Posted: 3/24/2011 6:54:21 PM EDT
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What's up guys,
I'm looking to add/change some of the lighting in my house. Currently almost all the lights we have are floor lamps plugged into switched outlets (top outlet on one receptacle in the room works on the switch so it kind of limits your options). I'd like to wire in some lights into the ceiling, probably recessed lights. My problem is I don't know how to do that  . How do I go about wiring the new recessed lights in the ceiling to work on the switch while still having a working outlet. The main rooms i want to work on all have an accessible attic over them so running the wires shouldn't be an issue. I've done some minor wiring before ( a couple outlets in the garage and changing some light fixtures and hardwiring a couple more smoke detectors), but electrical work is definitely what i'm least comfortable with when it comes to maintenance/remodeling. Thanks in advance guys and sorry if this is a dumb question 
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There are excellent books on this exact topic at places like Home Depot. It's important to remember electricity can and will kill you. Make sure you know what you are doing as your life is likely worth more than the cost of an electrician to someone.
To the topic at hand–– You can readily install can lights, as they make them for both "new construction" and existing structures. Obviously you need the latter, as they nail in differently. You also will want the ones rated "IC"––"insulation contact." The second chore is running the wire. If the switch is on an inside wall (or a gable end) it's fairly easy to fish a wire from the switched outlet up to the ceiling and over to the light(s). Read the book for details on how to do this safely.
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