Whether you want to replace existing canned lights, or add new ones, there are certain steps you need to follow to make sure you do the job right. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes, and ensure that your new lights stay in good working condition for years to come.
Drilling through joists
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, drilling through joists can be a good idea or a bad one. Drilling through joists is a great way to run wires behind ceilings, but can also be a bad idea if you don't take the right steps. Here are some things to keep in mind when drilling through joists.
First, you'll want to have the right gear. You'll need a stud finder, a drill, a hole saw, a wood boring drill bit, spackling compound, 100ft long wire connectors, a pencil, drywall screws and gloves.
The best drill is a quality brand such as Black & Decker. They offer quality tools at reasonable prices. You can even get their 20 volt power tool, which is perfect for the job. They also have an abrasive brush, which can be useful in removing drywall splinters.
You can also use a flexible bit to drill through joists at an angle. This is especially useful when you are drilling through a joist that is well back from a wall. The drill may not be able to make it through the wall on its own, so using a flexible bit can make the job easier.
You can also use a jigsaw to cut a notch near the top of the joist. This is a good idea because you'll be able to pull a wire through this smaller hole. If you are drilling through a solid wood beam, however, you may have to resort to using a drill to make the hole.
You'll need to make sure your drill has a long shaft so that you can get the job done without having to bend over all the time. Be sure to keep the drill plugged in and not to use dead batteries. You may also want to get cut-resistant gloves to keep you from getting too much dirt in your eyes. If your joist is well back from the wall, you can use a tennis ball as a launching pad. This is also a great way to make sure you don't end up drilling a hole in the wrong spot.
The stud finder has a small mirror attached to it that you can use to check out the hole in the wall. This is especially useful when you have pipes or wires snaking behind the wall. The mirror will show you the hole's dimensions, and you can also check to see if the wires are secured.
If you are installing recessed ceiling lights, you'll need to drill through joists. This is a good idea, as it will keep the structure of the home in good shape. You may need to remove crown moulding to make it possible to reach the joists. You may also want to remove other studs that are attached to the joist.
IC-rated or non-IC-rated
IC-rated or non-IC-rated canned lights are a great way to add light to your home without the need for a light fixture that protrudes out of the ceiling. They are also a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. However, you should know that not all recessed lighting fixtures are created equally. Some are more reliable than others. To make sure that you get the most out of your recessed lighting, here are a few things to look for.
First, look for a recessed light fixture that has an airtight cover. This will help to prevent condensation from forming and will prevent the growth of mold. In addition, it will prevent drafts from blowing into your home. This will also prevent your recessed lighting from causing any problems with your home's electrical system.
Second, look for a light bulb that has a thermal switch. This switch will shut off the light if it begins to overheat. It is also a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your light bulb. You may have to replace the bulb with a better model if it is not adequately rated. You should also check the product's reviews to make sure you are getting a quality bulb.
Finally, make sure that the light bulb has an airtight housing. If it does not have a sealed housing, you may want to consider replacing it. This will help to ensure that your home remains safe from fires and other problems. You can also add some extra insulation around your lighting to ensure that it remains safe as well. If you aren't sure how to install this type of lighting, contact an electrician to help you get started.
If you are interested in installing IC-rated can lights, you'll want to take a look at the IC rating label that is located on the package. IC rating means that the can has been tested to be able to handle the heat that comes from a light bulb. If you are installing the IC-rated version of this light, you can be sure that the heat will be transferred in the most effective manner possible.
If you aren't sure if your can light has an IC rating, you can also check for the IC-AT label on the package. This label means that the light has been tested to be IC-rated AND airtight. It is also a good idea to install an airtight enclosure around your can light to ensure that it remains safe and doesn't overheat. You may also want to replace your insulation if you notice that it is starting to crack.
Finally, you may want to consider adding some extra insulation around your IC rated can light. This is particularly important if you are installing the can in an attic or unfinished ceiling.
Airtight or non-airtight
Choosing the right airtight or non-airtight installation of canned lights can be an important step in improving indoor air quality and improving energy efficiency. However, many homeowners choose to install their can lights in the wrong way. This can lead to energy loss and other problems. It also poses a risk to your health.
There are many options available for replacing older, non-airtight can lights. They can be installed as surface-mounted fixtures or as retrofits that use airtight drywall boxes. In either case, you must be careful to choose a fixture that is suitable for the existing ceilings. If you are tearing open the ceiling, you may want to use a licensed electrician to do the work.
In order to improve indoor air quality and reduce air leakage through can lights, you should consider the types of light bulb you will be using. Choosing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) over incandescent lamps will help reduce heat generated by can lights. You should also consider insulation compatibility. You can also consider upgrading your fixtures with airtight trim kits to improve energy efficiency.
If you have a non-IC rated can light, you can use a can of foam to seal the box to the sheetrock. You should also add insulation on top of the box. This will help reduce heat transfer from the can to the attic.
IC rated can lights are airtight fixtures, but they are not perfect. Some of the problems reported with IC fixtures include overheating, condensation, ice-overs, flickering lights, and shortened bulb life. There are also many reports of mold and dripping water on IC fixtures. You may want to consider replacing your fixtures with surface-mounted fixtures, such as cove lights, pendants, and sconces.
Non-IC rated can lights are usually a 4-6-inch hole in the ceiling. They are made of a cone that holds the socket and a foam gasket. Some do-it-yourselfers encourage building boxes around the non-airtight can to prevent air infiltration. This is not a good solution, however. The treated cardboard will break down rapidly in the attic environment. It also can be a fire hazard.
The IC rated can light is airtight and has a two-layer design. The bottom layer is made of metal and the top layer is made of an air gap between the metals. These can lights are rated for installation below an insulated attic. They also are designed to be installed as an airtight recessed can light in an insulated ceiling.
IC rated fixtures are not recommended for use with low-voltage fixtures. The temperature sensitive circuit breaker on these fixtures will cut off power to the light bulb when the temperature rises. This prevents overheating of the bulb. It is recommended that you install these fixtures 3 inches away from attic insulation.