Anyone have tips/links to how to install recessed lighting (post construction)?

I'm thinking about attending one of the HD/LOWES classes.

 

I did this - it was real easy to do. I got the kind that can come in contact with isulation. I was able to install them on my first floor ceiling without access from above floor. They looked great and worked great. P.S> I am no master electrician either. IMO no class necessary.

 

If your connecting say 4 up, how did you run the wire through the joists?

 

Well, I only did two (replaced a nasty flourescent light in kitchen with two recessed lights). Ummm...well, may depend on code, as far as what kind of wire protection you need. I was lucky my two lights were in the same joist cavity. If they were not - my particular joists were those kind that were assembled 2x4's so the wire could easily have passed through to the next one. Else I would drill a hole

 

Mach30, how many joists do you have to go through? And how far apart are the lights going to be?

 

is there attic space above?

 

I want to install some of the smaller recessed lamps into the baby's room at our place. There is a switch on the wall for one of the outlets so we can operate a lamp. I'm not the best at this electrical crap either, so is it usually easy to use that switch to operate those recessed lights instead or will I have to install another switch?

 

Hey I did same thing - I installed another switch - made existing switchbox a double - they make great remodeling boxes so you do not have to worry about nailing into a stud etc.

- might as well put the dimmer switch on now for when your child wants the light on and the nightlight was making shadows

 

Standard joists are 18 or 16 inches? i'd guess 3-4 and maybe 5 joists.

I do not have access to the attic - this is in a condo so i doubt the neightbors would let me rip up there carpet and cut a hole in the floor.

The lights are going to be 7-8 feet apart. Its a rectangle room and i want to put 4 lights in. sorta one in each corner.

There is already a cieling fan up ther that i'm sure i can tap into for power?!?? i think.

 

anyone?

 

With a distance that far apart it's gonna be difficult. Problem is getting electricity to each light, since you can't get up in the ceiling.

I can't say that it's code but I've seen people cut notches out of the drywall just below each ceiling joist and fish the wire up into the ceiling and when you get to the joist, use a Romex staple to hold it in place. Then you need to tape the notch using fiberglass mesh and then spackle over it. It might not look that pretty though when you're done.

 

why can't you just drill a small hole through each joist? That is how it is done in new construction, what is the difference? Maybe I am not understanding the issue. (other than the larger hole(s) needed to get your drill up there)

And yes, I would use that power supply from the previous light - that is what I did.

 

Its not a previous light souce - i'm thinking about tapping into the power from the cieling fan that is switch controlled - i know i'd have to control the fan by the chain.

There isn't an issue, just wondering if theres an easier way then ripping the cieling up every 18 inches to drill the hole. I think this is what i might have to do, because i'm worried about drilling blindly though a joist and acciently hitting wires or the sprinkler system

 

That's what I thought. The past owner of the place installed a ceiling fan in the master bedroom, but she never installed the switch. She got one of those remote operated switches. I was considering doing that, but I just figured it would be a wast of money.

 

Can someone post a picture for me? I drew something up for him but I can't access my photo host site from work.

Give me an email address and I'll send you the jpeg to host.

 

check your pm's I'll host it

 

Buy a Greenlee flex bit:



-Get a 36" flew bit
-Cut a holes in the ceiling where you want the can lights
-Feed the bit in to the ceiling thru oen of the holes
-Drill thru the joists from one hole to the other
-Do not remove the drill bit - instead, attach the electrical wire to the end of the flex bit
-Pull the bit back thru the hole and the electric cable comes with it

I've done this many times with coax cable. If I can do it so can you

 

Buy the way, Home Depot sells the Greenlee flex bits in the electrical department.