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. That does not need to qualify only professionals, a job can be made easy with an extra pair of hands from family or friends. Either way, if you are ready to illuminate your living space a bit more by adding these sleek and effective fixtures, let’s get right into it.
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 that access you have to your ceiling. Check whether there are pre-installed electrical fixtures in your room that can suggest electrical currents in the space. If there are not any, you will need to call your landlord or a technician to have these checked. This will ensure that you are not needlessly drilling holes into your ceiling. Also, see if your room has an electrical control panel that may indicate a need for fishing wires so that you continue your project.
Once this list has been thoroughly examined, you need to gather the appropriate tools for the job. These will, most likely, include heavy-duty screwdrivers, hole saws, a non-contact voltage tester, wire fishing tape, wire strippers and more. Also, of course, your LED wafer lights as per your needs. Once these materials have been collected, ensure that you have turned off the main power source going into your room.
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 checks for electrical current will take, you do not want to risk being electrocuted. So, firstly, use your screwdrivers and take off 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” predominantly feeding your electricity. Again, this is usually the point where many individuals re-think calling an expert. If you face this decision, it is recommended that you may- at least- have a consultation with a trusted electrician. This may include contacting the professionals at companies such as Spark Wise Electric!
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. After that, cut the wire in your ceiling so you may 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 connecter. 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.