Things You'll Need:
- Recessed can light
- Screwdriver
- Reciprocating saw
- Tape measure
- 12/2 romex wire
- Wire strippers
- Plastic wire nuts
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Step 1
Turn the circuit breaker off to the light fixture you plan to replace.
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Step 2
Go into the attic, and locate the junction box that supplies the light fixture with power. Disconnect the wires from the fixture to the junction box.
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Step 3
Go back inside the room where the fixture is located, and remove the globe or lens cover to the fixture.
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Step 4
Use a screwdriver to remove the mounting screws that attach the fixture to the ceiling. Go back into the attic, and remove any additional parts of the old fixture that were used to attach it to the ceiling. Look for obstructions or wires that would prevent you from cutting a hole to fit the recessed can light. Remove the obstructions if possible or determine where the hole can be cut while still being in the same vicinity of the existing hole.
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Step 5
Go back into the room that the recessed can light will be installed. Place the can over the existing opening from the previous ceiling fixture. Trace the diameter of the can with a pencil onto the ceiling.
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Step 6
Use a reciprocating saw to cut the hole in the ceiling according to the traced hole.
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Step 7
Go back into the attic with the romex wire, wire strippers, plastic wire nuts and tape measure. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the junction box to the hole and add 12 inches. Use the cutting edge of the wire strippers to cut the romex wire according to your measurement.
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Step 8
Use wire strippers to remove ¼-inch insulation from both ends of the wires. Attach one end of the romex wires to the electrical wires at the junction box. Use plastic wire nuts to twist the wires together. Black with black and white with white. Set the other end of the romex wire near the ceiling hole.
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Step 9
Go back into the room, and pull the romex wire through the ceiling hole. Insert the romex wire into the ceiling can junction box. Connect the wires to the junction box terminals, and tighten the clamp to secure the romex to the junction box.
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Step 10
Insert the junction box of the recessed can light into the hole, and maneuver the recessed can body into place. Press up and twist the can back and forth in the hole until the springs pop above the ceiling and lock into place.
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Step 11
Attach the trim baffle to the recessed can light by snapping it into place. Some models will require that you attach the trim baffle with retaining screws.
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Step 12
Insert an appropriate size bulb in the recessed can light socket, and install the light cover by snapping it into place.
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Step 13
Turn the circuit breaker back on to the new recessed can light fixture.
