How to Install Recessed LED Lighting Without Attic Access (Pot Lights / Can Lights)

In this video we will go over how to install recessed lighting (pot lights, can lights) in a finished space without attic access.
While I am a licensed electrician I cannot ensure this will meet your local code.
Please remember to check your local electrical code and ALWAYS turn power off before working.
All of my Gear Available Here - www.amazon.com/shop/workinwit... #CommissionsEarned
0:00 Introduction
0:10 Creating a Layout
0:35 Light Cutout Precheck
1:17 Hole Saw
2:03 Drilling Holes for Lights
3:30 How to Loop Lights
4:32 Method 1 - Long Auger Bit
5:55 Method 2 - Crown Molding
7:11 Method 3 - Cutting Holes
9:10 Removing Existing Light + Box
10:58 Drilling Joists
12:11 Reusing Existing Light Feed
13:13 Looping Lights
15:44 If Existing Light is a Main Junction Point
17:12 Installing LED Lights
21:51 Outro
25:18 Fixing Switched Outlet
28:46 Outro

[@sanjivoberoi5361]

So far every other video I have seen missed the point that novices like me need detailed instructions with options. Thank you for a great instructional and useful video.

[@lawrenceking4144]

Every video I've seen on KZbin about these recessed lights always used attic access. I'm glad you addressed a real problem instead of going the easy way. What I most liked was the crown molding Idea. You're probably the most blunt and honest electrician on this platform. "To do this, you're probability going to have to make a bunch of holes. Better to do a couple of patches than take a chance on wrecking the house." FINALLY! And you seem like someone who has been teaching people (or confused DIYers) for quite a few years.

[@localone1597]

Thanks so much for your video. Its about time someone shows a tougher insulation. Everyone else shows either attic access or will not show the full install when there's a hard ceiling and no access above. Thank you!

[@SraTacoMal]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the "You better have home insurance"?

[@noyzizi]

I've watched countless videos like this before attempting my project and this is by far and away the best and last video I'm watching before I start. Thank you

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Thanks, good luck!

[@jimwest1629]

GREAT JOB! I love this video. I love DIY projects and recessed lighting has always been a bit of a mystery for me. You made it look easy. Now off to the store to buy lights… but first… I will be calling my insurance company to see if I have enough coverage.

[@valerielarue3586]

Great video with very clear instructions. Thank you!!

[@alfaun]

Thank you for this video and it’s visuals. This is the first video that I have found that specifically addresses my situation. I’ve wanted to install this type of lights in my ground floor kitchen, located in a two story townhouse with the ceiling directly adhered to the joists. This video clearly explained the process necessary to accomplish this project. Keep up the good work and hope to see more videos in the future.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Glad I could help!

[@parkerkouse837]

I used a flex bit😂 I died when you said you better have home insurance😂 I got really lucky and the project turned out great, loved this video though you really are the only one who has a made a video with truly no attic access

[@Geeleo2282]

Thank you! You just saved my life! Seems like every video had an attic above. I have a 2-story home and am doing this on the first level in my kitchen. Your demonstration was perfect as I have ceiling joists dividing my pot light holes. Your video has reassured me that I can move forward.

[@andrewshoultz9844]

Thanks for the video. I just did a job for my father and used 1.5 flexible PVC pipe in one light hole and used a snake through the PVC pipe to get directly through to the other light hole and then pull the wire back to the starting hole. Worked for me.

[@zachfischer3148]

I ended up getting lucky putting in 10 pot lights in my living room with no attic access. The home was built with open trusses so made fishing the wire very easy and was able to pull power from an old uncentered ceiling fan for the pot lights and the old entry light was used to center a ceiling fan. Love the video and gives a great visualization for not having open trusses

[@bobarino]

Thank you for this video. THE best video on this subject I have found. Very good explanation of every step and what to expect for my upcoming recessed led lighting project. THANK You for all your hard work!

[@jmorehed]

I’ve been watching so many videos and this one is by far the best one. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! God bless you!

[@rpvs]

This is the best diy video I have seen. Extremely well done, thank you!

[@fulanacubana]

Thank you so much for this information. Best video I've come across so far on how yo

[@JohnNeville617]

This video was super helpful to visualize the process! I am not actually installing lighting but I was going to hire an electrician to run some cat6 and this is making me much more comfortable with the idea of doing it myself.

[@unkulunkulu8842]

By far the best recessed lighting installation video on KZbin. Appreciate you taking the time to set this up -- helped me out a ton!

[@adammocaby2636]

Thank you for these tips you've been giving. Really happy to see you uploading more.

[@that_random_dad]

This video was so helpful! I installed 5 pot lights today using your system to be sure no pipes or wires were damaged. Thank you!

[@MP-wb5yd]

Clearest tutorial on the subject by far

[@Dr00_]

You can do a video on installing a bathroom exhaust fan. I believe you will explain the process proficiently. Additionally, I enjoy how you offer possible situations that one might encounter.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Thanks I shall do this eventually!

[@kchen032]

The visualization of the joints above the ceiling is very helpful for a novice like me. Thanks! Can I just run the wire across the top of joists so no need to drill holes on them?

[@rnsgames599]

I applaud you, immaculate video my guy💯

[@laszlovass7326]

I was thinking about doing this upgrade in one of my rentals. Then the tenants 4 year old flooded the upstairs bath and the parents failed to notify me for 7 hours, soaking the ceiling and carpet. It's now easier with the drywall ruined and removed. Thanks tenant. I also appreciate the lack of money to repair their 10k in damages. I am really enjoying doing this upgrade to lighting for them with the 2k in deposit. Only costing me 8 k.

[@inkman002]

Wow, that sucks.

[@BigWillBx]

Excellent video, exactly what I was looking for to clarify some things for me! Thank you!

[@bennybischoff4913]

Excellent! Thank you for taking the time to create this video. Really helpful.

[@Blaeqon]

The visualization this amazing and so helpful! Thank you!

[@alex-650]

Excellent practical coverage of various real world obstacles and solutions for wiring. A welcome relief from most other folks who un-helpfully focus on the pretty lights and silly unboxing.

[@SeanGilchrist]

Excellent teaching! Well done.

[@sais9221]

Thanks! I love your format. I plan to do this in our living room and kitchen in near future. Subbed

[@joeweatlu5169]

I did a very similar job in my kitchen using 6" wafer lights. Similar to yours, there was an existing fixture in the center, and installed 4 wafer lights in the same positions as yours. The J-box in the center had three cables connected to it. Rather than putting in a blank plate, I made the existing connections in another junction box, which I just placed above the ceiling along with the driver for an additional wafer light where the original fixture was. This way the junction box is still accessible and code compliant, and no need for a blank plate. Nothing wrong with having an extra light in the center.

[@cartor7962]

Excellent visuals and teaching!

[@ajmorales3595]

Thanks for the demonstration. You cleared many doubts.

[@seaofrage]

Finally a video about the real shit haha. All the other ones ive seen have it so easy with no need to go through joists.

[@tutuuo]

An actual video. Thanks man. All of the other videos are pre done.

[@RM5044]

Such a helpful video. Very detailed and easy to follow instructions.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wadest1163]

Very good video. I'm trying to do this on a first floor with plaster and lathe, no space between. I think I'm going to pull your floor up.

[@fshussain_gaming8063]

Thanks so much for this video. It is so detailed with such clear visibility.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markf6743]

Thank you for your well-thought video. :)

[@mikerck]

This was so helpful thank you!

[@mae2759]

Good video. I have a somewhat similar situation. One switch in the room controls an outlet on the other side of the room and there is no overhead lighting. I thought about putting pot lights in, but I'd have to tear out a ton of drywall like you showed, and the switch situation would be very dicey. Probably will just have to live with my lame switched outlet. haha. Also, in your video, if you are putting a pot light where the existing overhead light box is, you can start your wiring there and go around the room and you wouldn't have to mess with the switch. I think most people would want a light in the middle of their room, so that would make things easier than having to rip the box out.

[@alphayankee1066]

Very helpful video thanks!

[@anonimoporsiempre6033]

Thank you very much for taking the time to show us how to get it done. I really appreciante. January-13-2023 9:01am. 🍑🇺🇸👍🏼👍🏼🤝

[@ggsholdings7225]

Really good explanation bro!

[@Captivateitmedia]

Awesome vid and very detailed. Most appreciated. :)

[@jflo7674]

Talented and handsome young man. ☺

[@rhkips]

Vaulted/cathedral ceilings, 2x8 joists with 24" on center spacing, and blown-in insulation... Time to make a mess! LOL Awesome video, thank you! I think I'll either need to make extra holes, or get a really long spade bit. :)

[@ibaan]

Great video and helps me a lot. Quick question on the hexagon ceiling box opening. Can you patch that opening or get some cover for it?

[@jasonpereira1637]

Very helpful will subscribe

[@mohammadabid1222]

I love the video the problem my house 1926 lath and plaster so frustrating to drill holes and repair damage. Not only that but also crack appear when I started drilling and now I am stuck

[@amitjparikh]

NEC 314.23(A): "Boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings shall be securely fastened in place." For a no attic install, I think it's best to put these things right next to joists and get a long bit and fasten the boxes through the hole.

[@hcdwinter6482]

I would try the Hole saw centring device for enlarging holes in ceiling, quick and easy tool to use , Lots of video’s on KZbin 👍🏻

[@keithworrell47]

What a great video

[@Jack-rn2im]

How abt open the underlay from second floor?

[@nkraemer]

Thank you.

[@robertsroberts4327]

Awesome

[@danilo352]

Hint: hold your drill up for 5-10 seconds after making each hole. The dust will settle into the dust catcher and you’ll be amazed how little cleaning needs to be done at the end!

[@steve9503]

I want to install four pot lights in the kitchen with no attic access and found your video invaluable. I can use the existing fixture as the feed to the new pot lights since it's already switched. As you explained, the octagon box where the old fixture was located can be used as a junction box. After making the connections to the pot lights does this "junction box" have to be accessible? I'd like to cover it up completely by repairing the drywall. I don't want to have some sort of cover plate in the center of the ceiling where the old fixture was.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Unfortunately the junction box will need to be accessible if you want to meet code. In my area a lot of the time we will shove the box into the ceiling and put a pot light below as the box is considered accessible by means of pulling the potlight down Of course this may not work with the layout that you want but it is an option

[@EliasRodriguez123]

Great video

[@riffmeisterkl]

Luckily in Australia we use those posistrut joists that have steel trusses/chords in between two pieces of timber to form a joist - lots of empty space to fish things through.

[@SurfDetector]

The radius of the angled probe that you use in the ceiling prior to drilling your holes should be the same radius as your cutout. This sort of probe is easily made with a piece of fish tape bent at a 90 degree angle. In addition to looking for the presence of joists and ducts you should not be cutting into the strapping that your drywall is attached to.

[@hospitaladministrator3359]

Underrated video. Good instruction. Thank you

[@grousgrek6560]

That was a great detailed video ! What size was that drill bit you used through the joists ?

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Thanks! 3/4” probably

[@bensir6778]

Im trying to put recess lighting into an old house - but I want to keep the main light as well and possibly add a dual lightswitch - one switch turns on existing light and second turns on new recess lighting. Never done anything like this before but I fixed up my car (mechanical) after watching a few videos just fine, so I think I can handle this. Could you make a video about adding a dual light switch or even how to add a new switch to a new location. like on the otherside of the hall so I have two switches for the same light

[@Heatherbailey1]

I’m interested in the same thing- how to add the switch(es) if there is no preexisting switch wire to use. I’m remodeling a room that will have canned lights on one switch (probably a dimmer) and a ceiling fan on a second switch. And both need to be controlled from each side of the room.

[@SraTacoMal]

Me: 👁️👄👁️ The pipes I miraculously missed by less than a centimeter when drilling a 3.5" hole in the ceiling: "'Sup baby girl"

[@relaxingrealityescape5336]

So with attic access there’s no need to drill right? You can just run over the rafters?

[@ASolangeM]

OMG can you make a video like this for replacing the fluorescent lights in a drop ceiling with some nice smart recessed lights?!

[@davidlaw2595]

Where did the original light fixture wires go? Where the leds get it’s power? From the original wires where the light bulb is?

[@Googaliemoogalie]

My tip would be that when you drill each hole and to check if there's anything in the way, take out your phone, turn on camera with flash in video mode and stick it in there and look around and record a video to see what's up there.

[@Mo-P]

I wish I would've seen this before I bought a flexbit! Thankfully I haven't used it yet!!

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

You can use it but you just have to be extremely cautious and understand the risk. If there’s a bathroom above the ceiling you’re working in then definitely don’t do it. Also it’s very easy to have the bit come out somewhere it shouldn’t lol

[@Mo-P]

@@WorkinwithWolkon I appreciate that! I have terrible luck and even though there's no bathroom, I would definitely hit something! I have to scrape the popcorn off the ceiling anyway, so adding a few holes won't kill me (there's no asbestos) 😁. Also, thank you for making a video that actually explains what to do without access. Every other one I've found is "we have no access..... but there's a gap that we can run the wire through, so it should be easy."

[@foley123456789]

Where do I get a dust bowl like this please I've looked everywhere lol 😆 all I find is plastic spring ones and there rubbish

[@glibsonoran]

Would a right angle drill with maybe a shorter bit work for drilling the joists?

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Absolutely!

[@robb3346]

How do I connect the red wire from the existing light/fan?

[@youtubesucks5007]

If there isn't insulation, you can use a small USB camera to look in the bay to make sure you're not drilling into anything with only a small hole to patch.

[@misssilentstorm4281]

What do you do if that main hole in the middle is a ceiling fan and you want to reinstall it after you’ve installed your recessed lighting? Will the ceiling fan have a junction box? And do I just wire from that box to one of the holes, and so on?

[@misssilentstorm4281]

Also - very helpful video!!

[@squirts1]

I'm not sure hiding wires behind crown moulding is legal. Also, as far as being able to see into the next "joist space" all you need to do is drill through one joist, then stick an inspection camera into the hole and look around. You can get endoscopes for like 30$... Furthermore... It's actually very easy to tell if you've contacted something that isn't the wood you are trying to drill through with cable bits (long flexible drill bits). In addition to that, it's generally pretty easy to get a good idea of where your plumbing and air ducts are without cutting holes.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

It’s legal where I am to use crown moulding but obviously local code can differ. You need to remember this video is made for DIYers. They probably aren’t going to want to buy an endoscope. I use flexibits all the time for the exact reasons you mentioned but a DIYer will 100% drill through something they shouldn’t have lol

[@squirts1]

@@WorkinwithWolkon a 30-60$ inspection camera pays for itself in time and money very quickly for diy projects. Probably in this project alone. No need to patch a hole, buy paint and drywall repair supplies, etc.

[@sanketpatel209]

What to do if there is duct lines going or water hose ?

[@VworksArt]

Is there any reason that you can't use the center junction as a light as well?

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

You absolutely can

[@VworksArt]

@@WorkinwithWolkon much appreciated. Ideally I want to use the center light as a junction to branch to the others, binding them to the switch so thats perfect. Thanks for the information!

[@ayrdrie9118]

So is that "to code" to have exposed wires running parallel to the ceiling joists? I thought wires couldn't be exposed incase someone was ever to drill through the ceiling and puncture it. I understand you could staple it to the ceiling joist but maybe it would be difficult to do it you don't have attic access. I mean if I do this to my home and stay forever I would know not to ever puncture my ceiling in those areas but if I sold the home the next owner would not. So long story short, is it to code?

[@UsakiaMC]

Maybe a stupid question, but if you can feel around all of the joists, if you can get above the joist, why wouldn't you just run the wire above the joist if you can reach over all of them rather than drilling through the joist?

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

You would absolutely run your wires over top the joists if it was an attic or drop ceiling. This video was made specifically for when that isn’t the case, as in there’s a subfloor on top of the joists so you can’t go over. I probably should have put something on top for demonstration purposes to convey that better.

[@mowburnt]

Great video, really helpful but look after those lungs and eyes with some ppe

[@muhammadashfaq4419]

Installation of led SMD light with 1 way switch installation

[@broganboydmusic7561]

I dont have an existing light to use as my switch line. I’ve successfully drilled through all the joists and have all the lights connected. I just need to somehow get the Romex through the corner of the wall and ceiling and feed it down the wall to my switch box. The wall is behind shelves as well….sooo my brain cant solve it. Someone please help.

[@aqbalomar1578]

All KZbin video I saw was how to install them. I know that. My question is how u give them power. Like what’s the power source

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

That’s shown in the video

[@chuethao385]

you should stick a inspection camera up there to see if there's any pipe up there a lot of DIY never follow codes you wouldn't want to cut a hole and suddenly cut a water pipe and using flex auger is easier your journeyman and foreman don't like it if you have too many holes on ceiling especially one that fits a fist size

[@syedqurbanzada3657]

You can definitely see it by putting your phone up there and take a picture 😂

[@sarahcunningham7978]

I don't know if you get a commission on the links but the retrofit is now unavailable if you want to change it out😊

[@CheXter051]

Aquarium

[@SraTacoMal]

How ⌨️ to ⌨️ patch ⌨️ popcorn ⌨️ ceilings

[@raulbarasa5855]

Full send 😂

[@brabus343]

I wanna see a magic way to pass the wire through studs having a 4inch hole, that's why iam here 😅

[@mustanggt500doh6]

Why not just run the wire over the joist when fishing it so you don’t have to drill?

[@thisguy5835]

This is a demonstration for if there is no access above the joist. If it’s a 2 story home sometimes the just is flush to the second level and to the sheet rock for first level ceiling with no space between so the only possible way is to drill

[@supermotosize]

Right angle drill...

[@ONWOTE]

hello, any chance for us to work together? we would like to sponsor you a set of security camera system to you to install and review. i had emailed you the details of business proposal, hope can hear from you an move forward.

[@Kun373]

u should wear a glasses

[@kennybutcher6307]

Nope, don't use a hole saw. They are terrible. All it takes is one skip... Instead use a quick cutter. Less dust, paper is easily removed and it's a much cleaner cut.

[@SraTacoMal]

15:45: Cry, I guess.

[@marissaawesome2422]

Red wire? I have white , black, red ...Eeeehhhh

[@markdemi2164]

or you could pull up the subfloor and make it idiot proof

[@MarioHernandez-hb8eh]

Nope are you a electrician? The long drill bit is easier.plus you put wire on drill side of bit, it has a hole in end, so you don't nd a fish tape