How to Mount Recessed Lights

Recessed lights, sometimes also called pot lights, are very straight-forward to install and their design is in such a manner that makes it possible for these lightings to be installed inside the ceiling and become flush with the ceiling surface, adding a touch of sophistication to your rooms.

Step 1: Location and Type

When installing recessed light, the first thing you have to do is decide where you are going to install the lighting fixtures and what type of recessed lighting you are going to use. Basically there are two types, the eyeball type where you can direct the light in any direction you wish, or the downlights which will give you a more general lighting.

Step 2: Turn Off The Connecting Power Source

Before starting working on your recessed lighting, make sure that the power is turned off. Using the stud detector, locate the ceiling joists and outline the fixture onto the ceiling using the manufacturer’s template which is supplied along with the recessed lighting fixtures. If possible, try installing all your light fixtures using the same joist so that you will have less trouble passing the wiring from one lighting fixture to the other.

Step 3: Cut The Opening For Your Recessed Light

Once you have the outline, you can cut the opening for the recessed light between the joists using a hand saw or better still, use the jigsaw which will give you a cleaner and more accurate cut.

Step 4: Repeat For All Lighting Positions

Repeat this process for all the locations you will be placing the recessed lighting. If you find an obstruction, you will probably need to relocate your entire lighting pattern.

Step 5: Pass The Electrical Cable

Pass the electrical cable from your supply, along the joists and into the junction box of the fixture and fasten everything with a cable clamp. Strip the cables as needed and splice the cable to the fixture wires using a wire nut and then place all the wires inside the box and replace the cover.

Step 6: Secure The Fixture

Secure the fixture in place by rotating the fixture housing in the ceiling until the mounting tabs lock with the ceiling. Once the fixture housing is in place, attach the inner baffle. Most fixture baffle attaches using springs but you should always check the manufacturer’s installation instructions that come with the fixture to make sure.

Step 7: Repeat For All Fixtures

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all the remaining recessed lighting fixture installations.

Step 8: Finishing Off

Install appropriate bulbs in place, attach the fixture trims and switch the power back on. Check that all recessed lightings are working properly.

Mounting recessed lights is not an overly complicated task but with special attention and some patience you will be able to mount your own lighting without any special help.