How to Prepare a Ceiling for Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are an ideal solution for a dark corner but are also a good choice for a simple but modern lighting design. There are various designs when it comes to recessed lights; make sure to choose a design that compliments the rest of the room. Nowadays you can find low voltage recessed lights and even line voltage recessed lights; the choice is up to you. Choose according to your particular circumstances. The tricky bit in installing recessed light is how to prepare the ceiling. Although installing recessed lights isn’t a difficult task, preparing the ceiling for installation is a little bit difficult.

Step 1: Access

The first thing you need to do is to check whether there is access from above the ceiling, for example through an attic. If you don’t have a comfortable access you may opt for the cut-in cans recessed light. The latter are especially designed for when no access above the ceiling is available. The important thing to check is whether they are safe to come in contact with insulation or not. Those that are safe are marked with the letter IC on them.

Step 2: Power

For the recessed lights to work there should be an electrical power supply nearby. If you currently do not have any power supply close to where you will be installing your lights, then you have to supply a safe power outlet. This may the most difficult part in this project and if you are in any doubts do not hesitate to call in a professional to help out.

Step 3: Cutting an Opening For The Recessed Lights

Switch off the power source. Now, trace the outline of the recessed light can onto the ceiling. The next step is to cut through the dry wall using a drywall saw. Make sure to cut slowly otherwise you may cut other cables hidden in the dry wall.  Alternately you can use a circle drywall cutter, if you have one.

Step 4: Pull the Electrical Wires

Pull the electrical wires from the power outlet and fasten them with a plastic cable tie. This will prove to be useful when you are installing the recessed lights.

Step 5: Drilling Screw Holes

Apart from cutting the drywall you have to drill the screw holes, to be used by the recessed lights. It will be easier to drill the holes for the screws immediately otherwise you will have to do it when you are actually going to install the recessed lighting fixture. 

Step 6: Insulation

Make sure to insulate as much as you can the brim of the hole in the drywall. Obviously you cannot complete the insulation until the recessed lights are actually in place.

As you can see there are some pre-installation tasks that need to be done to the ceiling in order to install the recessed lights correctly. By following the above mentioned steps you should successfully install your recessed lights.