Installation
Recessed lighting installation
Recessed lighting installation adds lights set into the ceiling, today usually slim canless LED fixtures that fit existing ceilings through small cutouts, with IC-rated fixtures where insulation is present and LED-compatible dimmers.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Licensed, independent electricians
- 47 states + DC
About recessed lighting installation
Recessed lights spread even light across a room without fixtures hanging down. Canless LED wafers have made retrofits easier, because they need only a ceiling cutout and a junction box rather than a bulky housing.
The main decisions are layout, color temperature and dimming. Fixtures in insulated ceilings must be IC-rated, and dimmers must be compatible with the fixtures to avoid flicker.
- Recessed Lighting Installation at a glance
- Installation
- Who does the work
- An independent licensed electrician
- Urgent calls
- Usually scheduled
- Typical first step
- Lighting layout
Signs you need this
- A room with a single dim ceiling fixture
- Kitchen counters in shadow
- Remodeling a kitchen, basement or living room
- Wanting dimmable, even light
- Old incandescent cans to replace with LED
What the electrician does
- 1
Lighting layout
Fixture spacing and size are planned for the room and ceiling height.
- 2
Check joists and insulation
Joist locations and insulation decide fixture type and wire routing.
- 3
Cut, wire and mount
Cutouts are made, cable is fished, and fixtures are connected.
- 4
Dimmer and test
A compatible dimmer is installed and the lights are tested.
What affects the cost
Electricians set their own prices. These are the factors that move a quote up or down, so you can compare like for like.
- Number of fixtures
- Attic access above the ceiling
- New circuit versus existing
- Dimmer and smart controls
- Ceiling type and height
What you can do safely, and when to stop
Safe to do
- ✓ Decide which rooms and what light color you want
Stop and call
- ✕ Do not install non-IC fixtures against insulation
- ✕ Do not overload an existing lighting circuit
Recessed Lighting Installation FAQ
Can recessed lights be added without an attic?
Yes. Canless LED fixtures can be installed from below by fishing wire between joists.
How many recessed lights per room?
It depends on ceiling height and beam angle; a layout spaces them so light overlaps evenly.
Why do my recessed lights flicker on the dimmer?
Usually an incompatible dimmer; LED fixtures need LED-rated dimmers.
What color temperature is best?
About 2700K to 3000K feels warm for living spaces; 3500K to 4000K is common for kitchens and work areas.
Do recessed lights need a permit?
Adding new lighting circuits or many fixtures often does; rules vary by city.
Where electricians offer this
Available through our network in 47 states and DC. Metro guides:
Related services
Lighting Installation
Electricians install recessed lights, replace fixtures, add switches and dimmers, and run outdoor and landscape lighting.
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Ceiling Fan Installation
A ceiling fan must hang from a fan-rated box fastened to the framing, not a standard light box.
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Dedicated Circuits
A dedicated circuit serves one appliance or one heavy-use area so it does not share capacity with anything else.
Learn more →Need help with recessed lighting installation?
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