Adding lighting to a dark area of your home can seem like a complicated task. However, while the procedure does take time and effort, it is not impossible. This can be applied to fixing up your house with recessed lighting as well. So, if you are wondering how to install recessed lighting, this article is the guide for you!
We will dive into the intricacies and preparation you will need to embark on this endeavor successfully. You must not jump into this procedure willy-nilly, as you are going to be working with electricity. So, keep in mind that safety must be your number one priority, and if this job seems out of your comfort zone, it is okay to ask for help.
This guide will walk you through how to install recessed lighting in your home. If you’re ever unsure, remember: calling in a professional like SparkWise Electric can save time, ensure safety, and deliver flawless results.
Firstly, Assess The Accessibility Of Your Room
Before you begin the true preparation, you need to start with a general layout of your plan. You must ensure that your specified room has proper space and facilities for your recessed lighting installation. This means that, for example, you specify the access you have to your ceiling. Check if your room has pre-installed electrical fixtures that could indicate electrical currents in the space. If there are not any, you will need to call your landlord or a technician to have these checked.
Not all rooms are ready for recessed lighting right out of the gate. Here’s what to do:
- Inspect your ceiling: Can you access the space above? Are there joists, pipes, or insulation that might get in the way?
- Locate electrical connections: Are there existing fixtures or nearby outlets that can serve as a power source?
- Check for an electrical panel: Depending on your setup, you might need to run wires or add a new circuit.
If you’re unsure about any of these, consult a licensed electrician. In Northern Virginia, SparkWise Electric is just a call away.
Once this list has been thoroughly examined, you need to gather the appropriate tools for the job.
Gather Your Tools & Turn Off the Power
You’ll need a few essential tools before you begin:
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Hole saw or drywall saw
- Screwdrivers
- Wire stripper
- Wire fishing tape
- Push-in connectors
- LED wafer lights or recessed can lights
Once you have everything ready, turn off the main power to the room. Always test your wires with a voltage tester before touching anything.
Test Your Wires
If you are planning to take on this project by yourself, you must take note of the age-old wisdom, “Better safe than sorry.” It does not matter how long it takes to check for electrical current; you do not want to risk being electrocuted. Firstly, use your screwdrivers to remove the switch plate in your room. This will allow you to see the precise wires connected to your ceiling. Next, you will need to determine your “hot wires” and the “red wire” that predominantly feeds your electricity. Again, this is usually the point where many individuals rethink calling an expert.
If this part feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to bring in a pro. SparkWise Electric’s licensed electricians handle recessed lighting installation throughout Gainesville and surrounding areas—with total peace of mind.
Nonetheless, if you are confident in your abilities to get this done, check the wires with a voltage tester and wait for its light to signal green. Once you have reached this stage, you will move on to check the wires in your ceiling by drilling a small hole close to the placement of your light fixture. Again, wait for the light to turn green before beginning the next phase of your process.
You Are Ready To Wire The Recessed Lighting!
For LED wafer lights, you will also need to wire their junction box and the light itself. This is an easy task that begins by opening up your box with a screwdriver. Then you will add a push-in connector to protect your wires from getting cut or being pulled out. Next, cut the wire in your ceiling to connect the box. Although this may seem scary, trust the process and keep going. Strip the wire and form the connection in the push-in connector. Once this has been done, you merely need to attach the LED wafer lights to the connector.
Simply join the pigtail end of the light to the box and ensure they are screwed together for extra protection. Lastly, you need to insert the light into its rightful opening. These gadgets should have clips to their sides that will hold them from falling back down. Now turn the power back on and witness the glory of bringing forth electricity into your house.
Final Thoughts
Although installing recessed lighting requires a few extra steps than your normal DIY project, it is not an impossible task to do by yourself. There are details that you might need to research before beginning this journey. However, it can be done with confidence and some patience.
If you want a clean, code-compliant, and safe installation, consider hiring a licensed expert. At SparkWise Electric, we specialize in recessed lighting installation across Gainesville and Northern Virginia. Our team handles everything—from design planning to wiring and drywall patching—so you can sit back and enjoy your new lighting.
