How to Install Drywall Recessed Lighting

Place the canister for the recessed lighting against the ceiling where you plan to install it and then trace the canister onto the ceiling. Place the canister off to the side.

Cut the circle out with a keyhole saw.

Snake an electrical cable form the electrical switch that will control the lighting to the hole in the ceiling.

Secure the green or bare wire extending from the ceiling to the green or bare wire on the canister light. Secure the black wire from the ceiling to the black wire on the canister. Secure the white wire from the ceiling to the white wire on the canister. Use wire nuts to secure the wires and then wrap electrical tape around the wire nuts to secure the nuts to the wires.

Tuck the electrical wires into the ceiling and then slide the canister into the hole. Slide the tabs on the bottom lip of the canister outward to lock it onto the drywall and then tighten the screws on the tabs with a screwdriver.

Attach the trim bezel to the canister. This will differ depending on the type of light. In some cases, the bezel screws onto the end of the canister and in other cases, the trim pieces as two springs that attach inside the canister.