How to Install a Recessed Lighting Fixture

Recessed lights are sometimes called "pot" lights.

Recessed lights can add light to a space without cluttering up the ceiling with additional fixtures. Create a more dramatic look in your living space or add much-needed light in a hallway or bathroom, while maintaining a clean look.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Drill with a long bit
• Drywall saw or a drill attachment for cutting holes
• Voltage meter
• Wire strippers
• Lineman's pliers
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Climb into your attic to look for junction boxes and make sure that you will not be cutting anything other than the drywall in your ceiling. When choosing the location of your recessed lighting it is important to know where joists and electrical wire are under the ceiling.

2. Gently trace a circle on the ceiling using the template that came with your lighting fixture as a guide. Put on safety goggles and lightly cut along your line with a utility knife. If you will be using a drywall saw you can proceed to cut out the hole.

3. Mark the center of where you want your fixture, and line up a hole-cutting saw with that mark. If you know that you will not be touching a joist or electrical wiring proceed to cut your hole. Using a hole-cutting saw can save you time and money if you are installing more than two lights.

4. Turn off electricity to the circuit.

5. Run your electrical wiring from a power source to a switch box and then into your hole for the lighting fixture. Take care not to cut wiring when you are pulling wiring through holes in floor joists. Use a drill with a long bit to avoid cutting extra access holes.

6. Match the three wires inside your fixture with the wire you pulled to your location. Wire white to white, black to black, and ground to ground. Make sure to cap off the wires and tape with electrical tape so the caps cannot come off.

7. Push the four clips on the flange inside the drywall in so you can fit the fixture flush to the ceiling. Use a screwdriver to return the clips to the proper position.

8. Align the trim with the proper holes and push the trim into place. Recessed lighting trim is attached to the fixture by springs or squeezable rods.

Tips & Warnings

• A general rule for recessed lighting placement, 4-inch fixtures should be installed 4 feet apart, and 6-inch fixtures should be installed 6 feet apart.

• Double check that all electrical circuits are turned off before you attempt to wire a fixture.

References

• Lowes: Install Recessed Lighting