Install Recessed Lighting From Attic

Drill a hole in the top plate.

Install recessed lighting from attic.

Remodel housing is usually the easier option when replacing old fixtures. Turn off the circuit breaker to the light switch circuit you will be connecting to. Trace around the housing. Turn off the power to the room at the main circuit breaker.

Cut the hole with a drill with a hole cutting attachment and mark all light locations. Always check your local electrical codes before attempting to add new wiring. Recessed lighting fixtures made specifically for remodeling projects allow you to add light to any room. How to install recessed lights in an old house with no attic space 1.

Installing recessed lighting when there isn t access to an attic is a common problem. Make sure you do not snag any wires that may be in the ceiling cavity. Use an electronic stud. Hold the recessed light housing up to the ceiling in the desired installation location.

How to install recessed lights. When installing recessed lights make all connections from below before snapping the housing into the drywall in order to save spending time in the attic. New construction recessed lights are easy to work with when ample access is available from above but are impractical when attic access isn t an option. Learn how to install recessed lights without attic access with this tutorial.

How to install recessed lighting without access to the attic 1. You ll need remodeling recessed lights a pencil a hand held drywall saw wire strippers wire cutters and a flat screwdriver. Mark the spot on the ceiling where the recessed lighting fixture is to be installed. The project requires electrical experience so hire an electrician if necessary.

Drill through the top plate and the joists to create a route for the cables see figure a. Use a non contact voltage tester. Learn how to install recessed lighting also known as can lights with our light installation tutorial. Keep the holes centered on the plate and at least 2 in.

For more lighting tips see our lighting and ceiling f. From the top and bottom of the joists. Attic access is not needed and you won t need to patch the ceiling after.