Installing Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor lighting is a necessity for most homes. For some they already have one that provides them light for their front and back doors – but wish to have more around the driveway or garden. Installing outdoor lighting fixtures may seem like a daunting task and most of us might even be scared to try to work with something that has an electric current running through it. However, the process is easier and will save you a great deal of money that you would spend if you hired an electrician.

  • After you have purchased the necessary outdoor lighting fixture find where the circuit breaker is that will operate the fixture and turn it off.
  • Remove the two screws (or more) that is holding the fixture securely to the electrical box that is mounted against the side of your home.
  • It is just fine if you let the fixture dangle from the end. This will allow you to test the current of electricity using a light or test meter. After you know for sure there is no current you will be able to remove the wire nuts that are holding the black and white wires that extend from the lighting fixture to the wall.
  • Remove the ground wire that is attached to the home or to the bracket that is holding the fixture.
  • Put the new lighting fixture together.
  • Secure the white wire from the outdoor lighting fixture to the white wire for the house. Now secure the black wire and twist the ground wires together or simply reconnect they like they were before. Use the wire nuts that will fit with the new fixture. In most products these will come with it.
  • Carefully mount the new fixture to the wall bracket with the new screws that it came with.
  • Place the new light bulb into the fixture and turn the breaker back on. Now turn the light fixture on to make sure it is working.

Helpful Tips

  • Before you begin working make sure that everyone in the home knows what you are doing. This will keep them from turning the breaker back on and electrocuting you. You can put a note on the breaker to remind them.
  • There are some breakers that are not labeled. When this is the case test each one until you have found it. Have someone help you so you are not constantly running back and forth.