Before beginning this and any other project involving electricity, make sure to take all precautionary measures to ensure your safety. Recessed lighting installation can be very interesting and simple if you follow some helpful instructions.
The first and most important step is to always make sure the power is turned off. Many times we can get so busy getting prepared that by the time we are ready to begin our project, we don't remember if the power actually was turned off. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Double check to make sure power is off. If you have a tester, check for unexpected electricity flowing from the breaker or power source that may have been left on. Make sure to handle housing with care. Many times housing and can may be extremely sharp and can cause serious cuts and scratches. Wearing gloves makes it safer and easier to wire and install recess lighting. Keep in mind that too many devices on one circuit can create poor performance and may also become very hazardous. Take your time, be careful, and be certain that you do not overload any circuits.
Installing a recessed light fixture requires very few tools, and a minimal amount of effort is required. You will need a hammer, wire caps, electrical tester, wire, measuring tape, and electrical staples or nails.
Once the chosen location is achieved by accurate measuring, mark your spot on the rafter. The bars that come with the housing make it easy to pin- point the location for housing. They enable you to slide in the direction needed to achieve the exact location necessary for housing. Rafters running in opposite direction are manipulated in the same fashion to reach the exact location on the mark of rafter. The bars should have a point on the ends to hammer into the rafter. After hammering in, secure by hammering the bar down with either a staple or a nail. Housing should be flush.
Depth may be adjusted by loosening the screws inside of housing can. Make sure to tighten the screws after depth is achieved. Once this is accomplished, you may bring your source of electricity to the fixture. (Make sure to use correct size wire and that it meets light's requirements) Staple your wires running to the light to keep it safe, and clean around your work area.
In the housing there is another small compartment which stores wires of recessed light. To connect is very simple. Remove the plug on small compartment. Remove just enough insulation from wires to expose a sufficient amount of the three individual wires inside of insulation to connect with wires inside of compartment on the housing. With your linesman pliers or wire strippers, remove just enough of the colored wires to connect with wires inside of housing compartment. (Wires in housing should be stripped).
If wire in housing is green or bare, it is your ground. It is connected with bare wire in Romex wire. The other two go according to their color, black to black and white to white. Twist the wires together. Place wire caps on and twist together until snuggly tight.
The outer trim is fastened with springs attached which clamp on to the inside of the can. At this point you are ready to screw on the light bulb and enjoy your recess lighting.
The steps provided are complete and concise and very easy to follow. Have fun and be proud that you have successfully performed another do-it-yourself task you can even instruct others to do.
