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Family Room: Lighting and Closet Door Installation How to install recessed can lighting From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-202

Michael Ray and the Hortons install recessed can lighting in the closet ceiling. Recessed cans are energy efficient and come with an existing ballast. As a bonus to the space, motion sensor lights are installed. Next, pre-hung doors are installed.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Materials:

Recessed Lighting Installation

wire cutters
6" remodel can light (fluorescent) x 3
single pole motion detector switch
circuit tester
14/2 non-metallic building electrical wire
Torpedo level
jab saw
utility knife
cordless drill
hex bit holder
angled drill
flashlight
ladder
20-minute mud (fast setting hot mud)
inside corner (edge) trowel
6" knife
mud tray
remodeled junction box (single)
electrician's fish tape
hammer
non-metallic building electrical wire staples
1 x 2 stock material for cleat
wire nuts
drywall circle cutter
self-feeding screw gun (rental)
tape
jointing compound
knives

Closet Door Installation

pre-hung double doors
nail gun
1-1/2" and 2-1/2" finish nails
shim material
utility knife
6-foot level
hammer
hand drill
wood screws

Recessed Lighting Installation

1. Using a jab saw, cut an exploratory hole to see if there would be enough space in the ceiling to install recessed lighting (figure A). The idea is to avoid wires and pipes.

2. Cut out the ceiling, removing the drywall and insulation (figure B).

3. For the light switch, cut a hole in the wall for a remodel box. Remodel boxes are electrical boxes that can be installed in drywall with a clamp rather than having to nail or screw to a stud (figure C).

4. Use fish tape to feed through the new power line. Attach the new power line to studs where each of the cans will be mounted (figure D).

5. Install a wood cleat to allow the new drywall to be attached to something later (figure E).

6. A recessed light fixture is also called a can (figure F). These cans are made for energy saving with their florescent tubes and have built in ballast. To install, use the build in brackets and install with screws (figure G).

7. Once installed, wire the fixtures to the remodel box. As another energy saver, consider installing a motion sensor switch in case one forgets to turn off the lights manually (figure H).

8. Measure the drywall for the sealing (figure I), then score and snap the mark.

Illuminations: A Lighting Guide For more easy-to-follow lighting projects, visit DIY's Lighting Guide.

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