In GENERAL, can you place recessed lighting in duct work? I have a very small hall with a light that sticks down from the ceiling and hits my boyfriends head (he is tall). The home was probably built around 1950. There is ductwork directly above it, but I think it's an air return, although it might be for the heat, too (just moved in and know nothing on hvac). The air conditioning comes in through floor vents. I want to know if it might be possible to have a recessed light. I just didn't want to reach an electrician or pay for one to come out to find out it's not even in the realm of a possibility. Thank you so much!
2007-07-02 15:02:03 · 5 answers · asked by Stacy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
You need to know which way your ceiling joists go, (vertically or horizontally) and where the duct work is placed. You can put recessed lights in between the joists where there is no duct work. It is done all the time.
Your duct work only takes up so much space between the joists. You will not be placing the lighting where the duct work is obviously. Can you get into your attic and view where the duct work runs? You can then measure your spacing. Your hallway may be too narrow if your duct work takes the entire space. But do not go into a space designated for the duct work for your ac. You need to find out where they run and if the space between the next set of joists will allow installation of the cans.
I do think you should get a qualified electrician. You do not want to fool around with a DIY. If you do a little checking, you can get an idea of what can be placed, but do not do it yourself.
You can also consider putting wall sconces to illuminate the hallway and maybe place some artwork.
2007-07-02 15:48:18 · answer #1 · answered by chillin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Recessed Lighting In Hallway
2016-11-04 21:56:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you cannot put recessed lighting in duct work. It is a hallway so all you really need is ambient light. Have seen this done in a few banks sounds weird but does work and looks nice. First go around the perimeter of the ceiling with 2 X 6's and quarter round then 2 x 4 and 1/4 round. (you are trying to build depth, paint to match the ceiling. Then rain gutter with strip lights inside. works best if everything is painted the same color including walls.
2007-07-03 13:34:01 · answer #3 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Done a lot of electrical work myself and have never seen a recessed light in a duct so i wouldn't try because it could short out if any dust gets in the fitting. Tell him to kiss you when you walk under it that will work. Good luck
2007-07-02 15:08:46 · answer #4 · answered by Ty G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't try that .. just in case
How about a wall sconce light.. even if you have to run the cable from the ceiling down the side....its better than to have him hitting his head.. lol worth a try..
2007-07-02 15:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by Rebel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋