Do You Know How to Install Recessed Lighting?
Install recessed lighting like a pro with a DIY upgrade to brighten your space
You may quickly and simply install led recessed lighting in the ceiling on your own if there is a nearby power supply. Adding a power supply, however, extends the project's duration and may be done by creating your own circuit or by employing an electrician. If you decide to do it yourself, be careful to thoroughly comprehend each fixture's amp rating and to set any recessed lights at a safe distance from the ceiling joists.
Think about the Circuits
Recessed lighting can be powered by either an existing source or a circuit that was specifically installed for this purpose. The availability of energy at the beginning of the run of recessed lights affects the price, speed, and simplicity of installation.
Existing Circuit: A ceiling light or ceiling fan that is located close to the room's centre may already be powered by an existing circuit. Alternatively you might be able to extend the run of lights if you had placed recessed lighting over joists. Finding spare circuit ideas in the attic may help. It's common for blank faceplates on the ceiling or wall to house active circuits.
New Circuit: An electrical wire must be extended from the electric service panel to the switch and then from the switch to the first recessed light in a line of lights in order to run a new circuit. It is possible to pull the cable through the ceiling.
Make sure you completely comprehend the amp rating of each fixture if you're putting recessed lighting in an existing ceiling. Most 20-amp switches or circuits can only support 12 lights at a time.
Choose the Proper Fixtures
Remodel or buy used recessed lighting. It is not necessary to fasten these lights to the ceiling joists. Instead, they fasten straight to the plasterboard in the ceiling.
Recessed lights that are IC-rated are suitable for ceilings with insulation since the insulation may be used to conceal them. Recessed lights that are not IC-rated require clearance above and around the light housing in the ceiling space.
Installation Fees for Recessed Lighting
Compared to hiring an electrician, installing recessed lights on your own will be far less expensive. For each placed light, an electrician will charge between $200 and $500. But, because recessed lights are often installed in groups of two or more, the total price might reach $3,000 for six lights.
When you install recessed lights yourself, the cost of the light itself—between $20 and $50 per fixture—plus a brief section of 14-gauge electrical cable makes up the majority of the overall expense.
Permits and Codes
The majority of localities demand a permit before expanding, developing, or changing household lighting systems, which includes installing recessed lighting.
To find out if you require one, contact your neighbourhood permit office.
Factors for Safety
The circuit breaker controlling the electrical cable you are working on should be turned off.
Wait until the recessed lights are installed if the circuit hasn't already been linked before making this last connection. With a voltage tester, test circuits.
Use breathing protection when working above ceilings.
Watch out for nails sticking out of the roof. To prevent tripping and falling through the plasterboard ceiling, only walk on rafters or joists. To stand or sit on when working in the attic, use a piece of plywood.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Hole saw or drywall jab saw
Stud-finder
Wire ripper
Wire stripper
Side-cutting pliers
Voltage tester
Breathing protection
Piece of plywood large enough to span a few rafters
Eye protection
Materials
Old-work or remodel recessed light
Electrical cable
Instructions
Installing Recessed Lighting
Create the Ceiling Hole
Don the eyewear protection.
Check that every hole is at least 6 inches from a joist using a stud-finder. Draw the hole's circle using the paper template that the majority of lamp manufacturers provide.
Carefully cut along the line with a jab saw. Use a hole saw connected to the end of a drill to quickly cut several holes rather than just a few.
Wire the hole in the ceiling.
The recessed light's supply cable should be roughed in. Open the junction box of the preceding recessed light if the wire is coming from another one, and then attach the wire there. Pull the wire through the opening if it will be coming from a separate circuit.
If a normal electrical ceiling box is present, as indicated, it needs to be taken out before installing a recessed light.
The Recessed Light should be wired.
Use the wire ripper to remove around 4 inches of cable sheathing. Remove the sheathing's covering from the wires within. Connect the wire by pulling it into the junction box of the lamp. For instance, the cable's black wire will be connected to the black wire from the lamp. Instead, certain lights could include push-fit connections that can be distinguished by colour.
Put the light in the hole in the ceiling.
In the hole in the ceiling, wiggle the light up. Although the fit must be snug, the plasterboard around it shouldn't be harmed. The majority of recessed lights use some sort of clip mechanism that fastens to the ceiling drywall's inside top.
Recessed light trim should be added.
Install the recessed light's separate trim if it doesn't already have one after securing it firmly to the ceiling.
Place the Proper Bulb
As directed by the fixture's instructions, install the light bulb. You can pick between "A" bulbs (which need reflective trim), "R" bulbs (which already have a reflecting surface), halogens (strong lights with a regulated beam), and energy-saving LEDs.
Circuit to the service panel by wiring
Enter the electric service panel or circuit breaker panel by pulling the electrical cord. Connect the cable to a circuit breaker of the right size (often 15 amp), then insert the breaker into a corresponding opening on the service panel.
When to Call a Professional
Qualified, licensed electricians can install recessed lighting for you. Pulling cables through attics or walls is difficult. Electricians are adept at fishing wires, and they have the right tools for this job. If you are unfamiliar with working with an open service panel, hire an electrician to wire the circuit for you.
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FAQ
How much does it typically cost to install recessed lighting?
Depending on whether you install the lights yourself, recessed lighting typically costs $20 to $500 per light. Most renovations need for four to six light fittings, and hiring an electrician might run you up to $3,000 in fees.
What distinguishes recessed lights from can lights?
Recessed lighting in the form of "can lights" has the complete fixture housed inside the can. Can lights are simplest to install during new construction and require access to your whole ceiling.
Can recessed lighting increase a home's value?
Home buyers are especially drawn to recessed lighting that is also energy-efficient LED lighting. In fact, this lighting can increase the value of your property by 1% to 3%.