How do I install LED recessed lights?
How to Install LED Recessed Lights
With modern LED recessed lights, you can quickly create the ambiance of your choice in your home, office, or any other space. As a replacement for halogen spots, they also save a significant amount on your energy bill. However, installation might seem like a complicated task. That's why we've outlined a step-by-step guide here at Lightexpert.nl to help you get started! Follow these simple steps to install your LED recessed lights.
Preparation
Of course, no step-by-step guide is complete without proper preparation. By now, you should have already chosen which recessed lights you want to install. You can choose from various options such as tiltable recessed lights, dimmable recessed lights, and regular recessed lights. For this guide, we'll focus on regular recessed lights. Also, be sure to check the product manual, as its instructions take priority.
In addition to your recessed lights, it's important to have the right tools on hand so you won’t be caught off guard when you start cutting holes in your ceiling! To prepare, besides your chosen recessed lights, you should have the following items ready:
A tape measure
A hole saw
A voltage tester
A stable step stool or ladder
A pencil
With these materials on hand, you're ready to begin. Always check the description of your lights for installation requirements. Once that’s taken care of, let’s move on to the first step of the guide!
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
For safety first, always turn off the power supply. Once you've turned it off, use the voltage tester to check if the power on the wires where you intend to install the lights is truly off. This will help prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Step 2: Determine the Placement
Before you start drilling holes, it’s a good idea to mark where the recessed lights will go. Check the packaging for the requirements of your chosen lights, and then mark the locations on the ceiling with your pencil. A simple cross should be enough. Wait before marking the full size of the recessed spot.
Step 3: Determine the Size
The holes for a recessed light should be large enough to let the light fit through, but small enough so that the edges fit seamlessly against the ceiling. Follow the recommended cutting size from the packaging. The diameter of the spot itself will match the edge that ultimately covers the hole. Always refer to the packaging or manual for this information.
Step 4: Cut the Holes
Use the hole saw with the correct drill size to cut the holes for your recessed lights. You can use a compass to draw a circle that matches the cutting size to ensure your holes are well-aligned before drilling. Make sure you're standing firmly while drilling.
Step 5: Wiring
Run the wiring to the hole or holes where your recessed lights will be installed. The black and blue wires will later be connected to the terminal block of the recessed lights. You can quickly and easily get extra wiring by cutting off the plug from a power strip and stripping the wires. Always use the voltage tester to ensure the wires you're touching are not live.
Step 6: Connect the Lights
Check once more with the voltage tester to confirm the power is off, and then connect the black and blue wires to the terminal block of the lights. Often, you simply insert the stripped wire into the correct hole and tighten the screw, but sometimes, the wires are secured with a clip.
Step 7: Place the Lights
Now you can place the recessed lights into the holes. If you've drilled correctly, they should fit seamlessly into the holes. The manual will show you how best to install your lights, so follow it carefully. Once done, your lights should now be ready for use!
Step 8: Check
Once your lights are in place and the power is back on, simply flip the switch to check if they are installed correctly! You can also replace your standard light switch with a dimmer to make your LED recessed lights dimmable. Dimmable and smart recessed lights can create different atmospheres in your home, giving you the lighting you need at any moment. Many dimmable Smart LED lights can also be controlled via apps and smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Are your lights installed but you still have questions, or do you want to learn more about your product before starting this project? Feel free to contact customer service!