Many home owners find that can lights are a wonderful way to remodel a room and even lower energy bills. The good news is that virtually anyone can install can lights in their home to increase the home’s value and to use as alternative lighting.

Gone are the days of lighting a room strictly with table lamps and other bulky lighting sources. You can create an entire new look in a room with can lights that give the room a modern look and a soft glow.

The first step to install can lights is to determine where you want to place them in the room. You will find that there are several types of these lights available and depending on how much lighting you want in the room will determine which ones blend the best for your home décor. Traditionally, the lights that affix to the drywall of the ceiling are the easiest to install instead of the ones that mount to support beams.

Planning for Current Loads

Once you have determined which of the lights you want to install it is important to make certain that your home can handle the additional currents. Turn on all the lights that go to the specific breaker for the room. Use a volt-ohm tester to determine the number of amps that the breaker is pulling.

Be careful when you do this because the breaker is still live and the VOM instructions should be completely followed. Ideally, you need the breaker to only carry a load of 80% or less of the recommendation listed on the box.

Mark Off Location

The next step is to mark the areas on the ceiling that you want to install can lights. It is recommended to place a straight coat hanger in the holes. Using the pattern that came with the can lights, you need to cut out the installation holes from the ceiling areas. Turn off the breaker to the room at this point in the project to ensure your safety.

Additionally, be sure to cover furniture and wear protective face gear when making the ceiling cuttings. There should be wires available that are both coming and going for the cut out holes.

Using a stripper, strip the ends of the wires that are on the can light fixtures. Attach the wires to the connectors on the light fixture unit leaving approximately eight inches of wiring on the end after you have tightened with the screws.

Make certain to connect the same color wires with one another. You will then stuff them all back into the junction box on the lighting unit. Slide the unit into the hole that you cut and securely mount to the ceiling. Turn the breakers back on and enjoy new lighting in your home that adds ambience and a more modern look to your home.