Things You'll Need:
- Recessed light fixture
- Finishing trim
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer or cordless drill
- Wire strippers
- Drywall saw
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Stud finder
- Wire connectors
- Electrical tape
- Electrical wire connector
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Step 1
First off, it is a little easier to install recessed light fixtures in a room that is not yet finished, meaning that the drywall has not been installed to the ceiling. Of course, unless you are doing a renovation, that will not normally be the case. You can still install recessed light fixtures in a finished room; it just takes a little longer and you will have to have access above the ceiling.
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Step 2
Scope out the room and determine where you are going to install the recessed lights. For maximum illumination, as well as for esthetics, position them evenly around the room. Use your stud finder to locate the studs in the area you are going to be installing the fixtures to reduce any unnecessary mishaps.
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Step 3
Use the measuring tape and pencil to mark your fixture locations. Try to keep everything as evenly spaced as possible.
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Step 4
Your recessed light fixture should have come with a cutting template, but if it did not, just hold it up to the ceiling upside down and trace around the lip of the fixture so you have a cutting guideline. Do this for each light. Then, use the drywall saw to cut out the holes.
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Step 5
Now you will have to take the light fixtures and installation supplies and venture into the attic. Make sure that you have a board or something to walk on up there so you do not accidentally put a foot through the ceiling! Set each recessed light fixture in its hole.
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Step 6
Stretch out the expansion arms of the light fixture so that they reach from stud to stud. Use the cordless drill to screw the expansion arms into the stud, or you can nail them in with a hammer if you prefer (but in a tight space like an attic, the drill works best).
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Step 7
On the fixture cannister, there will be a set-screw to keep the fixture from moving along the expansion bar. Tighten it down to keep the cannister stationary.
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Step 8
Open up the junction box on the light fixture. Remove one of the knockouts and bring your feed wire from the switch (which should be turned OFF at the breaker) into the junction box. Secure it to the box using a electrical wire connector. Strip about 3/4 inches of insulation off the ends of all of the wires. If you are controlling all of the lights from one power source, then run another length of electrical wire from this box to the next recessed light in the line.
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Step 9
In the first junction box, twist the ground wires together and secure them with a wire connector. Then twist the white wires together and secure them with a wire connector. Lastly, do the same thing with the black wires. Around each wire connector, where it meets the wire, wrap a strip of electrical tape around it for extra safety. Replace the junction box cover and head to the next fixture. Follow the same wiring instructions.
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Step 10
Depending on which type of recessed light fixture you've purchased, you may have to keep the insulation away from the cannister. If you purchased IC (Insulated Ceiling) fixtures, then you can place the insulation right up against it. But, if you purchased NIC (Non-Insulated Ceiling), then you need to keep the insulation at least THREE inches away from all sides of the light cannister. This is extremely important because NIC fixtures create a lot of heat, and by trapping it with insulation, it could be a potential fire hazard.
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Step 11
Back downstairs, install the decorative trim on the recessed light fixture and install the properly rated light bulbs. Turn you breaker back on and flip the switch to check out your new, sophisticated room!
