DIY: Installation of Recessed Lighting

Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists in the area where you are installing the lighting. The cans for the recessed lights will be installed on the ceiling between the joists.

Trace the outline of the lighting can onto the ceiling where you're installing it. Use a template if provided by the manufacturer; otherwise, use the can itself.

Cut holes in the ceiling with a drywall saw along the lines you traced. Be careful when doing this so you don't cut any existing wires in the joists. If you don't have a diagram of your home's wiring, look for lighting fixtures or outlets in the area where you're installing the recessed lights, including in the room above the room you're working in. Turn off the power to these circuits as an extra safety precaution.

Use a stud finder to locate a stud where you want to install the light switch on the wall.

Trace an old-work electrical box onto the wall where you're installing the light switch. Cut a hole in the wall with a drywall saw following the lines.

Run electrical cables between each hole where you're installing the recessed lights, between the hole for the light switch and the nearest light, and between the light switch and your home's main electrical box.

Remove two inches of sheathing from each end of the electrical cable and an inch of insulation from each wire inside the cable with wire strippers.

Attach the wiring in the ceiling to the wires in the lighting cans. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the precise procedure, but generally you'll be attaching the black wires from the cans to the black wires from the cables, the white wires to white wires and green wires to green wires -- all with plastic connector caps. Slide the can into the ceiling, and press the clips on the side of the can outward until the can stays locked into the ceiling.

Slide the cable leading from the first can and the cable leading from your home's main electrical box through the back of the old-work electrical box, then screw the old-work box to the wall stud. You use an old-work box on walls that are finished, and new-work boxes on walls that have not been finished.

Connect the wires leading from the cables to the terminal screws on the sides of the light switch, again following the manufacturer's instructions. Wrap electrical tape around the sides of the switch, then slide it into the old-work box and screw it in place. Place the plate cover over the light switch.

Install the trim around around the cans on the ceiling, then install the lightbulbs in the cans.

Hire an electrician to connect the recessed lighting system to your home's electrical box. Local building codes often require that a certified electrician complete this task for safety reasons.