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5 Steps to Remove and Replace the Recessed Can Light from the Ceiling!

You all agree that changing and replacing things is one of the most boring jobs.

However, after a given period, we must update and replace.

To be very honest, it’s not difficult. It will take at most two hours to complete the work.

Do you want to know how to remove and replace the recessed can lights from the ceiling?

To remove the recessed can lights, you need to follow only five steps. First, you have to dispose of the old cans. Then you should remove the trim. After that, take out the can and clear the wiring. And now, determine what to do with the can.

That was just a simple brief of the processes. Swipe down to watch the entire procedure. It will make your job easier and save you time.

Let’s get started right now!

Things You’ll Need to Complete the Steps

To accomplish the five stages, you will need certain items. It’s available at any hardware shop.

Let’s see what we need:

  1. Wire cutter/stripper
  2. Ripper of cables
  3. Drill without a cord
  4. Voltage tester with no contact
  5. Headlamps or flashlights
  6. Stairwell
  7. Ceiling electrical box remodels (Old-work)
  8. Round non-metallic ceiling box cover
  9. Nuts for wires
  10. The electrical tape
  11. Paint for the ceiling

5 Steps to Remove Can Light From Ceiling

Having to remove obsolete recessed light cans isn’t the worst thing in the world. Of course, that depends on why you’re getting rid of them. Just like the way the bathroom exhaust fan works. If you’re removing them to install new recessed lighting of the same size, it’s a good thing.

This suggests that the connection for your new lights is already in place. It relieves you of the burden of finding it out or hiring someone to do it for you. It is better to divide the entire method into steps.

Step 1. Get Ready to Dispose of the Old Cans

The majority of this stage consists of ensuring that you have the necessary tools. Because you need to do the operation securely while dealing with electricity. You must switch off the power before working on the lights.

It is also strongly advised that any cabling. Otherwise, the electrical work is handled by a qualified expert.

A flathead screwdriver may be necessary to loosen any of the hooks. Even if your ceilings are lower and you’re simply using a step ladder. A flathead screwdriver may also be required to release any of the clips.

Gloves and safety eyewear are also recommended. In case drywall dust or other debris falls on you while working. A voltage tester is the last tool you should have. Use this to ensure that there is no power going to the fixture before working on it.

Step 2. Remove the Trim

To remove the old recessed lighting can, you must first remove the inner section or trim. First, make sure it’s cool enough to hold. Because this is the location of the light bulb. 

Then remove the light bulb. Then, using your voltage tester, ensure that you’re good to go.

Every home must need a voltage tester. It’s one of the important things. If you don’t have one in your home, you should buy one.

Here are some product recommendations:

Sperry Instruments STK001 Non-Contact Voltage TesterChecks for the existence of alternating current voltage before working on electrical installations or troubleshooting. A small, ergonomic design with high-impact resistant ABS housing and comfortable over-molded rubber grips.
Klein Tools NCVT3P Dual Range Non Contact Voltage TesterThe Voltage Tester detects low voltage in safety, leisure, transportation, climate sanitation, and irrigation systems without touch. Voltage is detected using both visible and audio voltage indicators.

You should get it right now!

Step 3. Taking Out the Can

You may now remove the entire can from the ceiling because the interior has been revealed. This time, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver.

Step 4. Taking Good Care of the Wiring

The wire will be visible after the old can is removed. It should be connected either through a circuit box. On top of the fixture or directly attached to the top. Carefully remove any cable ties or connectors, then disconnect the wires.

After that, you may place the old recessed lighting can on the shelf. To be properly disposed of later. Now you must select how you will safely maintain the wiring in the ceiling.

If you want to install a new fixture right away, you may just leave it. For a while, while you grab the new lighting can. If you aren’t installing a new fixture right now, cover any exposed wire with electrical tape. Don’t add an electrical outlet anywhere.

Also, make certain that the circuit in the breaker box is taped shut. So that it cannot be turned on. If you intend to close the hole, make sure the wire is carefully removed. So it does not pose a risk to the ceiling.

Step 5. Determine What to Do With the Hole

You shouldn’t be concerned about this if you’re replacing an old recessed lighting can with a new one. Finish by installing your new light fixture. If this is not the case, you must fill it out.

What Is the Best Way to Replace Recessed Lighting Cans?

Switching your old can is not only a straightforward operation. But it also eliminates the need to disconnect the wires. After removing the old lighting can, you may replace it. As you also wanted to replace the toilet wax seal. The initial step is to connect the wire to the new can.

Simply reconnect the wiring as it was to the old can. Use connectors to keep the wires secure. When the wiring is finished, just slide the new can into the socket. And the hooks will operate and seal it.

You will need to make some changes. If the new recessed light can not be the same size as the previous one. This can be achieved by enlarging the hole. Or devising a method for filling the void with a narrower fitting.

To provide a seamless transition, you can create a new recessed light fixture. It is to be a relatively similar size to the old one.

Prior to the Beginning of the Process

It’s hardly the worst thing in the world to have to remove old recessed light cans. Of course, it depends on why you want to get rid of them. It’s typically a good thing to remove them. To install new recessed lighting of the same size.

This suggests that the wiring for your new lights has already been installed. Saving you the worry of figuring it out or hiring someone to do it. It is better to divide the entire method into steps.

Considerations for Safety

Live electrical cables that have been terminated cannot be buried within ceilings or walls. Wires must be safely terminated within an electrical box that has been authorized.

The box must not be left on the ceiling or walls. The box’s outer (bottom) edge must be flush with the final ceiling or wall surface. The cover plate of the box cannot be faced with drywall or any other material. The plate must be visible and reachable.

While it is allowed to leave abandoned dead wires in a ceiling or wall. It is best to remove old cables completely whenever feasible. This minimizes the danger of the cable becoming activated accidentally later on.

FAQs

What is the distinction between flush and recessed lighting?

Recessed lighting uses pots that are normally installed on the ceiling. And contain the lamp holder into which the bulbs are fitted. They offer ambient illumination as well as narrow beams. Flush mount lighting is wider and disperses more light beams in a room. They use canopies instead of pots.

What is the finest hallway lighting?

For curved, short corridor lighting alternatives. Consider low-hanging lighting, lights on the walls, and anything that closes the area down. Try recessed lighting or ceiling lights, alternatively, which will brighten the path. It’s also expanding the space with its inconspicuous design.

Is it possible to have too many recessed lights?

Installing recessed lights appears to be a panacea. But they cannot effectively wash light onto walls and any dark corners. It would bounce reflected light into the space. Indeed, utilizing too many recessed lights can leave portions of your space gloomy. It potentially increases your power bill.

What is the recommended spacing between 6-inch recessed lights?

Recessed lights four inches in diameter should be spaced four feet apart in general. Six-inch lights should be separated by six feet. To put it another way, the space between the lights is proportional to their diameter.

Final Words

I talked in detail about how to remove and replace the recessed can light from the ceiling. It is not a tough task to remove outdated recessed lighting cans. The bulk of issues that might arise is related to electrical wiring.

However, for your security and the protection of your house, this must be done correctly. After you’ve removed the old fixtures and installed the new ones, you can enjoy your new lights.

That’s all I’ve had for today. I hope it is useful to you.

Good luck!