How to Install Condor Recessed Lights
- 1
Draw out a plan, marking where the ceiling joists are and where you want to install lights.blueprints,phone image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
Draw out a lighting plan on the graph paper with the pencil. Be sure that the layout you create places the lights along the main joists for easier and safer installation. Locate a power source that can be tapped into, such as an outlet in the same room that is not overloaded. Turn the breaker or fuse off for that power source before beginning any installation. - 2). Cut out a section of the ceiling drywall with the saw to expose the joists you will be using to mount your lights on. Continue cutting out sections of the ceiling where the lights will be installed. These cuts should be round and big enough to accommodate the housing for each light, without being so large that you have to repair the ceiling as part of the mounting process.
- 3). Disassemble and remove the outlet you will be using as your power source. Cut out an area on the wall for the new switch box, preferably on the same wall as the outlet. Using the right-angle drill and 3/4-inch spade bit, drill holes through the exposed top wall plate and ceiling joists to run your cables through. Drill through one of the holes you cut for a light if you cannot directly access the joists.
- 4). Drop the cable from the switch area to the outlet area. Pull the cable up through the wall from the outlet to the areas lights will be installed through the holes you drilled in the joists. Cut and connect the cable and recessed light housing to a junction box, matching the color-coded wires. Secure all wire connections with wire caps so that no wires are exposed. Mount the junction box on the ceiling joist using the screws provided and a screwdriver. Each light will have its own junction box even though it will be wired along the same line.
- 5
All the cables meet in the switch box.electrical box image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Repeat this process, connecting the cut cable with a cable clamp and running it to the next light. When you are done, push the cable through the switch box and connect the wires from the cables. There should be power, ground and neutral wires in the cable and you should have at least two cables pushed through the switch box -- one for a switch to the lights, and one to connect the power to the outlet. Be sure to secure all exposed wires using the wire caps. - 6). Reinstall the outlet, adding the new power cable that was dropped from the switch box area at the beginning. Before finishing the lights, be sure to have a qualified electrical inspector approve the wiring to avoid fires. Once approved, push the lighting in place and attach the housing trim. Mount the wall switch plate and outlet cover. Repair any drywall damage, and turn the power back on.
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