Wall lights are a popular choice to provide a wash of illumination to any outdoor space. The expertise of an electrician may be needed to install brand new wall lights, but they are well worth the investment. It’s imperative that wall lights are regularly inspected for damage, dimming, or any other signs of wear-and-tear. Prompt replacements are vital to maintaining optimal functionality of the outdoor wall lights.
This week’s blog post serves as a brief and friendly guide to replacing outdoor wall lights to brighten up any outdoor space.
What are Wall Lights?
Wall lights are outdoor landscape lights that are mounted on exterior walls of a building. They cast beams of light downwards,upwards, and some outdoor wall lights are also known as up and down lights. Up and down lights shine beams of light in both directions. Like all outdoor landscape lights, wall lights serve a variety of purposes. Installing wall lights increases safety and security by illuminating dark spaces, which act as a deterrent to unwanted visitors. They can also help guide people through the space at night. In addition, wall lights add a bit of sophistication and visual interest to any outdoor area.
With so many styles and designs to choose from, It’s easy to increase safety and enhance curb appeal with wall lights.
Choosing the Right Wall Lights
Wall lights come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. There is a wall light that will fit any desired design aesthetic. Aside from design, it is important to choose wall lights and light bulbs that are rated for outdoor use.
Being in an outdoor environment has a different set of challenges than being indoors. Therefore, choose wall lights that have at least an IP65 rating. This rating will help ensure that the wall light is protected from the elements as well as dirt and bugs. The material the wall lights are constructed from also play a vital role in their durability. Outdoor light fixtures made from brass are the top choice when it comes to outdoor landscape lighting as brass is a metal that is durable and robust.
The right wall light for an outdoor space will make it shine bright at night.
Step by Step Guide to Replacing Wall Lights
The following steps outline the general process of replacing wall lights. Specific guidelines to replacing wall lights will depend on the wall lights that are used.
- Ensure that the selected wall lights are not only appropriate for design reasons, but that they are outdoor rated and have the correct IP rating for outdoor use.
- Turn off the power. Use a voltage tester to check that there is no electrical current running.
- Remove the old wall light fixture by unscrewing the mounting screws holding it into place. Detach it from the wall. Disconnect the wires.
- Attach the mounting bracket for the new wall light fixture to the junction box by using the provided screws. Make sure the bracket is level before tightening the screws.
- Connect the wiring. Wiring for wall lights typically consists of three wires: black for hot, white for neutral, and green or bare for ground. Wires should match: black to black, white to white, and green/bare to green/bare.
- After wires are connected, position the wall light fixture onto the mounting bracket. Secure in place by aligning the screw holes on the fixture to those on the bracket and screw into place using the provided screws.
- Insert the appropriate light bulb into the socket.
- After installing the wall light and light bulb, restore the power. Test the outdoor light. If the wall light isn’t working properly, turn off power before double-checking wire connections and that the wall light and light bulb are correctly installed.
- If installation of the wall light is complete and functioning properly, seal gaps between the wall light and the wall with silicone caulking to prevent moisture, dirt, and other debris from entering. This step will help prolong the wall light’s lifespan.
Shop Wall Lights at Lightch8in Today
Wall lights are a great way to add a bit of illumination to any outdoor space. With the illumination they provide, they enhance safety and security of a property and increase curb appeal. Replacing wall lights is largely dependent on the type and design of the particular wall light, but they all follow general guidelines.
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