Can the Can be Converter?

Recessed can lighting has been around for decades and it is still being installed in newly constructed homes around Erie. Over the years, I have had many conversations with homeowners about what is involved with converting a recessed can light fixture to another style of fixture. Once the homeowner hears about what is involved, they usually change their mind.

So what is involved with changing a recessed can light fixture to another style? These are the basic steps:
1. Remove the recessed can trim kit and fixture, which will leave a 6” hole in your ceiling
2. Install a 4” electrical junction box (if you go this way, install one that is fan rated)
3. Drywall, texture, and paint the area around the 4” junction box (this is where most people say… “forget it”)
4. Then install the new fixture

There is another way, which is much less work, if... your new fixture has a base/canopy with a diameter larger than 6” or if you don’t mind having a trim piece (i.e. medallion) at the base/canopy to ceiling junction. The company JSB Enterprises produces a product called The Can Converter which allows for the internal housing of a recessed can to be used as a junction box for all different types of light fixtures and ceiling fans.

I became familiar with this product a few years ago, but never had a chance to install the kit before, until recently. Following their instructions, the conversion was fairly straightforward and in no time I was able to install a multi pendant light fixture in the place where there had just been a recessed can. There was no need for a trim kit/medallion, but anchors were added in the ceiling, as required by the design of the new light fixture.

Though The Can Converter is supposedly able to handle the weight and motion of a fan, I’m not sure that I would use it for that purpose. Maybe I don’t trust the conversion product will offer enough support for a fan, but it’s more than that, I don’t trust that the recessed can housing is rigid enough for a fan.

https://thecanconverter.com/