How to Install an Outside Security Light

Burglars and intruders like darkness because it keeps them hidden. Security lights act to rob them of that advantage. When someone triggers the motion detectors, an outside security light will flood your yard with brightness, eliminating shadows and encouraging the intruder to move on. They're also handy when you come home late at night, so you don't have to fumble with the keys in the dark. Outside security can be fine tuned so as not to react to smaller pets and wild animals.

Things You'll Need

• Security light Motion detector Screwdriver Wire connectors Voltmeter

Instructions

1. Select an outdoor light outlet to place your security lights. Select a spot with a good view of the front or back yard and high up to provide the lights with an optimum angle.

2. Go to your home's circuit breaker box and turn off the power to the outdoor light switch. There should be no electricity running through the wiring when you work.

3. Remove any existing bulbs or fixtures from the outlet. Connect the prongs from a voltmeter to the "hot" wire (black) and the grounding wire (green) to confirm that the electricity has been shut off.

4. Detach the wires from the existing lighting apparatus, taking care to remember which wire is connected to which. Most wires have color-coded insulation, so it shouldn't be difficult.

5. Connect the wires from you new outdoor security lights to the corresponding wires in the outlet, and to the corresponding wires on the motion detector. Use wire connectors to link multiple wires to each other. The hot wire (usually black) from the motion detector should be connected to the hot wire from the outlet. A second hot wire will connect from the motion detector to the lights. Neutral (or white) wires from both the lights and the motion detector should be connected together, then to the neutral wire from the outlet. The grounding wire (green or bare) from the outlet should be connected to the grounding bar: you shouldn't need to touch it at all.

6. Slip the linked wires back into the outlet and make sure none of them are peeking out. Install the face plate for the security light over the outlet using a screwdriver, then attach the face place and the light bulbs.

7. Point the lights in the direction you want covered and set the motion detector to cover the length and width of your yard. You should also be able to set its sensitivity levels so that it isn't triggered by raccoons or neighborhood cats.

8. Turn the power back on, activate the security lights and perform a test to make sure they are working. You can adjust the direction of the lights to cover any shadows or blind spots.

Tips & Warnings

• Programming the motion detector varies according to the exact brand of outdoor security light. Consult your instruction manual for the precise steps required.

• If you're performing this operation yourself, always use an existing light outlet. Running electrical wiring from your box to an outdoor location is a serious operation which requires the services of a professional electrician.