How To Ensure Your Outdoor Lights Are Installed Correctly

by Alden Smith

One of many people's favorite wintertime activities is in both installing outdoor lights at Christmas, or viewing other installations in the neighborhood. The process can be simple, with white icicle lights hanging from the eaves to a full blown display, with lawn and tree decorations.

Installing outdoor lights requires some thought and considerations. Although outdoor lights can be beautiful at night when all lit up, they can also be very hazardous if proper steps are not taken on installation. We list major considerations and precautions here.

1. The most important thing to do before you begin your project is to check your local wiring codes to insure your installation meets requirements set up by the community. Also, it might pay to talk to the neighborhoods associations to see what is permissible.

2. When first beginning an outdoor light project, determine the number of lights you may want or need, make a diagram of your installation, and gather the necessary tools and supplies. Nothing can be more frustrating in a project like this than to have to stop in the middle of it to go to the local hardware store!

3. Don't cut corners on outdoor lighting. Always insure that you have materials approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) before proceeding. Be leery of any extension cord or wiring that comes from deep discount stores, dollar stores, and flea markets. There is a possibility that the UL tag may be counterfeit.

4. Outlets for outdoor wiring purposes should be GFIs, (Ground Fault Interrupters). Different styles are available, and can be either a flush mounted or wall mounted receptacle. Always use type UF (underground feed) cable in any underground installation of wiring. The conductors are grease, chemical and crush resistant, and is required by many wiring codes. Insure that a circuit breaker or fuse box is at the beginning of the installation. After installation of the circuit breaker/fuse box, run conduit from the box, through the outside wall, and attach to a waterproof elbow. Run conduit down to cable level, making a 90 degree bend at the bottom of the run from which the underground cable will extend. Some local wiring codes require that underground cable be fully protected by conduit for the entire run to prevent digging hazard. Always check with your local wiring code to insure your installation meets requirement.

5. If you have decided to use underground wiring for your installation, insure that it is buried at least 18 inches deep, and preferably 24 inches. This puts the cable below the surface far enough so that any normal digging in the lawn will not disturb the wiring.

6. Now that the cable has been run, it is time to decide where to place the waterproof electrical outlets. If you have planned properly as outlined in step #2, you will have the cable installed and locations chosen. These outlet boxes are not only the best solution for outdoor lighting, but are also advantageous around patios and recreation areas of the yard. If placed correctly, they can do double duty for not only your Christmas lights, but also for other types of outdoor electrical requirements, such as post lanterns along the walkway, outdoor radios, electric trimmers, and even electric mowers.

7. Now that the cable has been run and outlet boxes have been installed, you can proceed with the actual placement of your lighting project. Always insure that your lights are designed for outdoor use, and that each connection uses a grounded plug that fits properly into the female receptacle. Many times outdoor lights are troublesome to connect, and if there is any doubt in your mind about the actual connection, do not use it. Remember that one leg of the plug will be larger than the other, and insure that it is connected properly. It is advisable to also wrap these connections in waterproof electrician's tape at each join.

8. Many of the newer outdoor lighting strands have photoelectric sensors in them that will turn the lights on at dark, and turn off at sunrise. If your lighting arrangement does not have this feature, consider installing a timer inline with the installation at the circuit breaker/fuse box.

Hanging outdoor lights can be dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. Common sense should prevail, such as proper placement of ladders, and avoiding being on the roof if ice is present.

Always remember to follow wiring codes and lighting requirements of your community. A search of the internet reveals that every community has quite strict codes regarding outdoor lighting. Follow the codes, use safety precautions, and everyone, including your family, will enjoy your outdoor display.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.