Install Recessed Lighting From Attic

Remodel housing shown here is installed from below by wiring the fixture before pushing it in from below.

Install recessed lighting from attic.

Laws and regulations vary at city county and state levels. Use an electronic stud. Remodel housing is usually the easier option when replacing old fixtures. You ll need remodeling recessed lights a pencil a hand held drywall saw wire strippers wire cutters and a flat screwdriver.

Trace around the housing. Attic access is not needed and you won t need to patch the ceiling after. Keep the holes centered on the plate and at least 2 in. Make sure you do not snag any wires that may be in the ceiling cavity.

From the top and bottom of the joists. Recessed lighting fixtures made specifically for remodeling projects allow you to add light to any room. Mark the spot on the ceiling where the recessed lighting fixture is to be installed. Drill a hole in the top plate.

Drill through the top plate and the joists to create a route for the cables see figure a. For more lighting tips see our lighting and ceiling f. When installing recessed lights make all connections from below before snapping the housing into the drywall in order to save spending time in the attic. Installing recessed lighting when there isn t access to an attic is a common problem.

Use a non contact voltage tester. Cut the hole with a drill with a hole cutting attachment and mark all light locations. Always check your local electrical codes before attempting to add new wiring. Turn off the power to the room at the main circuit breaker.

Learn how to install recessed lighting also known as can lights with our light installation tutorial. New construction recessed lights are easy to work with when ample access is available from above but are impractical when attic access isn t an option. Test to see if the power is off by inserting a circuit. Turn off the circuit breaker to the light switch circuit you will be connecting to.

Hold the recessed light housing up to the ceiling in the desired installation location. How to install recessed lighting without access to the attic 1. How to install recessed lights.