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How To Properly Perform Outdoor Light Installation

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 Louis Griffin

Adding exterior lights can dramatically transform your home’s appearance. Properly placed lighting can also help reduce tripping hazards, enhance security, and add value.

Before you begin, turn off the power to the circuit breaker at the workbox. Use a stud finder to ensure there’s no wall support or stud in the area where you plan to install your new light. For your safety, click here at https://vantaoutdoors.com/outdoor-lighting/ to talk to an expert. Read on for some ideas on how to do it.

Install The Fixture

Whether you’re adding a single sconce to the side of your house or upgrading the front entry light, choose fixtures made from quality materials. You want them to look good, of course, but you also need them to withstand the elements. Look for fixtures with metals that won’t rust, such as aluminum. You’ll also want to find fixtures with a dark sky rating or energy-efficient label since more states and municipalities are adopting regulations that mandate efficient lighting.

If you’re installing a new fixture, first figure out where the junction box for the switch will be. Then remove the cover to expose the wiring, and figure out which wires go where. Most outdoor lights use the same basic electrical wiring, which consists of white, black, and ground. To connect the wires, take a utility knife to strip back the insulation on each wire. Then, using a pair of wire strippers, cut off 3/4 inch of each wire. Use the tool to make sure there are no sharp points in the ends of the wires. Then, twist the white and black wires together and connect them with a wire nut. Do the same for the green and ground wires.

If it’s an existing fixture you’re replacing, turn off the power at your circuit breaker for safety. Next, disconnect the old light fixture by unscrewing the screw that attaches it to its mounting bracket.

Use a ladder to gain access to the fixture if necessary. Once the old light fixture is removed, take a picture of how the setup looks so you can replicate it when installing the new light fixture.

If you’re installing path lights, use temporary markers to indicate where the fixtures will be placed before drilling and wiring them. For above-ground lights, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for mounting and connecting the wiring. If you’re burying the cable, dig a trench and lay the low-voltage wire in it. Be sure to test the cables before re-connecting them and turning on the power at the breaker. That way, you can be sure your new lights are working properly.

Connect The Wires

Strategically placed exterior lighting will illuminate your home’s landscaping, walkways, or other features while enhancing safety and security. Before you begin working overhead, however, it’s essential to take the time to plan and prepare for a smooth installation. If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical wiring or your project involves complex installation, consult a professional to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

If you’re installing a new light fixture, first figure out which junction box will house it. Remove the junction box cover and find the electrical wire extending from your wall. Figure out which is the ground wire (it’s usually cased in green or bare copper), and which one is the “hot” black wire by using a non-contact voltage tester. Turn off the power at the breaker before you start working, and keep it off until you finish your work.

Use wire strippers to cut off about 3/4 inch of the cable’s sheathing, exposing the three individual wires. Using the color coding on your fixture, connect corresponding wires by twisting them together. If necessary, wrap a pair of wire connectors around the twisted wires to ensure a good connection. Cap the capped wires with a wire cap, and top the connectors in electrical tape.

When the wires are connected, it’s time to connect the lighting fixture. Depending on your chosen fixture, you may need to attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling work box with screws or threaded pipe. If so, it’s a good idea to do this on the ground, rather than from a ladder. Then, you can test the lights while the fixture is still in place.

If you’re installing a light with an existing junction box, mark the location of the back of the workbox on the wall using a pencil or marker. Ensure that no wall supports or studs are in the way by using a stud finder before you drill. Before you move on, make sure that the power is turned off at the breaker and that the non-contact voltage tester reads “Off.” Use a stud finder to check that there are no wall supports in the area where you plan to install your lightbox.

Bury The Cable

One of the most important steps of a proper outdoor lighting installation is the actual burying of the cable. Unfortunately, this is a step that often falls through the cracks. When a new service is being installed, or when a line needs to be moved, technicians sometimes forget to bury the cable.

If you’re planning on installing landscape lighting, make sure to call before starting any digging projects. The utility company will flag your property with different colored landscaping paint and mark all the underground lines and cables. They’ll even leave a rough sketch for you to reference.

It’s also important to use only cables rated for direct burial. A UL rating of “direct buried” means that the cable has passed additional testing and requirements that are beyond what you would expect from a typical conduit. This type of cable is usually made with a thicker jacket that can stand up to being stepped on, crushed by a shovel, or even in contact with water for long periods.

A good way to check if your cable is rated for direct burial is to take the two connector halves hanging off of your light fixture and pinch them together until you hear a snapping sound. The prongs inside the connector will pierce through the cable and touch the wires underneath.

Then, dig a trench that runs from where the cable is connected to your house to the location where you want your lights to be. Once the trench is finished, pour some concrete into it to hold the cable in place.

At the end of the trench, dig a 2-foot-deep posthole to accommodate your light pole. Pack dirt over the cable and test your lights to make sure they work.

Test The Lights

A well-designed landscape lighting system adds beauty and safety to your home. It can illuminate walkways and steps or create a dramatic effect with water features. It can also be a powerful marketing tool for your property. However, like any electrical project, it is important to be careful during your outdoor lighting installation. Incorrect or sloppy work could result in faulty wiring, code violations, and costly repair bills down the road.

When buried wires run between lights, it is essential to check the electrical connections before turning on the system. This is done with a multimeter or voltmeter. First, locate the power cables that run from the transformer to the fixture. These are usually black and red. Attach one lead of the device to each cable and the other end to a known ground source, such as a metal water pipe or a grounded outlet box. If the device indicates continuity between the power cables, the circuit is complete and the lighting system will work properly.

Some landscape lighting issues are less obvious than a burned-out bulb. A spliced wire or improper connection can cause a short that will affect multiple fixtures. These issues are easier to fix when they are discovered early in the project.

To prevent a short, always verify that the voltage is correct at the light fixture with a voltmeter or a multimeter. It is important to know what voltage the light fixture is getting from the transformer, as it will determine how bright the lighting will be. Oftentimes, this information is provided by the manufacturer.

The final step in checking the lighting before burying is to test each fixture individually. This is done by connecting the wires from the transformer to the light with a weatherproof connector. Then, the light is plugged in and tested. If any of the fixtures don’t turn on, a simple inspection will determine what the issue is. If all the fixtures are off, then it is probably a burned-out bulb, but if the lights are intermittent or don’t turn on at all, there is likely an electrical problem with a connection or splice.

Why You Should Consider Exterior Lighting for Your Home

August 4, 2023November 30, 2023 Ralph Bryan

Whether you host family and friends for BBQs, cocktail parties or just like to sit out on your porch in the evening, you probably want to ensure your property’s outside is well-lit. Exterior lighting does more than just transform your space.

Commercial buildings often install exterior lighting in areas with much use. The right light fixtures can provide safety, security, and mood enhancement. For professional services, you can contact Electrician Fort Lauderdale.

When the sun goes down, exterior lighting is what allows us to enjoy outdoor spaces at night. Whether it’s BBQs with friends and family, a good book on the porch, or just enjoying a warm summer evening, having well-lit walkways and outdoor lighting makes it possible to spend time outside after dark without tripping over obstacles or feeling insecure about safety.

For schools, exterior lighting is vital to improving student and faculty safety on campus at night. It’s also an opportunity to add a visual upgrade by highlighting landscape and architectural features on campus. For example, using LED lighting and installing simple controls (like timers and occupancy sensors) can provide significant energy savings while enhancing the overall look of your school’s exterior.

Outside lights come in a wide variety of forms, from classic lamp posts to modern solar designs, so you can find the right one for your property. The type of fixture you choose depends on the area it needs to illuminate, such as a pathway or an entranceway. For pathways, you’ll want to use fixtures that have a narrow beam pattern to avoid shining light into oncoming traffic.

If you’re trying to boost your home’s curb appeal, consider using exterior lights to highlight landscape and architectural features like fountains, ponds, patios, or flower gardens. These statement lights help to make your home stand out from the neighborhood and are a great way to show off your style. Having the right landscape and exterior lighting will not only improve your home’s visual appeal, but it can also increase its value when it comes time to sell. Home buyers tend to see a well-lit home as more finished and ready for them to move in immediately.

Security

There are several security benefits to having exterior lighting. The most obvious is that it brightens walkways for safety purposes, reducing the chance of someone tripping or falling. It can also help deter criminal activity and loitering. Motion-activated floodlights can also be a good choice, as they will automatically switch on when they detect movement and scare away any unsavoury nocturnal visitors.

Exterior lighting can also be used to highlight the style of a home or business. This can make it easy to distinguish features like a garden, pool, water feature, or statue, and can also be useful in highlighting entrances and doorways to the building. A well-lit pathway can also be useful for illuminating stairways, steps, and other potential hazards.

Commercial buildings often use exterior lighting to maximize visibility, space versatility, and security. Various types of outdoor lights can be incorporated to accomplish this, including bollard lights (tall standing lamps), post lights, and floodlights.

Post lights come in a variety of styles that are designed to both uplift the look and complement the design of a property. They are typically located along pathways and driveways, illuminating an ample amount of space without being too bright. Floodlights, on the other hand, are commonly used in areas where a large area needs to be lit, such as atriums or outdoor performance venues.

For homes, exterior lights are often placed to illuminate a pathway to the front door and deter any unwanted visitors. They can also be positioned around decks, patios, and covered seating areas for additional security. It is also a great idea to place them near any valuable items stored outdoors, such as barbecues or outdoor televisions.

Adds Value

Home buyers are often willing to pay more for a well-lit property. According to some surveys, landscape lighting is a desirable feature for up to 20% of potential home buyers. Adding lights to your home can also increase its value, especially if your neighborhood has plenty of homes with outdoor lighting.

Exterior residential lighting adds a great deal of value to your home and is one of the most important things you can do to improve it before selling. Homebuyers will be impressed by the way your home looks at dusk, with the warm glow of the exterior lighting encircling the house and garden areas. The lighting will also illuminate any features of the landscape, such as statues and trees, and create a magical feel to your property at night.

You can also use the outdoor lighting to highlight any architectural features of your property, such as walls and pillars, to make them stand out at night. You can even adjust the lighting to produce silhouettes of plants, trees, and other features of your garden area, which will captivate any visitors to your property.

In addition to highlighting the features of your property, exterior lighting can also make your walkways and pathways easier to navigate at night. This can help your guests avoid tripping and falling over obstacles that aren’t easily visible in the dark. It can also prevent them from wandering into dangerous territory or getting lost on your property. This will help them feel safe and secure when visiting your home at night. The safety aspect of outdoor lighting can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and may help you sell it faster.

Reduces light pollution

Light pollution can have a negative impact on the environment, human health, and wildlife. It occurs in multiple forms, including light trespass, glare, sky glow, and lighting clutter. All artificial lights emit some amount of photopollution, but the main sources are streetlights, lighted signs for businesses and homes, porch and patio lights, spotlights, and searchlights. Light pollution can be visible from miles away, and even satellites can detect cities with dense populations as bright spots in the night sky.

The simplest way to reduce light pollution is by turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting. When possible, close blinds or curtains to prevent glare. Ask your employer to turn off or dim after-hours business signage to avoid illuminating the exterior of buildings that aren’t in use. If your property uses outdoor lighting, choose bulbs with a low Kelvin rating. The lower the number, the warmer the color. Look for energy-efficient options with timers, motion sensors, and reflectors to conserve both money and energy.

Another way to reduce light pollution is to use fully shielded lighting fixtures. This reduces glare and light trespass while also cutting down on wasted energy. It’s important to consider the location of the fixture and the surface it will be mounted on when selecting a fixture type. For example, using a spot light to illuminate a sculpture is a great way to highlight an outdoor feature without adding too much illumination. Spotlights are a great option for this because they have a concentrated beam of light that limits how much illumination is spilled on the surrounding area. Additionally, look for LED lights with adjustable or “dimmable” functions. This will not only save money and energy but also set a more casual mood for your outdoor space.

Adds Interest

When most homeowners think of exterior lighting, they imagine a pair of decorative wall sconces by the front door and perhaps some lights along the walkway or some floodlights for security. While these elements can certainly add some curb appeal, there is much more that outdoor lighting can do to improve your home’s appearance and the functionality of your landscaping.

For instance, well-placed landscape lighting can highlight unique architectural features of your home or special garden elements that create visual interest even after the sun goes down. It can also illuminate a patio, deck, or pool area and provide a cozy ambiance for evening gatherings. A carefully planned and executed lighting upgrade can even enhance the curb appeal of a modest home, making it look more desirable in this buyer’s market.

Another advantage of landscape lighting is its versatility. It can be added in a phased approach, which alleviates the stress of making one big purchase and decision at once. This allows you to get started with a few lights and then gradually add more as your time, budget, and landscape space allow.

If you love spending time outdoors, a well-lit exterior is the perfect complement to your lifestyle. You’ll be able to relax after work in the comfort of your own backyard and entertain guests in a warmly lit setting without worrying about having to move the party indoors because it gets too dark. Whether you’re dining under the stars, hosting a barbecue, or having a romantic evening with your significant other, a beautifully lit landscape can set the stage for a memorable experience.

How to Complete Electrical Services Safely

February 14, 2022October 22, 2022 Charles Dyal

If you are faced with a problem with your electrical system, you will want to contact a professional Electrician. These professionals are trained to repair electrical problems quickly and accurately. However, if the problem persists, don’t delay, or you could endanger your family. If the issue is severe, you can contact an electrician to perform the wiring repairs for you. Here are some of the tips to help you complete wiring repairs safely.

You need to hire a licensed electrician to handle wiring repairs. It’s not a simple task, and if you don’t have the proper equipment to diagnose the issue, you may do more harm than good. Minor repairs may be temporary, but you’ll have to pay for more extensive repairs down the line. Luckily, you can find affordable electricians. Here’s how. The first step is to determine whether you need a repair or not.

First, you’ll need to determine if your home has an electrical system. An experienced electrician can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. Even if your wiring is still in good condition, you shouldn’t attempt to repair it yourself. The risks are too high, and the wrong repair can end up costing you more in the long run. So, it’s best to leave it to a professional to fix the issue. If you’re unsure, you can call your local electrical service company.

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can begin to plan the repairs and the cost of the repairs. Using the right equipment is crucial when it comes to handling electrical systems. If you are unable to do this properly, you risk causing more damage than you’re trying to solve. The right equipment can prevent you from making a mistake in this area, and it won’t be hard to fix. You can also hire a licensed electrician to check your home’s wiring before you start any major projects.

After the dismantling process, you can begin wiring repairs. When you’re installing new wires, you must make sure to take note of the age of the wires. If they’re older, they’re likely black and not PVC. The same goes for the type of sockets. The electrical wiring in a home must be repaired properly to function safely and efficiently. Likewise, you should consider the quality of the repair to be high.

There are several common warning signs that you need to repair your wiring before a major project. If you’re experiencing electrical energy buzz, sounds, or smells, you need to contact an electrician. If your home is over 40 years old, the wiring is likely made of aluminum, and this can result in frequently blown fuses. If the lights and appliances in your home buzz or flicker when you run them, you should consider hiring an electrician to do the work.

If you’re unsure of the cause of your problem, you can contact an electrician. Besides electrical systems, an electrician can also help you with safety features. For example, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are essential for keeping your home safe. If you are unsure of how to install them, ask an electrician to help you. Depending on your knowledge level, they can recommend an electrician who can solve the problem in a timely and effective manner.

An electrician can perform electrical wiring repairs safely and efficiently. The technician will need the appropriate equipment and training to do the work. They will use proper tools to fix the problem quickly and safely. During the work, an electrician will examine the entire electrical system. If you have a basic understanding of electrical systems, it’s safer to let a professional handle wiring. Performing any electrical repair can make you blind to dangers and cause a lot of damage and expense.

Electrical wiring repairs are done by licensed and certified technicians to ensure safety. Experts should use the proper tools and equipment to do the job correctly. Incorrectly performed repairs can cause bigger problems in the future. So, it’s important to hire an electrical repair company to do these jobs. There are various types of wiring repairs that can be performed on a home. For example, there are wiring repairs in a kitchen. Moreover, electricians can also carry out inspections on an electrical system.