What Are the Differences Between Recessed, Surface, and Suspended Mounting

There are various mounting options to attach lighting fixtures to ceiling, wall, or floor. Recessed mounting, surface mounting, and suspended mounting are three of the most commonly used mounting ways for industrial lighting fixtures. For some fixtures, former mounting ways are all available. Customers may confused about which mounting way is optimal for their applications. This post would like to introduce recessed mounting, surface mounting, and suspended mounting,  and their difference. Having knowledge about the three common mounting ways helps to select the right mounting way for specific applications and ensures the high performance of lighting fixtures.

What is Recessed Mounting

Recessed mounting installs the fixtures into the precise hole in the ceiling. Fixtures emit downward light from the hole in the ceiling. The openings for recessing fixtures should be prepared before mounting, and the sizes of openings should be compatible with fixtures. With the help of recessed mounting, fixtures are nearly hidden and flush with the ceiling. The space looks compact and modish if fixtures are recessed mounted. Therefore, fixtures with recessed mounting can fit well with any application, even if the fixtures are in different shapes and sizes. Recessed mounting is great for places with lower ceilings or places without enough height to hang the fixtures. These places may include warehouses and gas stations. Although fixtures applied to recessed mounting are not expensive, costs for electrical work, construction, and installation are significantly higher than other mounting ways.

What is Surface Mounting

Surface mounting means that fixtures are mounted on a flat surface and protruded away from the surface. Surface mounting is the easiest and low-cost way to mount the fixtures. Opening is not required in surface mounting. Fixtures are exposed directly in the space. Surface mounting includes mounting fixtures to a wall, boulder, pergola, etc. Surface mounting that attaches fixtures to the ceiling is known as ceiling mounting, which is widely utilized in the industrial environment. Surface mounting is ideal for mounting fixtures on the little areas between structural ceilings, making the fixtures integrated with the whole ceiling. On other occasions, like warehouses with exposed ceilings or dropdown ceilings, surface mounting is the optimal option. Because recessed mounting is nearly impossible to carry out. 

What is Suspended Mounting

Suspended mounting refers to hanging the fixtures from the ceiling or other building structures by cords, chains, straps, rods, wires, etc. Suspended mounting displays fixtures like long necklaces, decorating the applications as well as providing sufficient illumination. As industrial fixtures are heavier than normal fixtures, materials used for hanging fixtures should be durable and long-lasting. Moreover, neither cords, wires, or other hanging tools are rigid, they are possible to swing due to vibration. Thus, ensuring the hanging tools are firmly mounted on the ceiling or other building structures is critical. Fixtures are also supposed to be connected firmly with chains or other hanging tools. Since suspended mounting hangs the fixtures from the ceiling or other building structures and the fixtures are nearer to the ground, it is a wonderful choice for tall and large spaces.

Differences Between Recessed, Surface, and Suspended Mounting

• Cost

Cost is always the key consideration of every lighting project. It has a direct relationship with profits and the choices of mounting way. Generally speaking, recessed mounting is the most expensive selection. It needs about 4 to 5 times more fixtures to illuminate the same area. Additionally, recessed mounting requires advanced and precise holed for recessing fixtures while surface mounting and suspended mounting are not. It is obvious that recessed mounting is of higher cost than others. However, the choice of mounting way is not based on the cost solely. Though surface mounting is cheaper, it may be not capable of meeting the requirements or regulations of specific applications. For example, recessed mounting but not surface mounting is often utilized to mount the fixtures for the canopy in gas stations.

• Application

Almost all the mounting ways can be applied to the lighting project before or during the construction period. Lighting retrofit or remodel, however, has stricter requirements for mounting methods. Recessed mounting is not a good option for lighting retrofit or remodeling. Precise holes and more wires are needed for recessed mounting. Furthermore, wires should be chained appropriately between the fixtures. Therefore, it would be better to use recessed mounting for the new lighting project. Recessed mounting is great for places with lower ceilings or places without enough height to hang the fixtures. In contrast, surface mounting applies to all applications, including lighting construction and retrofit. It just needs a flat surface to mount the fixtures. Suspended mounting hangs the fixtures from the ceiling or other building structures. It shortens the length between fixtures and illuminated areas. Suspended mounting is ideal for tall and large spaces.

• Aesthetic effect

Fixtures not only provide illumination but also decorate the spaces. Different mounting ways bring contracting aesthetic effects. As fixtures are nearly hidden and flush with the ceiling, recessed mounting makes the space look clean and compact. Surface mounting and suspended mounting expose fixtures directly to the space, making fixtures more attractive. Fixtures with surface mounting and suspended mounting also can be ornaments in the space. However, opinions of aesthetic effect vary among people. Some people think recessed lights are cheap and rigid. Some people think surface and suspended lights are messy and disordered. In consequence, there is no definite conclusion as to which mounting way is more aesthetic. It depends on your desired lighting appearance and the lighting requirements of the space.

Our lighting ffixtures come with multiple optional mounting ways. We also provide relevant accessories to accomplish your desired mounting methods for your projects. If you need a customized lighting solution, don’t hesitate to contact us.