Introduction: LED Recessed Lighting Retrofit

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How to modernize ancient technology in about an hour while improving safety and being "green" at the same time. This retrofit of a seventies-vintage "can light" cost approximately twenty-five dollars for the under-the-counter LED light kit, plug and related hardware. Energy savings? Consider the light output of better than a forty-watt bulb for about six watts--to say nothing of all the heat you WON'T be generating.

Step 1: Materials

One under-the-counter LED light kit (120 VAC)
One lamp socket outlet adapter
One standard replacement plug
One tube clear silicone sealant (or equivalent)
One 6" PVC wall guard (behind-the

Step 2: Tools

One 3" hole saw
One drill
One pair wire strippers
One screwdriver w/multiple bits
One pair side-cutters

Step 3: Assembly

Turn off power to recessed (can) light

Remove dome and bezel from old recessed (can) light

Remove bulb from can light; replace with socket outlet adaptor

Remove dome from bezel; take care not to damage bezel or dome retaining clips

Find center of wall guard using compass/protractor; check for accuracy

Cut 3" hole (may differ from light kit to light kit) using hole saw

Place new PVC adapter inside old dome bezel; press old retaining clips down onto PVC adapter

Using clear silicone, liberally seal around inside edge of bezel, and outside/inside edge of PVC adapter (neatness counts)

Place light kit inside hole of PVC adapter and press down into sealant; wait until silicone has cured (!)

Using supplied power cord of light kit, make up a shorter power cable using standard plug replacement

Plug modular end of power cable into light kit; plug standard plug into socket outlet adapter

Re-Install entire assembly in old can light as shown

Restore power

Voila! You're done.

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