Kichler Varia 16311 vs. 16312: Adjustment & PLC Guide

Kichler Varia adjustable LED spotlights let you tune lumen output, white-light color temperature, and beam spread at the fixture. The medium 16311 offers 150–600 lumens; the large 16312 offers 600–1,200 lumens. You can select 2700K or 3000K, choose among four lumen levels, and adjust the beam continuously from 15° to 60°. That flexibility helps you refine the lighting on site as you see how it interacts with a tree, wall, or architectural detail.

Varia 16311 vs. 16312: medium or large?

Sources: Kichler’s 16311 specifications and 16312 specifications. Applications are design starting points, not guaranteed tree-height coverage. Distance, foliage density, surface reflectivity and beam width all change the result.

The overlap at 600 lumens is useful. Choose the medium model when you need room to reduce the local setting below 600; consider the large model when you need room to increase it above 600. A large fixture is not automatically the better choice for every location. Check its physical fit as well as the nighttime effect.

Three adjustments, three different purposes

• Lumen output: sets the amount of light the fixture produces.
• Color temperature: selects the appearance of the white light, with 2700K and 3000K available in the same fixture.
• Beam spread: changes how narrowly or widely the light is distributed.

Start by deciding what you want to illuminate. A narrow trunk, a broad canopy, and a textured wall call for different lighting decisions. Increasing brightness alone will not correct a beam that misses the intended feature.

Choosing 2700K or 3000K in one fixture

Varia lets you compare both warm-white settings without choosing a separate fixed-color fixture. Try the settings on the actual surface after dark and compare them with nearby lighting. The goal is a deliberate, consistent appearance across the scene.

Keep output and aiming as consistent as practical while comparing color temperature. Otherwise, a change in brightness or where the beam lands can distract from the color comparison. For more planning guidance, read our 2700K vs. 3000K landscape lighting guide.

Magnetic selection for lumens and color temperature

The magnetic controls provide on-fixture selection of lumen output and color temperature. The external controls let you refine the setting without treating the fixture as a lamp-replacement exercise. Use the instructions supplied with the exact Varia model for the control locations, selection sequence, and confirmation indicators; do not assume the older VLO procedure applies.

Change one setting at a time, observe the result, and record the final choice. The four output levels should be checked against the selected model's specification rather than treated as one universal lumen range for every Varia fixture.

How to change Varia lumen and color settings

Kichler’s instructions identify separate magnetic dimples: the lumen control is on the beam-knob side; the CCT control is on the opposite side. Hold the magnet at the appropriate dimple for about 1.5 seconds, then remove it. Allow at least one second before the next selection. Lumen confirmation uses one through four flashes for levels 1–4. Follow the illustrated adjustment instructions for the full sequence.

The documented factory settings are level 4, 3000K and a 45° beam. Stop cycling when the desired selection is reached. Record the final choices so future servicing starts from the intended design, rather than guessing from appearance.

Adjusting beam spread with the base dial

The dial at the base of the fixture controls beam spread independently of the magnetic lumen and color selections. The continuous 15°–60° range allows fine adjustment between a concentrated beam and broader coverage.

A useful approach is to establish the fixture position and aim first, then adjust beam width to fit the feature. Recheck brightness afterward: redistributing light over a wider area changes the appearance on the surface. View the result from the driveway, walkway, and indoor windows to identify glare or spill beyond the target.

Choose beam width before adding brightness

For a slender trunk or narrow column, begin toward the narrow end and widen only enough to cover the target. A broad canopy or textured wall may benefit from a wider beam or several fixture positions. Increasing lumens cannot recover light that misses the subject.

As a geometric illustration, a 15° cone spans about 2.6 feet at a 10-foot throw; a 60° cone spans about 11.5 feet. These estimates use width = 2 × distance × tan(half the beam angle). They are not measured Varia illumination boundaries: real optics, spill, aiming and surface angle matter. Use photometric data for a specified light level.

A practical nighttime adjustment checklist

1. Identify the fixture model and obtain its matching Kichler instructions.
2. Choose the target and set the position and aiming.
3. Compare 2700K and 3000K against surrounding lights.
4. Adjust the beam to cover the intended feature.
5. Select the output level that gives the feature appropriate emphasis.
6. Walk through the space and record the final settings for future service.

Considering Varia for an existing VLO installation

Evaluate each replacement location individually. Check the mounting arrangement, electrical requirements, connected load, and desired light pattern. Adjustable settings help refine the result, but they do not by themselves establish compatibility with every existing installation.

Browse Kichler landscape lighting or contact Atlantic Lighting with the existing fixture model and photographs of the area. For layout planning, see our landscape uplighting guide.

Three finish options for each size

Both the medium 16311 and large 16312 are offered in the same three finishes. The finish suffix identifies the version to order:

• Textured Architectural Bronze (AZT): 16311AZT or 16312AZT.
• Textured Black (BKT): 16311BKT or 16312BKT.
• Centennial Brass (CBR): 16311CBR or 16312CBR.

Choose the fixture size for the lighting task, then select a finish that works with nearby fixtures and landscape materials. Use the finish selector on the linked product page to review the corresponding option.

Varia and the 15DM20SS PLC dimmer

The optional Kichler 15DM20SS PLC dimmer adds manual brightness control over compatible fixtures through the landscape wiring. Kichler describes a 100%–10% dimming range. Varia’s specification sheet says dimming starts from the selected lumen set point, so establish the fixture’s local setting before balancing the controlled group.

These controls perform different jobs. The magnetic selectors establish each fixture’s output level and white-light color; the beam dial changes distribution; the PLC dimmer adjusts group brightness. The PLC knob does not change beam width or color temperature. Kichler’s PLC overview.

Multiple dimmers for separate landscape areas

Plan separate controlled branches for areas that need different brightness settings—for example, front trees and patio planting. Each dimmer supports up to 20 compatible fixtures total across its outgoing runs. Multiple branches from one dimmer still share its control and count limit. Follow the 15DM20SS wiring diagram; do not join controlled outputs or place dimmers in series.

Separate manual dimmers do not provide independent schedules or app control. Plan those functions separately. Turn off transformer power before changing connections; pressing the dimmer knob to turn the light off does not isolate the wiring.

Transformer planning: use VA, not just fixture count

Varia can change electrical load when its output setting changes. Size the system for the intended maximum configuration, including every controlled branch, rather than assuming a dimmed scene makes a smaller transformer adequate. See our transformer sizing guide and wire selection guide.

Check the supplied revision: the specification sheets list maximum loads of 11 VA for 16311 and 21 VA for 16312 at 15VAC; the installation load chart lists 11.7 and 22.7 AC VA respectively. These published values differ. Confirm the applicable rating with Kichler before final sizing instead of silently choosing the lower number.

For a conservative planning illustration using the installation chart, ten large fixtures total 10 × 22.7 = 227 VA, before other loads or design allowance. Staying below 20 fixtures does not establish that the transformer, dimmer, circuit or cable is adequately rated. Recheck the complete system when increasing output later.

Varia vs. Integra: adjustment flexibility or fixed choices?

Varia suits projects where you want to refine beam width, lumen level and color temperature at the fixture. It is especially useful when a planting layout may evolve or you want to compare optical effects on site before settling on a setting.

Integra suits a plan where output, 35° or 60° beam, and color temperature can be selected when ordering. Both families support Kichler PLC dimming. Choose around the adjustments you actually need; an adjustable fixture still needs thoughtful placement. Varia features; Integra and Varia compatibility.

Kichler Varia FAQs

Does Varia need an MR16 lamp?

No. Varia is an integrated LED fixture. Its controls change the built-in light source and beam rather than relying on a separately selected MR16.

Do I need the PLC dimmer to adjust Varia?

No. Lumen selection, color temperature and beam adjustment are available at the fixture. The optional PLC dimmer adds shared brightness control for a compatible group.

Can I change Varia from 2700K to 3000K later?

Yes. Both settings are built into the fixture. Use the CCT magnetic control and compare the result with nearby lighting after dark.

Is the 16312 always better for trees?

No. It offers more output, but the medium model offers lower local output settings. Match the range and beam to the tree, throw distance and desired emphasis.

Can Varia replace an older VLO fixture?

It may suit the same lighting task, but check the mounting, power supply, load and optical effect. A similar purpose does not establish a universal drop-in replacement.

Does a wider beam produce more lumens?

No. Beam adjustment changes the distribution. Set coverage first, then tune the output to achieve the intended balance.

Shop Kichler Varia accent lights

Compare the two Varia fixture sizes and review the specifications for your project:

• Kichler 16311 Varia medium adjustable LED accent light
• Kichler 16312 Varia large adjustable LED accent light

Each product page includes finish options and model-specific details to help you choose the appropriate fixture.

Manufacturer reference

Kichler Varia collection: selectable color temperature, lumen levels, and beam adjustment. Follow the installation and adjustment instructions supplied with your specific fixture.

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