How to Install an Outdoor Light Fixture for an Easy Home Upgrade

Whether you’re installing outdoor lighting for the first time or replacing an existing fixture, you’ll start by turning off power to the main circuit breaker. Use a multimeter or a voltage detector tool to double-check that there is no power before you get started. This step only takes a few minutes and is a potentially life-saving measure, so don’t skip it.

If you’re replacing an existing lighting fixture, skip to step 5.

If you’re installing a brand new lighting fixture, figure out which junction box you’ll use for the light switch. Most likely, you’ll use the one closest to the door for convenience. Remove the cover to get to the wiring.

Decide where you want the light outside, and install the mounting block. Drill a hole through the siding and wall, and feed electrical wire until it reaches the junction box for the light switch.

• Connect the new electrical wire with the existing electrical wiring. 

• Connect the ground wire to the green screw. 

• Take the black wires and twist them together.

• Install a wire nut. Do the same for the white wires.

• Reinstall the faceplate on the junction box. 

Now, you’re ready to install the lighting fixture outside.

If you’re installing a brand new lighting fixture, skip to step 6.

If you’re replacing an old fixture, start by removing the lightbulb, and then remove the mounting screws. There are usually two of them on either side of the fixture. You may be able to loosen the screws by hand, or use pliers if necessary. 

Next, if there is caulk along the edges of the fixture, put on safety goggles and cut the caulk away with a utility or putty knife. Once that’s done, you can tug at the fixture until it pops out, and then follow these steps:

• Remove the ground wire by loosening the green screw. 

• Unscrew the wire nuts on the ground wires, black wires, and white wires. You can save the wire nuts to reuse later. 

• Unscrew the old bracket and remove it.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing an existing fixture, your new light fixture will come with a new bracket. Use a level to make sure it’s nice and straight, and make sure that the screw holes are positioned correctly for the fixture. Tighten the mounting posts and the bracket very well.

• Slide the grounding wire behind the green nut and tighten. 

• Wrap the bare copper ground wire from the light fixture to the ground wire from the junction box. 

• Screw on a wing nut, and wrap it in black electrical tape. The tape will ensure that moisture won’t leak inside.

• Next, take the black wires and twist them together. 

• Attach a wire nut and wrap it in electrical tape. 

• Repeat the same process with the white wires. 

• When you’re done, push the wires back into the junction box.

• Take the new fixture and place it onto the bracket. 

• Install the screw caps and tighten them with pliers.

• Use clear, silicone outdoor caulk and caulk the top and sides of the fixture. You can leave the bottom undone so that any moisture has a way to drain.

• Screw in a new lightbulb before installing any covers and additional pieces of the lighting fixture.