How to Light Stairways
Lighting an entry or exit stairway provides security from intruders and helps prevent falls. Stairways, inside and out, however, are often poorly lit.The most common type of stairway light installation is a 12-volt, low-voltage system. Low-voltage systems have a transformer that simply plugs into an existing outlet. You can install stairway lighting with some basic tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cordless drill
- Screw bits
- Wire protector
- Concrete screws
- Drill bit, l/4 inch
- Rotosaw
- Drywall screws
- Hole punch for metal
Instructions
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1
Find a power source near your stairway. Low-voltage lights always use a transformer. The transformer converts the 120 voltage to 12 volts. Kits include the low-voltage lights, wiring and transformer all in one package. You will plug the transformer into the outlet later.
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2
Hide the transformer and wire connections by using an outlet behind your stairway. Run the low-voltage wire right on the floor. Cover the wire with a wire protector, which is a low, rubber strip hollowed out on the inside. This wire protector will hide the transformer wire and protect you from possibly tripping over it. There are screw holes in the wire protector. Use the drill and a screw bit to attach concrete screws through the wire protector screw holes and into the concrete floor.
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3
Cut light openings into the stair risers or wall mount the lights. Place lights about every two steps and cut them in the center of each stair riser. Wall lights work well if you have a wall on both sides of the staircase. Wall lights should also be centered. Drill 1/4 inch pilot holes into the riser or wall. Use a rotosaw to cut out the light opening.
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4
Mount the light boxes into the opening, using drywall screws and the drill and screw bit. Punch out one of the holes in the back of each light box using the hole punch. You'll insert the low-voltage wire into this hole. Repeat this process for each light you install.
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Hook up the low-voltage wires to each light fixture. You can connect either of the two wires to the two screws on the back of each light. Install the light fixture covers.
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6
Open the cover to the transformer. Hook up the other end of the low-voltage wire to the two transformer screw terminals. You can connect either wire to the wire terminals. Close the wire cover. Plug in the transformer.
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