How to Add a Recessed Light to an Old Ceiling Fixture

Among the many decisions you'll make when remodeling a room is what to do about lighting. Ceiling lighting offers the choice of selecting external ceiling fixtures versus recessed lighting. If you're hesitant to make the change from an old ceiling fixture to a recessed light, don't be too fearful. Because the wiring is already in place for the old fixture, your job will be greatly simplified.

Wire cutters/strippers
Screwdriver
Keyhole saw
Wire nuts

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the circuit powering the light fixture, at the home's circuit breaker panel.
- 2
  Remove the thumbscrews holding the light fixture in place. Lower the light fixture down from the ceiling.
- 3
  Loosen the wire nuts connecting the home wiring to the light fixture wiring. If there are no wire nuts, you may need to cut the wires, or loosen screws on the light fixture connecting the wires.
- 4
  Loosen the screws holding the light fixture box against the ceiling joist. Lower the box from the ceiling.
- 5
  Cut an opening in the ceiling for the recessed light, using a keyhole saw.
- 6
  Attach the home wiring to the recessed light wiring, using wire nuts.
- 7
  Position the recessed light fixture in the ceiling and attach it to the joist with screws through the fixture's mounting bracket. Snap on the trim ring to the bottom of the recessed light.

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