Connect Electrical Wires

What happens in this clip

First, retrieve the house wiring (NM-B cable) that will power the light from the ceiling opening. Using wire strippers, carefully remove about 4 to 5 inches of the outer sheathing from the cable to expose the individual insulated wires (typically black, white, and bare copper ground). Next, trim these exposed wires to a uniform length and strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the black and white wires. Use a screwdriver to punch out one of the designated knockouts on the side of the recessed light fixture's junction box. Feed the prepared house wiring into the junction box through this knockout, ensuring that the cable clamp securely holds the cable in place, preventing strain on the internal connections. Finally, connect the wires: push the bare copper ground wire into the ground connector (usually green or bare), the white neutral wire into the white connector, and the black hot wire into the black connector. Ensure each wire is pushed firmly until it is securely seated. Once all connections are made, carefully fold the wires neatly inside the junction box and securely close its cover.

Goal: Electrically connect the recessed light fixture to the house wiring.

What's used

Tools

• House Wiring (NM-B cable)
• Recessed Light Fixture Halo
• Screwdriver
• Wire Strippers

About the full video

This project provides a concise, step-by-step guide on how to efficiently install a recessed light fixture (often called a 'recess can') into drywall. The process covers using the manufacturer's template for precise hole marking, cutting the drywall with a keyhole saw, preparing the fixture's junction box for wiring, safely connecting electrical wires using quick connectors, and finally securing the fixture into the ceiling opening.

Step 4 of 7: Connect Fixtures to Power

At each opening, identify the hot (black), neutral (white), and ground (bare copper or green) wires from the cable. Connect these wires to the corresponding wires on the recessed light fixture using appropriate wire connectors (e.g., wire nuts). Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated. Tuck the connected wires and the fixture's junction box neatly into the opening.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Recessed Step Lights in a Stairwell Wall

1. Step 1: Plan Light Layout

   • 0:34–0:49 Mark Light Placement
   • 5:10–6:00 Integrate Stair Niche Lights
   • 0:00–0:27 Planning and Safety

2. Step 2: Cut Fixture Openings

   • 0:04–0:10 Mark and Cut Drywall Hole
   • 0:00–0:01 Trace Cutout with Template
   • 0:17–0:22 Cut the Ceiling Hole

3. Step 3: Run Electrical Wire

   • 0:59–1:18 Run Electrical Wires
   • 4:35–5:25 Run New Electrical Wires
   • 1:57–2:46 Run Electrical Wires to Light Fixtures

4. Step 4: Connect Fixtures to Power

   • 2:01–3:49 Connect Electrical Wires (this video)
   • 0:41–0:51 Connect Electrical Wires
   • 0:00–0:02 Connect Electrical Wires to Fixture

5. Step 5: Install Light Fixtures

   • 4:51–5:50 Mount the Fixture in the Ceiling
   • 0:18–0:22 Install Recessed Light
   • 0:11–0:18 Connect and Install Recessed Light Fixture

6. Step 6: Restore Power and Test

   • 0:00–0:30 Test and Finalize Installation
   • 1:36–1:44 Restore Power and Test Functionality
   • 0:24–0:26 Test New Lighting System

7. Step 7: Finishing Touches

   • 0:16–0:33 Install Decorative Trim
   • 2:19–2:48 Install Trims
   • 2:19–2:28 Final Installation and Snap into Place