on a new building, you only have to account for a max of 12W to be used in that fixture--period.

5. The standard LR6 is all one piece (no loose trim), and you do not need to buy a separate trim, but if you want to 'jazz' up the look a bit, they have additional trims you can buy to add to the fixture.

A quick internet search for "LR6" reveals you can get these LED modules many places for under $100. These are great for residential or commercial use. By way of commercial use, imagine retrofitting a 10 story building and not have anyone call about a light bulb needing changed for 8+ years (or 16+ years if ran 12hrs a day/5 days a week). Imagine being able to easily dim the lights in your office to 50% on most days because the window provides the rest of the light needed or dim more if you have a headache.

You don't see the LEDs, you can look at it without seeing spots for 5 minutes afterwards, there are no loose parts, it's quick and easy and relatively inexpensive as compared to 'competition'. Definitely check it out, put a couple on your front porch or in an office at your business, see if people notice.

NOTE: Look for future blog on Cree's TrueWhite™ Technology, how they get white light, and how their method is not only different, but better for numerous reasons!