The LED garden searchlight hangs over the entrance to the private house.
While most burglaries occur during the day, the FBI reports that over 30% of them happen at night.
Nighttime security is a major concern of every homeowner, which is why it’s such a good idea to ensure your home is well lit. But for some, actually installing light fixtures can seem a little intimidating.
Fortunately, it’s not as hard as it sounds! Here’s how to install outdoor flood lights, even if you’ve never done it before.
Grab Your Gear
You will need to gather the following things before getting started:
- Your mounting plate or strap
- Electrical tape
- Wire connectors
- A screwdriver
- Caulk and caulking gun, or another sealant of choice
- Optional: a voltage tester
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have the manufacturer’s instruction manual handy to refer to any specific requirements.
Prepare for Installation
Before you begin installing flood lights, there are a few things to do to prepare.
First, check your home’s circuit breaker box and cut off the main power in the garage or other installation area.
Second, double-check that the electricity is off. Use your voltage tester if you have one. You can also test by plugging something into a socket in the area. If the device works, the electricity hasn’t been turned off correctly.
Once you’re sure the electricity is off, remove any existing flood lights to make way for the replacements.
Install the Metal Mounting Plate
Depending on your outlet and the type of flood lighting you’ve chosen, you’ll need to install a metal mounting plate or strap. Usually, this will be included in your purchase.
Use the included screws to fasten the plate around the electrical box, fixing it to the wall.
Wire Your New Flood Lights
This is where some homeowners balk, not knowing how to wire a flood light. Fortunately, the process is designed to be straightforward.
You’ll need to match the wires on your flood light to the existing electrical wires in your home by color—white to white, black to black, etc. Use your electrical tape and wire connectors to make sure they’re securely attached.
Next, screw the flood lights to the mounting plate and twist the new flood lights into place.
Seal the Junction Box
With your new fixtures installed, the last thing you need is moisture and precipitation wreaking havoc with the junction box.
If you haven’t already done so, use your caulk to seal the box, taking care to make sure there are no gaps between the box and the wall.
Try Your New Flood Lights
After turning the power back on to the area, test your flood lights to see if they come on as expected. You can take this opportunity to adjust the angles to brighten your yard as needed.
Know How to Install Outdoor Flood Lights
Knowing how to install outdoor flood lights is half the battle, but the other half is actually using them! Make sure to program your lights correctly if they aren’t motion-sensing and ensure that they come on as needed in the evening. With your new installation, you’ll be able to increase your home security without thinking.
For more home improvement and design tips, check out our other posts!