Elco Oak Retrofit Install - My Experience

Hey everyone!

Sharing some pics of my completed Elco Oak retrofit install. I used the Architectural Oak fixtures, featuring 28° sunset dimming (3000K–1800K dim-to-warm), with black interiors and white trim rings.

Overall, the install was smooth! I used the remodel power packs but swapped out the push connectors for Wagos. A downside is that the power packs only have one knockout per box, so you can’t daisy chain fixtures. Luckily, I have attic access, so adding junction boxes was straightforward.

For dimming, I’ve been using Tuya dimmers connected to my smart home via the Philips Hue bridge. They’re not perfect—dimming range isn’t great, and reliability is hit-or-miss. Next, I’m planning to try a different dimmer module, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll switch to Caseta dimmers.

Feel free to ask any questions about the process!

@Rowan
Have you tried contacting Lutron? They have an excellent tech support team.

It looks like there’s a noticeable color overlap issue with the beam angle. Is that intentional, or just the photo?

Chan said:
It looks like there’s a noticeable color overlap issue with the beam angle. Is that intentional, or just the photo?

There’s some overlap, but it’s not as noticeable in person. The photo exaggerates it, especially in that third image.

@Rowan
I’m not a fan of the sunset dim feature due to the chip design. I’d recommend getting haze filters—they really help with blending.

Quinlan said:
@Rowan
I’m not a fan of the sunset dim feature due to the chip design. I’d recommend getting haze filters—they really help with blending.

By haze filter, do you mean the L49 diffuser? I thought that was only for Koto fixtures.

@Rowan
No, the L60 diffuser is for Oak fixtures, and the L61 is for the hex modules. For a bedroom, I’d recommend using both the diffuser and the hex module.

Quinlan said:
@Rowan
No, the L60 diffuser is for Oak fixtures, and the L61 is for the hex modules. For a bedroom, I’d recommend using both the diffuser and the hex module.

Thanks for clarifying! I didn’t realize the trim could unscrew to add filters. I’ll try that out.

@Rowan
Exactly! Just drop the module, unscrew the trim, add the filters, and reinstall. It makes a huge difference.

Quinlan said:
@Rowan
Exactly! Just drop the module, unscrew the trim, add the filters, and reinstall. It makes a huge difference.

Got it, thank you! I agree—if Elco could upgrade the LED modules, it’d be amazing. The 4000K–2700K range on the Koto is fantastic. Would love to see sunset dimming done better.

@Rowan
I’ve been pushing for them to switch to better chips—3000K–1800K ones that work really well. Elco actually asked if they could use your photos for their marketing!

@Rowan
Did you get the diffusers installed yet? Would love to hear your thoughts.

I’m curious—are you still happy with the install? Would you recommend it?

Alton said:
I’m curious—are you still happy with the install? Would you recommend it?

Yes, I’m really happy with it! The sunset dim is a great feature, but I do recommend using diffusers to improve the blending. It’s been a big improvement in our bedroom lighting. I’m planning to install more Oak fixtures in other rooms soon and will share more photos when I do.

@Rowan
Glad to hear it! If anyone has questions or needs help with these fixtures, feel free to reach out. I’ve been working on convincing Elco to include diffusers by default—it would make a big difference.

Alton said:
I’m curious—are you still happy with the install? Would you recommend it?

My parents’ house was one of the first full installs using Elco fixtures. I did all the electrical work and layout myself.

@Quinlan
That’s awesome! What kind of lighting did you use in the design?

Alton said:
@Quinlan
That’s awesome! What kind of lighting did you use in the design?

We used warm dim tape lighting for most of the house, with decorative RGB lighting in a few areas. The shower, for example, has a combination of dry and wet sauna lighting that’s easy to clean and looks great.