How-To: Recessed Can Lighting

Locate the breaker box in your home and shut off the power to the room where you will be working. Find and mark the ceiling joists with a stud finder and a pencil.

Determine the spacing for the recessed light cans. The cans should be located near ceiling joists, and about five feet apart. Place the can next to the ceiling and trace around it with a pencil to mark the desired location.

Remove the current light fixture, and then disconnect the wiring.

Cut holes in the ceiling with a jigsaw where you traced the lights. Protect your eyes from falling debris with safety glasses, and protect your flooring and furnishings with drop cloths.

Connect the recessed can lights to the existing electrical box in the ceiling with electrical cable. Run the cable through the ceiling, spanning the distance between the can lights and the electrical box.

Secure the recessed can lights in the ceiling per manufacturer directions. Most recessed can lights are secured to the ceiling joists.

Connect the wiring to the recessed light. Install a cable connector to the can light. Strip ½ inch of plastic sheathing from the ends of the wires. Pair together the matching wires in the can light and electrical cable. Twist together the ends of the exposed wire pairs. Screw a wire nut over the ends of the wire pairs.

Push the trim pieces into place in the recessed can lights. The trim pieces should easily snap into place.