An Electrician Outlines Guidelines To Install Long-Lasting Outdoor Lights | Wilmington, NC
Adding outdoor lights to your yard is a great way to add an extra layer of safety, comfort, and beauty to your Wilmington, NC home. Not only can they provide lovely accents in the evening, but they are also useful when navigating your property after dark. However, to ensure your outdoor lights are long-lasting and look their best, you must take the proper steps when installing them. Here, an electrician outlines a few guidelines for properly installing outdoor lighting:
Choose the Right Light Fixture
The first step in properly installing any light fixture is choosing one for outdoor use. Make sure the fixture you choose is appropriate for the environment and matches the aesthetic of your home and yard. You should also ensure that it is rated for outdoor use since it will be subjected to wet conditions, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. Some people will opt for solar-powered lights, as they are more energy efficient and easier to install. To ensure the light fixture has what it takes to withstand outdoor elements, it’s best to consult a professional electrician for help. An electrician will be able to provide advice on which fixtures best suit your needs and environment.
Use the Right Wiring
To ensure the lights will last you years of consistent use, it is important to install them with the right wiring properly. A poor quality wiring job will lead to all kinds of issues down the road, from short circuits and too much voltage traveling through the lights all the way around. Even worse, poor wiring could even lead to a fire if not properly installed. Therefore, you need to consult a professional electrician to help you find the right gauge of wiring and help lay it out and ensure it is properly connected. Always remember that investing in higher-quality wiring now will save you plenty of money and hassle in the future.
Install Lights in Strategic Locations
The location of your light fixtures will make a big difference in how effective they are at lighting up the exterior of your home while also ensuring their lifespan. When deciding where to place them, ensure the chosen area is free from obstructions and has the safest access available. This means avoiding any areas with potential hazards. For example, if there are trees or shrubs around, ensure the fixtures are placed away from them as they will most likely grow over time, covering or blocking the lights or brushing up against them. Strategically placing light fixtures in areas that need the most illumination will ensure you get the maximum benefit out of your lighting system. Talk to a professional electrician in Wilmington, NC to determine the best locations.
Make Use of Timers and Motion Sensors
When installing outdoor lighting, timers and motion sensors can be invaluable for boosting the longevity and efficiency of your lighting setup. Motion sensors enable lights only to turn on when movement is sensed nearby. Imagine how much energy could be saved from not leaving lights on after you’ve gone inside! Timers, meanwhile, ensure that lights will go off at a predetermined time. Since the lights will only light when necessary, they will not have to work as hard, and your bulbs will last longer. Overall, the combination of timers and motion sensors offers a great balance of convenience and efficiency, so consider setting up your outdoor lights with these two components in mind. You will need a professional electrician to help you set up these features.
Check for Proper Voltage
It’s important to measure the voltage of your lights to ensure they are receiving the right amount. If the voltage isn’t correct, it can cause long-term damage to both the lights and the wiring. Thankfully, this process is relatively easy and requires only a few simple steps. First, you must ensure that your power source falls within the suitable range of the lights you are trying to install. For example, the lights won’t work at their optimum capacity if it is too low. It can also lead to blown fuses or tripped circuits if you don’t catch it on time. That’s why it’s a crucial step in protecting yourself from costly repairs or replacements later down the road. Consult a professional electrician to help measure and adjust the voltage as needed.
Securely Install Your Fixtures
Lastly, it is important to securely install your fixtures to keep them from falling and breaking. A stable base for your lights is critical for a successful installation, so take the time to acquire the appropriate materials beforehand. You must affix the fixtures tightly to prevent them from moving or shifting over time due to natural weathering and movement caused by wind and extreme temperatures. Make sure all connections are tight; loose connections can lead to wear and tear over time which may eventually cause shorts. Additionally, use weatherproof sealant around any open wiring to ensure it is safely insulated from the elements. This way, you can ensure that your installations will be safe, secure, and last as long as possible. An electrician can help you with this process.
Always Involve an Expert from the Start
Installing outdoor lighting is a complex project that requires an expert’s touch. You should never cut corners regarding safety, accuracy, and efficiency. You can save time and money in the long run by involving an experienced electrician in Wilmington, NC right from the start of your project. They will help with planning, wiring, and ensuring that the system is installed correctly and safely.
Need Help with Your Outdoor Lighting? Call Us for Assistance!
Don’t hesitate to call us today at Mister Sparky of Wilmington if you need help with any aspect of your outdoor lighting installation. Our team of experienced technicians is here to provide expert advice and assistance throughout the process so that you can get the most out of your system without sacrificing safety or quality. Contact us today to get started!
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