Wiring recessed lighting
#1
02-13-23, 05:01 PM
Wiring recessed lighting
I have a room that is approximately 13x13 with a light in the center. I would like add 4 recessed lights to this room and was wondering about the power supply. Do I tie into the fixture in the center of the room or do I run wires from the switch? Any help would be appreciated.
#2
02-13-23, 06:46 PM
Member
You have to determine where the source of the power comes in. It may come into the switch box, or it may come into the ceiling box. If it comes into the switch box, then you can make your runs to the new light from either the switch box or the ceiling box, since hot, neutral, and ground will be present in both. Decide based on which way will be easiest given the type of construction.
If the feed comes into the the ceiling box, then you may just have what is called a switch leg that runs to the switch box. In that case, you would have to start at the ceiling box for the runs to the new lights. If you open the switch box and see only a single romex cable entering the box, that's a sure indication you have a switch leg.
If you are going to remove the light in the center when you add the new lights, keep in mind the box must remain accessible and can be covered up. You can just put a blank plate on it and paint it to match.
If the feed comes into the the ceiling box, then you may just have what is called a switch leg that runs to the switch box. In that case, you would have to start at the ceiling box for the runs to the new lights. If you open the switch box and see only a single romex cable entering the box, that's a sure indication you have a switch leg.
If you are going to remove the light in the center when you add the new lights, keep in mind the box must remain accessible and can be covered up. You can just put a blank plate on it and paint it to match.
Jrgsmnn
voted this post useful.
#3
02-13-23, 07:49 PM
Usually the easiest is from the box at the center of the room. Once you cut the holes for the new recessed lights, you can probably drill through the joists required - though you may need a few extra holes to get the cables between the new fixtures.
As Carbide mentioned though, you'll need to keep that center box accessible. A flat cover plate painted the same color as the ceiling can disappear quite nicely though.
As Carbide mentioned though, you'll need to keep that center box accessible. A flat cover plate painted the same color as the ceiling can disappear quite nicely though.
Jrgsmnn
voted this post useful.
#4
02-13-23, 08:46 PM
Group Moderator
The first thing you need to do is identify the joists and the direction they run in.
Is there a floor or an attic above where the lights are going ?
Is there a floor or an attic above where the lights are going ?
Jrgsmnn
voted this post useful.
