West Orange NJ Recessed Light Installation
A Job Story: First Class Electric in West Orange, NJ
When a homeowner in West Orange calls us wanting a beautiful, modern lighting upgrade—especially recessed lighting that blends seamlessly with plaster ceilings and wood floors—we know they aren’t just hiring an electrician; they’re trusting us to be stewards of their home. That trust drives everything we do at First Class Electric.
The Call: Elevating Everyday Light
We received a call from a homeowner in West Orange who wanted to replace or augment overhead lighting with recessed LED cans—4–6-inch, dimmable, selectable color-temperature fixtures. They’d lived in their home for years and didn’t want to see ugly damage to plaster or wood trim from the installation process. They asked:
"Can you install recessed lights in my ceiling without cracking the plaster or damaging the hardwood floor? Can you run new wiring, supply all parts, and guarantee the workmanship long-term?”
That is exactly the kind of challenge we thrive on.
Our Approach: Methodical, Respectful, and Expert
From the moment we accepted the job, we treated it not just as a lighting project, but as a restoration-minded renovation.
Careful planning & site review. Before cutting anything, we surveyed the ceiling cavity, located joists, and mapped where the 120 V runs would make sense (minimizing cable length and avoiding interference with other systems). We checked for obstructions (ducting, framing, insulation).
Precision cutting with the right tools. To avoid chipping fragile plaster, we used special carbide blades on our hole saws. These blades produce cleaner edges, reduce vibration, and help preserve the existing plaster's integrity. During the 5-star review, the homeowner specifically noted that "he had to use special carbide blades needed to make perfect holes without chipping or disrupting existing plaster.” We take that as a point of pride.
Protecting original flooring and finishes. The homeowner’s hardwood had to be carefully preserved. In areas where we had to remove a strip or panel to gain access, we worked slowly and kept the removed material intact so it could be reinstalled. We masked off adjacent flooring and baseboard trim to avoid dust or scuffs. The reviewer appreciated that "the wooden flooring had to be removed so he tried his best to keep the flooring to its original condition.”
Electrical wiring and circuits. We ran new 120 V 14-2 NM (Romex) wiring per foot where needed, supplying all parts and labor. In cases where a separate dimmer control circuit was required, we ran 14-3 with a switch leg and box including a high-quality dimmer. All wiring was sized to code, junctions were made in properly rated boxes, and we followed local and NEC wiring standards. The review says: "Install 120v 14-2 romex per foot ... Ethan installed 120v 14-3 switch leg with box and dimmer ... includes all parts and labor.”
Fixture installation & connection. Each recessed housing (the 4–6-inch cans) was carefully mounted to joists or bracing to avoid sag over time. We used IC-rated or non-IC-rated housings appropriately depending on insulation exposure. We installed trim kits and LED retrofit modules that allow dimming and selectable color temperature (e.g. 2700 K, 3000 K, 4000 K). All connections used wirenuts or lever connectors that meet code and provide longevity.
Testing, adjusting, and quality assurance. After powering circuits, we tested each fixture for proper dimming range, flicker, and color output. We measured actual voltage drop and ensured each leg carried no more than appropriate load. We also performed insulation resistance testing on new runs, and used voltage drop math to validate the performance. Further, we visually inspected every ceiling hole and trim edge to catch any blemishes.
Warranty and client education. We backed our work with a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship, consistent with what the homeowner mentioned in the review. To us, "lifetime warranty” means that if anything ever fails due to installation (not abuse or alteration), we will return to make it right. We also educated the client on safe use of dimmers, bulb replacement, and future expansion needs.
The Outcome: A Transformative Lighting Experience
When we handed over the project, the homeowner had:
Beautiful, flush-mounted recessed lighting with clean plaster edges.
Full dimming control and selectable color temperature, allowing ambiance and daylight balance.
Electrical circuits installed cleanly, properly, and to code.
Protection of flooring and structural finishes, with the home preserved in original condition.
Assurance via lifetime workmanship warranty.
As they later posted in their 5-star review:
"Ethan installed and supplied 120v 4-6 inch recessed light ... He had to use special carbide blades ... The wooden flooring had to be removed so he tried his best to keep the flooring to its original condition ... Install 120v 14-2 romex per foot ... Ethan installed 120v 14-3 switch leg with box and dimmer ... Limited lifetime warranty on workmanship.”
Their words mirror our philosophy: precise execution, respect for the home, and accountability over time.
Why We Are West Orange’s Go-To Contractor for Recessed Lighting
Local license and trust. We are fully licensed in New Jersey (Electrical license # 34EI01574400) and insured. (Better Business Bureau+1)
Lifetime warranty on labor. As our West Orange electrical services page states, every job includes a lifetime warranty on labor.
Comprehensive capability. Beyond recessed lighting, we handle full wiring, panel upgrades, EV charging, generators, smoke detectors, transfer switches, and more in the area.
Attention to local code. We are mindful of the West Orange electrical subcode inspection process (the Township publishes an Electrical Sub-Code guide for inspections) and liaise with inspectors to ensure full compliance. (West Orange)
Community presence. Though headquartered in Union County, we actively serve West Orange and surrounding Essex County neighborhoods.
Competitive edge in a crowded field. West Orange has many electricians (the Angi site lists over 50 highly rated electrical service pros in the township) (Angi). But few combine high aesthetic sensitivity, lifetime guarantees, and full technical chops as we do.
What We Learned & Why We Always Aim Higher
Even a well-planned job has surprises. In this instance:
Unexpected framing or cross-tees in the ceiling required re-routing or notching, which demanded on-the-fly recalculations of load and clearance.
One recess point had to avoid an old knob-and-tube interlayer that hadn’t been properly remediated, so we had to ensure no interference.
Retaining the homeowner’s original wood floor sections required storing them carefully, mapping them, and reintegrating them seamlessly.
We always treat each home as though it were our own—and we never compromise. Because behind every "job” is someone’s living space, their memories, and their trust.
If you live in West Orange, Essex County, or nearby and want recessed light installation, especially upgrades in plaster ceilings or historic homes, we’d be honored to bring the same craftsmanship, care, and guarantee to your project.