Recessed lights are an like shooting fish in a barrel choice to provide efficient lighting while maintaining a neutral profile in new construction or during renovations. Installing recessed lights is easier than you might wait and can be a cost-effective way to update living areas, closets or hallways, and can provide a modern touch without busting the upkeep.

Pro Tip: Before start any type of electrical project, be sure the power is turned off at the abode's main circuit box. Comprehend the switch with tape to make certain it doesn't get turned dorsum on while you are working. Use a circuit tester to ensure that the power is off before y'all touch any of the electric wirings.

Step ane: Select Housing

Too called 'tin can' lights, recessed low-cal housing is available in ii bones styles. New construction lights are bulkier and have a frame that can be affixed from above. New construction recessed lights are piece of cake to work with when ample access is available from higher up, but impractical when attic access isn't an option. "Remodel" housing (shown beneath) is installed from below past wiring the fixture before pushing it in from below. Remodel housing is usually the easier selection when replacing old fixtures.

Y'all volition too notice some housing is rated "IC" versus "Non-IC". IC stands for "insulation contact" and greatly reduces the risk of issues with heat and airflow when placed against insulation. When in doubt, select IC-rated housing.

Step ii: Select Baffles and Trim

Once the basic housing is installed, an inner sheath called a "bamboozle" is used to encompass the bare metal housing for a polished expect. A simple baffle is used almost often, but reflective baffles tin be used to assist throw the light effectually the room. The "eyeball" directional covers (shown below) can be used finer on sloped ceilings or to point lite to a specific expanse. Trim is used to cover the rim of the housing and the surrounding hole and can help hide ragged or uneven edges created during installation.

Step 3: Remove Old Fixture and Junction Box

Before you brainstorm, find the breaker panel and shut off power to the location. Remove the old low-cal fixture and and then remove the junction box in the ceiling above information technology. Oftentimes, it's necessary to use a saw to cut the junction from the joist to which it is fastened. Take care to avoid damaging wires, which can sometimes have a brusque bridge, making it more challenging to install the new housing.

Step iv: Mensurate Hole

Your new lighting kit should include a paper template that can be used to trace a circumvolve on the ceiling. If replacing an former fixture, the size of the existing hole may dictate the size you select for your new recessed lights. The nigh common sizes are 4 inches, 5 inches or six inches in diameter.

Step 5: Cut Hole for Can Light

Use a drywall saw or hole-cutting drill bit to cut along the traced circle. Although trim will exist used to cover this edge, take information technology wearisome to provide the smoothest possible cut, especially with older ceilings where plaster or drywall may be brittle and prone to aging under stress.

Step 6: Connect and Secure Wiring

Open the attached junction box on the light and clamp the wires protruding from the ceiling to the box, leaving enough slack to move them easily every bit needed. Strip the plastic insulation from the finish of the wires and use wire nuts to pair the wires together (usually color-coded blackness, white and a bare basis wire). Generally, the blackness wire is hot, the white wire is neutral and the bare or dark-green wire is the footing. Attach all electrical connections. Black wire goes to black wire, white to white and the basis wire from the firm gets wrapped around the green screw in the lamp housing. Tighten the greenish (grounding) screw until tight. Brand sure to supersede whatever covers (plastic caps) yous remove to brand connections.

Step 7: Test Ability

Earlier mounting the fixture, temporarily turn the power back on and utilise a voltage tester to confirm electricity is reaching the bulb socket. One time confirmed, plow the breaker dorsum off until the project is complete.

Step 8: Insert and Secure Housing

Carefully insert the housing in the prepared hole and locate the clips along the edge of the housing. Using a screwdriver, button the clips outward until a click is felt to securely clamp the housing to the ceiling. One time all clips are deployed, gently tug on the housing to make certain it is firmly attached to the ceiling.

Pace 9: Adhere Bamboozle and Trim

In almost cases, the baffle and trim will attach to the housing with metallic springs. Pull the springs out to their longest reach, adhere to the housing at the uniform holes in the housing and slide the baffle and trim upward until the trim rests affluent against the ceiling.

Step ten: Select a Bulb

Your recessed lighting is virtually gear up to become. Select a bulb of approved base size and wattage for your fixture. Halogen and LED bulbs are the most popular choices. Consider wattage and warmth when selecting a bulb appropriate for your utilize and make certain the bulb is dimmable if using a dimmer switch.