How to Install Recessed Lighting

Tap to Read ➤ Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

If you are planning to remodel the rooms in your house, then you can consider installing recessed lighting. To understand the procedure, and create a warm and cheerful look in your room read on.

Recessed lighting operates through hidden fixtures, which is used to enhance the functionality and appearance of a room. It is an ideal option to increase the brightness in a room and also, to highlight antique crafts, paintings, or other decorative items.

In fact, it is an inexpensive way for home improvement without disturbing the external appearance. If you have basic knowledge about assembling light fixtures, you can consider doing this on your own. Let's discuss in brief how to install recessed lighting.

Types

For any project venture, planning is the first step for successful implementation. Before starting, you should plan the location, spacing, and style of the system. In general, there are two types of recessed light fixtures, namely, down light and eyeball light.

In the former case, uniform light is focused down directly, whereas a swivel is used for mounting the light in the latter type. Eyeball lights are preferably opted for highlighting specific objects in the room.

Tools Required

The materials and tools required for this process are recessed lighting fixtures, light bulbs (halogen or incandescent bulb), cable clamp, wire nuts, drywall saw, stud finder, drills, twist-on wire connectors, electrical tester, screwdrivers, pliers, and wire stripper. You will also require safety gears like goggles and a dusk mask.

Procedure Instructions

Based on the plan of the home, you can purchase the appropriate fixtures. First turn off the power supply at the main circuit. You can lock the panel box, so that no one switches on the power supply while you are working.

Positioning of Fixtures

As per your planning regarding the positions of the fixtures, you can check for ceiling joints by using the stud finder. In case, there are any obstructions in the selected positions, you can change the layout of the fixtures.

Ensure that the bulbs are spaced at regular intervals. Mark the final positions of the fixtures after completing the obstruction test.

Installation

With reference to the final positions, place the fixtures and mark the outlines. Make holes by cutting carefully along the outlines with the help of a drywall saw. Ensure that the holes are of the correct size, or you may not be able to install the fixtures in very large holes.

The next step is, to wire the recessed lighting. For this, you can put the cable in the fixture's junction box and secure it with a cable clamp. Using the wire stripper, strip the wire as per the requirements.

Carefully, connect separate wires of the existing house lines with those of the fixture wires. Once, you complete this, place the wires in the box and cover it. Follow the same wiring procedure for other installations.

Powering the Fixtures

While connecting new bulbs to the existing power supply, make sure that the main circuit is not overloaded. To be precise, you can add as many bulbs as you wish until and unless the power of the bulbs matches the power supply of existing fixture.

In case you are unsure about the additional power requirements, you can consult a qualified electrician for the purpose.

Install the bulbs and secure them by fastening the screws. This was the simple DIY procedure on how to install recessed lighting. Turn on the power supply and enjoy your home lighting systems.