LED DownlightsSurface Mount
luxrite LR23881 LED Downlight Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 4 in. surface-mount LED downlight, with verified specifications.
- Light output700 lumens
- Power8 W
- Efficacy87.5 lm/W
- Color temp.2700–5000K (selectable)
About the luxrite LR23881
luxrite model LR23881 is a 4 in. surface-mount LED downlight that meets ENERGY STAR requirements for light output, efficacy and color quality. It produces 700 lumens from 8 W of input power, an efficacy of 87.5 lumens per watt. That efficacy is better than 78% of the 697 Surface Mount 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 90, which renders skin tones, wood and fabrics accurately.
Notable features include a damp-location rating, an IC rating for direct contact with ceiling insulation, and a built-in occupancy sensor. The rated light-source life is 50,000 hours.
Specifications
| Brand | luxrite |
|---|---|
| Model number | LR23881 |
| Fixture type | Surface Mount |
| Nominal size / aperture | 4 in. |
| Light output | 700 lumens |
| Input power | 8.0 W |
| Efficacy | 87.5 lm/W |
| Color temperature(s) | 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K |
| Color rendering index (CRI) | 90 |
| Rated light-source life | 50,000 hours |
| Power factor | 0.91 |
| Location rating | Damp location |
| Indoor / outdoor use | Indoor |
| Insulation contact rating | IC |
| Airtight rated | No |
| Tunable / selectable white | Yes |
| Full-color tunable | No |
| Selectable light output | No |
| Occupancy sensor | Yes |
| Connected (smart) capable | No |
| Standby power | 0.2 W |
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
Surface-mount downlights fasten directly to a ceiling junction box (and in many cases can also be attached to an existing recessed can, using an adapter if the instructions allow), so no cutout or attic access is needed. Its nominal size is 4 in.; make sure the fixture body will fully cover the junction box or can opening it mounts over.
- Check the box
Confirm there is a securely fastened, code-approved junction box at the location — a fixture cannot be wired to loose cable in the ceiling.
- Turn off power
Switch off the breaker and verify the circuit is dead.
- Mount the bracket
Screw the supplied mounting bracket to the junction box using the box's screw holes.
- Wire the fixture
Connect black (line) to black, white (neutral) to white and bare or green (ground) to the box ground, using listed wire connectors. Fold the wires neatly into the box.
- Set options and secure
Select the color temperature on the fixture's switch, then attach the fixture to the bracket, making sure it seats flat against the ceiling.
- Restore power and test
Turn the breaker on and test the fixture and dimmer, if used.
This fixture is damp-location rated, so it can be used in bathrooms, covered porches and similar areas with moisture but no direct water spray. Use a wet-location model where it will be hit by rain or shower spray.
Using your downlight
Dimming
Dimming capability is not stated in the certification data; check the label or the manual before connecting the fixture to a dimmer.
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 |
Built-in sensors
The built-in occupancy sensor turns the light on when motion is detected and off after a set time-out; keep the sensor lens clean and unobstructed.
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 fixture is still tight against the ceiling and the mounting bracket screws are snug. |
| 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. |
| Every 6 months | Clean the sensor window gently and confirm the sensor still switches the light correctly. |
The integrated LEDs are not user-replaceable bulbs. The rated light-source life of 50,000 hours works out to roughly 46 years at 3 hours a day, or about 11 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. |
| Fixture pulls away from the ceiling | Mounting bracket loose; junction box not secured to framing. | Turn off power and tighten the bracket screws; have the box secured if it moves. |
| 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 luxrite LR23881 draws 8 W. Used 3 hours a day — a typical home assumption — it consumes about 8.8 kWh a year, roughly $1.49 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 35 kWh, or $5.96 a year.
Efficacy — lumens of light per watt of electricity — is the best single measure of a fixture's efficiency. This model delivers 87.5 lm/W. That figure is better than 78% of the 697 Surface Mount models in our database.
| Daily use | Energy per year | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 2.9 kWh | $0.50 |
| 3 hours | 8.8 kWh | $1.49 |
| 6 hours | 17.5 kWh | $2.98 |
| 12 hours | 35.0 kWh | $5.96 |
The listed power factor is 0.91, high enough that the fixture draws current efficiently from the supply — useful in commercial buildings with many fixtures on one circuit.
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the luxrite LR23881?
It is rated at 700 lumens while drawing 8 W, for an efficacy of 87.5 lumens per watt.
What color temperature is the luxrite LR23881?
It is selectable between 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K. Set the selector before installation.
What size is the luxrite LR23881?
Its nominal size is 4 in. Confirm the exact cutout or housing dimensions in the manufacturer's installation sheet before purchasing.
Can the luxrite LR23881 touch insulation?
Yes. It is IC rated, which allows direct contact with thermal insulation.
Can I install the luxrite LR23881 in a bathroom or shower?
It is damp-location rated, suitable for bathrooms away from direct shower spray. Use a wet-location fixture inside a shower.
How much does it cost to run the luxrite LR23881?
At 3 hours a day and $0.17/kWh, it costs about $1.49 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 December 18, 2025), 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 luxrite. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact luxrite 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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