recessed lights installation cares

As with other projects, recessed lighting installation should be planned. Prior to decide anything, ask yourself some basic questions involving your lighting needs, your ceiling, your wiring, your fixtures or the placement of lights, and decide accordingly.

Recessed lighting projects are easy (or easier) in new construction, but can be hard to achieve in existing homes. And they will always depend largely on the lighting you need and want, and the effects you want to achieve.

The type of recessed lighting

Working spaces (in the kitchen, for instance) or reading places need brighter light, while others require more relaxing and softer illumination. Accent lighting (to highlight architectural features or artworks) also require brighter light, different from general lighting.

As with track lighting, recessed lighting is very suitable for accent and task lighting goals, or to illuminate spaces like a small kitchen or a entryway. But if you want general lighting for large rooms, recessed lighting may demand too much lamps and energy.

See: Modern Ambient Lighting

The placement of the recessed lights

The placement of the lights and the spacing between them are key elements in a recessed lighting project.

See: Recessed Lighting Placement

Ceiling type

Special features and architectural details of the ceiling can make recessed lighting a difficult project (in existing homes). Drilling holes into the drywall and getting a proper spacing to get ventilation or a proper sealing isn’t often easy.

See: Recessed Disadvantages & Ceilings

IC or no-IC housings

See: Recessed Disadvantages - IC and non-IC Housings

Cable, wiring and Housings

If you have an attic above the ceiling, your recessed lighting project can be easier to install. Standard housings and standard electrical cable can be used and are usually easier to install in such a case. Otherwise, you will need special remodel housings and a more elaborated wiring system.

In a remodel, you should check the nature of your wiring system (aluminum? copper?) and use the same wiring material with the same thickness. If your system involves fabric insulated wiring or no-ground wiring, that may demand a professional to assess and decide on the best system.

Do not overload an existing fixture

Do not overload your existing fixture system, when installing a recessed lighting system. The new system shouldn’t demand more watts than the previous one, unless you are sure the circuit can carry more lights.

You may have to call an electrician to assess it...