How to Install Recessed Lighting in an Attic

Recessed lighting is the cleanest way to brighten an attic space without sacrificing precious headroom. By mounting fixtures flush with the ceiling, you eliminate the visual clutter of bulky light fixtures while creating a uniform, professional-looking spread of light. A well-executed installation transforms a dim, cramped attic into a functional room. Success in this project depends entirely on your planning and wire-routing strategy. Before cutting your first hole, ensure you have a clear path through the joists and a compatible circuit to tap into. When you do it right, the lights look like they have been part of the house since it was built.

1. Plot Every Light Spot. Measure the ceiling and mark the center point for each fixture using a pencil. Use a stud finder to ensure your holes fall between joists rather than hitting the structural wood.
2. Saw with Caution. Use the cardboard template provided with your light kit to trace the cutout circle onto the drywall. Use a drywall saw to carefully cut along the lines, keeping the saw blade shallow to avoid damaging unseen wires or pipes.
3. Route Power Safely. Turn off the main power at the breaker panel. Feed 14/2 or 12/2 NM-B wire from your power source to the first hole, then daisy-chain the cable from one fixture hole to the next.
4. Strip and Clamp. Remove the knockout tabs on the side of each light junction box. Feed the cable through a cable clamp and tighten it securely to prevent the wire from pulling out.
5. Secure Every Connection. Strip the cable sheathing, connect the ground wire to the green screw, and join the black-to-black and white-to-white wires using wire nuts. Tuck the wires neatly into the junction box and snap the cover shut.
6. Snap Fixtures Flush. Insert the light housing into the ceiling hole. Push the integrated spring-loaded clips upward until they snap against the backside of the drywall, holding the unit tight against the ceiling.