Have you ever wondered how those recessed pot lights in your home’s soffits are installed?
Whether they’re being installed in a plastic soffit, a wood soffit, or another suitable surface, there are a few important steps that go into getting the job done properly.
Choosing the Right Hole Saw
The first step is laying out the pot lights and determining exactly where they need to go.
Once the locations are marked, the electrician uses the appropriate-size hole saw to cut the openings. A good, sharp hole saw is important, especially when working with plastic soffit material.
When cutting through plastic soffit, one useful technique is to start the hole saw in reverse. This allows the saw to gradually melt or cut through the plastic instead of aggressively grabbing the material.
If you start normally, the hole saw can catch the plastic and potentially crack or break the soffit—particularly in cold weather, when the material is more brittle.
Once the hole is cut, the recessed light can be installed.
Choosing the Right Recessed Light
There are many different styles of recessed lights available, and the right one depends on the installation.
A common choice is a 4½-inch LED recessed light. These lights are popular because they are relatively easy to install and often come with several useful features.
Many models have adjustable color temperature settings, allowing you to choose the type of light you want. For example, you may be able to select a warmer or cooler color temperature depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
They also typically include spring clips that hold the light securely in the soffit, ceiling, or drywall.
Another important consideration is the location rating. Depending on the model, a recessed light may be approved for standard ceiling installations, damp locations, or even wet locations.
That approval is important when installing lights outdoors.
Connecting the Wiring
Once the hole is ready, the next step is preparing the wiring.
The wires are organized and fed into the junction box or connector supplied with the light. The connectors used in this installation are rated for multiple pieces of 14/2 cable.
The ends of the wires are then stripped and connected according to their color coding:
- Black wires connect together.
- White wires connect together.
- Ground wires connect together.
The wiring continues from one recessed light to the next, allowing multiple lights to be connected as part of the same circuit.
The connector then plugs into the recessed light itself.
Why Do We Call Them “Pot Lights”?
The term “pot light” comes from the older style of recessed lighting.
Traditional recessed fixtures used a metal housing or “can” installed inside the ceiling. Because of that, electricians began referring to them as pot lights.
Today, many recessed lights are much slimmer and may not have anything resembling a traditional can. The more technically accurate term is often “recessed light” or “recessed fixture.”
However, old habits die hard—and many electricians still call them pot lights.
Installing the Light
Once the wiring is connected and tucked into the junction box, the box is closed up.
The recessed light is then connected to its wiring using the supplied pigtail connector. A retaining ring or similar component secures the connection, and the light is set to the desired color temperature.
In this installation, the light is set to 4000K.
The junction box is then pushed up into the soffit, and the spring clips hold the recessed light securely in place.
And that’s it—a finished exterior pot light.
Make Sure the Light Has the Proper Approval
One of the most important things homeowners should understand is that not every light fixture is approved for every location.
If you’re purchasing recessed lights for an electrician to install, make sure the fixtures have the appropriate approvals for your jurisdiction and the location where they will be installed.
For example, in Canada, electrical products generally need to carry the appropriate Canadian certification, such as CSA approval. In the United States, products commonly carry UL approval.
This is particularly important when purchasing fixtures online. There are many suppliers selling inexpensive lighting products, but not every product is approved for use in your area.
A fixture that looks suitable may not meet the electrical requirements for your jurisdiction—or may not be rated for outdoor, damp, or wet locations.
Leave the Electrical Work to a Licensed Electrician
Installing exterior recessed lights may look relatively straightforward, but there are important electrical, code, and safety considerations involved.
The proper fixture needs to be selected, the wiring needs to be installed correctly, and the finished installation needs to comply with local requirements.
For that reason, homeowners should always consult a licensed local electrician rather than attempting electrical work themselves.
With the right fixture, the proper installation method, and the correct approvals, recessed soffit lighting can be a great way to improve the appearance and functionality of a home.
