How Do I Replace Overhead Lighting With Recessed Cans?

Turn off the power to your home at the breaker box.

Locate the ceiling joists with an electronic stud finder. Mark the location of the studs on the ceiling with a pencil.

Determine where the can lights need to be located. Space the can lights approximately 6 feet apart from one another. Try to locate the lighting between the ceiling joists. Cover the floor and furniture with drop cloths. This will protect them from dust and debris.

Unscrew the light fixture with a screwdriver. Lower the fixture and unscrew the wire nuts from the top of the wires in the fixture. Remove the entire fixture.

Hold the can light up to the ceiling and use a pencil to mark the area for the hole in the ceiling. Repeat with each can light. Cut the holes for the can lights with a jig saw or utility knife.

Drill holes through the ceiling joists to run the electrical cable through the ceiling. Run an electrical cable through the ceiling until the cable reaches each individual can light and connects the lights to the electrical box of the old light fixture.

Mount the can lights directly to the ceiling joists per the manufacturer's directions.

Connect the wiring of the cable to the wiring of the cans. Twist together the ends of the wires. Match the red wires to one another, the black wires to one another and the green wires to one another. Screw a wire nut over the end of each of the pairs of wires.

Install the trim pieces included with the light fixture. Install a light bulb. Turn on the power to the lights.