How To Remove Outdoor Recessed Light Housing

Outdoor recessed light housings are installed in ceilings, walls, or decks to provide ambient or accent lighting to outdoor spaces. Understanding how to remove the housing unit is necessary to replace the fixture, clean the area, or perform maintenance.

The essential aspects of removing outdoor recessed light housing involve identifying the type of housing, using appropriate tools, and following safety precautions.

## Identifying the Housing Type

Outdoor recessed light housings fall into two main types:

Trim-out Housings:

These have a visible trim or bezel around the light fixture. -

Trim-less Housings:

These do not have a visible trim, making the light fixture appear flush with the ceiling or wall. ## Using Proper Tools

The necessary tools for removing recessed light housings include:

- Screwdriver or drill - Needle-nose pliers - Safety glasses - Ladder (if necessary) ## Safety Precautions

Safety should be prioritized before removing any recessed light housing:

- Turn off the power to the light at the circuit breaker or fuse box. - Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from debris. - Use caution when climbing a ladder to access the fixture. ## Removing Trim-out Housings

For trim-out housings, follow these steps:

- Remove the screws holding the trim in place using a screwdriver. - Carefully pull the trim out and away from the ceiling or wall. - Locate the screws holding the housing in place and remove them. - Carefully pull the housing down to access the fixture. ## Removing Trim-less Housings

For trim-less housings, follow these steps:

- Use needle-nose pliers to grab the tension springs holding the housing in place. - Pull the springs down and out of the housing. - Carefully pull the housing down to access the fixture. ## Conclusion

By following these essential aspects, removing outdoor recessed light housings can be carried out safely and effectively. It allows access to the fixture for maintenance, replacement, or cleaning.