matt larson
02-04-2010, 09:05 PM
I'm finishing my basement and considering installing some recessed lights in the unfinished ceiling before I install dry wall.
Currently there is one light in the middle of the room that is on a switch. I'm thinking that to install four lights, I will be able to disconnect the current overhead light and re-run one of the wires to the first new light. From there, I would run wire to the next, and then to the third and forth. At the forth, I would take the second wire that is attached to the current overhead light and connect that to the forth new light as well, completing the circuit.
I know that I cannot have a junction box installed behind drywall, but if all of the connections are made inside of the light fixture, I would assume that is the correct way to do it.
A few other things I'm thinking:
-Since I'll be adding insulation to the ceiling, I'll want IC rated lights.
-For an 8' ceiling I'll be placing lights about 8' apart.
-I will not be placing lights under the joists with the gas line, because I'm concerned about heat build up.
I've changed several light fixtures in the past, and this seems like a similar process except I'm running new wire to the fixtures instead of just replacing the fixture. If that's the case, I feel confident I can do this upgrade myself.
Please let me know if what I am planning sounds like the correct/safe way to go about this. Also, if you can think of anything I am missing or can recommend some websites to check out, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance
Currently there is one light in the middle of the room that is on a switch. I'm thinking that to install four lights, I will be able to disconnect the current overhead light and re-run one of the wires to the first new light. From there, I would run wire to the next, and then to the third and forth. At the forth, I would take the second wire that is attached to the current overhead light and connect that to the forth new light as well, completing the circuit.
I know that I cannot have a junction box installed behind drywall, but if all of the connections are made inside of the light fixture, I would assume that is the correct way to do it.
A few other things I'm thinking:
-Since I'll be adding insulation to the ceiling, I'll want IC rated lights.
-For an 8' ceiling I'll be placing lights about 8' apart.
-I will not be placing lights under the joists with the gas line, because I'm concerned about heat build up.
I've changed several light fixtures in the past, and this seems like a similar process except I'm running new wire to the fixtures instead of just replacing the fixture. If that's the case, I feel confident I can do this upgrade myself.
Please let me know if what I am planning sounds like the correct/safe way to go about this. Also, if you can think of anything I am missing or can recommend some websites to check out, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance