Installing Junction Box For Outdoor Light

These boxes are inexpensive and easy to install.

Installing junction box for outdoor light.

The electrical box or junction box is a code requirement that was established to prevent fires and other electrical accidents. Light fixtures in wet exposed areas must be listed for use in wet locations. This is a pretty straightforward project and doesn t require cutting the sidings of the. Plastic or pvc boxes.

If your box is metal we recommend replacing it see below. In our project we run a line from an existing outdoor outlet on the house to a light and receptacle at the edge of a garden path. It incorporates a combination light switch outlet photo 11. Installing an led floodlight is exciting because not only do you get more illumination but you also get a lower utility bill.

Installing an outdoor outlet gives you easier access to power so that you can light your yard or use certain power tools. The outlet is always hot and the switch controls only the light. If you don t have an outdoor box to tap in to consider installing one on your house. Use only with nonmetallic cable.

Exterior light fixtures do not require gfci protection. If you re wondering how you install a light fixture without an electrical box the short answer is that you don t. Most metal boxes are too small to hold additional. An overstuffed box is a fire hazard.

Plus the national electrical code requires all outdoor outlets to be gfci outlets ground fault circuit interrupter outlets. This rule is demonstrated nicely by wall switches receptacles and standard light fixtures all of. Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in. Light fixture box scott if the new exterior light fixture has a built in junction box or an enclosure where the wiring connections can be made and protected then you would not need to install a junction box.

Use for exposed indoor applications such as with conduit in an unfinished basement. Plastic electrical boxes can be placed behind drywall. Electrical codes generally require that all electrical devices and the wiring connections to those devices must be enclosed in an approved electrical box often known as a junction box this metal or plastic box includes a cover to protect the wiring within and protect you from the wiring. If the box is plastic shine a flashlight inside and look for a volume listing such as 21 cu.

Make sure the junction box is large enough to hold an added set of wires. Choose from many junction box sizes to find the one that best suits your project. Procedure for installing an outdoor lighting. Light fixtures in damp areas protected by an overhanging eave or roof must be listed for damp locations.