How to Replace Basement Lights with Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are often overlooked as an option for basement lights. Homeowners are more likely to use recessed lighting in the kitchen over the sink and countertop or in the living room to ambient lighting. There are even decorations where recessed lights are used in highlighting a work of art or ornament. A basement light on the other hand is usually in the form of track lighting or mounted on porcelain fixtures. If you are tired of looking at such a lighting setup and would want to use modern lighting instead, you do not have to call a professional in as you can do the task yourself.

Step 1 – Removing the Old Lighting Fixture

If you currently have porcelain lighting fixtures in your basement, you can remove them by unscrewing them off the ceiling box. Let the fixture hang from the electrical wires but never touch them or the nuts that you can see inside the fixtures. Remove the screws that are holding the black and white wires to the fixture and pull them out with pliers. Wrap the handles with cloth or other insulators to prevent an electric shock. If there is a ground wire that is connected to the fixture, this should be removed also. You can then remove the porcelain fixture. If you have been using track lights, take out the mounting screws that can be found on the inner part of the track channel. The screws are the ones that are holding the track to the basement ceiling. Take the track assembly off the basement ceiling.

Step 2 – Outlining the Recessed light Fixtures

To be able to have a guide for cutting the fixture holes, mark outline of the recessed light fixture where you are going to place them. Use the template that comes with the package. If there is none, you can use the fixture itself.

Step 3 – Cutting the Holes

Cut on the outlines you have made using a drywall or keyhole saw. Be careful when cutting. If you make a hole that is too big for the fixtures, you may not be able to install them.

Step 4 – Wiring the Fixtures

Install the wires from the power outlet to the fixture holes you have cut. Use wire nuts in connecting them with the existing wires that you can find on the junction box. Be careful to follow the color of the wires in making the connection. Black should be connected to black wire and white to white wire. If there is a ground wire as well, you can connect a plain, green or copper wire to a plain, green or copper wire as well.  

Step 5 – Connecting the Light Fixture

Get back to the location of the fixture and pull the wires out of the hole. Pass them on the junction box of the fixture and clamp them in place. Strip the ends and use wire nuts to connect them with the wiring on the fixture. Again you should follow the wire color code. If you are going to pass the power into the other recessed light fixtures, connect the end of the wire going to the next fixture to the wires that are on the junction box of the fixture.

Step 6 – Attaching the Fixtures

Put the wires inside the junction box and push the fixture through the ceiling hole. It can usually be secured in place with clips. Attach the decorative molding.