Removing Recessed Ceiling Light Fittings

Squeeze the side spring clips to remove the light housing.

Removing recessed ceiling light fittings.

Lower the fixture base and remove the electrical tape or wire nuts from the black hot wire white neutral wire and if present green ground wire. Some recessed led light fixtures can be pulled directly out of the ceiling. You should see the light socket at the top of the well. Attempt to pry the light fixture from the springs by pulling down with your hands.

This will release the clip and allow the recessed light fixture to be removed from the ceiling. Remove the old trim from the outer ring of the housing. Remove the light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture. Adjust the rear plate in the housing by loosening the wing nut that allows the adjustment.

Lift the spring upward then unhook it from its slot in the housing. Reach into the recessed light housing and grab one of the coil springs. Modern recessed halogen lights often have a plastic collar with three tabs. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot and push up toward the ceiling.

Once you have access to the bulb grip the base and the wire and wiggle them apart. Using the flathead screwdriver or razor knife loosen the paint by moving around the metal collar where it attaches to the ceiling. Press your fingers against these tabs and rotate counterclockwise. Do this with all the springs.

Inside the recessed light are four black clips that hold the fixture into the ceiling and each clip has a small slot.