Planning, Preparation, and Safety
At 0:00 in
Which one are you choosing? Would rather get $25 for each device you install, or $100/ Hr, Thoughts?
What happens here
Before commencing any electrical work, the absolute first step is to ensure that the power to the circuit where you'll be installing the lights is completely de-energized. Locate the main electrical panel (breaker box) and switch off the appropriate circuit breaker. After turning off the power, use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that no electricity is flowing through the wires in the ceiling. If you are adding new lights to a ceiling without pre-existing holes or wiring, you will need to carefully measure and mark the precise locations for each recessed light fixture, keeping in mind even spacing and avoiding ceiling joists. Once marked, use a hole saw, specifically sized for your chosen recessed lights, attached to a cordless drill to cut clean circular openings in the drywall or plaster ceiling material.
Goal: Safely prepare the ceiling for recessed light installation
Tools and materials
- Cordless Drill DeWalt — Powering the hole saw for cutting ceiling holes
- Hole Saw Milwaukee — Cutting circular holes in the ceiling for the fixtures (if new holes are needed)
- Non-contact Voltage Tester Klein Tools — Confirming the absence of electrical current in the wires
- Pencil Ticonderoga — Marking light positions on the ceiling
- Stud Finder Zircon — Locating ceiling joists and other hidden structures
- Tape Measure Stanley — Measuring and marking the light fixture locations