How to Access a Panel With Recessed Lighting

Recessed lights sometimes need attention to repair wires or replace the fixture. If you have a suspended ceiling, it is necessary to access the light fixture panel from both sides to remove it from the ceiling. Accessing a panel with recessed lighting requires removing a ceiling panel that is next to the light panel. This gives you some room to work below and above the ceiling panel. Unlike surface mounted light fixtures, the recessed light can does not make direct contact with the panel from the top. The light can has its own support rails that mount between the ceiling panel rails.

Step ladder
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off the power to your recessed lights at the circuit breaker. This prevents accidental shocks if you disturb the wiring when accessing the area behind the ceiling panel. Set up a stepladder to access the ceiling panel.
- 2
  Check the light trim for screws and remove them with the appropriate screwdriver. Most recessed lights sit above the ceiling tile and the trim connects to the face of the tile and light can.
- 3
  Twist the trim counterclockwise if there are no visible screws. Trim without screws either unscrews or simply pulls straight down. Remove the trim piece completely from the ceiling panel.
- 4
  Lift up on the center of an adjacent ceiling panel and slide it away from the light fixture panel. Look at the top of the ceiling light panel from the open panel area.
- 5
  Place one hand under the side of the light panel closest to you. Lift the end of the panel up slightly until you are able to move it to one side.
- 6
  Push the opposite side of the panel down from the top of the panel with your hand. Once one side is below the ceiling grid, pull the panel completely from the ceiling.

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