How to Light a Basement With a Low Ceiling
Basements in a home can be used for storage or they can be finished and used as additional living space. The typical height of a basement ceiling is 8' but some basements may be lower depending on when the home was built. Basements with a low ceiling will need to have solutions for lighting that do not involve hanging lights. You can light a basement that has a low ceiling by installing can or recessed lighting. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Disconnect the power to the basement by turning off the circuit at the circuit box.
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2
Mark the locations of the light fixtures on the floor joints using a pencil and tape measure. Make sure the fixtures are evenly spaced along the ceiling.
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3
Place the light fixture between the floor joists and then secure it to the joists using a power drill.
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4
Install the remaining light fixtures to the floor joists.
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5
Drill holes for the wiring into the joists using a power drill. Wiring will need to run from one fixture to another and drilling holes in the joints will help to hide and support the wiring.
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6
Pull the wire into the ceiling, from the light switch, and run it to the first light fixture.
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Connect each of the wires together inside the electrical box. Twist each wire together and then place a wire cover over the top. Make sure you are twisting the same color wires together. The black wire is the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire and the green wire is the ground wire.
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Connect the wire that needs to run to the next fixture to the wires in the electrical box and then repeat the process for the remaining lights.
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Insert bulbs into the fixtures and then turn on the power to see if the lights work correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the instructions for the light fixture to properly mount it to the joists.
Turn off the power to the room before attempting any electrical work.
