How to Install a LED Downlight

LED Downlights Explained

Downlight led bulbs, or can lights for short, are a popular lighting open for many reasons. Because of their sleek and stylish designs, many users rave about these modern devices. LED downlights are special because they can range in a variety of different designs that come with many features.

Some of these include trims, colors, lenses and reflectors. Although fixed recessed downlights are the standard style, you can also purchase swivel, baffled, and ultra thin styles. These serve multiple functions based on build, trim and beam angle.

LED Recessed Downlights: A Perfect Blend of Form and Function

LED recessed lights blend into the ceiling, appearing as a natural part. These lights are thin and usually come in different beam angles and colors, based on your preferences. Downlights are an appealing edition to residential and commercial applications because of their ease of installation in new constructions.

Downlighting blends with the ceiling rather than appearing attached to it. Downlights work well in low-ceiling installations as they provide plenty of light without being in the way of taller people. In short, down lights are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and efficient lighting.

Additionally, downlights are safe with an IC rating, and can use medium base light bulbs. This makes them last a long time and practical for different uses. These lights have up to 50,000 hours lifespan, offering long lasting lighting at an affordable cost. Striking a perfect balance, can lights deliver brightness and efficiency.

Disclaimer:

We recommend hiring a certified electrician

This blog gives you some tips on setting up downlights, with a strong emphasis on staying safe. Remember, it's not a replacement for pro advice. Dealing with electricity can be tricky, so it's cool to chat with a certified electrician for installations. Always keep safety first and hit up the pros when tackling electrical projects!

• Turn off electricity at the main fuse box that powers the fixtures you are planning to work on.
• Use the voltage tester to ensure power isn’t traveling through the wires at that location.
• Turn the wall switch to the off position.
• Make sure you are in agreement with local codes.
• Do not use bulbs with a greater wattage than specified for the fixture.
• Consult with a qualified electrician if you have questions or concerns.

Installing downlights in tight spaces is a breeze by using a clever combination of cable and a fish tape reel. Simply secure the cables to the reel and effortlessly guide them through the wall or ceiling for a smooth installation process.

Simply secure the cables to the reel, and with a smooth pull, effortlessly guide them through challenging areas. It's a game-changing trick that simplifies the process.

During installation, remove insulation from the fixture for a smooth and safe setup. This ensures a seamless process without any safety concerns.

Now that you have a step by step guide on how to install downlights, let’s put it to work. Once again, we suggest that you seek help from a certified electrician to complete this task. Please share your installation stories with us on our social media. We’d like to hear your experience. You can get your downlights and other tools needed for this task here at HomElectrical.

1. Find the location of where you want to place each light. Ensure there are no studs in these positions with your stud finder.
2. Using a pencil trace the paper template on the ceiling with the wiring hole in the center.
3. Use a hole saw to make the space for the down light housing.
4. Ensure there are no obstructions such as insulation because they can increase risk for electrical fires. A cover needs to be installed over the mounting.
5. Find a power source to provide power to the switch (GFCI outlet or other source).
6. Feed the power cable to where the switch will be placed.
7. Insert you switch junction box and feed the wire from the power source to it.
8. Feed your wires from the switch to the holes your recessed lighting fixture will be through the attic. If you don’t have access to the attic you will have to drill holes in the ceiling joist and feed the cables through them.
9. Begin splicing like wires together (hot to hot (black), neutral to neutral (white), ground to ground (bare/green). Wago connectors make this process easy. You should be splicing your power source, switch, and the wire being fed to your fixtures all together at the switch.
10. Wire the like wire from the power source to your first recessed light fixture. Then wire that same fixture to the wire leading to the next fixture. Continue this process for every fixture.
11. Mount the housing and trim pieces as directed by manufacturer.
12. Turn on power and test lights.

1. Find the location of where you want to place each light. Ensure there are no studs in these positions with your stud finder.
2. Trace the paper template on the ceiling with a pencil in the places you want them installed.
3. Drill a hole (1/4 inch) into the center of the circle drawn in the step above.
4. Check the attic above the hole to make sure there isn’t anything blocking the area, such as insulation. It is important to install a cover over the mounting.
5. Use a hole saw to make the space for the downlight housing.
6. Feed the power source cable through the hole giving yourself enough slack to work with (18 inches or so of wire).
7. Wire the power source to your first recessed light fixture (hot to hot (black), neutral to neutral (white), ground to ground (bare/green). Then wire that same fixture to the wires leading to the next fixture. Continue this process for every fixture.
8. Mount the housing and trim pieces as directed by the manufacturer.
9. Turn on power and test lights.

1. Find the location of where you want to place each light. Ensure there are no studs in these positions with your stud finder.
2. Trace the paper template on the ceiling with a pencil in the places you want them installed.
3. Drill a hole (1/4 inch) into the center of the circle drawn in the step above.
4. Stick fish tape or hanger in hole to ensure there are no obstructions. Things such as insulation can increase risk for fires.
5. Use a hole saw to make the space for the down light housing.
6. Feed the power source cable through the hole giving yourself enough slack to work with (18 inches or so of wire).
7. Drill small holes through the ceiling joist and feed the wire through the ceiling joist to each fixture.
8. Wire the like wire from the power source to your first recessed light fixture. Then wire that same fixture to the wire leading to the next fixture. Continue this process for every fixture.
9. Mount the housing and trim pieces as directed by manufacturer.
10. Turn on power and test lights.

Once again, we suggest that you seek help from a certified electrician to complete this task. Please share your installation stories with us on our social media.

1. Disconnect the power source from the fixture you are replacing.
2. Using a pencil trace the paper template on the ceiling with the wiring hole in the center.
3. Use a hole saw to make the space for the down light housing.
4. Feed the power source cable through the hole giving yourself enough slack to work with (18 inches or so of wire).
5. Wire the like wire from the power source to your first recessed light fixture. Then wire that same fixture to the wire leading to the next fixture. Continue this process for every fixture.
6. Mount the housing and trim pieces as directed by manufacturer.
7. Turn on power and test lights.

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