Recessed Lighting Replacement Steps

Many homeowners are moving away from traditional lighting and are looking to convert their existing lights to pot lights. If you wish to add a more contemporary vibe to a room, experts recommend a recessed lighting replacement to your existing lights. 

To change your existing lights and install recessed lights, follow these steps:

Develop a Blueprint

Before removing your hanging light, develop a blueprint to calculate where you are going to install your pot lights. Where and how many recessed lights you install depends on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the type of can light you purchase.

Gather Your Supplies

Gather everything you need to install the recessed lights before you begin so you have everything you need on hand.

Turn the Power Off

Before doing any electrical work, you must first turn the power off at the break box. Turning the switch off is not enough. The power source must be closed at the breaker point to avoid potential injury or electrocution.

Map Your Ceiling

Measure and mark your ceiling where you will be placing the new lights.  You can use the recessed light housing to draw the openings where the lights will be installed. Once the shapes are on the wall, you can cut them out. To do this, drill a hole in the middle of the circle. Then using your drywall saw, gently cut from the inside out until the whole circle comes out. Remove your old light and disconnect the wires. If you are not using the space for one of your recessed lights, fill in the hole, sand, and paint. If you are using the opening for one of your pot lights, you will have to adjust and repair the opening to make sure it is the right size for your recessed light housing.

Wiring Your Lights

Remove the switch plate from the wall so you can attach the wires to the switch from the lighting unit. Run your wires from the opening where the light fixture will be attached to the switch plate. If you are not an expert at wiring, it is advisable to contact a professional electrician to do this part. A licensed journeyman will wire all the lights properly so your home is safe of electrical and fire hazards.

Install Lighting House

Once the wiring is attached to the switch and the light, install the housing unit into the ceiling. Follow the instructions provided in the recessed lighting kit to properly mount the house into the ceiling. Repeat these steps for each pot light until all your units are nestled into the ceiling slots.

Hire an Expert for a Recessed Lighting Replacement

Install Lighting House

Repeat these steps to attach install each pot light. Turn your electricity back on and enjoy your new lighting. If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, it is better to hire a professional electrician to work on your recessed lighting replacement. If you do it yourself, your insurance company might not cover your home if damage occurs as a result of faulty wiring.

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