How to Install Hexagon Lights
How to Install Hexagon Lights
Easy DIY Setup Guide for Garage, Gym & Workshop
How to Install Hexagon LED Lights on Your Ceiling
Installing hexagon LED lights is one of the easiest ways to transform a dark garage, gym, or workspace into a bright, professional-looking environment.
With the right preparation, most DIY installations take just 2 to 4 hours.
HEXLED Lighting has helped thousands of customers set up their hexagon lighting systems over the past 13+ years. This guide covers everything from tools and planning to mounting, wiring, and troubleshooting.
Watch our full installation walkthrough below, then follow the detailed steps in this guide.
Before You Start: Tools, Safety, and Connection Type
Before picking up a drill, take a few minutes to gather your materials and decide how you want to connect your lights.
Tools and Materials Checklist:
- Power drill with bits
- Tape measure
- Level or laser level
- Screwdriver set or cordless driver
- Safety glasses and work gloves
- Drywall anchors or concrete fasteners
- Zip ties or adhesive cable clips
- Step ladder rated for your ceiling height
Most homeowners already have these tools on hand. If not, a basic drill and level are worth the investment.
Plug-In vs. Hardwire: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Plug-in installation works well if you:
- Have a standard outlet within reach
- Want a simple setup with no electrician needed
- May want to relocate the lights later
- Prefer a quick, reversible installation
Hardwired installation is better if you:
- Want a clean, permanent look with no visible power cord
- Are far from the nearest outlet
- Want wall switch on/off control
- Are comfortable hiring a licensed electrician
Either way, all HEXLED hexagon lights feature 3-pin grounded connectors for safe, reliable electrical connections.
Safety Reminders:
- Turn off power at the breaker before connecting to existing circuits
- All HEXLED hexagon LED lights carry an IP54 rating for dry and semi-protected environments
- If you are not comfortable with electrical work, hire a licensed electrician
- Always test on the ground before mounting to your ceiling
Where Does the Power Cable Come Out?
One of the most common questions we get: "Where does the power cable come out?"
The short answer - anywhere along the outer edge.
With HEXLED hexagon lights, the power cable is not locked into a fixed position. Every connector point along the outer edge of your layout is a potential power entry point.
Red circles indicate potential power entry points. You can connect the power cable at any outer connector.
Simply choose the outer connector closest to your power source. This keeps cable runs short and cable management clean.
Planning tip: Before ordering, identify where your closest power source is relative to where the lights will sit on your ceiling.
If you are building a new garage or renovating, ask your electrician to install a junction box directly above the light layout. This gives you the cleanest result with minimal visible cabling.
STEP 1 - Gather and Organize Your Materials
Lay out all components before you climb the ladder:
- Verify your kit contents match your order (tube count, color temperature, connectors, power adapter)
- Remove the protective film from each tube before assembly
- Set up your tools on a clean surface near the installation area
- Keep the step ladder nearby and ensure it is stable on your floor
Taking 10 minutes to organize now prevents multiple trips up and down the ladder later.
STEP 2 - Plan Your Layout and Spacing
Before drilling any holes, figure out exactly where your hexagon lights will go on the ceiling.
Lay your hexagon lights on the floor first to visualize the final pattern and confirm the layout fits your space. Then use a tape measure and laser level (or spirit level) to mark the mounting positions on your ceiling. Painter's tape or chalk works well for temporary marks.
Take a step back and check the overall alignment before committing to any holes. A few extra minutes of planning here saves a lot of rework later.
Need help figuring out how many lights you need? Check our hexagon light layout guide for sizing recommendations by room type.
STEP 3 - Assemble the Hexagon Light Structure
Follow the instruction manual included in your kit to assemble the hexagon light structure. Start with a single full hexagon using the straight tubes and connectors provided.
Do not force any connections. Forcing a tube into a connector can damage the copper contact pins, which may cause that tube to stop working. If a tube does not slide in smoothly, try a different connector from your kit.
Tip: Tilt the tube at a 45-degree angle and insert the diffuser (cover) side first. This makes insertion much easier.
Once a full hexagon is assembled, add additional hexagons outward in columns or rows. Keep the pattern symmetrical as you build.
If your kit includes a border, assemble it separately first for structural guidance.
Important: Perform a quick power test on the ground before mounting. Connect to power, verify all tubes light up, then disconnect before climbing the ladder.
STEP 4 - Mount Your Hexagon Lights to the Ceiling
Once your hexagon light structure is assembled and tested, it is time to mount it to the ceiling.
Use the screws and mounting hardware included in your kit. Mark your mounting positions on the ceiling, then secure the light structure in place.
HEXLED supports three mounting methods:
- Wall mount - attach directly to a wall surface, best for accent lighting
- Ceiling mount (direct screw) - the most common method for garages, gyms, and workshops
- Hanging mount (wire suspension) - best for high ceilings. Suspension hardware is available separately
Always have a second person help with large assemblies. Do not overtighten fasteners.
STEP 5 - Connect and Power Your Lights
For plug-in systems: Route the power cord along the ceiling edge or through cable channels for a clean look. Connect the 3-pin plug to a standard wall outlet and power on.
For hardwired systems: Hire a licensed electrician to wire the lights directly into your room's electrical circuit. This gives you a clean, permanent setup that you can control with a wall switch.
STEP 6 - Test, Adjust, and Finalize
With everything mounted and connected:
- Power on all fixtures and verify every tube lights up
- If any tube stays dark, check the connector seating - disconnect, reseat at 45 degrees, and reconnect
- Check brightness consistency across all fixtures
- Ensure all tubes share the same color temperature (3000K, 4000K, 5000K, or 6500K). Color temperature is fixed at purchase and cannot be changed
Final touches:
- Visually inspect all mounting hardware for tightness
- Stand at ground level and assess overall light distribution
- Secure any loose power cables with zip ties or adhesive clips for a finished look
Don't have your hexagon lights yet? Browse our hexagon lighting collections to find the right set for your space before starting your installation.
Verified Review
“The best lighting upgrade I’ve made to my garage!”
"Installation was super easy. The brightness is insane - feels like a premium showroom now."
- Rocco ★★★★★
Pro Tips for Different Spaces
Garage installation tips:
- HEXLED hexagon lights are only 1.5" (38mm) thick and fit easily between garage door tracks
- Plan around the garage door opener motor and rail
- For a two-car garage, a 5 to 14 grid pattern provides excellent coverage
- 5000K or 6500K color temperature is most popular for garage use
Home gym installation tips:
- Place lights directly above your primary workout zone (free weights, bench, rack)
- Avoid placing lights directly above mirrors to reduce glare
- Even spacing prevents harsh shadows during exercises
- Flicker-free HEXLED lighting helps during long workout sessions
Workshop and barber shop tips:
- Position lights to eliminate shadows on your primary work surface
- For barber stations, place lights flanking the mirror rather than directly overhead
- Bright, even lighting (6500K) supports precision work like detailing, assembly, or cutting
For garage-specific options, see our hexagon garage lighting collection. Setting up a gym? Browse our gym lighting collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Hexagon Lights
Most DIY installations take 2 to 4 hours for a 4 to 6 light system. Smaller setups (1 to 3 lights) can be done in about an hour. Larger systems or hardwired setups may take longer, especially if an electrician is involved.
Insert the tube at a 45-degree angle with the cover (diffuser) facing downward. This aligns the contacts correctly and makes insertion much easier. Never force a connection. Remove the protective film before assembly.
No. HEXLED hexagon lights are only 1.5" (38mm) thick and sit flush against the ceiling. They fit between standard garage door tracks without interfering with door operation.
For plug-in installations, no. You can handle it yourself with basic tools. For hardwired installations, yes, we recommend a licensed electrician to ensure safety and code compliance.
Yes, with proper mounting brackets and anchors. The modular design accommodates most angles. For steep slopes, contact our team to discuss the best mounting approach for your specific ceiling.
It depends on your space. 3000K (warm white) suits relaxation and retail spaces. 4000K (neutral) is great for general purpose. 5000K (daylight) and 6500K (cool white) are ideal for garages, gyms, and precision work areas. Color temperature is fixed at purchase, so choose based on your primary use case.
Send us your room dimensions and we will create a free layout recommendation. You can also use our layout planning guide to estimate based on room size and brightness needs.
Ready to Get Started?
You now have everything you need to install hexagon LED lights like a pro.
If you are going with a hardwired setup, make sure to hire a licensed electrician for the wiring step.
Browse our hexagon lighting collections to find the right fit for your space.
Need a custom layout? Request a free design.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
“HOLY WOW - THESE LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT!”
"Spent a Sunday morning setting these up, and wow - the difference is insane. Bright, clean light and no shadows anywhere."
- Damian R. ★★★★★