How to Install Recessed Lighting

Recessed lights provide light to your home from a fixture that's nearly invisible from many angles. This low-profile light hugs the ceiling with just a ridge of trim showing. Also called canister lights, can lights, or downlights, recessed lights are found in many contemporary homes because they emphasize the home's pure geometry of planes and lines.

If you have a nearby power source, you can easily install led recessed lighting in the ceiling by yourself. However, bringing in a power source adds time to the project and can be accomplished by wiring your own circuit or by hiring an electrician. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to fully understand the amp rating for each fixture, and assure all recessed lights are placed a safe distance from ceiling joists.

Consider the Circuits

Electric power for recessed lights can come from either an existing source or from an electrical circuit installed just for this project. The cost, speed, and ease of installation all hinge on the availability of electricity at the start of the run of recessed lights.

• Existing Circuit: An existing circuit may already power a ceiling light or ceiling fan near the center of the room. Or, if you already installed recessed lighting across joists, you may be able to continue the run of lights. Searching in the attic may produce ideas for spare circuits. Blank faceplates on the ceiling or wall often contain live circuits inside.
• New Circuit: To run a new circuit, an electrical cable needs to be run from the electric service panel to the switch and from the switch to the first recessed light in a series of lights. The cable can be pulled through the ceiling.

If you're installing recessed lighting in an existing ceiling, make sure you fully understand the amp rating of each fixture. Most 20-amp circuits, or switches, can only handle up to 12 lights.

Choose the Right Fixtures

Purchase old-work or remodel recessed lights. These lights do not need to be secured to ceiling joists. Instead, they attach directly to the ceiling drywall.

IC-rated recessed lights are appropriate for ceilings that contain insulation as they can be covered over with insulation. Non-IC-rated recessed lights must have clearance above and around the light housing in the ceiling area.

Cost of Recessed Light Installation

Installing your own recessed lights will be much less expensive than hiring an electrician. An electrician will charge around $200 to $500 per installed light. But since most recessed lights are installed in multiples, the overall cost may run you up to $3,000 for six lights.

When you install your own recessed lights, most of the cost comes from the price of the light itself: from $20 to $50 per fixture, plus a short length of 14-gauge electrical cable.

Codes and Permits

Most communities will require a permit to enlarge, build, or alter residential lighting systems, activities that cover recessed lighting installation. Check with your local permit office to see if you need one.

Safety Considerations

Turn off the circuit breaker servicing the electrical cable you are working on. If the circuit has not yet been connected, wait until the recessed lights have been installed to make this final connection. Test circuits with a voltage tester.

When working above ceilings, wear breathing protection. Be careful of roofing nails protruding from the roof. Walk only on rafters or joists to avoid falling through the ceiling drywall. Use a piece of plywood to stand or sit on when working in the attic.