Installing outdoor wall lights can visually enhance your home’s exterior while also improving safety and security. With the right planning and materials, it’s a straightforward do-it-yourself project for most homeowners. This guide will walk you through the key steps for a successful outdoor wall light installation.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Wall Lights
When selecting outdoor wall lights, consider the style, material, brightness, and location.
Style
Pick a wall light fixture style that matches your home’s exterior aesthetic. Common styles include:
- Rustic or farmhouse – Galvanized metal, exposed bulbs with cage-style covers
- Modern – Sleek and streamlined with contemporary materials like aluminum
- Transitional – Simple silhouettes that blend traditional and contemporary
- Classic/vintage – Black finishes, lantern shapes, era-specific details
Materials
Outdoor wall lights are available in various durable materials such as:
- Stainless steel – Resists corrosion and rust
- Aluminum – Lightweight but strong
- Cast brass or zinc – Attractive metals that stand up to weather
- Polycarbonate – Impact-resistant plastic that won’t crack
- Glass – Use tempered glass for impact resistance
Brightness
Consider the brightness level you need. Measure the area you want to illuminate and look for lights with lumens suitable for that square footage. Opt for LED wall lights for the highest lumens-per-watt efficiency.
Location
Determine if the light fixtures will go next to doors, above a garage, lining a pathway, or spotlighting architectural details. This will help determine the light spread, angle, and mounting height needed.
Preparing for Installation
Before starting the installation, be sure to:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker for safety
- Have the necessary tools: ladder, screwdriver, wire stripper, voltmeter, etc.
- Choose UL-listed, exterior-rated lights with markings for wet locations
- Verify the lights are compatible with your home’s voltage
- Plan the wiring route from the lights to the power source
- Ensure the mounting surfaces are solid – use anchors for drywall or brick
- Check local codes for any requirements and permits needed
Pick the Right Location
Strategically place the outdoor wall lights to maximize visibility and safety around entrances, pathways, or other frequently used spaces. Consider the light cast pattern when determining height and aim.
Check the Box
The previous lights may have left a wired electrical box in place. Verify it is an exterior-rated box with a weatherproof cover. If not, it will need to be replaced with the correct type of box.
Match Power Requirements
Read the specs of the new lights to determine the voltage and wattage. Confirm your home’s outdoor wiring is compatible. This is commonly 120V.
Consider Wired or Battery-Powered
Wired lights provide permanent installation with switch control. Battery-powered lights offer more flexibility but require periodic battery replacement.
Get Necessary Permits
Some municipalities require permits, especially when running new wiring from the electrical panel. Check with your local building department before starting.
Installing New Wiring
If the existing exterior boxes lack wiring, new wiring from the electrical panel will need to be run to each fixture location. Here are the main steps:
Run Wire Conduit
Use UL-listed outdoor-rated wire conduit. Metal or PVC conduits provide protection for the wires running to the new boxes. Follow local codes for outdoor conduit requirements.
Pull the Wires Through
The conduit size needs to accommodate the wire gauge required. For lighting circuits, 12 or 14 gauge is commonly used. Carefully pull the wiring through the entire conduit run.
Leave Extra Length
It’s smart to leave at least 12 extra inches of wire in the outdoor boxes to allow for connections and adjustments. Coil the excess wire neatly in the boxes.
Make Secure Connections
Use exterior-rated wire nuts to connect the wires. Wrap the connections with electrical tape for weather protection. Follow the wiring diagram for proper hot, neutral, and ground connections.
Include Junction Boxes
For long conduit runs, include properly sized junction boxes where you can access the wiring. The number of bends in a conduit run also limits box spacing.
Confirm No Shorts or Faults
Cap off unused wires and check all connections. Verify no live wires are exposed. Test that there are no shorts in the system before restoring power.
Installing the New Fixtures
Once the wiring and boxes are in place, you can mount the outdoor wall lights. Make sure to turn off the power first!
1. Prepare the Fixtures
Carefully remove the new light fixtures from their packaging. Inspect for any damage. Separate and identify any parts that detach like mounting plates or brackets.
2. Mount the Backplate
If the backplate is not already attached to the junction box, securely fasten it using the provided screws. Ensure it is centered and level.
3. Secure the Wires
Connect the hot (black), neutral (white), and ground (green/bare copper) wires from the fixture to the matched wires in the junction box using wire nuts. Wrap these connections with electrical tape.
4. Attach the Fixture
Position the back side of the light fixture so the mounting holes align with those on the backplate. Insert the provided screws to securely attach the fixture base to the backplate.
5. Caulk Around the Fixture
Put a thin bead of weatherproof caulk or silicone sealant between the fixture and the wall surface to prevent moisture entry into the junction box.
6. Install the Bulbs
Insert the recommended type and wattage bulbs into the fixtures. LED bulbs work well for their longevity and energy efficiency.
7. Attach Any Covers or Diffusers
If the fixtures have additional glass covers or diffuser panels, attach them securely over the bulbs at this time per the manufacturer instructions.
8. Turn Power Back On
Return to the main electrical panel and restore power to the circuit. Check that the newly installed lights function properly when switched on.
Tips for Installing Outdoor Wall Lights
Here are some additional pointers to ensure your new outdoor wall lights are installed successfully and built to last:
- For wet locations, caulk around the perimeter of the backplate prior to mounting against the wall.
- Make sure all hardware used is rated for exterior use like stainless steel screws.
- Use clear weatherproof silicone to seal any cracks, gaps, or joints if fixtures are mounted on stucco, brick, or other masonry surfaces.
- Consider a photocell or motion sensor so the lights operate automatically at night or when movement is detected.
- Point downward-facing wall washers away from windows to avoid glare indoors at night.
- Position up-lighting fixtures close enough to walls or structures to achieve the desired illumination.
- Verify lights meet the minimum IP (Ingress Protection) rating for the location such as IP65 for wet areas.
- Group multiple lights along a larger exterior wall for a bolder decorative statement.
- Mix and match wall lanterns alongside recessed downlights or path lights for varied effects.
- Consider the pros and cons of smart vs. standard bulbs in terms of controllability, operating temperature range, and brightness.
Following the basic installation steps while observing important safety practices will lead to many years of reliable performance from your new outdoor wall lights. Position and aim the fixtures carefully to cast light where you need it most for enhanced ambiance and security outside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Outdoor Wall Lights
Here are some common questions homeowners have about selecting, buying, and installing outdoor wall lights:
How high should outdoor wall lights be mounted?
The ideal mounting height depends on the light’s purpose. For accent lighting, install fixtures 6-7 feet high. For entryway lighting, 8-10 feet high positions the light for optimal visibility. Consider the fixture design too – lanterns look best nearer eye level while simple downlights can be placed higher.
Where is the best place to install outdoor wall lights?
Focus lights near outdoor living areas, by the front or back entryway, along pathways and steps, or highlighting architectural home features. The placement depends on your lighting goals – safety, accent, etc.
Do outdoor wall lights need to be on a GFCI circuit?
Yes, installers should use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet or breaker for all outdoor lighting circuits. GFCIs provide protection in wet areas by shutting off power if electrical shorts occur.
How far apart should I space outdoor wall lights?
A good rule of thumb is to place lights 8-12 feet apart for continuous pathway illumination. Near doors and gates, lighting fixtures can be mounted closer together at 5-6 feet apart to increase visibility and safety.
What types of bulbs work best in outdoor wall lights?
LED bulbs are the top choice for their energy efficiency, longevity, and cold weather operation. Use the recommended wattage on the fixture specs and choose warm white or daylight color temperatures.
Can I convert old-fashioned fixtures to LED?
If the housing is still in good shape, retrofit kits can adapt many vintage outdoor lights for LED. Check that the kit matches the socket type and voltage of your existing fixtures before purchasing.
How do I choose weatherproof outdoor wall lights?
Verify any finishes and materials are UV/rust resistant. Look for high IP65-68 ratings if the fixtures will be exposed to moisture. Also ensure the light components are silicone-sealed or gasketed.
How do I match an outdoor wall light to my home’s style?
Consider your home architecture – rustic, traditional, modern, etc. Lantern and carriage lights suit traditional homes while contemporary homes look best with simple, angular wall sconces or cylinder lights.
Can I install outdoor wall lights myself?
Yes! With proper planning and precautions, it is a DIY-friendly project. Ensure you turn off the power, follow local codes, use exterior-grade components, and make secure wire connections. Consider hiring an electrician if you need to run all new wiring.
Installing well-placed outdoor wall lights is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal and safety. Just take time to understand lighting basics and electrical codes for your area. With the right fixtures and proper technique, you can enjoy increased visibility and style outdoors for years to come.
Conclusion
Proper outdoor lighting is an important home upgrade that boosts aesthetic appeal, security, and functionality. By selecting durable, weather-resistant outdoor wall lights suited to your home’s style and carefully following installation best practices, you can easily DIY this project. Position the new fixtures thoughtfully to brighten up your entries, accent architectural details, and light walkways or steps. Just be sure to turn off power at the breaker box, make secure electrical connections, and caulk fixtures thoroughly. Installing code-compliant outdoor wall lights using the right safety precautions will allow everyone to fully utilize and appreciate your beautifully illuminated exterior spaces for years to come.