Setting up new lights for your home’s exterior can be a great way to improve curb appeal, freshen up your home’s look and feel, and get some extra security at night. Knowing how to install outdoor wall sconces can help to ensure that you are equipped to make these changes to your home. At Expert Electric, we know that not all lighting design and maintenance jobs are as straightforward as they might seem at first glance, and we are always ready to help you get your lighting installed safely and properly.
How to Install Outdoor Sconce Lighting
When installing lighting outdoor, there are a few things that are extremely important to keep in mind. Before doing any work on a lighting circuit, turn off all power to it at your breaker box. Make sure that you only use lighting sconces that are intended for outdoor use, as moisture can be a major issue with electrical fixture when they are improperly installed outside. If you are simply replacing a sconce, the procedure is fairly straightforward; however, if you are installing a light fixture in a place where there was not one previously, this procedure can be a bit more involved and you should call a professional electrician to help you.
1. Remove the Old Sconce
Check once again to make sure that the power to the circuit you are working on is turned off and then remove the light sconce. There should be a few small screw covers that can be pulled or unscrewed from the plate of the light fixture. From there, remove the screws holding the fixture to the wall. When you pull the fixture away from the wall, you might need to cut it free from any caulking that was sealing the edges. This should reveal a collection of wires. Untwist all of the wire nuts connecting the fixture wires to the wires coming out of the wall.
2. Clean the Area Around the Mounting Plate
There will likely be lines of caulking or other sealant around the light fixture’s mounting plate. Use a scraper to remove the sealant. Make sure that you do not scrape off the paint, unless you intend on repainting the area.
3. Install the New Mounting Plate
The new wall sconce likely came with a new mounting plate designed to fit it. Remove the old mounting plate from the wall and install the new one in its place.
4. Install the New Wall Sconce
Attach the like-coloured wires with one another using the new wire nuts that should have come with your new light fixture. The ground wire may need to be attached to the mounting plate using the coloured screw that came with the fixture. Once the wires are properly connected, attach the light sconce to the mounting plate.
5. Seal the Perimeter of the Sconce
Use clear silicone caulk to seal the area between the new light sconce and the wall in order to keep moisture from getting into the circuit. Have paper towels handy to wipe away any excess sealant.
If you would like to learn more information about how to install outdoor wall sconces, or to find out more about the residential and commercial electrical services we offer, please contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.