Learn How to Create a Custom Recessed Lighting Fixture in Your Home
Installing a recessed can light is a great way to update and modernize the look of any space. Not only do they provide abundant light, but they remain essentially unseen when not in use, giving any space a more professional and polished appearance. With proper tools, materials, and a little basic electrical knowledge, adding recessed lights can be a relatively simple do-it-yourself home Reno project.
Before you begin any electrical project, the first step is to turn the power off to the area you will be working in. Once the power is turned off, you can use an electronic stud finder to locate joists, or knocking on the ceiling with your knuckles. Next, trace the outline of fixture onto the ceiling, and use a drywall saw to cut an opening between the joists. If you have a drywall circle cutter, this can be used to make more precise circular cuts.
Insert the electrical cable into the fixture’s junction box and fasten with a cable clamp. Strip each wire, then splice them to the fixture wires with twist-on wire connectors. Connect the fixture’s black wire to the black house wire, then white to white and ground to ground (green or bare wire). Stuff the wires into the box and fasten the cover. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with this part of the installation, consider hiring an electrician.
Rotate the light’s housing into place in the ceiling until the mounting clips lock into the ceiling and the fixture is secure. Most recessed light housing and junction boxes are designed to be lightweight, so there should be no need to directly secure the junction box to a joist. After the housing clips are attached, attach the inner baffle and any other trim to the fixture housing , using springs or another similar device.
You can now install the bulb, turn the power back on to the area and enjoy the new light. A standard Floodlight reflector bulb is a good choice for general lighting, while Spotlight reflector bulbs are a great option for precise accent lighting. As a rule of thumb, you may need one recessed can light fixture for every 25 square feet of floor space, depending on the size of your room and desired level of brightness.
An important safety reminder when completing any electrical project is never to work near exposed wires or devices with the power on. Make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety when installing a recessed can light, and never hesitate to call an electrician if you need additional help with the wiring or installation. With the proper tools, materials, and a little know-how, adding recessed can lights can be a rewarding and enjoyable do-it-yourself project.
If you are looking to update a room with a more modern and uncluttered look, installing recessed can lights is a great way to do this. Recessed can lights provide good lighting with a professional appearance, as they are very unobtrusive until they are turned on. When installing these fixtures, it is important to plan their placement strategically. On average, one recessed can light should be installed for every 25 square feet of floor space in the room if they are going to serve as the primary source of light. For ambient lighting, floodlight reflector bulbs are ideal, while spotlight reflector bulbs are best for more precise accent lighting.
Before beginning the installation process, it is essential to always turn off the power to the room. Then, use an electronic stud finder or knock on the ceiling with your knuckles to locate the ceiling joists for the fixtures. When you have the ceiling joists determined, it is time to trace the outline of the fixture onto the ceiling. Once you have the area marked, use a tarp to keep the area clean and then use a drywall saw or jigsaw with a plaster-cutting blade to cut out the opening. Be mindful not to cut any of the wires that could be hiding in the ceiling. Drywall circle cutters are a great tool to help you get precise circular cuts, though they are not necessary.
Once an opening has been cut, insert the electrical cable into the junction box and fasten it with cable clamps. Strip each wire and splice them to the fixture wires with twist-on wire connectors, paying mindful attention to which colors should be connected together (black to black, white to white, etc.). Stuff the wires into the fixture’s box and secure its cover. If you are feeling uncomfortable at any point, consider hiring an electrician to make these connections.
The next step is to slide the light’s housing into place in the ceiling until the mounting tabs snap in securely. The housing and junction box of recessed lights are usually lightweight, so you should be able to secure everything without screwing into joists. Then, attach any inner baffles and/or trim to the fixture housing — manufacturer instructions should walk you through this. Finally, install the bulb, turn on the power, and enjoy your new light.
Installing recessed can lights can be a rewarding and satisfying endeavor. With the right tools and a little bit of planning, you can have the polished and professional look you are after with a few hours of work. Most importantly, remember to always take the necessary safety precautions and consult an electrician if you have any major questions or concerns.
