5 Best Recessed Light Conversion Kits
Recessed lighting was all the rage years ago but now seems outdated. Many homeowners find that converting their recessed light fixtures to more modern styles can give their homes a new look. It isn’t necessary to hire an electrician and suffer large bills to make these conversions. Many recessed light conversion kits are available for the do-it-yourselfer.
Many times, converting a recessed light fixture to another style is easy. The conversion is often as simple as adding an adapter bracket and screwing the new fixture into the existing socket. There are different types of adapters for different functions. We look at the most popular of these recessed light conversion kits.
| Kit Manufacturer | Type of Conversion | Type of Lighting | Why We Like This Kit |
| Worth Home Products Recessed Can Conversion Pendant Kit | Pendant Light | Incandescent or LED | This kit includes the pendant light and fixture that is compatible with incandescent or LED lightbulbs |
| Westinghouse Lighting 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White | Conversion Kit Only | Incandescent or LED | These conversion kits allow you to install pendant or surface mount fixtures |
| The Can Converter Recessed Can Light Converter Kit for 5” and 6” Recessed Can Lights | Conversion Kit Only | Incandescent or LED | One of the few conversion kits that will support ceiling fans |
| Bazz CON6RGBTNWWF Slim Smart Home Wi-Fi RGB LED Recessed Lighting Conversion Kit, Dimmable, Tunable, Indoor/Outdoor, Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible, 6-in, White | Incandescent to LED Conversion Kit | LED | A better alternative than LED replacement light bulbs for your recessed can fixture |
| E26 Socket Adapter, Medium Base Screw-In Light Bulb Socket Pigtail for Led Ceiling Lights Downlight Retrofit Power Adapter Black (6 Pack) | Socket Conversion Kit Only | Almost any application | Socket converters only allow you to create your own recessed can fixture conversion |
The type of recessed light adapter kit you need depends on your decorating style and the recessed light fixtures in your home. Many kits allow you to adapt to almost any new light fixture from your recessed lights without expensive electrical work. The installation is, for the most part, easy and well within the skills of most homeowners.
If your existing recessed lighting conversion calls for pendant lighting, the Worth Home Products kit is a natural choice. Pendant lights are the latest rage, especially over kitchen island counters and other workspaces.
How do These Conversion Kits Work?
Installing a Worth pendant light conversion kit to your existing recessed fixture is almost as simple as changing a light bulb. If your recessed light fixture is a standard ceiling joist mounted unit, the Worth pendant kit will give you an instant lighting upgrade. The installation only involves a few steps
- Unscrew the existing lightbulb in the recessed fixture.
- Use the bracket attached to the new pendant adapter to adjust the length of the pendant light cord. No cutting or wire splicing required
- Screw the Worth pendant light adapter into the light socket in the existing recessed fixture.
- Attach the trim ring to hide the old fixture and the adapter.
What Comes in the Package?
The Worth Pendant conversion kit for recessed light fixtures includes the adapter, the trim ring and the down wire. The kit does not include the actual fixture at the end of the wire. Worth offers many different styles, colors, and designs of terminal light fixtures to finish out your conversion.
Telling the Tale
Users are the best reflection of a product. By and large, everyone who purchases and install these Worth pendant conversion kits finds them above average. In general, these kinds of comments appear in the reviews.
- Easy to install. Just like changing a lightbulb
- The trim ring hides the old fixture for a whole new look in our kitchen
- The length of the cord is easy to adjust with the built-in winding bracket
- Worth offers a wide range of shades so you can customize the look of these conversion kits
Our Take on this Kit
We like the concept of simplicity. Remove the old bulb, screw in the adapter, and adjust the trim ring. That fits our concept of simplicity. The other features that get this adapter kit on our list include:
- All in one kit means no wiring or exposure to electricity to make the conversion
- The wide array of finish options and shades from Worth make customizing your décor much easier
- The unique cord adjustment system is quick and simple without having to perform electrical wiring
You may already have new lighting picked out for your home remodel. These Westinghouse recessed light converters allow you to mount both pendant and surface-hung light fixtures over your old, recessed cans. These converters save time and money when new lighting is on the plan.
How do These Conversion Kits Work?
There is no wiring to worry about, and you don’t need to remove the old can fixture. Adding a Westinghouse recessed fixture conversion kit is straightforward.
- Remove the trim ring and the light bulb from the old, recessed fixture
- Screw the adapter into the socket in the can fixture
- Thread the appropriate adapter mount onto the wire and tighten the screws inside the old can fixture
- Install the surface ring on the adapter
- Install your new light fixture
What Comes in the Package?
Each Westinghouse recessed fixture conversion kit includes:
- One screw in socket adapter
- One adjustable channel brace
- One crossbar mounting bracket
- One metal cover plate
- One decorative trim medallion
Telling the Tale
Purchasers of the Westinghouse recessed fixture conversion kits speak highly of many features of these kits. Surveying these users gets many responses like these.
- An easy installation without having to do any electrical wiring
- It doesn’t require getting in the attic or removing the old fixture.
- Works well with most light fixtures, even on vaulted ceilings
- The directions in the package were excellent
Our Take on this Kit
Westinghouse is one of the oldest electrical supply companies in the US. Having the Westinghouse name on a product gives a sense of confidence. These conversion kits make our list for more reasons than just the brand name.
- Easy installation
- Can hold light fixtures and chandeliers up to 50 Lbs.
- No wiring required means a safe installation
- Adapts to surface mount, pendant, and chandelier mounts
- Works on vaulted ceilings
Your remodel plans may call for installing a ceiling fan where a recessed can light now exists. Normally this would entail removing the old recessed light fixture and replacing it with a fan-rated ceiling box. However, the Can Converter kit can support smaller ceiling fans without all this extra work.
How Do These Conversion Kits Work?
The key to the Can Converter kit is the unique sliding offset bracket that fits inside the recessed can fixture. The bracket uses the recessed fixture as mounting support at three points giving the converter kit enough strength to support smaller ceiling fans. The installation is easy and quick.
- Remove the trim ring and old light bulb from the recessed can fixture
- Screw the conversion power adapter into the empty socket in the recessed fixture
- Insert the adjustable support bracket into the can fixture.
- Loosen the three wingnuts and expand the bracket until the supports engage the edges of the can fixture
- Tighten the wingnuts to make the bracket secure.
- Thread the adapter wires down through the bracket
- Screw the fixture mounting tube into the bracket and attach the mounting plates per the included instructions.
- Mount your new light fixture or ceiling fan according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What Comes in the Package?
Inside the packaging of the Can Converter recessed light conversion kit, you should find:
- One power outlet adapter
- One mounting bracket with three sliding offset mounts clamps
- Phillips screws and wing nuts
- Threaded mounting pipe and nuts
- One mounting plate
- One flat trim medallion
Our Take on this Kit
Mounting ceiling fans over existing light fixtures is always a chance project. All too often, you must change the electrical box to one rated for a ceiling fan. Recessed can fixtures are remarkably sturdy and can provide a good mounting base for a ceiling fan with the right conversion kit. This kit offers other features that get it on our list as well.
- Rated loads of up to 50 Lbs. allow mounting almost any light fixture to this kit, even ornate chandeliers
- Ceiling fans up to 35 Lbs. can be mounted with no other alterations or additions
- This conversion kit works with both 5” and 6” recessed light fixtures
Some people like the way their recessed can fixtures fit into their décor. Recessed fixtures do have their place. However, incandescent recessed light fixtures do have some drawbacks. Adding LED replacement lights with some recessed fixtures creates fit problems and never looks just right. The BAZZ LED conversion kit solves most of these problems.
How do These Conversion Kits Work?
If you can change a lightbulb in your recessed can fixture, you can easily install a Bazz Slim Smart Home conversion light. Plus, you get all the newest technology and benefits of smart Wi-Fi connectivity with your new lights. Installation is as easy as:
- Remove the old light bulb and trim ring from your existing recessed light fixture
- Screw the adapter into the socket on the recessed can fixture
- Squeeze the two spring clamps together and insert the Bazz LED light into the recessed can fixture
- Download the app to your smart device and enjoy your new lighting
What Comes in the Package?
The Bazz LED conversion light kit is simple. You get:
- One 11W LED light system equivalent to a 65W incandescent bulb
- Mounting clips and socket adapter
- Complete instructions
Our Take on This Kit
If converting to LED lighting is your main goal, this conversion kit is an excellent choice for many reasons.
- Quick and easy one-step installation. As simple as changing a regular lightbulb
- 25,000-hour lifespan and 700 lumens of output
- Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Downloadable app for your smart device
- Color selectable LED’s for adding atmosphere and mood to your room lighting
- Energy-efficient LEDs run cooler than incandescent bulbs
If you are the creative type or an experienced remodeler, you may want to create your custom light fixture to replace the recessed can fixtures in your home. Using these adapters removes the need to replace the entire recessed can fixture. These adapters are especially handy if your new fixture conceals the old can fixture.
How do These Conversion Kits Work?
There is nothing magic here. Remove the light bulb from the recessed can fixture and screw in the socket adapter. The adapter socket gives you a black and white wire connection for any lighting fixture you choose to install.
You must provide any support or attachment points for your new light fixture. These E26 socket adapters won’t support the weight of a light fixture or a pendant light.
What Comes in the Package?
Each of these E26 conversion sets contains six individual socket adapters. These adapters are UL listed, flame retardant, heat resistant, and durable. Each adapter is rated for a maximum of 660W or 660V.
Our Take on this Kit
Having gone through the ordeal of removing several recessed light fixtures to reinstall different kinds of lighting, finding these quick adapters is a godsend. Most replacement lighting easily installs to cover the old, recessed fixture. These adapters have several advantages we like.
- Quick, easy installation doesn’t make a mess or require extensive and expensive drywall and electrical work
- Economical and efficient
- UL Listed for safety
Shedding Light on the Conversion Question
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the different types of recessed can conversion kits available on the market. These kits make converting your conventional recessed light fixtures easy and quick in most instances. Some of these kits even allow the installation of small ceiling fans. The result is economical answers to your remodeling and decorating plans.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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