Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Major Callaham photo
1 Level
808 Review
78 Karma

Review on TORCHSTAR Essential Slim Can Killer Downlight Electrical component for Industrial Lighting by Major Callaham

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Not as good as expected for Torchstar

I discovered Torchstar recessed lights a few years ago on a small renovation project. On my current project I bought the Jullison brand to save a few bucks but the audible "buzz" inspired me to return them and buy Torchstar products because of the good experience I had and the dimming range ( allegedly) is only 5 units. % (most boring to 10%). Unfortunately the quality was not what I had experienced with previous Torchstar purchases. Few issues, but being a basic product I couldn't help but notice: screws were loose (tight, check!) on a couple of fastener bodies - two retaining clips broke off during installation (watch your fingers when They're trying to snap or remove!) - Torchstar flashlights come with twist-on wire connectors instead of plug-in connectors, which greatly increases installation time (Jullisons come with push-wire connectors, which are much quicker to install) - and. The foam isolator o-ring feels too large and chunky. more about that. The foam gasket is designed to keep air from flowing through the mounting hole, but it just couldn't take its shape behind the case without a lot of effort. The Jullison lights I sent back didn't even take this into account. (The gaskets on the Jullison fasteners were scored and left in place.) Benefits? - Shading up to 5% - The packaging is pretty innovative, but the shipping is free so it literally doesn't matter. Miscellaneous: - The Torchstar has a thin threaded wire. this is shorter than the power connector between the driver and the mount, its purpose is stated as a safety measure to prevent the device from falling or hanging from the power cord, but in reality it just gets in the way. Personally, I could live without this annoyance. Uninstalling it is an extra step that I would suggest if you have a few to install and some help or extra time. I would return these lights but I went to the trouble of installing them (using twisted wire nuts), they worked AND we had guests planned for the holiday and we had to move on. So a few things. I am NOT trying to sell Jullison lights. (Eventually I told you they had issues.) I just want you to know that there are other brands out there and it seems like Torchstar is relaxing quality control measures compared to a lesser known brand (like Jullison) who trying to gain market share. There may be other brands by looking at these LED lights or you can see for yourself if I'm right. If you buy these lights after reading this review, you can be satisfied as your expectations have been set in advance. Much luck!

Pros
  • 💡Ultra-Thin Lighting: This ultra-thin LED downlight only takes up 2 inches of ceiling space, perfect for ceilings that don't fit the housing. Metal spring clips hold the light in place, making installation easy and ensuring long life.
Cons
  • Unsure.