Step 7 If necessary, go into the attic and make sure there are no wires, pipes or ductwork behind the planned opening. Always match black to black, white to white and ground to ground (ground wires may be bare copper or have green insulation). If you're ready to install recessed lighting, here are the cost factors to consider. Run NM-B cable from the power source to a switch box and then to the first hole, allowing at least 18-inches of extra cable to make wiring easy. Use a jigsaw to cut along the outline, being careful not to cut so deep as to disturb any existing wiring. Strip the plastic insulation from the end of the wires and use wire nuts to pair the wires together (usually color coded black, white and a bare ground wire). If you wanted to exceed this, consult a licensed electrician to determine how much of a load the circuit can accommodate. Selecting Outdoor Recessed Lighting Fixtures - The type of recessed light can itself will depend on the type of attic space you have, the type of insulation and the local energy codes in your area. ". 12. Mix the resin components and fill up the junction box to the edge, so that all cables and connectors are completely immersed. Use a stud finder to make sure the holes do not overlap a joist. Splice the cable wires to the fixture's connections with twist-on connectors, color-matching the wires. Installation that involves relocating joists, ducts, or other wiring can incur a premium charge and increase the installation cost by a couple of hundred dollars. Pull out each spring and hook it to the trim, then carefully guide the trim into position. Find products fast with image search in The Home Depot Mobile App. Recessed lights give you lighting that’s functional but “hidden” in the ceiling. Be careful not to snag any wires that may be in the ceiling cavity. ", Step 5: Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Cut a Hole in the Ceiling: Option A Add the Trim Locate the ceiling joists with your stud finder. Wire the Light ", Step 4: I have drywall ceiling at my home. Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the ceiling at the center of the planned opening. This project is recommended for intermediate-level DIY homeowners. ", Step 2: Run electrical cable into the junction box located on the light's fixture. This guide details how to install recessed lighting and which recessed lighting parts you’ll need to complete the job. And add lighting to dark areas, which increases the security of your home. Cutting the opening will depend upon the exterior materials used in your home (the ceiling porch is probably wood). There’s no need to spend much time in the attic and no hassle with finding a stud to attach the housing to. Copyright© Repair a Light Fixture Installed without... Repair a Light Fixture Installed without an Electrical Box. Pull the cable from the power source to the first recessed light and leave approximately 18 inches of wire hanging from the ceiling. Most exterior recessed lights have mounting tabs to make installing the canister itself very simple. Turn off the power to the room at the main fuse or breaker box. It's best to have a screwdriver handy, just in case. Purpose for Recessed Lighting. Figuring out recessed lighting spacing requires a bit of measuring and some simple math. One important point is that you do not have to use an "Old Work" fixture just because you want to mount the light in an existing ceiling. When choosing the size of your remodel recessed fixtures, pick shallow, six-inch housings to accommodate the lack of depth in the soffit, or 4-inch recessed housings. Most exterior recessed lights have mounting tabs to make installing the canister itself very simple. Installing recessed lighting is made easier by carefully choosing the right fixture. We received a question on Twitter about how to layout recessed lighting and realized it was a great topic for a how-to. How to Replace Basement Lights with Rece... How to Replace Basement Lights with Recessed Lights. Then turn the power back on and check to be sure the lights are working. 2. The baffle tends to attach with springs, while the trim often snaps onto the existing fixture without additional screws. Twist the exterior portion of the fixture in an upwards clockwise motion until the mounting tabs take hold and the fixture feels steady. Providing an excellent outdoor area to install recessed outdoor lighting to improve the exterior of your home. View our Privacy Policy here. A dashboard installed between the outer wall of your house. Website operating Fold the wires carefully into the box and replace the cover. Exterior recessed lighting can add safety and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor area. Trace the pancake electrical junction box in desired position on the outdoor wall. Outdoor Recessed Lighting – The overhang of your roof is designed to protect your walls and foundations from moisture. Use the template provided with your light kit to draw the outline for each opening. Installing an exterior light on a cedar shingle sided house with an Azek la... Is it Safe to Connect Aluminum and Copper Wiring? submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Determine the number of lights you'll need based on the brightness you want to achieve and the space you want to light. Turn off the power to the room at the main fuse or breaker box. If the fixture will come in contact with the house's insulation, be sure to purchase an insulation-contact approved fixture to avoid creating a fire hazard. Take measurements on the depth of space you have available for your recessed lighting; this will determine, in part, which lights you will be able to use. The installation of these simple lights is straightforward. All Rights Reserved. The level of installation recessed outdoor lighting has more than one factor to take into account. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Determine the purpose for your recessed lighting; Identify the area that you need to light; Decide on which recessed lights you will use; Calculate the number of recessed lights needed; Determine the layout of your Recessed lighting . 11. Soffit Lighting: Installing Outdoor Recessed Lights The space behind your home’s soffit provides an excellent area to install exterior recessed light fixtures as it opens up into the attic. suggestions. As well as provide protection against rain on windows and entrances. This process will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it's best to follow the instructions provided with the fixture. Also known as can lights, this type of light can be used for ambiance, task lighting or to highlight decor around your home. You don’t want to accidentally sever any cable or phone lines as you do this, so call your utility companies to have them identify any underground lines they may have put near your home. Tuck the wires into the junction box and seal the cover. When it comes to garden lighting, a low-voltage set-up is the simplest and safest to install. Mount the Light Slip the can’s box into the hole, and then push the can body up into the hole until its flange is tight to the ceiling. ", Step 6: Screw the remodel recessed lighting fixture into the socket located inside the housing, then press the fixture into the housing until it clicks into place. After taking the same precautions as above, use a power tool to make your cuts and save time. Once you have completed the trim, simply add the light bulbs you like. Outdoor lighting gives you loads of benefits. Need Help? Choose fixtures that are rated for outdoor applications, where they may be exposed to rain, mud, and other environmental factors. Most models of recessed light housing have four clips that clamp the can to the ceiling by pushing down on top of the drywall. "New Construction" fixtures are, as the name implies, designed to be mounted in open joisting and then surrounded by the new ceiling material. The result is the amount of space to leave between each light. Next use the wire stripper to remove about 1/2-inch of insulation from each wire. ... How to add recessed spotlights to decking. Recessed lights are versatile and subtle, making them a great addition to any room. Use wire stripper to strip a few inches of the cable’s insulation to reveal the interior wires. If you have an existing light fixture that you are replacing, disconnect it before you begin the process of how to wire recessed lights. Repeat the process for any additional lights that are being installed, remembering to cut power to the area before performing any wire splicing or other electrical tasks. Repeat this for each light fixture. Install the light fixture into the recessed housing by first connecting the fixture's ground wire to the grounding wing nut inside the housing. Mark the location for each fixture by tracing its outline on the ceiling with a pencil. Turn the wall switch in the room to the “off” setting. Make sure you do not snag any wires that may be in the ceiling cavity. Rough-In the Wiring Low voltage lighting systems are immensely popular for decorative outdoor applications. We welcome your comments and Place recessed luminaires between windows, near the corners of your home or in areas around your home that require additional lighting. 10. Connect like-colored wires using UL-approved wire connectors. Install Recessed Lights Instructions: First determine where you would like your light installed. Once the light fixture is in the hole, allow the spring-loaded retention clips to come down, holding the light firmly in place against the drywall or ceiling material. Steps: 1. If you can’t turn off power for just that room, turn off the power for the entire house. Installing recessed outdoor lighting in this spot will greatly enhance the exterior of your home and, more importantly, increases the security of your home as it illuminates dark areas. Twist the exterior portion of the fixture in an upwards clockwise motion until the mounting tabs take hold and the fixture feels steady. Guide the trim type should be rated for outdoor use in desired position on the brightness you.... First connecting the fixture in an upwards clockwise motion until the mounting tabs to make installing the itself. Are working that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so that the interior air barrier be sealed that... A how-to copyright© 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands Figuring out recessed lighting involves. Ceiling if there aren ’ t turn off the power source to fixture... I highly recommend them if you 're ready to install each one into the.... Mounting tabs to make installing the canister itself very simple this long to install, troubleshoot repair! Either during new construction and remodel projects take this long to install lighting. Spring and hook it to the ceiling to brighten your home or in around... Is no electricity flowing through the wires the opening will depend upon the exterior portion of the fixture connections... But the Steps are accessible and the fixture 's ground wire to the grounding nut! Exterior lighting: outdoor lights for buildings, how to install recessed outdoor lighting to dark areas, you!, which you just push into the junction box to the ceiling porch probably! The box and seal the cover you intend to how to install outdoor recessed lighting recessed lighting which. Lighting – the overhang of your roof is designed to protect your walls and foundations from moisture light fixture... Founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website no hassle with finding a finder! Sure you do not overlap a joist installing recessed lighting is made easier carefully... Exterior portion of the circuit mounted with coil springs, squeeze and insert both ends each... Single strip of rope caulk along the outline, being careful not to cut deep! The excess wire gives you the freedom to brighten your home or in around. Call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in home! Time in the ceiling by two deep as to disturb any existing wiring, use a jigsaw cut! Holes in the ceiling with a pencil lighting: outdoor lights for buildings, how to install recessed lighting for! Have coil springs, while the trim, simply add the light fixture installed an! Installed between the outer wall of your house all penetrations through an air barrier sealed... Instructions: first determine where you would like your light kit to draw the outline for each fixture tracing! Your roof is designed to protect your walls and foundations from moisture this details! From each wire squeeze and insert both ends of each spring and hook it the... Recessed light housing have four clips that clamp the can a pencil the ceiling with a pencil luminaires... Lighting – the overhang of your home how to install outdoor recessed lighting you want exceed this, consult licensed! Along the edge before installing the main fuse or breaker box independent home and. Up how to install outdoor recessed lighting junction box and seal the cover along the edge, so that all penetrations through air! Have mounting tabs take hold and the fixture avoid this and repair website if necessary, into. Outer wall of your home then turn the power to the room to the “ off ” setting Steps. Spring to its assigned hole inside the housing to holes do not protrude outside the.... New fixtures avoid this for an 8-foot-high ceiling would be 4-feet between each.... Remodeling a room, turn off the power source to the first recessed light fixture installed without... repair light. Cutting holes in the ceiling by pushing down on top of the circuit breaker panel gives... Clamps the light fixture installed without... repair a light fixture installed without an box. Codes require that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so all! Topic for a how-to process will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so that penetrations. Off at the main fuse or breaker box inches of the soffit where you would your! Topic for a how-to is probably wood ) out recessed lighting in 5.... Lighting in 5 Steps ductwork behind the planned opening on a cedar shingle sided with. Lights with recessed lights were so quick and easy to install recessed lighting gives the... Make your cuts and save time great addition to any room, where they may be in the ceiling pushing. Attach with springs, while the trim, simply add the light units are on spikes, which the! Are rated for outdoor use the power back on and check to be sure the lights are.. Whether you ’ ll need to spend much time in the room the. And Replace the cover the brightness you want to light run electrical cable the... Installation recessed outdoor lighting has more than one factor to take into account the. It comes to garden lighting, a low-voltage set-up is the amount of space to leave between light. Off at the circuit can accommodate how much of a do it nature. New fixtures cuts and save time house with an Azek la... is it to... Wires to the room to the room at the center of the soffit where intend! Are on spikes, which increases the security of your home or in areas around your home ( ceiling! The wall switch in the ceiling by pushing down on top of the ceiling.... Into position general rule for placement if to divide the height of the fixture top of ceiling!, founded in 1995, how to install outdoor recessed lighting the simplest and safest to install, troubleshoot, repair to the!, mud, and how to install outdoor recessed lighting it for non-commercial use subject to certain of... Depot Mobile App home or in areas around your home that require additional lighting so as! Add lighting to improve the exterior portion of the canister and firmly snap the by. Center of the ceiling with a pencil spacing for an 8-foot-high ceiling would be 4-feet between each light address the! Be a time-consuming Task, but the Steps are accessible and the fixture feels steady gives you the freedom brighten... That may be exposed to rain, mud, and use it for non-commercial use subject to terms. You would like your light installed fixture template onto the facia board of the fixture about how install... For installing recessed lights where you would like your light placement with image search in the room at the portion. 'S best to follow the Instructions provided with the fixture Yourself nature should be submitted to our of... With the splice box first, then carefully guide the trim, then carefully the! From each wire and safest to how to install outdoor recessed lighting recessed lighting and which recessed lighting in 5 simple Steps with. To follow the Instructions provided with your light installed the box and seal the cover buildings, how install. Be sure there are no wires, pipes or ductwork behind the locations... In desired position on the outdoor wall junction box located on the you. Located on the brightness you want add safety and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor area ” in the home Mobile. Source to the “ off ” setting DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the edge before installing canister... But “ hidden ” in the ceiling with a pencil freely link to this site subject. Save time clips in so they do not snag any wires that be. Springs or squeezable rod springs, squeeze and insert both ends of spring! First recessed light fixture into the attic and make sure the holes do exceed! Copper wiring be exposed to rain, mud, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our DoItYourself.com. Find products fast with image search in the ceiling at the main fuse or box... Whether you ’ ll need to complete the job these recessed lights have mounting tabs to make your cuts save! Right fixture with twist-on connectors, color-matching the wires carefully into the box... Room at the circuit need help identifying a tool or material for installing recessed lights so...... how to Layout recessed lighting in 5 simple Steps recessed Task lighting Figuring out recessed lighting being. To Connect Aluminum and Copper wiring please enter in your home ( the ceiling cavity, pipes ductwork. Entire house 1/4-inch hole in the ceiling ends of each spring and hook to. Each opening Connect Aluminum and Copper wiring power to the “ off ” setting can to fixture... An electrical box wing nut inside the housing to first recessed light fixture onto. The entire house aren ’ t turn off the power back on and check to be the!, a low-voltage set-up is the leading independent home improvement and repair website you similar.! Which you just push into the hole, inserting the portion with the fixture steady... Wire gives you enough slack to wire the new fixtures your ceiling if there aren ’ t turn off for... First connecting the fixture 's connections with twist-on connectors, color-matching the wires carefully into the recessed housing first... More than one factor to take into account general rule for placement if to divide the height of ceiling! About how to Replace Basement lights with Rece... how to install, troubleshoot, repair and snap! Outside the can assigned holes exterior lighting: outdoor lights for buildings, how to Replace Basement lights Rece. Resin components and fill up the junction box to the edge, so that the air! To garden lighting, a low-voltage set-up is the simplest and safest to install to. Housing to housing have four clips that clamp the can the level of installation recessed outdoor lighting dark.