How to Install A Garage Security Flood Light
Installing a flood light can be a useful and safe addition to your home. In this blog I’ll be explaining how to safely install a garage security floodlight. Floodlights are commonly installed outside of garages to illuminate driveways and in newer homes wired with NMB wire coming from the garage. The wire is then run through the wall leading out to outside of the structure. Here are some basic tips to installing a floodlight properly.
1) First and foremost safety always comes first! By now anyone who reads these blogs has more than likely come to understand the importance of safety whenever installing, repairing or troubleshooting any electrical system or device. Becoming safety conscious is your key to a safe and proper installation. Always wear appropriate eyewear, use the correct tools and learn how to use them properly! Don’t forget, if you are ever in question as to how to safely install your new floodlight or any electrical device, contact Swartz Electric, the leading Southern Colorado electrical company. Swartz Electric is a member of the Better Business Bureau and holds an A plus rating. They can help you get your installation done safely and effectively!
2) Locate the power source you will be using to install your outdoor floodlight. This may be a junction box in the rafters of your garage or you may want to run a “dedicated” line from the panel to a junction box yourself. This junction box should hold a 14/2 wire source. 14/2 NMB (or non-metallic, high temperature wire) is available at any Home Depot or Lowe’s self improvement store. For those who do not know what 14/2 wire is, this contains a hot wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire. This is the wire commonly used for 120 V circuits.
3)If you have a outside floodlight fixture already installed and ready to take down, turn the power source off at the panel. Unscrew the fixture and uncap the wires. Check these wires for power with a small hotstick or other noncontact tester. Once you have determined no power exist on the circuit, disconnect the wires and unscrew the housing from the outside of the garage. Now you are ready to install the new floodlight.
4) Take the wires you disconnected and wire them together, black to black, white to white and finally green to green. Some color variations exist with these wires. The neutral may be gray instead of white and the hot wire may be any color besides gray,white or green. Connect the wires accordingly to the new fixture. Finally mount the new fixture, insert the new bulbs and turn the power back on.
5) This is the installation techniques for a basic security floodlight. Most floodlights designed for outdoor use are produced with photocells now which can either be set or will automatically turn on and off at nightfall and daybreak. Ask your home improvement specialist which type of fixture is best suited for your project. For further help with any DIY project contact Swartz Electric, the leading electrical company in Southern Colorado
Swartz Electric is Colorado Springs highest rated Electrical Contractor and is licensed and insured to perform electrical work throughout the entire State of Colorado. Please see our website for our licenses, insurance, and links to reviews and testimonials. In addition, Swartz Electric provides a 2 year material warranty and a lifetime workmanship warranty.
Swartz Electric – Your Colorado Springs Electrician performs electrical work throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, Black Forest, Fountain, Falcon, Woodland Park, and everywhere in between. We are the electricians in Colorado Springs to solve your electrical problems and meet your electrical requirements.
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This is an original article written by Dave Donahue for Swartz Electric. This article may not be copied whole or in part without the express permission of Swartz Electric, LLC.
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