How to Install Recessed Lights

Summary: The basic finish of the installed recessed light fixture with the light socket mounting plate which may be adjusted or removed for the light socket plate assembly to prepare for the light trim.
© By: Dave Rongey

Recessed Light Fixture Installation with Lamp and Socket Adjustments

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How to Install Recessed Lights

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Recessed lighting installation can be performed in most any room of your home.

A variety of lamps and fixture trims are available to match the existing design of your room to create or enhance the mood of any room.

These recessed light fixtures are great for accent lighting too.

Installing a dimmer switch will provide total control of the desired light level.

Installing Recessed Lighting

The basic finish of the installed recessed light fixture.
This light socket mounting plate may be adjusted or removed.
Removal of the light socket plate assembly.
Removal of the light socket.
The socket is now ready for the light trim.

What you should know about Recessed Lighting for Your Home

Lighting Fixtures: NEC 410-66 Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 1/2inch of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

Most State Energy Codes require that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so that the interior air barrier is maintained. Sealing applies to all penetrations including the service entrance, conduit, cables, panels, recessed luminaries, electrical boxes, and fan housings.

Step 1 - The basic finish of the installed recessed light fixture.
	For this recessed lighting fixture, the lamp socket is mounted up inside the enclosure at the default position to accommodate the incandescent reflector light bulb.

Step 2 - This light socket mounting plate may be adjusted or removed.
	The lamp socket adjustment will allow the recessed can lighting to expose more of the light bulb resulting in more light being cast into the area.

Step 3 - Removal of the light socket plate assembly.
	When the wing nut is removed, the socket bracket assembly plate can be lowered out of the recessed fixture enclosure.

Step 4 - Removal of the light socket.
	The lamp socket is removed from this assembly simply by squeezing together the two metal brackets that hold the socket in place to the metal plate.

Step 5 - The socket is now ready for the can light trim.
	The lamp socket is now ready to be inserted into a variety of trims of your choice and lighting application.

Process for Installing Recessed Can Lights

A typical job invoice will include an assembly of the parts necessary for installing recessed lighting and will include the fixtures of your choice and the trims that you have selected.

The necessary wiring and circuit components will depend upon your individual recessed lighting installation.

The recessed lights can be controlled by a standard light switch or dimmer switches depending on the recessed lights you select.

Depending on the number of fixtures you decide to add, a new circuit may be required.

NOTE: Each home electrical project requires careful planning. See our list of Helpful Low-Cost Home Project Guides: Home Electrical Project Guides

Important Electrical Code when Installing Recessed Light Fixtures

410.66 Wiring Methods recessed lighting fixtures Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 13 mm [1/2 ] of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC

410-66 Lighting Fixtures recessed lighting fixtures Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 1/2inch of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

410-66 Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 1/2inch of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

NOTE: This is a partial list of electrical codes. Other codes may apply. Some codes may be updated.
See the Electrical Code area for more information: Home Electrical Codes

Electrical Tools	Electrical Materials
Large Straight-Slot Screw Driver, Medium Straight-Slot Screw Driver, Small Straight-Slot Screw Driver, Awl, Lineman's Pliers, Needle-Nose Pliers, Crimp Pliers, Wire Strippers, Sheath Knife, Black Electrical Tape, Red Electrical Tape, White Electrical Tape, Green Electrical Tape, Yellow Wire Connectors, Red Wire Connectors, Ground Crimps, Claw Hammer, Volt Tester, Felt Marker	Recessed lighting. Recessed lighting trims. Light Bulbs. Wire, staples, wire connectors. Switch or dimmer switch.
The electrical tools for each project may be different depending on the individual project requirements and the access to install electrical devices. More about Electrical Tools	The electrical parts list will depend upon each individual project and the requirements to wire specific devices added to the project. More about Electrical Parts

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Placing Recessed Lighting »

Questions about Recessed Lighting

Question:
How difficult and what's involved in replacing a pendant light to a recessed over my sink?

Answer:
As for the kitchen light over the sink - this would be my procedure for a client:

Turn off the circuit to the fixture and remove the existing fixture and the electrical box. Make sure there is space to accommodate your choice of recessed lighting - this would involve looking at any obstacles which could interfere with the physical size of the recessed can. Understand that the wiring may need to be junction and extended to reach the new fixture termination area. Also - an inspection of the attic, looking at the existing fixture position and location will give you a good indication of what obstacles there may be. Much depends on whether your sink is on an exterior wall, or an interior wall. This would make a difference with space needed to accommodate the new recessed light.

If you find that the area is favorable to a recessed light, then you may need to use what is referred to as a remodel can. This would enable the fixture to be retrofitted into the existing ceiling from the kitchen instead of installing the rough-in or new-construction style can/fixture from inside the attic. Examine the fixture instructions carefully, especially the areas having to do with heat emitted from the fixture and factors having to do with the installation and the proximity of insulation in the attic space.

Recessed Lighting Installation:
NEC 410-66 Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 1/2inch of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

Most State Energy Codes require that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so that the interior air barrier is maintained. Sealing applies to all penetrations including the service entrance, conduit, cables, panels, recessed luminaries, electrical boxes, and fan housings.
NOTE: This question is based on a specific project. Ask The Electrician provides help for your electrical project: Ask Electrical Questions

Recessed Lights Flickering When Appliances are Turned On

Lucinda, from Randolph, Minnesota asks:
We purchased our home as a foreclosure so no history was provided, bought as is, the home is 10 years old. Periodically when either the furnace kicks in, or if another appliance is turned on the recessed lights will flicker. This morning a repair technician was here to fix our central air conditioner and he was concerned that the basement lights flickered quite a bit after the central air turned on after he fixed it. The lights that are flickering are in a finished basement with recessed lights. Is this something we should get checked out and should we be concerned about it?

Dave's Reply:
Lucinda, Yes - you should be concerned about his conciliation and you should have the electrical system checked out. A qualified electrical contractor would be able to make a series of electrical inspections and voltage tests that will help locate the problem so it may be corrected.

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