Recessed lighting adds a modern look.
Recessed lighting is used to add a type of spot lighting to a specific area in a room. With different styles available today, you can accomplish almost any lighting effect. Most recessed lighting is energy efficient and very simple to install, even in a finished house. The lighting can be installed before or after painting the ceiling. Most newer homes come with recessed lighting already installed.
Instructions
1. At the circuit breaker, turn off the power to the room in which you will be working.
2. Mark the area where you want the recessed lights to go. For better lighting, plan on spacing them at least 6 feet from other lights. If you are adding the lighting in a kitchen, plan on adding lighting over the stove and sink.
3. Disconnect the light fixture that is currently in the room. This is where you will be getting your power.
4. Test the wires with a voltage tester to determine if the breaker will be able to power the new lights. If not, have an electrician upgrade the circuit breaker.
5. Locate each of the joists in the room with a stud finder. Mark where each of the joists are, so you can avoid any unnecessary cutting later. You could also complete this step with a hammer and listen for an echo.
6. Drill a hole in the ceiling in the center of where you want to install a light. Bend a wire coat hanger and slide it through the hole. Mark where the coat hanger stops. Measure from the end of the coat hanger to the mark. If it measured 8 inches, then you can continue to the next step, if not, you need to find another place for the lights.
7. Trace the manufacturer's template where you will be placing the light.
8. Use a drywall saw to cut the opening.
9. Drill a hole in the joist to allow the wires for the lights to pass through. Do not drill a hole bigger than 1/4 of the width of the joist. Cut the holes only if necessary. If there is dead space above the joist, then you do not need to drill at all. You can simply lay the wires over the joist.
10. Run the wires to the closest fixture. Leave about a foot of wire hanging out of the opening.
11. Connect the color coated wires to the appropriate colored wire on the lighting canister. Use a wire nut to secure the wire.
12. Slide the canister into the ceiling; the clips attached to the canister should snap into place and hold it tightly. If you need to paint the room, now would be a good time.
13. Install the trim around the fixture, then install the light bulb.
14. Turn the power back on to test the fixture.
Tags: coat hanger, adding lighting, circuit breaker, each joists, , Mark where, where want