Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - recessed lighting in existing ceiling
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benny01
01-21-08, 04:03 PM
Hi-
I want to install recessed lights in my living room. There is a double switch in the room that has been painted over many times and no hardwired fixture in the room. I'm assuming the switch controls two nearby outlets (just recently moved in ;). Most of the ceilings in our house are plaster stucco, however, our living room ceiling is drywall. We don't know if it was simply installed over the plaster, or if the plaster was removed and replaced. Since taking the ceiling down seems very messy and a lot of work (especially if the plaster is still under there), I was thinking of installing a 'faux' ceiling over the existing one. That is, install the wiring directly on the existing ceiling, and cut some bigger holes in it (8"?, 10"?) to make room for the cans. Nail on some 1" furring strips, and then hang new drywall on that, cutting the perfect 6" for the cans to fit in.
Does this sound reasonable? Does it violate code?
the only problem i can think of is that the wires are coming across the "upper" ceiling, and then have to be pushed UP into the bigger hole by the can. Is this even a problem?
Thanks.
I want to install recessed lights in my living room. There is a double switch in the room that has been painted over many times and no hardwired fixture in the room. I'm assuming the switch controls two nearby outlets (just recently moved in ;). Most of the ceilings in our house are plaster stucco, however, our living room ceiling is drywall. We don't know if it was simply installed over the plaster, or if the plaster was removed and replaced. Since taking the ceiling down seems very messy and a lot of work (especially if the plaster is still under there), I was thinking of installing a 'faux' ceiling over the existing one. That is, install the wiring directly on the existing ceiling, and cut some bigger holes in it (8"?, 10"?) to make room for the cans. Nail on some 1" furring strips, and then hang new drywall on that, cutting the perfect 6" for the cans to fit in.
Does this sound reasonable? Does it violate code?
the only problem i can think of is that the wires are coming across the "upper" ceiling, and then have to be pushed UP into the bigger hole by the can. Is this even a problem?
Thanks.
racraft
01-21-08, 04:11 PM
Don't assume anything when it comes to electricity. Doing so can get you killed. Figure out what those switches control. You need to completely map out your breakers anyway, so add figuring out the the switches to the job.
Remodel cans are designed to be used when you have an existing setup.
My recommendation is that you determine which way the ceiling joists run, and plan your installation that way. You may not need to destroy any of the ceiling, or perhaps just a little, which can be easily patched.
Remodel cans are designed to be used when you have an existing setup.
My recommendation is that you determine which way the ceiling joists run, and plan your installation that way. You may not need to destroy any of the ceiling, or perhaps just a little, which can be easily patched.