How to Install Security Lighting Outdoors
You can install a security light to the edge of the roof yourself and aim at an area of your yard so that a prowler will not be able to hide there. A few tools will be needed, as will a security light mounting kit. The kit can be acquired from a hardware store or a home and garden supply shop. You will need a few other tools from there as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Security light module
- Phillips screwdriver/Electric screwdriver
- Electric cable, 16-gauge
- Utility knife
- Ruler
- Wire strippers
- Ladder
- Portable drill
- 1/2-inch drill bit
- Floodlight
- U-clamp staples
- Staple gun
- Silicone sealant
- Electric plug
Instructions
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1
Go to the fuse box. Remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker to disconnect the electricity that is powering the AC outlets in the garage. This is to protect yourself in case there is any electrical wiring on the edge of the roof.
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2
Remove the screws from the back panel of the security light module with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the back panel. Run an end of the electric cable through the hole in the back panel. Slit two inches in from the end of the electric cable with the utility knife. Pull the two wires at the end of the cable apart from one another. Strip an inch from the end of each wire with the wire strippers.
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3
Loosen the two screws on the inside of the security light module with the Phillips screwdriver. Wrap the exposed end of the wire that has the "+" symbol labeled on it around the screw that has similarly labeled symbol next to it. Wrap the exposed end of the other wire around the other screw. Tighten the screws. Place the back panel back on the module. Tighten the screws.
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4
Stand a ladder against the side of the house where you want to install the security light. Drill a hole through the edge just below the roof on the wall with a portable drill--the type of drill bit needed will depend upon the materials used to construct the wall. Run the free end of the electric cable through the hole and into the garage.
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5
Place the security light module over the hole, against the wall. Screw the module into the wall with wood screws using a Phillips screwdriver. An electric screwdriver can be used to speed up the procedure if desired. Screw a floodlight into the light socket at the front of the security light module.
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6
Run the electric cable down the wall and across the baseboard of the wall until you come to a wall outlet. Staple the cable to the wall and to the baseboard with U-clamp staples from a staple gun. Apply silicone sealant to the hole from the inside of the garage to seal out the elements.
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7
Slit two inches in from the end of the electric cable with the utility knife. Pull the two wires at the end of the cable apart from one another. Strip an inch from the end of each wire with the wire strippers.
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8
Remove the screws from the back panel of the electric plug with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the back panel off. Run the two wires at the end of the cable through the hole in the back panel. Loosen the two screws on the inside of the plug. Wrap the exposed end of the "+" labeled wire around the black-colored screw inside the plug. Wrap the exposed end of the other wire around the other screw. Tighten the screws with the Phillips screwdriver. Place the back panel back on the plug. Reattach the screws.
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9
Return to the fuse box and reinsert the fuse or trip the circuit breaker to restore power to the garage's AC outlets. Insert the plug you attached to the electric cable into a wall outlet to supply power to the security light module so that the attached floodlight can become illuminated.
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Tips & Warnings
Having a second person hold the ladder steady while you are on it is a good idea.
