Proper lighting is very important to any home. If anything, a home with high quality lights will not only guarantee security but will help boost its value. While it is true that electricians are responsible for all the electric projects in most homes, they can only do so much. Sometimes you feel like you need extra light but you do not have the money to pay for the costs. However, the good news is that there are very many DIY procedures of how you can spruce up your home to your liking. This article takes you through the process of installing outdoor floodlights under eaves.
Preparation
The first step is to determine where you want to install your floodlights. In my case, I realized that the area around my backyard was dark at night so I decided that I was going to install some floodlights under the eaves located at that side of my house. However, this can be different for most people so I will try to provide a general procedure that everyone can use.
After determining where you want to install your floodlights, the next step is to mark the spot using to which the wires will pass. When installing outdoor floodlights under eaves, you also need to acquire all the tools and materials that you will need for the job in advance. These tools and materials include (but not limited to) screw driver, an electrician’s tape, wires, holders, screws, spring clamp and a drill. You also need to have all your safety gears including gloves and an overall in place.
Drill a Small Hole
After determining the spot (under eaves) that you want to install your floodlights, the next step is to drill a hall just enough to let the electric cables through. Use your drill to make the hole and run the black white and green cables then hold them in place using an electrician’s tape.
Pull the Wires
This is usually a tricky situation but it does not always have to be if you follow the directions keenly. Start by pulling the wires across the rafters and ran them to an existing junction box. The junction box should have been installed previously when the electrician was wiring your house so you should not have problems finding it. Connect the wires to the ones corresponding with their colors. Remember to turn off the power before fixing the wire to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Connect the Wires to Your Floodlights’ J Box
Remember the wires you pulled through the small hole that you had drilled under the eaves, it is time to connect them to the J box of your floodlights. Pass the cable through the back of the floodlights’ J box and secure them in place using a clamp. Screw the head to the surface under the eaves using some screws and the screwdriver. If there are any special instructions from the manufacturer, be sure to follow them as well for the best results.
When you slip the wires through the J box, ensure that they are long enough to guarantee further connections without straining.
Skin the top parts of the wires to reveal the inner copper part that you will connect to your floodlights. Again here, you should adhere to the instructions provided by your floodlights’ manufacturer.
Connecting the wires would not be as hard, however, you should be very careful not to leave so much bare wires that may cause short circuiting once you turn the power on. If anything, you should cover every bare part with an electrician’s tape.
Assemble the Parts
After connecting the wires to their respective spots, it is time to assemble the parts of the floodlights in a bid to make them one working unit. Here, all you need to do is screw the head of floodlights to the J box and fix the bulb. The only difficult part of installing outdoor floodlights under eaves is access the region especially when drilling the holes and connecting the wires. After connecting all the parts, confirm that your floodlights are working switching the power on. If you followed the instructions, the bulbs should light instantly.
Conclusion
Installing outdoor floodlights under eaves is not the toughest task that you will have to do by any means. Simply gather all the tools beforehand, put on some protective gears, follow the instructions here and you are good to go.
