Do's and Don'ts on Installing Wall Light Fixtures

Installing wall light fixtures in and around your home is a great way to get the light you need and save money by doing the work yourself. Installing your wall light fixtures is not difficult and is something a DIY enthusiast can usually do in an hour or less. However, there are some things you should always do (and some things you should always avoid) when installing wall light fixtures, and this article will address some of the most important dos and don'ts when installing them.

Do: Use Wire Caps on Connections

When wiring up a wall light fixture, always use high quality wire cap connectors on the bare ends of electrical wires. Wire cap connectors are shielded connector types that will prevent arcing and sparking in your junction box and can help you avoid a fire. They are also much easier to work with and even allow you to use a color coding to help you know which wires are positive, negative and ground.

Don't: Use Electrical Tape

When wiring your wall light fixtures, you may be tempted to use electrical tape to make the connections. However, over time, electrical tape can degrade and lose its ability to shield the wiring from arcing or sparking. While electrical tape is an excellent temporary solution, you should never use it for permanent electrical connections in your own.

Do: Shut Off Power at Main Breaker Box

Before installing wall light fixtures, you always want to make sure that you turn off the circuit breaker that provides electrical power to the area where you will be working. Never depend upon a light switch or other junction switch to protect you from electrical current that still may be flowing to the circuit. If necessary, use a multimeter to test the circuit at a light switch or outlet on the wall where you will be installing the light fixture.

Don't: Install a Wall Light without a Junction Box

Although it is certainly possible to install many sconces or other types of wall lighting without a junction box, you never want to do this. The junction box not only provides a much more secure base for the light fixture, it is also provides an additional layer of safety protection that helps you avoid electrical fires. Without the junction box, there is no barrier between electrical arcs or sparks and flammable insulation or wood material inside your walls. Therefore, always install a heavy duty plastic junction box or steel electrical box to support your new wall light fixture and properly house the electrical wiring.

Do: Use a Silicone Caulk on Outdoor Wall Lights

If you will be installing outdoor wall light fixtures, always use a high quality silicone caulk on the edges of the fixture base. This will help to prevent moisture from getting inside the wall light fixture and causing shorts or arcing and sparking. In fact, if you have not already done so, you should use silicon caulk on all of your outdoor wall lights.