Replace Recessed Lighting Fixtures With Hanging Fixtures

Recessed lighting fixtures have become increasingly popular for newer home builders to use. Many people, however, find that hanging light fixtures would enhance their home more effectively. Replacing recessed lighting fixtures with hanging lights is simpler that you might think.

Tool and Materials Needed:

• Plastic ceiling box
• Pry bar
• Phillips and Flathead Screwdriver
• Spackle
• Drywall saw
• Mesh drywall patch kit
• Hanging light fixture
• Wire nuts
• Trowel

Step 1 – Remove the Recessed Lighting Fixture

Before you begin any electrical repair or installation, remember to flip the breaker, turning off the power supply to the room. After the power is off, remove the light bulb from it's housing. Most light fixture housings can be easily unscrewed. Using a pry bar, gently pry the existing recessed light can out of the ceiling joist.

Step 2 – Determine the Location of the Recess Can Light

Recessed can lights are mounted on 4 legs which extend out to the ceiling joists. The recessed can you are working on may be centered between the joists or it may be nearly on the joist. If the recessed can is near the joist, then this reduces the amount of patch work you will need to complete.

Step 3 – Cut a Whole

This step depends on the location of the recessed can in comparison to the joist. If it is mounted flush with the joist, then you will not need to cut an additional hole. If not, then use your drywall saw to cut a whole next to the joist.

Step 4 – Install the Ceiling Box

The ceiling box is installed using 2 nails. Hammer the nails into the joist and fish the electrical wires from the recessed can through the cable channel on the ceiling box. When you are done, the wires should be hanging out of the ceiling box.

Step 5 – Install Your Chosen Light Fixture Into the Ceiling Box

Screw the hanging light's mount to the ceiling box. Connect the appropriate wires provided with the light fixture to the wires sticking out of the ceiling box then wire nut them off. Wrapping electrical tape around the wires, just below the wire nuts, will help to keep the wires secure. Do not put the light's trim molding to the mount if you are using the original hole from the recessed can light.

Step 6 – Cleaning Up the Hole

If you are installing the ceiling mount in the recessed can light's hole, then put a mesh drywall patch right up to the outer edge of the ceiling box. Otherwise, cover the hole from the recessed can completely, using a mesh drywall patch. Using a trowel, apply a layer of Spackle to the mesh. Allow the Spackle to dry for 6 to 8 hours and apply a second layer. Sand down the Spackle and paint the color of your ceiling. Allow the paint to dry for several hours.

Step 7 – Finishing Up

Attach the hanging light trim molding to its mount with the supplied screws. Insert light bulbs into the fixture.  Be sure to switch the breaker to turn on the electricity.