How to Adjust Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting can come in many different types depending on the application that you need. You can use outdoor lights as an accent or indirect lighting source and to light up a driveway. Lights can even be recessed into the ground or placed near a flag pole. Outdoor lighting may use electricity or solar power. Adjusting the lighting will depend on how the lights have been set up and where the light needs to go.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

Solar Lights

1. Decide if existing lights need to be moved or if new lights need to be added to a particular area. Solar lights only provide a small amount of light and are good for illuminating a small area.

2. Move lights from one area to another to change the way the light illuminates the landscape. Solar lights are typically attached to a stake that is pushed into the ground. Pull one light out and then push it back into the ground at a different location.

3. Install additional solar lights in a new location or to provide more light for a specific area of your yard.

4. Place solar-powered motion detector lighting in areas that do not need constant illumination. This type of solar lighting can be placed under the eaves on the roof of a house or detached garage.

Flag Pole Light

1. Loosen the bracket to allow the light unit to swivel. Use a screwdriver to loosen the retaining screw on the bracket.

2. Move the light so the unit is tilted in a different location and then tighten the retaining screw with the screwdriver.

3. Replace the bulb with a different wattage. You can use a lower wattage or higher wattage bulb depending on your needs.

4. Move the light so that it is further away from the flag. Light that is too close can sometimes create glares, especially if the light is too bright.

Recessed and Pendant Lights

1. Change the angle of the recessed lighting to provide more illumination. The unit may not be able to move but you should be able to change the angle of the bulb.

2. Hang pendant lighting in an entryway, porch or patio. Pendant lighting may be suspended from the ceiling or roof overhang, which makes them easy to move.

3. Add a dimmer switch to the recessed or pendant lights. A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the amount of available light.

Tips & Warnings

• Solar lighting does not require running any electrical cord to provide power. Using a higher or lower wattage bulb is an easy way to adjust the amount of available light.

• Recessed lighting does not pivot easily because of the way they are installed in the ground.

References

• Solar Lights Can Add Easy Functionality to Your Yard
• Adjustment Tips for a Flag Pole Light
• The Best Places for Outdoor Pendant Lighting

Resources

• Planning and Using Outdoor Recessed Lighting