replacing recessed can lights with hanging pendant
#1
12-04-04, 04:06 AM
replacing recessed can lights with hanging pendant
i have two recessed can lights above my kitchen island that i'd like to replace with two hanging pendant lights. i have swapped out ceiling fixtures numerous times but never a recessed light to a surface mounted ceiling fixture. these two recessed can lights operate independantly of the other recessed lights in the kitchen.
i've done a little research on this site (replacing a recessed light fixture) and note in the helpful pics that once i get the can light removed i will find a junction box on its side. how do i wire for the new pendant light? the pendants are far heavier than the can lights and i know i will have to have more support. basically what do i have to do to get the current junction box to look like what i would find if i were trying to swap out an old surface mounted ceiling fixture to a new one?
i'm love a challange and i love the sense of accomplishment i get when i tackle new projects but is this something that this stubborn handygal shouldn't attempt? i'd really appreciate any advice on how to tackle this project. thanks in advance.
i've done a little research on this site (replacing a recessed light fixture) and note in the helpful pics that once i get the can light removed i will find a junction box on its side. how do i wire for the new pendant light? the pendants are far heavier than the can lights and i know i will have to have more support. basically what do i have to do to get the current junction box to look like what i would find if i were trying to swap out an old surface mounted ceiling fixture to a new one?
i'm love a challange and i love the sense of accomplishment i get when i tackle new projects but is this something that this stubborn handygal shouldn't attempt? i'd really appreciate any advice on how to tackle this project. thanks in advance.
#2
12-04-04, 06:52 AM
Member
Once you get the can removed, you can buy a fan brace kit for about $20 which will easily support your new light. The can is removed by first removing the can from its hanger, by removing the screws from inside the can. Then you can reach through the hole and remove the can's bracket. Carefully record the wiring connections of the old can before you disconnect it. Since there are a number of possibilities, and you don't want to go through all the trouble of analyzing it, simply remember to connect your new fixture to the same two wires that the can was connected to.
