HawthorneVillager.com

Hello,

I want to change some of the existing lights and replace them with potlights; nothing fancy, just the standard 4" white ones.

Question.. do I need to remove the round ceiling boxes that currently support the light fixtures? I would say yes, because the potlights come with their own housing, but this means I can't revert back to regular fixtures.

Thanks!

The fact that you have to ask this question might suggest that is might not be the best DIY project for you. If you plan on removing the one light and adding one potlight I think you are going to find that you dont have enough light. Potlights work as a group since the light is focused.

Good luck getting the octogon box out of the ceiling without making a mess as it is going to be screwed or nailed to a joist and wont come out clean.

Good luck getting the potlight into the same hole as the ceiling will no longer have a nice hole and you will likely be too close to the joist for those cheap DIY potlights.

There is a few very good reason why you should call somebody...

Thanks, I hate to admit this, but the DIY stuff needs to stop at some point...

I agree with Jambel. Check out this thread
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49617

If you do decide to do it yourself, at least go to Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Mqxl6NBKU

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
http://www.peelhomeinspection.com

I've done it. One huge pain in the a**.

I had the builder install the wiring for potlights but didn't want them to put in the actual fixtures (way cheaper to do it myself). To meet electrical code though, they have to install the ceiling box so they can merrette the wires and then cap it all off.

I put in 3.5" pots after and no drywall damage (the trim piece on the pot was just wide enough to cover the hole).

I had a different room (den) where we had a single fixture in the middle and replaced that with four corner pots. In that case I had to fish new wiring to the four corners, cut new holes for those, then patch the original. If you want to try this sort of thing, check your circuit and make sure you're not blowing past the 12 device limit.

All do-able for a DIY. Just depends on how comfortable & dedicated you are...