How to Drop a Recessed Light

Standard Recessed Lights with Halogen Bulbs

• 1

  Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the recessed lighting system. Set up a step ladder under the recessed light you want to drop.

• 2

  Look for screws securing the outer trim to the ceiling. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver, if your lights use securing screws.

• 3

  Turn the trim piece counterclockwise, if no screws are visible. Once the trim is loose from the ceiling, the recessed light will drop down for bulb removal.

• 4

  Pull straight down on the trim piece if it doesn't turn and has no screws. Usually if you have a trim piece that pulls straight down, the recessed light fixture drops down at the same time to provide access to the halogen bulb.

Canned Recess Lights

• 5

  Pull the trim piece away from the ceiling. Some canned lights use two screws to secure the trim piece. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

• 6

  Shine a flashlight between the edge of the canned fixture and the hole in the ceiling. Look for the spring clips securing the can to the ceiling.

• 7

  Squeeze your fingers in between the can and the ceiling hole until you are able to push the spring clips toward the center of the can. If there is not enough room for your fingers, insert two flat rulers or pieces of shim to push the spring clips inward.

• 8

  Pull the canned lighting fixture out of the ceiling slowly while keeping the spring clips pushed toward the center of the can.