Recessed Lighting Installation Guide

When it comes to lighting fixtures, recessed lighting offers a number of advantages and benefits compared to other types of lighting. First and foremost, their recessed nature allows them to appear “hidden” in the ceiling and helps you add ambiance to the room, highlight decor in certain areas of your home, or add task lighting for a specific purpose. Second, their compact size makes them a great option for both new construction and for remodeling projects. If you’ve been wondering exactly how to install recessed lighting and what’s involved in the process – Total Restore has assembled this quick reference guide. Let’s take a closer look!

Before we begin to cover the recessed lighting installation process, we’d like to take a moment to remind you to contact a team of professionals like those here at Total Restore to complete your lighting installation. Electricity can be dangerous or even deadly for individuals unfamiliar with lighting installation. For professional advice and installation, simply click the Contact Us button on the page and our team will be happy to discuss your available options.

The first step to installing recessed lighting is to plan the placement of the lights themselves. Generally, this step occurs when conducting an electric walkthrough with a licensed electrician and Project Manager. Measure and mark the locations before you drill or cut any holes. Many lighting kits include templates to help you draw the outline for each opening. You can use a stud finder to ensure that the holes don’t overlap a ceiling joist. Always use caution to ensure that no electrical wires, pipes, or ductwork, in the ceiling cavity are snagged before drilling. Two choices for cutting the hole include a drywall saw or a hole-cutting attachment for a power drill.

Disconnect the existing light fixture that you are replacing before you begin the process of wiring the new recessed lighting fixtures. Always consult a professional electrician before attempting any complex electrical projects. Electricians will run MB-B cable from the power source to a switch box, and then to the first fixture. Next, they will run the cable from the first fixture to the second fixture, and so on. Once the wiring has been routed, the cables will next be run into the junction box and clamped. Professional electricians will use color-coded wire connectors to ensure accuracy and then fold the connections neatly into the junction box.

Typically, recessed lighting fixture housings have four clips that clamp the can into the ceiling when pushed down on top of the drywall. Make sure that the clips are pulled inwards and do not stick outside of the can. Next, you can easily slide the can into the drilled hole until the flange sits tightly within the ceiling. Using your thumb, secure each clip into the ceiling by listening for a click into the fixture. The final step is to add the trim to the outer portion of the housing, giving the recessed lighting fixture a finished look.

The fourth and final step is to install the light bulbs that you desire. Remember to consider if your circuit has a dimmer function which can have an impact on the type of light bulbs that you’re able to use. Be sure to never exceed the total wattage of the circuit. Your licensed electrician will be able to determine the wattage limit and what types of bulbs are safe to use. Last but not least, switch the power on and check to ensure that the lights are working properly. That’s it! You can now enjoy the new look of your recessed lighting fixtures.