How to Install Recessed Lights Upstairs
- 1). Draw a circle, the same diameter as your recessed light canister, on the ceiling where you want to install the light.
- 2). Drill a hole in the center of the circle. Check to make sure there are no joists or conduit behind the circle by probing the hole with a pencil or coat hanger.
- 3). Starting at the center hole cut away the gypsum with a wallboard saw. Make the hole the same diameter as the recessed light canister.
- 4). Remove any insulation where the light fixture will be installed. Place the mounting frame and canister into the opening. Fasten the mounting frame to the neighboring joists. Connect the canister cable to the wire connection box on the mounting frame.
- 5). Turn off your electrical power at the breaker. Run type NM cable from the electrical switch to the wire connection box. Insert the NM cable into the connection box and clamp the cable in place with cable clamps.
- 6). Connect the white connection box circuit wire to the white wire of the light fixture. Connect the black connection box circuit wire to the black light fixture wire. Create a safe, strong connection by twisting an electrical nut over the bare wire connection and wrapping the electrical nut and wires with electrical tape.
- 7). Orient the canister to the correct position on the mounting frame. Fasten the mounting screws to the mounting frame. Snap the reflector or baffle into the light fixture can where the bulb will be placed. Install the light bulb.
- 8). Snap the fixture trim over the exposed housing edge of the recessed light and turn on the electricity at the breaker box. Test the light.
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