DIY Network

Lighting the Entryway Lighting the Entryway From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-213

Placing a light fixture is easy if the electrical wiring is already in place, but remember to shut off the power to the lights before starting the wiring process.

Tips: Use a circuit-tester to tell which wires are ground lines and which are "hot" lines.

Lighting should be bright, but not bright enough to create glare. Keep fixtures focused toward the door and not directed into the eyes of guests.

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Steps:

1. Match colored wires for outdoor lighting to existing wiring (figure A), and tighten each set with a wire nut. Wire nuts create good connection points for the wires.

2. Attach any new ground wires to the existing ground wires and grounding screws. Sometimes you may not have matching wire colors, but if you have at least one set matching, your connections should be correct. Have the wiring done by a licensed electrician if you have any concerns about matching the wires correctly.

3. Attach the lamp base to the ceiling (figure B).

   Figure A

   Figure B

   
   
4. Low-voltage accent lamps, available as lamp kits, are installed under the eaves (figure C). These lamps do not require standard house current. They hook into a cable that you run yourself on the outside of the house.

5. The low-voltage cable is connected to a prong attachment (figure D). The prongs have notches that grip the cable to provide a secure fit.

   Figure C

   Figure D

   
   

   Figure E

6. Attach to a transformer (figure E), which plugs into a standard GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.

   Tip: As with any kit, follow manufacturer's instructions for installation.