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The Best Locations for Recessed Lights


recessed light fixture
Summary: Options for placing and installing recessed lighting: Wall wash recessed lighting for a special room, Kitchen recessed lighting for a clean appearance, Above window recessed lighting brightens up the day, Hallway recessed lighting provides a safe passageway, Fireplace recessed lighting will add extra warmth and glow.

Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician:
Much appreciated. We hack of all trades need a little help occasionally. Phil from Ann Arbor , Michigan

How to Plan the Ideal Location for Recessed Light Fixtures



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How to Install Recessed Lights

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Recessed lighting has come a long way from being found mainly in closets and hallways.

Now recessed lighting can be found in most all newly constructed homes and in almost every room.

With new technologies in lighting available today styles are available that will contribute toward energy efficiency and provide several choices that will serve as a green energy alternative.


What you should know about recessed lighting for your home
Your selection of the size and type of recessed lighting will be a factor on the amount of light that is produced and the appearance of the light not only for the room but the contents of the room as well. This is why you will find recessed lighting in special applications such as theater hallways, restaurants, retail stores and even bathrooms. A variety of sizes, levels of light produced and style of the fixture trim will have allot to do with the overall appearance of the space being illuminated. installed recessed room lighting


Option 1 - Wall wash recessed lighting for a special room
wall recessed can light fixtures The basics of recessed lighting involve planning out the type of lighting you wish to have. The type of light that will be produced will depend on the location of the recessed lighting placement and how close the fixtures are installed to a wall.

Option 2 - Kitchen recessed lighting for a clean appearance
kitchen recessed light fixtures Some types of recessed lighting will produce a different type of appearance and type of light that is cast down onto the area to be covered with light. Kitchen ceiling light fixtures may require brighter task lighting than a softer accented lighting location.

Option 3 - Above window recessed lighting brightens up the day
window seat recessed light fixtures Understanding recessed lighting will help you in the selection process especially when you have a special area in mind that will require a certain style of mood lighting that is desired. Adding a dimmer switch will allow you to obtain the exact level of light as well. Expanded lighting controls options offer remote control for your convenience.

Option 4 - Hallway recessed lighting provides a safe passageway
recessed hallway can light fixtures Considerations for recessed lighting don't have to be complicated, however they do require careful consideration. Recessed lighting can be installed in harmony with solar tube lighted areas to add light during cloudy days or evening time.

Option 5 - Fireplace recessed lighting will add extra warmth and glow
recessed can light in front of the fireplace The recessed lighting placement can produce ambiance and will add value to any room of your home. Recessed lighting is a great way to upgrade and improve any home and will always provide a new look and appearance.

Job notes that apply to a Recessed Lighting Project
Typical Labor and materials to install recessed lighting will depend upon the layout of the room and accessibility not only inside the room but also in the attic area as well. The scope of the project should be planned out and the materials determined with an agreed upon price and signed contract before the job begins.


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


Electrical Code reference for wiring recessed light fixtures
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.

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

Tools for wiring recessed can lights
Materials for installing flush lights
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, Pencil Marker

Romex wire, staples, wire connectors,
splice or junction boxes,
recessed lighting, lamps, fixture trims,
switches and cover plates.

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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Methods of Home Electrical Wiring
Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches
Wiring 3-Way, 4-Way and Dimmer Switches
Installing Fluorescent Light Fixtures
How to Make Your Own Light Fixtures
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related

Questions about Installing Recessed Lighting


Susan asks:
I'm trying to get a straight answer about installing new light fixtures, which it seems are ALL supposed to be installed on 90 degree supply wires. Well, my home is 52 years old and does not have wire (for the most part) rated 90degrees. All of my lighting fixtures have been installed by licensed electricians and not one of them has said that this is a problem, especially if the fixtures are not flush mounted and/or if the bulbs are not enclosed. At this point, I don\'t know what to believe since I keep reading posts by people who say how unsafe it is to install these new fixtures in older homes. Am I expected to rip holes through my walls every time I want to install a new light fixture? Am I safe if I install only open fixtures without enclosed bulbs? Please help me on this since I can't get a consistent answer from people who are supposed to be experts.

Hi Susan - Great Question!
Specifically - What type of light fixtures do you want to install? What is the type of lamps, watts for each, and how many. New homes and rewiring projects do require the installation of wire rated for 90 degrees or more. With any circuit in the home the breaker or fuse size is determined by the Wire Size, Type, Length and other factors. Local Codes are also taken into consideration as well. A call to your Local Building Authority or Building Department may give you a direct answer from an Inspector. This would prove to be the best help you can get for your specific project.

Recent Questions and Answers about recessed lights


Locating and Installing Pot Lights

Guidelines for Installing Pot Lights: Locating and positioning recessed pot lights will depend on a few factors as described here, you should begin with the end in mind, That is what “look and feel” would you like? Once this decision is made then you can take these other factors into consideration.


Rewiring a Basement for Additional Light Fixtures

How to Install Basement Electrical Wiring: Basement Wiring Methods for Switches and light Fixtures, Code Compliance, Top Down Wiring Method.


Installing Exterior Recessed Lights

Is it a good idea to install exterior recessed lights while a new home is being built? The Best Time to Install Exterior Recessed Lights.


Recessed Light Conversion Kit and Task Lighting

Why Recessed Light Conversion Kits May Be Better than Installing New Light Fixtures: How to Convert a Light Fixture for More Light and Energy Savings.


Installing New Trims for Recessed Can Light Fixtures

How to Replace Recessed Light Trims: Commonly there are a wide range of trims that are available which most homeowners are not aware of.


Adding Recessed Lights to a Bedroom Outlet Circuit

Is it acceptable to use the circuit supplying the bedroom receptacles for new recessed Lighting fixtures in the same room?


See more at the Electrical Questions Category Listing.

Find out more about recessed lights


Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.




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