Installing recessed light points is an excellent opportunity for a quick and economical renovation of the house. Recessed light points can also provide direct light in specific areas of the kitchen, they can make a room brighter, modernize the look of an interior, or draw attention to specific points of the furniture or interior decoration. You can have an electrician install the lights, but you can also learn how to do the installation yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparations
Step 1. Read the package insert of the light points that you have obtained
In the manual you will find specifics on the installation and wiring of the light points. By reading the sheet you should also identify the size of the hole to be made and in which the lights will be installed.
Step 2. Check with a trusted electrician if the installation is up to standard and if you can install the lights safely
If you remove existing lights, you can certainly replace them with new lights of equal power.
For example, if you remove bulbs totaling 600 watts, you can definitely replace them with recessed lights totaling 600 watts
Step 3. Before starting any work, turn off the power to the circuit
Make sure that no one can accidentally restore power to the circuit while you work. Absolutely avoid working on live cables.
Step 4. Mark the position of each light point you intend to install
Use the template provided in the mounting kit, or create a template by cutting out a sheet of cardboard. Place the template on the ceiling or wall, and draw the shape of the hole with the pencil, also marking the center point.
If you want to install the light points aligned or according to a geometric design, you can consider getting a laser meter for rent. This tool allows you to mark holes with extreme precision, and there is nothing wrong with looking professional
Step 5. Evaluate the obstacles in the ceiling or wall
Use a pipe or wire detector, and see what obstacles can be found under the surface.
- If there is an attic or other accessible space above the ceiling, you can start by making a 6mm hole in the center of each marked template. Then go upstairs and check if there are any obstacles near each hole. The recessed light points must be placed in places where there is enough space to contain the recessed support.
- If there is a finished surface above the ceiling, you can look for obstacles with a wire hanger. Fold a section of wire at a 90 ° angle and a length of about 8 cm. Insert the wire into each hole already drilled, and turn the part you folded so that you can feel the obstacles. If you find that you have encountered resistance, choose a new location to install this light fixture.
Method 2 of 3: Drill and Wire
Step 1. Drill the holes to install the lights
Use a drywall saw or other tool depending on the surface of the wall to be drilled, and make the holes following the edge indicated by the pencil mark you made earlier. Avoid enlarging the holes too much, you can always enlarge them later, while it is difficult to remedy holes that are too large.
Cover the floor with a tarp to collect debris or dust that settles as you drill into the wall or ceiling
Step 2. Install the supports of each light point
The best fixation requires the supports to be hooked to structural elements, but it should be easy to secure them to any surface.
Step 3. Secure the electrical cables approximately every 50cm, and run the cables from one holder to the next
Doing this right away saves you having to do it later. Let the cables hang about 50 cm from each holder, so that you have enough cable to complete the installation of each light point.
If you have an attic above the room you work in, you can run cables in the attic. Otherwise, get a folding drill bit and drill holes in the intermediate surfaces, then run the cables through the holes
Step 4. Remove the sheathing from the ends of the cables with wire stripping pliers
Step 5. Take the stripped cables, and connect them to the correct points of the supports
Secure the connectors to the supports. Connect one end of the electrical cable to the system, and sequentially connect all the brackets you have installed, except if you want to connect separate switches.
Step 6. Arrange the electrical terminals on each connection, matching the wires of the same color, and securing the terminals inside the supports
Repeat for each support.
Method 3 of 3: Installing the Light Points
Step 1. Remove the part of the stand that is needed to fix it in place
This part should easily release or unscrew.
Step 2. Place the holder in the hole and hook it with the clips
also in this case it should be a simple and quick operation.
Step 3. Hook the socket into the holder by inserting it into place
Step 4. Tighten the springs on the sides until all elements are secured
Step 5. Secure the bulbs and check for operation
Install bulbs of adequate wattage, and test immediately to see that everything is properly connected.
Advice
- Before starting a job of this type, check that you are acting in accordance with the legal standards, and find out if you need certificates of compliance at the end of the job.
- To avoid getting dirty with dust and debris, plan to move furniture and furnishings out of the room or cover them properly with sheets.
