Converting to Recessed Ceiling Fixtures: 4 Installation Tips

Converting to recessed ceiling fixtures, does not have to be difficult or time consuming. There are a few simple installation tips that can help simplify the conversion. As with all lighting installation or refurbishing, you must exercise safety precautions at all times.
 
1. Get Help

The first major tip is to get some sort of help from a professional. This does not mean that you need to have the professional install them for you. It is helpful to have a professional take a look at your ceiling, and a look at your house, to understand what things you should avoid, and the best way to go about it. Every house is different. If you fail to talk to a professional, your conversion to recessed ceiling fixtures may be more troublesome, and more costly. You will also want to ask what kind of safety issues there may be for conversions of this sort. He may have tips that you can use to decrease any chances for accidents.
 
2. Choose the Fixture Housing

The housing is what recesses the light and protects the ceiling form the heat of the bulb. There are various sizes for the housing of the recessed ceiling fixture. Generally, 4 inches is the most popular type of housing for recessed lighting, but you can easily find them in almost every shape and size. Prices range from around 10 to 100 dollars depending on quality.
 
Recessed lighting gives off a different mood and lighting scheme than regular lights. One of the most popular reasons use recessed lighting is to show off artwork, this sort of light gives and artsy feel, typically found in places that highlight any sort of art. Since the bulbs recede into the ceiling, the bulbs give off less light than in regular fixtures. You need to take this into consideration when thinking about where to place your lights.
 
3. Wiring

Recessed ceiling fixtures usually require longer wire than regular fixtures. Using longer wires will allow you to wire the recessed lighting housing closer to the ground. You must also assure that you are using wires that are the same as the ones that are already in the ceiling, so if you have aluminum wiring in the ceiling, than you must purchase aluminum wire for your recessed lighting installation. You will then want to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your housing unit.
 
4. The After Installation Inspection

After you have converted your recessed ceiling fixtures, you are going to want to have a professional inspect them. While you may be proud of the job you have done, you may have missed crucial elements that can compromise the safety of your home.