skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

What size fits a 3 inch can?

12 years ago

I installed several halo H38LVICAT cans. These are listed as 3 inch cans. So, I went out and bought some 3 inch trim kits. They were too small and didn't fit. I ordered different 3 inch trim kits from another manufacturer. They also were too small. I called the maker of the trim kits who basically said there wasn't really a standard. I measured my cans and sure enough they are about three and a half inches in diameter.

Am I stuck buying Halo trim? I had wanted chrome trim but they don't make those.

Thanks,

Joe

Comments (3)

brickeyee
12 years ago
Welcome to the world of 'nominal' dimensions.

For cans, you often need to use the same manufacturer's trim for things to align correctly.
petey_racer
12 years ago
For the most part, recessed lighting trims are proprietary, meaning you have to install trims from the same manufacturer and series. So a Lightolier "6 inch" can's trims will NOT fit a Halo 6" can (actually 6-3/4").

Some home center brands will fit name brand cans though. Like HD sells Commercial Electric trims that fit Halo cans.

Your H38 series are quite unique though, and I'm pretty sure only Halo trims will fit.
Related Professionals
Arizona City General Contractors · Ashburn General Contractors · North Tustin General Contractors · Coto De Caza Solar Energy Systems · Hayward Solar Energy Systems · Sanger Solar Energy Systems · Waltham Solar Energy Systems · Allen Home Automation & Home Media · Ashburn Home Automation & Home Media · Asheville Home Automation & Home Media · Castle Rock Home Automation & Home Media · Chicago Home Automation & Home Media · Garden Grove Home Automation & Home Media · Springfield Home Automation & Home Media · Wilmington Home Automation & Home Media
joeboldt
Original Author
12 years ago
Sigh. Thanks for the info. They're installed so I guess Halo trim is what it will be.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

THE HARDWORKING HOME CES 2015: Inching Toward a Smarter Home

By Mitchell Parker

Companies are betting big on connected devices in 2015. Here’s a look at what’s to come

GARDENING GUIDES 3 Easy Ways You Can Garden for Nature

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Your choice of plants can help wildlife while cleaning the air and water

DECORATING GUIDES Wall Art for Traditional Living Rooms Can Fit or Break the Mold

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Tips on How to Pick a Piece That You Love, From Paintings to Mirrors, Classic to Contemporary

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Entryway Appeal Can Hinge on a Pivot Door

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Larger, heavier and often more dramatic than their swinging cousins, pivot doors fit right in with modern homes

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Fit a Breakfast Bar Into a Narrow Kitchen

By Kathryn Peltier Design

Yes, you can have a casual dining space in a width-challenged kitchen, even if there’s no room for an island

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: A Studio Makes the Most of Every Inch

Thoughtful design transforms a neglected London flat into a stylish multitasking home

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorator: 25 Fab Projects With 1 Paint Can

By Laura Gaskill

Whether there's only an inch left or your paint can overfloweth, these household painting projects will get your creative juices flowing

ORGANIZING How to Design Built-Ins That Fit Your Needs

By Becky Harris

Tips for designing built-in bookshelves and storage

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Design Fix: How to Fit an Island Into a Small Kitchen

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Maximize your cooking prep area and storage even if your kitchen isn't huge with an island sized and styled to fit

GARDENING GUIDES Designing With Conifers: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Landscape

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Conifers range from fairy-garden size to 70 feet tall. Here’s how to decifer the plant tag for the perfect long-term fit in your garden

More Discussions

South Wire Romex brand 14 -22 Vs Republic Wire Inc brand 14-2 wire?

2

Need advice for bathroom recessed lighting placement

3

How to place outlets within 24" of a sink (with dishwashers)

27

undercounter power strip and lighting

3

Is Hubbell the only UL listed pop-up outlet for NYC Kitchen island?

4