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Home » Electrical » Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture

April 4, 2016 Brittany Bailey 13 Comments

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Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Things are winding up at my client’s home. We’ve been getting her 3000 sq. ft. home ready to sell. Most of the changes we’ve made have been simple cosmetic changes. A few outdated light fixtures have been updated. In the kitchen, I wanted to add a stylish pendant light over the kitchen sink.

plain-jane-kitchen-window-sink

But, I ran into a slight problem when I realized that it was actually a recessed light fixture and I bought a hard-wired pendant.

Without giving up the style of the cool pendant light, I found a way to Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture. I also solved the issue of the light fixture not being centered over the sink. This can happen if you have a joist in your way. But, it’s an easy fix.

off-centered-light

Okay, ready to get started? Here’s is a quick tutorial for How to Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture and the slick little gadget I used to do it.

Materials:
(contains affiliate links)

  • Drill with philips and flat head bits
  • Westinghouse Recessed Light Converter
  • Swag Hook
  • Wire Strippers
  • Non-Contact Voltage Tester
  • Hard-wired light fixture of your choice

Instructions:

Unscrew your bulb from the recessed can. (This bulb was so big, I didn’t realize it was actually a light bulb in a recessed fixture. I could not for the life of me figure out how to remove the globe to start removing the fixture. Finally I turned it and voila, I realized it was just a large light bulb. Definitely a head smack moment and a good laugh.)

remove-light-fixture

You will need this nifty recessed light converter.

recessed-light-converter

Alternatively, you can find lots of all-in-one converter and pendant fixtures like I used here.

Screw the converter into the socket in your recessed fixture.

screw-in-bulb-base-converter

The converter should sit snuggly into the socket.

installed-screw-in-converter

Fit the provided brace into the recessed can with the wings snug against the outside of the can.

place-fixture-brace-into-can-fixture

When the brace is at its widest position, turn the set screw to secure the brace in position.

widen-brace-tighten-middle-screw

Use provided sheet metal screws to tap into the recessed can on both sides of the brace.

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

The brace should be strong enough to hold your pendant light (within reason.)

installed-light-fixture-brace

Attach the mounting bracket to the brace with the provided screws.

attach-mounting-bracket-to-brace

installed-recessed-fixture-converter

Loosen the screw on the green ground wire and slip the clip into one of the slots on the recessed can. Tighten the ground screw.

Converting a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Slip the metal shield over the mounting bracket and rotate 90 degrees.

slip-metal-collar-over-brace

Time to add that hook if you need to center your pendant light. Either screw the hook into a joist, or use the anchor.

Converting a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Slip the ceiling medallion over the metal shield. Attach your new light fixture’s mounting bracket to the recessed converter bracket.

Converting a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Install your hard-wired pendant light per the manufacturer’s instructions (or follow this tutorial to install a hard-wired pendant light).

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Thread your pendant wire through the hook.

Enjoy your new centered and updated pendant light!

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Honest, this is the same kitchen! We had the cabinets painted to give the kitchen a brighter and updated feel.

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

I can’t wait to show you the rest of the changes we’ve completed in the house. Stay tuned!

PHGFancySign

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Comments

  1. Becky says

    November 15, 2016 at 2:20 am

    Awesome!! Thanks for the step by step how too… extremely helpful!!

    Reply
  2. Ivory says

    May 31, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Gorgeous!

    Reply
  3. Monica says

    April 16, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Love this! Was wondering can the conversion kit be used outside. I have several can lights in my covered front porch. Would love to update the look

    Reply
    • Brittany Bailey says

      April 16, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      That’s a good question Monica. I would think you could, but you might want to check with Westinghouse. You might need to use caulk to seal the canopy to keep any moisture out.

      Reply
      • Monica says

        April 19, 2016 at 7:11 pm

        I contacted Westinghouse and their reply is “This recessed light conversion kit is approved for indoor use only.” Well I’m disappointed. I guess I’ll have to look for another answer.

  4. Vineta @ The Handyman's Daughter says

    April 15, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Our house has a ridiculous number of recessed lights, and I was wondering how it would be possible to put some pendants over the dining table. So glad you posted about this kit!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] Value To Your Home says

    April 14, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    What a great way to update a dated fixture without a huge expense. LOVE the idea!

    Reply
  6. Sara says

    April 13, 2016 at 9:11 am

    We have had to do this before and for some reason Lowes does not carry the converter-only Home Depot. However, that could have changed in the last few months since we hung our lights. My next project is the 3 recessed lights above my island that we renovated and added a lower longer countertop to. The recessed lights do not line up properly with the counter now and I have been wanting to add large pendants over the island. Do you have any experience with moving recessed light (anywhere from 2-4 inches sideways)? or do you think this is best left to professionals? I havent had any luck searching the web for how-to’s. Love your new site design by the way !

    Reply
    • Brittany Bailey says

      April 13, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      Sara, chances are there are ceiling joist in the way, which might explain why they aren’t lined up ;-(.

      Reply
  7. Debbie says

    April 4, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    okay – where is the light from? love it!

    Reply
    • Brittany Bailey says

      April 4, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Debbie, it’s from Lowe’s: http://www.lowes.com/pd_588695-65619-B10049_1z0vgc3__?productId=50244767&pl=1

      The kit was from Home Depot, but I bet Lowe’s carries something similar.

      Reply
  8. Eileen says

    April 4, 2016 at 8:36 am

    I love the new fixture and knowing there’s a kit for that.

    Love the new blog design too. What’s not to love here? Fast loading, easy to navigate and just a feast for the eyes both visually and as far as helpful home & craft information goes.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl. I like the smell of coffee and sawdust in the morning. I live to break stereotypes and empower you to take on your own DIY project.

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