How to Mount an Exterior Spotlight

Spotlights offer a way to draw attention to an item on or near a home or business. They are also used to enhance security in some areas. These low to the ground, adjustable lights come in plain switch operated, timed, or light-sensing models. Solar spotlights are also available, but the amount of light they provide is reduced and so may not work in all situations. Spotlight kits are available at most home improvement and hardware stores, or wherever exterior illumination products are sold.

Things You'll Need

• Garden trowel
• Spade
• Crushed gravel
• Tamping tool
• Scrap lumber
• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Contact an electrician and have a GFCI outlet installed at the location for the spotlight and a switch positioned in the house or garage. These outlets are designed to work best in outdoor environments.

2. Choose the exact location for the spotlight on the ground. Read the manufacturer's instructions for specifics about placement for the model spotlight purchased. Most spotlight kits come with posts that are spiked and force easily into the ground, while others require mounting more permanently.

3. Dig a small hole in the ground with a garden trowel or spade. Make the hole three times the diameter of the post. Length is dependent on the length of the pole, but the model-specific instructions will give the depth. Position the pole at the center of the hole and all the way against the bottom. Ensure that the mounting bracket holes are not buried.

4. Pour a few inches of crushed gravel around the pole to help hold the pole steady. Check the pole to insure it is level and back fill soil into the remainder of the hole. Tamp the soil with a tamping tool or scrap of lumber so it is tightly compacted. This helps hold the pole more rigid than using loose earth only.

5. Slide the spotlight and mounting bracket down over the top of the pole. Locate the holes in the post and align the bracket with the holes. Insert the mounting screws through the bracket and into the post. Tighten the screws securely with a Phillips screwdriver.

6. Run the electrical cable from the light to the electrical outlet and plug it in. Use the wire wraps included with the light to secure the cable to the post and let the remainder lie on the ground or bury it slightly below ground to hide it.

7. Release the directional tension screw on the spotlight and adjust the spotlight to face the direction needed. Tighten the tension screw securely and locate the angle tension screw. Loosen the screw and adjust the angle to illuminate the final position before tightening the screw back down.

Tips & Warnings

• For timer lights and automatic lights, follow the instructions on how to set these features.

• Position the electrical cord in a location safe away from heavy foot traffic or other accidental damage.

References

• "Art of Outdoor Lighting"; Randall Whitehead; 2001
• "The Landscape Lighting Book"; Janet Lennox Moyer; 2005