Installing an Outdoor Flood Light

Why Outdoor Flood Lights

There are many reasons why people install outdoor flood lights around their home. The most common is security. It is less likely that anyone would go into a well-lighted area to break into a home with flood lights. Other reasons include being able to see the way to the front door when you come home at night and to stay outside to use your yard, deck and patio well past sunset. Kids just love a well-lighted driveway with a basketball hoop attached to the garage and it's not that hard to give it to them.

Before You Install

Installing wiring and electrical fixtures can be dangerous. Only do this if you know what you're doing, otherwise call an electrician. If you are not going to use low voltage lighting then you may be required to have a permit in your municipality. Check with the building code office before you begin, as it may require a certain way of installation to pass inspection. Always turn the electricity off at the breaker box before working on any electrical installation. Use a voltage tester to make sure you turned off the correct breaker. Lastly, decide on the type of lights you want to install. Motion sensor lights are much more convenient than hooking up switches that you have to remember to turn on before you leave home. It's not something you're thinking about when you're leaving the house in the daylight and returning at night. If you don't like motion sensor lighting then think about putting the lights on a timer.

Installation

Common places for outdoor flood lighting are under the eaves of the home or on the corners of the home or garage. Remember to turn the power off before you begin. A hole needs to be drilled in the eave, into the attic area of the home or in the inside of the garage. The proper wire is then fed through from where the light is being installed to an existing junction box and connected. The most common wire used in this type of installation is a 14 2G wire, but again, check with your building code office to be sure it does not require something different. You can connect a switch or timer to this junction box, also. Now the wire outside can be cut to the length needed to work with. The outdoor junction box can then be fitted with a cable clamp and installed to the cable. The box is then installed where you want your lighting. Wrap the ground wire around the screw inside the box and prepare the light bulb holders. A thread sealant should be used before putting them into the box so no water can get in later. There should also be a foam gasket that goes onto the faceplate of the bulb holder. Attach the white wires and secure with a wire nut. This process is repeated for the black wires. Next the base plate is attached to the box. Bulbs are then installed and the angle of the lights is adjusted. Make sure you angle your lights downward and not out to the street or at a neighbor's house. You don't want it right in your eyes as you're walking up the driveway or walkway either. You may want to adjust them again during the evening to make sure they are lighting what you intended them to.

Resources

• Brinks Home Security-Motion Sensor Lighting