Convert a recessed light into a pendant fixture

gtothek

What is the best way to go about doing this? I saw a product called the Can Converter, has anyone used this before? Is it a quality product? I'm a novice at electrical repairs, so what the difficulty level on this, I'm looking to switch the can lights above our bed to pendants. Thanks for your help!

rjniles

Concept looks good but I would verify it is UL listed.

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gtothek

Sorry I don't know what UL listed means

k_buz

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.

Any product used in an electrical installation has to be UL listed (or equivilent).

I have looked at the specs of this Can Converter. It is UL listed, BUT I would never recommend it for chandeliers or ceiling fans even though it says you can use it for them.

In your situation, if its a light pendant fixture, I don't see a problem with using it.

gtothek

Thanks k buz. Any pointers you can give me? Is this pretty straight forward process, just follow the instructions on the product?

k_buz

After further research and discussion, it has been pointed out that this product is UL classified, not UL listed. There is a big difference. Being UL classified means it was constructed following basic UL standards, but it hasn't necessarily been specifically tested for all of its intended uses.

That being said, it further reinforces my suggestion not to use it for anything with significant weight.

I have no tips on using this product because I haven't used it or doubt I ever will. Follow the instructions and read all the cautions included in the literature.

HouseHelper

Lowes sellspendant lights that are made for converting from a recessed light.

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"Life is hard. Life is harder when you're stupid." John Wayne

gtothek

Is this something thats put of the ordinary? Do I need to hire an electrician?

k_buz

It seems straight forward. If you are handy, you probably can handle it.

goosebarry

How much do you value your life? At least verify that the can is an old work box that is securely attached between rafters. You can easily see the difference between an old work and new work can at any big box store or web site.

Michaelpro

He is converting a can light to a pendant, not installing a 50 pound ceiling fan. Don't scare the poor guy away from doing simple household stuff.

They sell simple conversion kits for what you are wanting to do at any big box retailer. Surely a pendant light wouldn't be more than a couple pounds. I would think even an old work box would handle that.

gtothek

Yea they're not more than a couple pounds each. I just wanted to know if they sell a product like this, so thank you. Will I need to go into the attic for anything?

Michaelpro

It really is as simple as screwing in a light bulb with one of these kits. If you have a fixture where the actual light socket comes out when you remove your old trim, you may have a little more trouble with the conversion. You may have to leave the old trim ring installed and hope that the little cover plate that comes with the pendant fits over it. It might be a trial and error type thing.

Make sure you measure the light and get a kit that will cover the old hole. If the light isn't an air tight type fixture it might serve you well to get a small piece of insulation and stick it up in there when you put the pendant in.

Good luck!