How to Install Security Lighting

Motion-activated floodlights turn on only at night, when motion is detected.

Installing an outdoor motion-activated security light is a fairly easy task as long as you're replacing an existing light fixture with an outdoor-rated electrical box. To add a new fixture where none exists requires installing a new circuit cable and electrical box, and connecting the cable to an existing circuit or to a new breaker. The following are the basic steps to replacing an old outdoor light with a motion-activated flood fixture.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• The light it self
• wire strippers
• wire caps
• electrical tape
• volt tester
• screwdrivers
• cordless drill/driver
• metal,wood,or,masonry drill bit.
• Silicone caulk

1. Turn off the power to the light fixture's circuit by switching off the breaker at the service panel (breaker box). Confirm that the power is off by flipping the fixture's regular wall switch.

2. Remove the fixture mounting screws securing it to the electrical box, and carefully pull the fixture away from the box. Confirm that the power is off to the fixture using a circuit tester.

3. Remove the plastic wire connectors (wire nuts) joining the circuit wires to the fixture wires, and set the old fixture aside.

4. Test-fit the new fixture on the electrical box to make sure the holes for the mounting screws line up with the box's holes and that the base of the fixture will create a weathertight seal over the box; most outdoor fixtures have rubber gaskets for creating a seal.

5. Connect the wiring of the new fixture to the circuit wires using new wire nuts, following the manufacturer's wiring diagram. Tuck the wires gently into the box, and mount the fixture with the new mounting screws, making sure the fixture creates a good seal.

6. Add bulbs to the fixture. Restore power to the circuit by switching on the circuit breaker, and test the fixture for proper operation.

7. Set the motion detector for sensitivity, range of view, and angle, following the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting the detection function just right takes some trial and error, so be patient and take the time to set everything properly, both for optimizing the security function and to prevent unnecessary false trippings.

• Always assume electrical wires are live until they are tested.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Home Wiring"; Editors of Creative Publishing internatiional; 2005

Resources

• Motion Lights