How much does it cost to install recessed LED lights in New Brunswick?

Recessed LED Lighting Installation Costs in New Brunswick

Recessed LED lights (also called pot lights or can lights) are one of the most popular electrical upgrades in New Brunswick homes. Here's what to expect for pricing in 2025–2026.

Per-Light Costs

Most licensed electricians in New Brunswick charge per light installed:

• New construction (open ceiling): $75–$150 per light, including the fixture and wiring
• Retrofit into existing ceiling: $150–$300 per light, depending on attic access and insulation
• IC-rated fixtures (required when insulation contacts the housing): add $15–$30 per fixture over non-IC models

A typical kitchen installation of 6 recessed LED lights runs $900–$1,800 total. A full basement with 8–12 lights might cost $1,200–$3,600.

What Affects the Price

Ceiling access is the biggest cost factor. If your electrician can access the space above from an attic or unfinished floor above, installation is straightforward. Cathedral ceilings, concrete ceilings in basements, and finished ceilings with no access above require cutting and patching, which adds $50–$100 per light.

Existing wiring matters too. If the circuit has capacity and a junction box is nearby, wiring each light takes less time. Running a new circuit from the panel adds $300–$600 for the home run.

Dimmer switches are a common add-on. A quality LED-compatible dimmer costs $30–$60 for the switch, plus $75–$150 for installation if new wiring is needed. Make sure the dimmer is rated for LED — using an old incandescent dimmer causes flickering and can shorten LED life.

LED vs. Older Technologies

Modern LED recessed fixtures use 8–15 watts each compared to 65 watts for the old BR30 incandescent floods they replace. For a room with 6 lights running 4 hours daily, that's roughly:

• LED (12W each): ~$25/year at NB Power's residential rate of ~$0.12/kWh
• Incandescent (65W each): ~$137/year

The LED fixtures also last 25,000–50,000 hours, so you won't be changing bulbs for 15–20 years under normal use.

Permit Requirements

In New Brunswick, installing new light fixtures on existing circuits doesn't always require a permit, but adding a new circuit to your panel does require a TSANB electrical permit. Your electrician should advise whether a permit is needed based on the scope of work. Any work involving new wiring behind walls or ceilings should be done by a TSANB-licensed electrician.

Getting Quotes

Contact 2–3 licensed electricians in your area — whether you're in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, or a smaller community like Sussex or Oromocto. Ask for an itemized quote that separates fixture cost, labour, and any permit fees. Most electricians can complete a 6-light kitchen installation in half a day.

---

Find a Electrical Contractor

New Brunswick Electrical connects you with experienced contractors through the https://newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com:

• A+ Solar Solutions ✓
• A&S Electric Ltd. ✓
• BCB Electric ✓

View all electrical contractors →