How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant | Ask This Old House

Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, helps a homeowner convert recessed lights into stylish new pendant lights.

Electrician Scott Caron converts three recessed lights into three pendants in a kitchen.

Shopping List for How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant:
- Recessed-light conversion kit, to convert recessed fixture to pendant light
- Pendant light fixture
- Threaded studs removed from metal light-fixture box, used to suspend pendant light
- Wire connectors
- LED lightbulb

Tools List for How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant:
- Screwdriver
- Cordless drill with right-angle attachment, to attach mounting bracket
- Wire strippers, for cutting and stripping wires

Steps for How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant:
1. Turn off the electricity to the light-fixture circuit at the main electrical panel.[BR]
2. Unscrew the lightbulbs from the recessed fixture.[BR]
3. Disconnect and remove the trim from the recessed fixture.[BR]
4. Screw the prewired socket adapter into the recessed fixture.[BR]
5. Preassemble the mounting bracket, which will support the new pendant light.[BR]
6. Feed the wires through the threaded nipple on the mounting bracket, then screw the bracket to the recessed fixture.[BR]
7. Pass the wires through the hole in the mounting plate, then thread the plate onto the nipple protruding down from the mounting bracket.
8. Screw two threaded studs into the tapped holes in the mounting plate.
9. Place the medallion over the upper end of the pendant light.
10. Make the wire connections between the mounting plate and pendant light. Use twist-on wire connectors to join same-color wires: black to black, and white to white. Connect the green wire to the bare-copper ground wire.
11. Gently fold the wires into the canopy and secure the pendant light to the threaded studs with two decorative nuts.
12. Install an LED lightbulb in the pendant light.
13. Turn the electricity back on and flip the light switch.

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How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant | Ask This Old House

[tracyguenther]

Wow these lights add so much beauty to the space!

[valentingutierrez]

I've never seen that before and I'm an electrician!! That's really cool lol

[kapahi]

That was cool....yes the drill angle drill adapter was cool!

[mewing-gawd]

I couldn’t stop laughing when Scott figures out how to put the disc on the recessed light, and just goes ham when he gets it😂

[Pancakeo]

I'm an eletrician an I love these video learn more things, like that mounting plate that I never know about

[franklinchmara]

Scott, keep up the great work, I enjoy watching all your videos and I find them very educational.

[bubbah]

I've installed almost the same models . Didn't need that angle drill. But looked the same when finished.

[vince]

Nice job!! Cool conversion kit. Thanks for sharing.

[esoomreltna]

Well that is all good but note that this works on an new work box attached with bracket to the ceiling joists. You wouldn't want to do this with the snap in kind of cans that simply press some clips in between the dry wall.

[mikekellyiniowa]

Do Lowes or Home Depot carry the conversion kits?

[SuperSalmon]

Great video Scott, I was not aware a conversion kit was available, hopefully my local Canadian Tire store stocks them. Cheers!!

[marksternweis]

We have a rest can lights in the basement and in the kitchen and parks

[Esiggies]

Yeah well that's about the cleanest job I have seen Scottie achieve, maybe he should just stick to the Simple Stuff. Makes him Look like a pro.

[thedge]

I found some adapters at Home Depot that were cheap and easy.

[petemoss]

that was a nice little drill - who sell's it ?

[jesusvaldez]

I love watching This Old House but man the home owners are horrible actors.

[jenniferkannapel]

We have a larger recessed light. This kit is not quite large enough. Do you know other options or a way to convert the converter kit? ty

[dinamboyz]

Why would you want pendants in such a low ceiling room. Just convert the original ceiling lights to LED lamps. Flush light is neater and makes your rooms bigger.

[KitchenerLeslie]

Why wouldn’t the kit bracket have a hole to push your splice into it? How many pendants have room for a splice in their canopy? Not many.

[crapper]

ive always just thrown the entire main when i work on electric no lights on in the house means the lines should be dead as well but double check with a voltage tester