How to install flush mount ceiling lights

How to install flush mount ceiling lights

Recessed lights are a great option for remodelling and/or redecoration. If you’re looking for lighting that’s tidy and ‘hidden’ but is functional in the ceiling, then our value lights range might help you decide on which is best.

Recessed lights come in various styles and colours. Because they’re relatively modern concepts that have been around in since the 1950’s you tend to find them in natural not pastel colours. Common colours of these light tend to be silver, black, and grey, with white or silver trims.

This basic guide and tips will show you examples of recessed lighting, however, don’t attempt to install a recessed light yourself, make sure you consult a qualified electrician first.

For example the 'Hesketh' rectangular flush ceiling light with an opulent droplet effect is an crisp piece but the modern 'Mirage' square glass light fits more recessed into the plaster:

Value Lights supply a good range of affordable and high-quality recessed downlights too. They are often used in a task area such as a utility room or kitchen but increasingly in bedrooms and lounges too. These types include fire rated ones, tiltable downlights, LEDs, twist and lock, and more.

To see more downlights visit this link on our website: www.valuelights.co.uk/ceiling-lighting/downlights

Here's the link to more examples of flush ceiling light: www.valuelights.co.uk/ceiling-lighting/flush-ceiling-lights

When you attempt to remove a light fitting, or change a ceiling rose for example, you must always make sure the electricity is switched off. Electricians of course will completely cut the power source to the room where they’re working in and will use a voltage tester to make sure there’s no electricity flowing through any cables.

1. Disconnect old light fitting(s)

Remember don’t attempt this yourself, you must consult with a qualified electrician first. Then you can decide on next steps.

You have to disconnect the existing light fixture and remove it was the ceiling. If you have more than one then this job is more complex especially if you’re removed 2-3 light fittings from a kitchen.

All the cables will run from the fittings and into a switch box above. These cables may or may not require replacing, depending on the type of light you want to buy and the age of the cabling. Consult an electrician first.

2. Choose the place where your new recessed lighting needs to be

This depends on if you’ve had new plastered ceilings and the position of your old light(s) has been moved. If it has been moved, a new hole will need to be cut out of the plaster board to accommodate the recessed light. You can use the template provided with your light to draw the outline for the hole.

If you’re placing the recessed light back into the same position as where your old light was, then you will probably need to cut a larger hole depending on which new light you want. Obviously if the old light fitting accommodated a light with a larger hole than the new one, you would need to move the light fitting.

Remember if the light fitting is going to move then you’ll need to ensure that the new hole does not overlap a joist. If necessary, go onto the floor above (or if necessary, the attic) and make sure there are no wires, pipes or cables behind the proposed opening.

3. Wire the new lights

Get a trusted electrician to do this for you. Use Google to search for ‘local electricians. The decent ones will have their location details which will include Google reviews. Have a look at the reviews. Remember too you can find plenty of good electricians that don’t have websites – having one is not a guarantee of a decent sparky! Facebook is good too as many will have their one business pages with contact details and reviews. Top tip: always read other customer reviews for your due diligence.

4. Mount the light(s)

Most models of recessed lights have clips that clamp the product to the ceiling by pushing down onto the plaster board. Slip the product into the hole, and then push the body up into the hole until its edge is tight to the ceiling. Each clip needs to be pushed up and outward until it clicks and clamps the light fixture. Most recessed light come with a trim and cover the edge, like coving or skirting does.

5. Install the light bulbs

Once the trim is added you can easily choose and add the lightbulbs you like. If you’re unsure consult your electrician. They can advise you on what type of bulbs would be best.