To change your recessed light to a pendant light you need a recessed light changer kit and a few basic things like a screwdriver, stepladder, etc. You need to carefully remove the light bulb and the trim of the recessed light. Then use the hardware inside the kit to convert your light successfully.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will take you through the steps of changing your recessed or can light to pendant lights with the help of simple tools. But before that, for the new ones on my blog, let us learn what recessed lights and pendant lights are and why you should consider changing your recessed lights to pendant lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recessed or can lights<\/a> are the lights that sit flush with the surface for a sleek and modern look. These lights are installed directly inside a ceiling, wall, or other surfaces. Structurally, the recessed fixtures comprise three major components<\/strong>– the housing<\/strong>, the trim<\/strong>, and the light bulb<\/strong>, wherein the housing is the part of the recessed light fixture installed hidden within the wall or the ceiling, and the trim is the visible, decorative part of the light fixture that can be seen from the outside. When installed, the housing and electrical wiring components are concealed, and the light bulb appears to illuminate from within the opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pendant lights are shaded or bare socket lights hanging from the ceiling fixtures. These lights take up minimal space, provide a modern look to your space, and don’t require any wiring or electrical work. You can simply plug the light into a wall outlet and illuminate your home as you like. Popularized recently, pendant lights are making a resurgence in American homes for their vintage yet minimal look. A great benefit of pendant lights is that they can be placed in any area where additional lighting is needed, and they work great as an accent, task, and ambient lighting solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the reason to change your recessed or can light into a pendant light can be different for everyone, I strongly recommend upcycling your lights to reduce the burden of electronic waste on the planet. Upcycling your lights is definitely better than disposing of your lights and is a small step towards sustainable living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some reasons why you would want to change your recessed lights to pendant lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To change your recessed light to a pendant light, the first thing to do is gather all the materials required. You may have to purchase a recessed light changing kit if you already don’t have the required hardware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Listed below is the list of materials required to carry out the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have the materials required in place, changing your recessed or can light to a pendant light should not take more than a few minutes. In this section of the article, I shall discuss the steps for the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q1. I tried to convert one of my recessed lights over our sink but the light socket wouldn’t hold the weight of the light fixture. Any suggestions?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer – <\/strong>In case your light socket wouldn’t hold the weight of a light fixture, you may either use a lighter light fixture or install a junction box for a wired light. Use a lighter light fixture. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is A Recessed Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Is A Pendant Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy Should You Consider Changing Your Recessed Light To Pendant Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Change A Recessed Light To A Pendant Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Material Required<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Steps To Change A Recessed Light To Pendant Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Turn off the switch connected to the recessed light to be changed. This will disconnect the power supply to the light fixture and save you from any unpleasant accidents.
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Take a step ladder and reach the recessed light fixture. The next step is to remove the light bulb from the fixture and carefully place it in a safe location.
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The Trim is the visible, decorative part of the recessed or can light fixture seen from the outside. Remove the trim of your recessed light bulb using duct tape.
Loop your duct tape strip around to turn it into double-sided tape. The sticky or adhesive side of the duct tape should be on the outside of the loop, and the inner loop should be non-adhesive. Then stick one adhesive side of the looped duct tape onto the bulb’s surface facing you. Use enough tape to cover the entire diameter of the light bulb. The unstuck side of the duct tape works as a handle for you to hold.
Now, hold the unstuck side of the duct tape firmly and twist the tape to unscrew your recessed light bulb. Most light bulbs use standard screw threading, so you need to turn the bulb counterclockwise to unscrew it.
To read the steps in detail, you may refer to one of my past articles about replacing a light bulb in a recessed light fixture<\/a>.
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Take the mounting bracket and remove the screws so that you can fit the bracket to the size of the width of your recessed light in the ceiling. Raise the mounting brace into the can light opening and adjust it so it fits well. Ensure the locking bar of the brace is in place before securing it with screws.
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Screw the pre wired socket adapter from the recessed light changer kit into the recessed light fixture. Now use a power screwdriver to secure the sliding bar from your kit to the recessed light. Ensure using the screws that are compatible.
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Preassemble the mounting bracket and once the brace and bar are in place, install the mounting bracket onto the recessed light fixture. The bracket attaches to the brace that you installed previously. Feed the wires through the mounting bracket and screw the bracket to the recessed fixture. The mounting bracket will provide support to your newly converted pendant light.
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It is now time to cover your fixture using a mounting plate. Pass the wires through a hole in the mounting plate from your recessed light changer kit. Once passed, screw the two threaded studs into the holes in your mounting plate.
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Once you are sure of all the connections and have ensured that the screws are tight enough, place the decorative medallion over the upper end of the pendant light. Ensure threading the wires of your pendant light through the decorative medallion.
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Now attach pendant light wires to the kit wires. I recommend using twist-on wire connectors to join the like wires. Connect the white wire to the white one, the black wire to the black one, and the green wire to the bare copper ground wire. Gently fold the wires into the canopy and secure the pendant light using two decorative nuts.
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Following the above steps appropriately, you will be able to convert the recessed light into a pendant light. Install the light bulb upon successfully carrying out the conversion of the light.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nFAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n