LED DownlightsRetrofit Kit
Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20 LED Downlight Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 5 in. LED downlight retrofit kit, with verified specifications.
- Light output700 lumens
- Power7.5 W
- Efficacy93.3 lm/W
- Color temp.2700–5000K (selectable)
About the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20
Commercial Electric model NS01fA08FR2-20 is a 5 in. LED downlight retrofit kit that meets ENERGY STAR requirements for light output, efficacy and color quality. It produces 700 lumens from 7.5 W of input power, an efficacy of 93.3 lumens per watt. That efficacy is better than 84% of the 614 Retrofit Kit models in our database.
Light quality: the fixture offers selectable color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, or 5000K and a color rendering index of 94, which renders skin tones, wood and fabrics accurately.
Notable features include continuous dimming and a wet-location rating. The rated light-source life is 102,000 hours.
Specifications
| Brand | Commercial Electric |
|---|---|
| Model number | NS01fA08FR2-20 |
| Fixture type | Retrofit Kit |
| Nominal size / aperture | 5 in. |
| Light output | 700 lumens |
| Input power | 7.5 W |
| Efficacy | 93.3 lm/W |
| Color temperature(s) | 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K |
| Color rendering index (CRI) | 94 |
| Rated light-source life | 102,000 hours |
| Power factor | 0.96 |
| Continuously dimmable | Yes |
| Location rating | Wet location |
| Indoor / outdoor use | Indoor |
| Electrical connection | E26 screw-in adapter, GU24 twist-lock adapter |
| Tunable / selectable white | Yes |
| Full-color tunable | No |
| Selectable light output | No |
| Occupancy sensor | No |
| Connected (smart) capable | No |
Safety information
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker — not just the wall switch — before installing, removing or servicing the fixture, and confirm the circuit is dead with a non-contact voltage tester.
- Installation must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) or Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and local codes. Many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician and a permit for new fixture locations or new wiring; if you are not comfortable with household wiring, hire one.
- Use only the junction box, housing, or mounting hardware specified in the installation instructions, and do not exceed the box-fill limits of the junction box.
- Install the fixture only on a circuit whose voltage matches the label, and never modify the LED driver or module.
- Connect dimmable fixtures only to dimmers the manufacturer lists as compatible, and keep the total connected LED load within the dimmer's LED rating (often much lower than its incandescent rating).
Installation and first-time setup
A retrofit kit installs into an existing recessed housing (can) and replaces the old lamp and trim. This kit is sized for 5 in. housings; measure the inside diameter of your can before buying, because sizes are nominal.
- Turn off power
Switch off the breaker feeding the circuit and verify with a voltage tester. Let any old incandescent or halogen lamp cool before touching it.
- Remove the old lamp and trim
Unscrew the existing bulb, then pull down the old trim and unhook its springs or clips from the housing.
- Connect the adapter
Screw the kit's E26 adapter into the existing lamp socket (or use the GU24 adapter if your housing has a GU24 socket), then plug the adapter lead into the connector on the LED module.
- Set the options first
Choose the color temperature with the selector on the module or driver before installing — it is hard to reach once the trim is up. Then tuck the leads up into the housing so they are not pinched.
- Attach and push up the trim
Fit the torsion springs into the housing's receivers or let the friction clips grip the can wall, then push the trim up until it sits flush with the ceiling.
- Restore power and test
Turn the breaker back on and test the fixture across the full dimmer range.
Because this fixture is wet-location rated, it is suitable for locations exposed to water, such as covered porches, eaves and shower areas where the manual permits. Code requires fixtures within 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically of a tub rim or shower threshold to be rated at least for damp locations — wet-location rated where subject to shower spray — and a GFCI-protected circuit is often required in these areas.
Using your downlight
Dimming
The fixture dims continuously. Check the manufacturer's compatibility list: most LED drivers work best with trailing-edge (ELV) or LED-rated dimmers, and some dimmers have a low-end trim adjustment that stops flicker at the bottom of the range.
Choosing a color temperature
This fixture can be set to 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, or 5000K. Set every fixture in a room to the same setting — mismatched color temperatures are very noticeable.
| Setting | Appearance | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm white, similar to incandescent | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas |
| 3000K | Soft warm white, similar to halogen | Kitchens, living spaces, hospitality |
| 3500K | Neutral warm | Kitchens, retail, offices |
| 4000K | Neutral / cool white | Offices, laundry rooms, garages |
| 5000K | Cool white, daylight-like | Workshops, garages, task areas |
Light output and placement
At 700 lumens, this fixture is in the typical range for general lighting in kitchens, living areas and offices with 8–9 ft ceilings. LED fixtures reach full brightness instantly and are not shortened by frequent switching.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every 3–6 months | Dust the trim and lens with a soft, dry microfiber cloth with the light off and cool. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the fixture. |
| Every year | Check that the trim still sits flush and the springs or clips hold it firmly. A sagging trim can leave a gap that lets attic air leak. |
| When cleaning greasy kitchens | Wipe the lens with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, then dry it. Avoid solvents and abrasive pads, which can cloud the lens. |
| Every year (outdoor/damp areas) | Look for insects, moisture or corrosion behind the trim and confirm any gaskets are intact. |
The integrated LEDs are not user-replaceable bulbs. The rated light-source life of 102,000 hours works out to roughly 93 years at 3 hours a day, or about 23 years at 12 hours a day. Over time the LEDs gradually dim rather than burning out; when output becomes too low, or if the driver fails, replace the fixture or LED module as the manufacturer directs.
Troubleshooting
Most downlight problems trace back to dimmer compatibility or wiring connections. Always turn off the breaker before opening the fixture or the junction box.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Light does not turn on | Breaker off or tripped; loose wire connection; switch or dimmer failure. | Check the breaker; with power off, confirm connections in the junction box are tight; test with a standard switch. |
| Flickers or buzzes when dimmed | Dimmer not compatible with the LED driver; dimmer low-end trim set too low; too many or too few fixtures on the dimmer. | Use a dimmer on the manufacturer's compatibility list; adjust the dimmer's low-end trim; keep the load within the dimmer's LED rating. |
| Faint glow when switched off | Illuminated or smart switch leaking a small current; shared neutral wiring issue. | Try a standard switch; use a smart switch that has a neutral connection; have an electrician check the wiring. |
| Does not dim smoothly or turns off at low settings | Dimmer range not matched to the driver. | Raise the dimmer's minimum setting; consult the dimmer and fixture compatibility notes. |
| Color looks different from the other fixtures | Color-temperature selector set differently from neighboring fixtures. | Turn off power, check the selector setting and match it to the other fixtures. |
| Trim falls or hangs below the ceiling | Springs or clips not engaged; opening cut too large. | Reseat the springs in the receivers; use a trim with a wider flange or repair the drywall. |
| Turns off by itself after running a while | Driver overheating, often from insulation packed around a fixture or a loose connection. | Turn off power and check the installation. Do not cover Non-IC fixtures with insulation; call an electrician if the problem continues. |
| Moisture inside the lens | Gasket not seated; fixture exposed to more water than its rating allows. | Turn off power, dry the fixture and reseat the gasket; replace with a wet-rated fixture if needed. |
Energy use and running costs
The Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20 draws 7.5 W. Used 3 hours a day — a typical home assumption — it consumes about 8.2 kWh a year, roughly $1.40 per year at an electricity price of $0.17 per kWh. In a commercial space lit 12 hours a day, the same fixture uses about 33 kWh, or $5.58 a year.
Efficacy — lumens of light per watt of electricity — is the best single measure of a fixture's efficiency. This model delivers 93.3 lm/W. That figure is better than 84% of the 614 Retrofit Kit models in our database.
| Daily use | Energy per year | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 2.7 kWh | $0.47 |
| 3 hours | 8.2 kWh | $1.40 |
| 6 hours | 16.4 kWh | $2.79 |
| 12 hours | 32.9 kWh | $5.58 |
The listed power factor is 0.96, high enough that the fixture draws current efficiently from the supply — useful in commercial buildings with many fixtures on one circuit.
Dimming reduces power roughly in proportion to light output.
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20?
It is rated at 700 lumens while drawing 7.5 W, for an efficacy of 93.3 lumens per watt.
Is the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20 dimmable?
Yes. It is continuously dimmable. Use a dimmer the manufacturer lists as compatible for flicker-free operation.
What color temperature is the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20?
It is selectable between 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K. Set the selector before installation.
What size is the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20?
Its nominal size is 5 in., meaning it is intended for recessed housings of that diameter. Confirm the exact cutout or housing dimensions in the manufacturer's installation sheet before purchasing.
Can I install the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20 in a bathroom or shower?
It is wet-location rated, so it can be used where it may be exposed to water, including shower areas where the instructions permit. Follow local code for GFCI protection.
How much does it cost to run the Commercial Electric NS01fA08FR2-20?
At 3 hours a day and $0.17/kWh, it costs about $1.40 a year to operate.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified led downlights dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified June 3, 2024), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Commercial Electric. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Commercial Electric or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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