How to Install Sloped Ceiling Recessed Lighting

A sloped ceiling with recessed lighting can be a beautiful decorative accent. Choosing the right recessed lighting fixtures will create a well lit and attractive room. To tackle the task of a do-it-yourself installation you will need to know how to install sloped ceiling recessed lighting. This is something that can be done by the do-it-yourselfer but it is highly recommended that you have a comfortable working knowledge of electricity, wiring, and components. When purchasing sloped ceiling lights you need to know the slope of your ceiling and how much space is available for the fixture above the ceiling.

Step 1 – Locate the Electrical Panel

The first thing you must do when working with anything electrical is to be sure the power is turned off to the area where you are working. Often times the breakers are marked by the builder but sometimes they are incorrect. You may have to turn the breakers on and off, one by one, until you locate the correct one for your wire source. If there are no fixtures on this line you may want to turn off all the breakers while you complete your job. Always be sure to test with a circuit tester to be sure power is off while working. 

Step 2 – Choose the Location

Choose the location on the ceiling for your light fixture. Use a stud finder to be sure that where you want to install is clear of obstructions.

Step 3 – Power for the Lights

You can daisy-chain power from an existing light for this fixture. Be sure not to overload the circuit. Installing your fixtures between joists were existing wire is already run is ideal. 

Step 4 – Mark and Cut

Using the template provided with the lights, mark the outline of the fixture. Using your keyhole or a drywall saw, cut the ceiling. Be careful in your cut because if you cut your hole too large you may have a problem attaching the fixture to the ceiling.

Step 5 – Attach the Wires

Fish the wires to your opening. Remember that wire coloring is standard so black goes to black,an so on. Consult your light fixture manual if you have any questions. Pull the wires into the junction box of the fixture you are mounting. Clamp it in place and strip the ends of the wire. Using wire nuts you will attach the wires the new box. Be sure to attach them snugly and that the green ground wire is connected. If you are running power to another fixture you will need to attach the wires for the additional box to the wires in the fixture’s junction box. Attach the fixture using wire nuts.

Step 6 – Set in Place

After tucking away any wires into the box you now need to push the entire lighting fixture into the ceiling through your hole. Your fixture will have clips that will hold it tight to the ceiling. Be sure when installing that the can is at the proper angle for your ceiling. It should fit flush in its mounting.

Screw the light bulb into the fixture. The fixture will have a ring of decorative molding. Attach that now.

Step 7 - Test

The final step is to test it to be sure it is operating properly by turning it on.