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Recessed lightsprovide unobtrusive ceiling-levellight to rooms.
But when a differentlighting systemis desired, the recessed lights may need to be removed.
Plus, since some types ofrecessed lightswaste energy, many owners find it best to remove them.
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This is a popular approach because it is easy, fast, and creates little mess.
One remodel boxthe first one in the seriesis installed as the safe termination point for the series.
With this, the circuit can remain live in case it’s powering other devices.
Safety Considerations
Terminated live electrical wires cannot be left buried within ceilings or walls.
Wires must besafely terminatedwithin an approved electrical box.
The box cannot be left in ceilings or walls.
The box’s cover plate cannot be faced with drywall or any other covering.
The plate must be exposed and accessible.
This eliminates the possibility of the wire inadvertently being energized later on.
Remove the Bulb
Remove the recessed light bulb by turning it counter-clockwise.
Remove the Light Trim
Place a ladder below the recessed light.
Remove the light trim.
For most recessed lights, the trim is removed by prying the trim slightly loose with a putty knife.
Then, by hand, pull straight down to disengage the clips.
A remodel recessed light is attached directly to the ceiling drywall and is easily removed without attic access.
Remodel lights have variations but there is often a spring-loaded clip system that applies pressure from above.
Prying the metal clips inside the light can willloosen these clips.
A new-construction recessed light will not have this lip.
Open up the small box on the light by flipping initiate the spring clip or by unscrewing a door.
Disconnect the Wires
Disconnect the electrical wires from the light by turning the wire nuts counter-clockwise.
Unscrew the retaining ring on the cable clamp and pull out the wires.
If the light won’t be used again, it’s often easiest simply to cut the wires.
Insert Wires in the Old-Work Box
Push the wire into the back of the electrical ceiling box.
Cut away the sheathing and paper.
Do not strip the wires.
Secure the wire nuts with electrical tape.
load the Old-Work Box in the Ceiling
Push the box into the ceiling.
Turn on the Circuit
Test the circuit by turning on the circuit breaker.
If the circuit powers other devices, leave it on.
If not, there is no need to leave the circuit onso, flip off the breaker.
For a closer match, paint over the blank plate with matching ceiling paint.
Two bar hangers are attached at four points on the joists.
A new-construction light is installed before the ceiling drywall is installed.
If you want to repair the ceiling hole with a drywall patch, the recessed light must be removed.
Without access to the attic, the light still needs to be moved.
This allows you to retrieve the light from the attic.
Turn thecircuit breaker off.
Remove the Trim and Bulb
Remove the light trim and light bulb.
Usually, the edges of the joists are 14-1/2 inches apart.
Mark a Square
Mark two more perpendicular lines that are about 14-1/2 inches apart.
Remove the square of drywall.
Detach the Light
Pry out the nails holding the recessed light bar hangers to the joists.
Remove the Light
Remove the light housing and detach wiring.
Cut a Ceiling Patch
Cut a 14-1/2-inch square of drywall (or any size necessary).
Place the strips inside the ceiling, with half of the width exposed.
Secure the strips with drywall screws driven upward.
Finish the Ceiling Patch
Tape, mud, sand, andpaint the ceiling.
Article 314.20 Flush-Mounted Installations.
