Installing Recessed Light Fixtures
Replacing Surface Mounted Ceiling Lights with Recessed Can Lights
This "how to" article explains how easy it is to replace an existing surface mounted ceiling light with a modern, elegant recessed can light, and things to watch out for.
When replacing surface mounted ceiling lights with more elegant and modern recessed lighting, professional electricians use “retrofit” can lights. In most cases, however, it doesn’t require an electrician to install one. With a little knowledge, you can easily do it yourself.
The Retrofit Recessed Can Light
In new homes, recessed can lights are installed before the drywall and are fastened to the ceiling joists. In remodeling, however, lighting manufacturers have devised a lightweight recessed light fixture that can be attached directly to the drywall through a hole no larger than the light itself. The result is a new, modern fixture with no drywall damage to repair.
The secret to the retrofit fixture is a set of spring clips that hold the fixture in place when inserted into a hole in the ceiling drywall. A trim ring fastens to the surface of the fixture covering the edges of the hole for a neat finish.
When buying your retrofit light, be sure it has an IC rating. IC stands for “insulation contact” and means the light is approved for use in direct contact with ceiling insulation.
Preparing the Location
Replacing a surface-mounted light with a recessed can light is fairly straightforward and requires no new wiring. First, turn off the circuit breaker to the light you want to replace and remove the fixture from the ceiling. (For more detailed information on removing a light fixture, see Replacing a Ceiling Light.)
After removing the fixture, you’ll see an electrical box the fixture was attached to. This box is either nailed to a ceiling joist (the wood support that the ceiling drywall is attached to), or it is mounted on a metal bracket that is nailed on each end to adjoining joists. To insert the new recessed light fixture, you have to remove this electrical box. This may require going into your attic to remove the nails or screws fastening the box or support to the joists.
If getting into the attic space to remove the box is not possible, then carefully mark the proper size hole for the new fixture using the template provided with the fixture, and cut the new hole in the drywall around the existing box. This will give you a little extra room around the electrical box so that you can either access the nails or screws holding it, or use a narrow saw to cut the box and its support to remove it in pieces.
When removing the electrical box, you want to save the electrical wiring, of course, because it will attach to your new light.
Also, when marking the new hole for the light, keep the hole away from the wood joist so the can light can be inserted up into the hole.
Installing the Fixture
Prepare the fixture according to the directions supplied with it and connect it to the existing electrical wiring. Install the appropriate light bulb as well, so you can test the fixture before installing it in the ceiling. When all the wires are properly connected, you should be able to let the fixture dangle from the ceiling by its wires while you turn on the circuit breaker and light switch to test the light.
When you prove it’s working, turn the light switch and circuit breaker back off, and install the fixture in the ceiling hole. Be sure your retaining clips are in place. Finally, attach the trim ring, and voila! You have a new, modern, elegant recessed can light.
Caveats
If the roof above your ceiling is a flat roof, the space between the drywall and the roof above it may be only about 7 or 8 inches. Some can light fixtures may be too tall to fit in this space. A sloped (cathedral) ceiling may also have very little space between the drywall and the roof above it.
If you have these conditions or any others that concern you, verify there will be enough room to install your fixture before cutting anything. You can insert a long metal rod up into the ceiling adjacent to the electrical box to measure how much space you have between the drywall and the roof.
Can lights, especially IC rated ones, usually are limited to bulbs no more than 100 watts. This may be less light than your previous surface mounted fixture provided.
If the wiring in your house is old and the insulation is crumbling, wrap all bare wire with electrical tape to prevent unwanted electrical contact which may cause short circuits, sparks, and/or fire. If you encounter anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, stop, leave the circuit breaker off, and contact a professional.
Related Articles
Replacing a Ceiling Light Fixture
