Tom Corvin demonstrates the installation of decorative security lights, driveway lighting and motion detector lighting. Decorative Outdoor Security Light Installation Be sure to consult the instructions that come with your particular lighting package to see how the step-by-step may vary and if additional materials are needed. Materials: Quick-setting cement
Water
Outdoor electrical wire
Gloves
Tools (utility knife, wire strippers, Phillips head screwdriver
Level
Lamp and post
Shovel or post-hole diggers
Photovoltaic cell (optional)
Pigtail
Wire nut connectors
- Begin by digging a hole 15-18" deep (figure A) and a trench that will run from the post to the house.
- Place lamp post into the hole, then pour dry cement into the hole around post (figure B). Add enough water to saturate the cement. A good rule of thumb is 1 gallon per bag.
- Mix the cement around the post, the use level to make sure the post is straight within the hole.
- Allow the cement to set. Once the post is secure, it's time to run the wiring.
- Before running wire, make sure the power is off at the electrical box. Next, dig a trench to run wires to the house and connect.
- Run electrical wiring from the house, through the trench, up through the hole at the base of the post (which should be turned toward the trench) and up through the top.
- Use a utility knife to cut the wire insulation and separate the wire (figure C). Then, use wire strippers to strips about 1/2" of the coating away from the black and white wire.
- Attach a photovoltaic cell (if using one) to the outside of the post and attach the ground wire on the lamp wiring to the main ground wire from the house.
- Use a "pigtail" to connect the photovoltaic cell to the lamp wiring. Connect all three of the white wires together and secure with a wire nut.
- Connect the red wire from the pigtail to the black wire on the lamp fixture.
- Connect the black wires from the pigtail and the house, then connect the pigtail connector to the lamp connector.
- Insert wiring into post, and secure lamp into place on the post.
- Finally, add the bulb and the outer glass panels.
Adding Driveway Lights Low-voltage Malibu lights are an economical and energy-efficient way to light your driveway or sidewalks. In this demonstration, host Tom Corvin uses lights using 12-volts or less, and costing less than $25 for a box of 10. Be sure to consult the instructions that come with your particular lighting package to see how the step-by-step may vary. - Dig a shallow trench along the driveway or walk.
- Install a transformer with a timer (figure D) inside your home. Connect the transformer to the protective wall plate (the wires will be inserted through the hole in the plate and go through the wall). Add transformer to the wall above the plate.
- After the transformer has been installed and the wiring has been run through the wall to the outside, you're ready to connect the wiring for the lights to the main wiring. To do this, place the power line on the first connector, then press the second connector directly over the other side of the wiring. Align the connectors, then carefully snap into place to pierce the wiring and supply power (figure E ).
Motion Detector Installation Be sure to consult the instructions that come with your particular lighting package to see how the step-by-step may vary. - Set detection sensitivity level and timer before installing.
- When installing, join black to black wiring and white to white wiring.
- Aim the light toward the area to be lit (figure F), and the detector toward an area of movement -- bushes, sidewalks, yard perimeters or side of driveway.
- Remove the activation strip.
Tips: - Don't leave expensive tools or equipment in a visible location outside your home -- it will attract burglars to the inside in pursuit of high-end electronics, jewelry and other valuables.
- Don't leave a dolly, ladder or other tools lying about that can assist burglars.
Next: Lighted Brick Mailbox.
RESOURCES :
The Home Depot Information
To locate the Home Depot store nearest you, click here.
The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com
The Landscape Lighting Book
Model: 0471527262
Author: Janet Lennox Moyer
John Wiley & Sons
Somerset, NJ 08875-1272
Phone: 732-469-4400
Fax: 732-302-2300
Email: compbks@wiley.com
The Complete Guide to Personal and Home Safety: What You Need to Know
Model: 0738207861
Author: Captain Robert L. Snow
Fisher Books, LLC / Perseus Book Group
Website: www.fisherbooks.com
Home Safety and Security
Model: 0783538995
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
All Thumbs Guide to Home Security
Model: 0830641661
Author: Robert W. Wood
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Low Voltage Wiring: Security/Fire Alarm Systems
Model: 0071376747
Author: John E. Traister
Home Lighting: Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Wiring Techniques
Model: 0376090626
Author: Stacy Berman/Southern Living
Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Solutions: Atmosphere, Function, Security
Model: 0897214757
Household Safety Sourcebook
Model: 0780803388
Author: Dawn D. Matthews
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