Installing can lighting, also known as recessed lighting, in your home can provide focused task lighting or dramatic accent lighting to highlight architectural details. With some basic electrical skills and safety precautions, you can install can lighting yourself without hiring an electrician. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wire can lighting on your own.
Selecting the Right Can Lights
When selecting can lights, consider the following factors:
- Lumens - Lumens indicate the brightness of the light. For accent lighting, 600-900 lumens is typical. For task lighting, you may need 1200-1500 lumens.
- Beam spread - Narrow beam spreads like 20-30 degrees concentrate light in a small area. Wider beams like 60 degrees distribute light more evenly.
- Color temperature - Cool white (5000K) mimics daylight. Warm white (2700-3000K) provides a cozier ambience.
- Trim - The trim is the visible part of the can light. It comes in different finishes like white, black, bronze, etc.
- Insulation contact rated - Required for installing can lights in direct contact with insulation.
- Dimmable - Allows you to control the light output. Dimmable LED lights work best with LED dimmers.
Choose the appropriate can light fixtures for the lighting needs of each area.
Working Safely
Installing can lights involves electrical work which can be extremely dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some tips:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting.
- Use a contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
- Follow all local electrical codes and regulations. A permit may be required.
- Wear personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection.
- Use insulation contact rated (IC-rated) can lights if they will contact insulation.
- Hire an electrician if you are uncomfortable doing any part of the installation.
Wiring Power to the Can Lights
The can lights will need to be wired to the 120-volt circuit powering the room. Here are the steps:
Determining the circuit
- Locate the circuit breaker powering the existing light fixtures in the room.
- Turn it off and use a contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
Running cable
- Run 14/2 or 12/2 NM electrical cable from the breaker panel to the planned can light locations.
- Use cable staples to securely fasten the cable every 4-6 feet.
Making connections
- Use wire nuts to connect the black (hot) wire from the power cable to the black fixture wire on each can.
- Connect the white (neutral) wire from the cable to the white wire on each can light.
- Connect the ground wire to the green or bare copper wire on each can.
- Connect all ground wires to each other as well.
Follow local electrical codes for proper wire connections.
Installing the Housings
The can light housings mount inside the ceiling or soffit to hold the trim and light bulb or fixture. Here is how to install them:
Outlining the position
- Mark the exact mounting location for each can on the ceiling using a pencil.
- Outline the hole for the housing with masking tape.
Cutting the holes
- Use a drywall saw to cut along the outline, cutting through the drywall only.
- Cut an identical hole in the same position on the ceiling joists.
Mounting the housings
- Place each can housing against the hole and use screws to secure the included mounting brackets to the joists.
- Make sure not to overtighten, as this can warp the housing.
- Seal any gaps around the housing with acrylic caulk to prevent air leaks.
Connecting the Trim and Bulbs
The trim and light bulbs are the final components to install:
- Connect the black and white electrical wires from the can housing to the wires on the trim piece.
- Attach the trim to the housing by twisting it into place.
- Install the recommended wattage and type of light bulb for the cans.
- For LED recessed lights, simply connect the trim piece since the lights are already integrated.
Testing and Completing the Installation
As the final steps:
- Turn the circuit breaker back on and use a voltage tester to confirm it is live.
- Test all the can lights by turning them on with the switches.
- Install insulation around the housings, leaving at least 3 inches between the insulation and lights.
- Attach the trim pieces by pushing and twisting them into place if they were left off earlier.
- Caulk around all housings and trims to prevent air leakage.
And that covers the complete process for installing can lighting in your home without an electrician! Follow proper safety procedures, take your time with the steps, and you can achieve professional-looking results. Let me know if you have any other questions!