Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Inspect Fixtures, Bulbs and Wiring

Maintain outdoor lighting with regular inspections of light fixtures, bulbs and electrical wiring. An assessment of your property after dark will tell you what you need.

Exterior doors need two light fixtures in case one burns out. When installing new lighting, start by turning off the power to the existing circuit and posting a DO NOT TURN ON sign on the electrical box.

Step 3: Utilize Solar-Powered Lights

Walks and steps can be lit with low-voltage or solar-powered landscape lights. Mushroom lights using a combination of solar cells and back-up electricity provide strong light while saving energy. Replacing old floodlights with motion-activated floodlights will make your home safer and more energy efficient.

Step 4: Check the Location of Floodlights

Make sure the floodlights are high enough that someone can’t reach them from the ground. If you have to move the location of the existing floodlights, use metal conduit to reroute the wires to the new electrical box.

Step 5: Install New Floodlights

Once the old lights have been removed, attach the existing wires to the new fixture and secure the assembly in place. Pointing the floodlights down and using lower wattage bulbs will prevent dark shadows from forming next to the house. In less than a day, you can have safe exterior lighting for your home and your family.