How to Install Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is a cost-effective way to re-introduce or breathe new life into an otherwise dreary space. Turn a boring dining room into a mood-enhancing diner's delight, complete with dimmers and colored lights to set a romantic mood. With the right placement of lights in various colors and shades, a baby's nursery can be transformed into a breath-taking, visual wonderland that he'll never want to leave.With the latest technological advances, installing ambient lighting is no longer a daunting task. You can easily do it yourself by following these steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Recessed light fixture housing
- Drywall saw
- Tarp or other type of floor covering
- Jigsaw
- Cable clamp
- Drywall circle cutter
- Twist-on wire connectors
- Adjustable wire stripper
- Needle-nose pliers
Instructions
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As with any home improvement project, first determine what the space will be used for. This will help you in selecting the right style and color of light.
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Decide what type of lighting you want, track or recessed, and purchase your equipment. Recessed lighting is usually recommended because the bulbs are well hidden until illuminated, unlike track light bulbs, which are easily seen whether turned on or not. They also make the room look cluttered, depending on the size of the space and the number of lights installed.
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Allow one light fixture for every 25 feet of space. Floodlight or spotlight reflector bulbs are great choices, each one having a different dramatic impact on the room.
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If you have dropped ceilings or easy access to the ceiling from the attic, then the job will be a lot easier. It becomes more difficult when you do not have direct access. If this is the case, then you might want to use a "cut-in can" which is highly rated for safety when it comes into contact with any type of insulation.
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Make sure that the main power source is completely turned off before engaging in any type of electrical work. If there is already a ceiling box where your light is to placed, then all you have to do is disconnect the wires from the box and attach them to the cut-in can. If you do not have an electrical source, then you will have to consult a licensed electrician to run the wire.
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Cut the opening and wire the light. The stud finder can aid in finding ceiling joists. After tracing the outline of the fixture into the ceiling, carefully cut or enlarge the opening for the recessed light using the drywall saw. Make sure to cover the floor with a tarp or some other type of fabric to catch any falling debris.
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Insert the electrical cable into the junction box and secure it using the cable clamp. Strip and splice the wires to the fixture wires using the twist-on wire connectors. Make sure that you connect the color-coded wires correctly. For instance, the fixture's black wires should be connected to the black house wire, then white-to-white and ground-to-ground, as appropriate. Pack all the wires back into the box and put on the lid.
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Secure the fixture to the fixture housing. Rotate the fixture housing into place in the ceiling until the mounting tabs engage the ceiling and the fixture is firmly in place.
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Install the inner baffle and trim. Make sure that the housing clips are secure and attach the inner baffle and any other trim to the fixture housing, as instructed by the manufacturer in the written instructions. Put in your bulb(s), turn on the power and witness the tremendous improvement!
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to always purchase an insulation-contact (IC) rated fixture to avoid a fire hazard.
When running cable from a new junction box to the light, make sure that the junction box is located in an easily-accessible place, such as the attic or basement, to avoid having it covered by drywall or other similar material.
Avoid cutting any existing wires or cables in the ceiling when cutting your opening. A jigsaw with a plaster-cutting blade is highly recommended, in addition to a drywall circle cutter, which is well-known for its precision and ease of use.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.ambientevent.com/design_full_image_d1.php
