Installing out door lighting

Step 2: On the facia board of the soffit where you want your exterior recessed lighting to be installed, trace around the light fixture. Additionally, how much does it cost to install soffit lights? Spacing from the first row of lights to the wall is half this distance.

For accent lighting , space recessed or track fixtures so their light hits the wall at about 30 degrees. Soffit lights are recessed and do the opposite; they pool light on the ground and draw the eye down. Soffit down lights leave the soffit and fascia of the home dark except for the bright, intrusive light of the soffit light itself.

Installing Exterior Soffit Lighting. How do I install dusk to dawn light? How to Wire Dusk to Dawn Security Lights Turn off the breaker that powers the circuit and test the wires for voltage before you touch any of them. Place the weatherproof gasket onto the security light before the wire connections are made.

What is the difference between direct and indirect lighting? Direct lighting is when the majority of the light spread of a fixture falls on a specific object or area. Indirect light is the light spread that lands outside of the direct scope and lights objects other than those in the direct illumination spread.

Traditionally, this approach has been popular for people who need to provide a lot of light over a large space. Someone who has acres of land, who needs extensive lighting, or who has limited ability to install light fixtures may prefer line-voltage lighting.

Line-voltage lighting offers large light fixtures that cover a much larger area on a single circuit. However, the average homeowner may not need this kind of outdoor lighting. With the broad accessibility of LED lighting , most homeowners will be better off with a low-voltage system.

Homeowners should plan to hire an inspector to test the system to confirm that it works correctly and safely before burying the cable. It is generally easier to fix before digging the trench and replacing landscaping. The likelihood that inexperienced homeowners will get it right is relatively low, which may call for repairs or adjustments to the lighting. This is largely why people hire a professional electrician to take care of it, or choose a different lighting system altogether.

The cost to install outdoor lighting ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The total depends on:. This does not include installation or any other improvements, like placing new wiring or connecting to the circuit.

Homeowners can save money by selecting simple products that require minimal or no wiring. The most basic light fixtures tend to be fairly plain, but they often provide just as much illumination at a fraction of the cost. Fixtures that are easy to install may take less time and carry a lower labor cost, even when done by a professional. Labor costs relate to the type of installation required. Hiring a designer to find the best locations for lighting may make it more effective, but also costs several-hundred dollars.

This approach is usually best for homeowners who want to overhaul a significant portion of their outdoor landscaping and hardscaping. By comparison, someone who simply needs to stick solar lights into the ground might need as little as a few-hundred dollars to cover labor for the project.

This is why many homeowners choose to install solar lights themselves. Line-voltage lighting usually requires a licensed electrician to run wiring from the circuit to each light fixture. This assumes that there is an available circuit to support the extra use.

Since energy consumption is such a big factor in cost, homeowners who want to keep costs down should start with fixtures that need little energy to run. LED lighting uses a small fraction of the wattage consumed by incandescent bulbs and lasts for many years. This makes solar lighting or low-voltage lighting far more reasonable.

Upgrading the transformer may also provide more options for low-cost lighting without having to compromise on illumination. In many cases, outdoor lighting is a simple activity for homeowners without much electrical experience. With a few handy tools and a willingness to experiment, people can get effective lighting for the home without having to spend thousands of dollars or weeks learning how to get it right.

These tips help homeowners determine the best ways to get an ideal outdoor lighting setup. As with most things related to homeownership, what works for one person might not be practical for another. These recommendations apply to most situations.

People should plan to put wiring underground after they have created a landscaping layout, avoiding frequently dug areas like garden beds.

Installing low-voltage wiring tends to be more convenient because homeowners only need to dig a 6-inch trench for the wire. However, at this depth, people may accidentally cut the wire while digging with a shovel. This can turn a simple wiring job into a complicated repair task. Homeowners may want to draw a map of the property and note where electrical and utility lines are buried to help them remember when they decide to put in something new.

Halogen bulbs were the gold standard for outdoor lighting for many years, but this is changing. Halogen lights work much like incandescent bulbs, except they have a little halogen gas to make them burn brighter and last longer. Many of the extremely bright flood lights that people recall from decades past were halogen bulbs. This type is still widely available, but more efficient lighting from light-emitting diode LED bulbs is taking over the mainstream.

The difference between the two is largely efficiency and longevity. In exchange for a marginally higher cost to buy, LED bulbs require a fraction of the wattage of incandescent bulbs. Because they use less energy, they allow homeowners to use a higher amount of lighting at the same energy cost. This is particularly relevant for outdoor lighting that requires either a low-voltage or line-voltage wiring.

People are often limited by the amount of light they can support on one transformer on a single GFCI outlet. If all the light fixtures use 15 watts instead of 60 watts, homeowners can get four times as many lights on the system. LED bulbs also run at a much lower heat, which makes them unlikely to burn at the touch. These benefits allow the bulbs to last much longer - sometimes 15 years or more. Homeowners should make sure they buy the right kind of bulbs for the job.

Wattage determines how much power the bulb needs to function, but lumens reflects how much light it produces. Smart bulbs may need a special fixture in order to operate, although some can retrofit into an existing fixture with a connection to a specific smart hub. Although overlapping lights can be a helpful way to ensure that an entire walkway or driveway is safe to transverse, it is easy to exceed outdoor lighting needs.

Too much lighting can become harsh or overwhelming. For homeowners who use incandescent or halogen bulbs instead of LEDs, it can even become hotter. People should aim for a small amount of overlap in the beam angle of spotlights or flood lights. They need to pay attention to the amount of lumens in a single light bulb to avoid buying one that is too strong for the application.

Anyone who has walked into an old basement or workshop to see a single bulb hanging on a chain is probably familiar with the idea of direct lighting. Direct lighting allows people to see what they are looking at, which is important for work or hobbies that require a very precise line of sight. However, for leisure activities or curb appeal, direct lighting is not always best. Direct lighting is easy to overextend, creating a sense that people are trying to light a stadium or chase away burglars.

This is hardly the ambiance that many homeowners are trying to achieve. Instead, people might want to consider indirect lighting for as many fixtures as they can. There is no replacement for direct lighting in a security sense, but for a backyard bonfire or night watching the stars, indirect is best. Indirect lighting illuminates the space without shining directly into it.

This means the lights are pointed upward or toward a solid surface. Spotlights can be direct or indirect, depending primarily on the direction they are positioned. In most cases, homeowners should purchase and install a combination of direct and indirect lighting sources based on what they are trying to achieve.

For example, an outdoor kitchen probably needs some direct lighting source so that people can focus on food preparation or cooking. The patio or deck may not require direct lighting to allow people safe movement or enjoyment while sitting.

Indirect lighting may actually increase visibility. This makes it easier for people to switch from dimly lit parts of the yard and the patio. Lighting installation kits often include everything that homeowners need to install the particular lighting arrangement. This may involve:. People should keep in mind that many of these kits are not intended to be used with other systems or combined into one larger lighting design. This means if homeowners want to extend beyond what one particular kit offers, they may need to buy individual components to make it all work together.

This approach is often more appropriate for people who need a lot of lighting or want custom fixtures. Most outdoor lighting system kits come with preinstalled connectors. This is so homeowners can just attach the wire and assume it will work correctly. Although this is convenient and quick, it may not be the best arrangement for a particular outdoor lighting design.

Landscaping professionals often buy their components separately and connect wires using traditional methods. Common connectors include:. The right connectors for the project depend on homeowner preference as much as the job itself.

In any case, the goal is to provide waterproof protection for the wiring as it sits on, near, or underground. As with any wiring operation, people should never work with exposed wiring on a live system. They may want to practice with disconnected wiring to see which connectors are best for them to work with.

Wires are often inexpensive and easy to buy in bulk, which allows homeowners to keep spare wiring around for repairs. Figuring out the best outdoor lighting arrangement takes some experimentation.

While taking flashlights out at night provides a popular and quick test, clamp lights can also help. These lights have a clamp often attached to a metal light fixture, and they are popular for industrial applications. This can be an inexpensive way to test out the lighting design to confirm it provides adequate light without being too bright.

Since the clamps are easy to attach and remove, homeowners can easily move them to come up with a more effective layout. In many cases, homeowners who have an older transformer do not need to replace it for new outdoor lighting. A professional electrician should always do any type of install to your home that involves electricity. There are many intricate details and construction codes that are vital to the safety of the occupants.

Additionally, an expert will do the job quicker and easier than someone less familiar with lighting. This is particularly true if wiring is needed. For an area where lights have never been installed, wiring will be required unless you are using battery-powered or solar lights.

Installing the wiring and a single light will take an electrician three to five hours. Hourly rates vary according to the area in which you are located. Talk to local pros to get quotes for your outdoor lighting installation Get Quotes. Installing a replacement light fixture is less complicated than installing an outdoor landscape system or wiring for new lighting.

Therefore, it may be cheaper since less labor is required. For a simple light replacement, instead of calling an electrician, you could hire a handyman who has some electrical install experience. This should always be someone who comes with recommendations.

An electrician may be able to do the job quicker due to his knowledge and expertise. So, it may cost less to hire an electrician to do the job. The costs may be affected by the area in which you live, the level of expertise of the handyman, and the cost of your fixture, which is separate from the install price. When it comes to landscape lighting, you can overestimate or underestimate.

This mistake takes away from the overall look and feel of your new landscape lighting. A professional can help you by making suggestions on the type of lighting or how many lights to use. However, there are some basic ideas on how to estimate what you will need. Most experts advise allowing around 10 feet of distance between landscape lighting located on pathways or driveways.

Highlighting for smaller trees can be one to two fixtures, while large trees may need three or four for the best effects. Wall lights should be 1 to 2 feet from the wall and space about 8 to 10 feet apart for maximum aesthetics. The number of lights also depends on the size of your yard and how much landscaping you have that you want to show off. Backyard sizes vary greatly according to the location, such as in the city or rural, or even by state and age of the home. Some examples are:.

The more lights you have, the more electricity you use for your outdoor lights. Understanding how much it costs to run your lights helps you decide the best way to light up your space. The type of bulb you use greatly determines the amount each light will use.

We have already discussed the types of bulbs, but the cost to run each one is different. Most home transformers are volts, but landscape lights do not need that much voltage. Your electrician can install a volt transformer that will lighten the load and save you some money at the same time.

Your transformer needs to be the correct wattage to fulfill the needs of your landscape lighting and not be too much higher. This change allows for savings on your utility bill and makes the wiring safer if it is above ground because there is no risk of electric shock with this type of wiring.

You can then have energy-efficient outdoor lights that are still attractive and safe. Homeowners can choose Energy Star exterior lighting to keep costs lower. Security lights are a great addition to any home to deter intruders and provide light when arriving home.

Many security lights are motion-sensitive, so they only come on at the first sign of movement. This makes them more energy-efficient and ensures you have a light when you need it. These can help with nuisance animals like raccoons , rats , rabbits, or deer who may eat your plants and flowers and destroy your yard. Get free estimates from trusted outdoor lighting companies near me Get Free Estimates. Outdoor lighting lends drama, grandeur, and safety to any home. There are several lighting effects that a professional can help you achieve with your outdoor landscape lighting.

Color temperature is part of the process of making these effects work to make your space beautiful and well-lit. Temperatures range from warm to daytime to cool, and each one creates a special look.

Spotlights, flood lights, or wall lights are usually used to achieve shadow lighting. The fixture is pointed upwards towards an object or space in front of a wall, tree, or other object.

This creates a shadow of the object and results in a soft and moody feel. When you use a tree as the object, this effect is especially interesting on windy evenings when the tree is blowing around. Spotlights or well lights are used for a silhouette feature. The main object, a tree or statue, has a light below it that shines behind it and upwards.

This method is used to highlight sharp edges or details that are hard to see otherwise. Downlights or spotlights are the light source for the moonlighting effect. A downlight will use a shroud around the bulb to direct the lighting on the tree. Moonlighting is obtained by installing a light high above a tree and directing it downward.

The light is filtered through the branches of the tree and results in a moonlight effect. The grazing light effect is done by lighting up certain dramatic points in the texture of a surface. Wall lights are the best way to create this phenomenon. The lights are directed up or down towards an object. The only fixture that works with this effect is a floodlight.

This is because the method requires a very wide light that washes over a particular area. This is generally best used in an area where entertaining is done to help light up the whole area.

The light source is directed between a focal point and a wall, thus creating an entire area of light. Path lights or bollards are used to create a quaint, warming walkway. The fixtures should be staggered rather than directly across from each other and placed far enough apart to keep from overcrowding.

The lights will be directed downward to illuminate the pathway. The goal is to move pedestrians safely through the path and keep the ambiance balanced. Adding outdoor lighting has a plethora of benefits. The right landscape lighting adds style and drama to your yard and provides light to walk in and out of the yard.

Intruders will be deterred with outdoor lighting. Even the most subtle lights are helpful. Pool and pathway lighting is imperative for safety and makes the area feel more hospitable for guests and family.

We all know the neighbor who goes overboard with the outdoor lighting. There is a happy medium when it comes to outdoor lighting. The first place you should always have lighting is right outside your front door.

This ensures that not only will guests feel welcome, but you can see the keyhole to put your keys in and unlock the door on a dark night. Having driveway and pathway lights serves the same purpose and helps you see if you drop something on your way inside. To make good use of your backyard area, outdoor lighting is imperative.

Patio, deck, and pool lighting make your space enjoyable for your family and guests. Increasingly, our backyards are becoming a meeting place, so make your yard party ready.

Side lighting should include motion sensors to detect intruders. You may also want to add some uplighting on the side of the house to create interest and provide safety. If you really like your existing outdoor light but want a motion sensor 7 , there are a couple of ways to do this.

The first one is fairly easy, which is to change out the light bulb for one that is heat sensitive. These bulbs turn on when heat enters its realm of reach. Since humans emit heat, it will turn on. These can detect heat about 15 to feet away. The next way is by purchasing a motion sensor kit to be installed near the light. The kit comes with a power adapter that allows the lightbulb to be screwed into it. Then, the adapter is attached to the fixture.

Many of these kits come with a camera and the ability to use your smartphone to monitor your home from anywhere. If you have an outdoor light that you would prefer as an outlet, an electrician can do that for you. It is important to note that an outdoor light may have been installed in that particular location due to building codes, so you will want to verify that is not the case. An outdoor light conversion to an outlet should be made into a GFCI outlet with a weatherproof receptacle box, as this is a safe outdoor use outlet.

Compare quotes from local outdoor lighting installers Compare Quotes. That is where a landscape lighting designer can help. You will want to find someone who has experience and references in this area to ensure you are getting exactly what you want.

Landscape lighting designers draw up plans for your outdoor lighting and advise you on the style and type of lighting you need. This person works closely with your electrical contractor to make certain your install is done according to plan. Christmas and holiday lighting is a nice way to show your holiday spirit and add a festive touch to the outside of your home.

Professional installation ensures that there are no safety hazards. They can also help with additional tasks such as adding other holiday decorations or helping you to determine where to put your lights. String lights create a cool, urban feel for any party or get-together. Make sure your choice is waterproof and weatherproof for long-lasting, safe lights. A security light is a good idea as it will keep away unwanted nuisance animals and human intruders.

Landscape lighting adds value to your home. Many home buyers want a completed yard they can enjoy immediately. Landscape lighting in the front yard adds curb appeal. Changing a light fixture is much easier than installing a fixture that has to be wired. However, most electricians charge a minimum or trip charge if you only want one light fixture changed. Lumens determine the amount of brightness that a bulb contains. Several factors affect the lumens you need, including personal preference, the space between lights, and the area being lit.

In general, you will need lumens for a flood light, to lumens for pathway, driveway, or stair lights, and to lumens for motion sensor lights. Uplighting for small areas or trees, lumens should be 50 to , while a larger area could be as much as lumens. Lumens in pools or ponds are usually best at to Cost to install outdoor lighting varies greatly by region and even by zip code. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.