How to Wire an Outdoor Spotlight

Having an outdoor spotlight is a common, and very good addition to your home, and your land. Spotlights make you aware of what's going on outside, as well as lights up your way when you are outside at night.

Wiring your outdoor spotlight can be done pretty simply all by yourself. All you need are the right tools, and a little bit of direction, and you shouldn't have a problem. Read the instructions below for a step-by-step procedure to wire your outdoor spotlight.

Step 1 - Measure

The first thing you will want to do is measure the distance between the studs in your roof. This can be done, by grabbing your ladder, and going for a climb. Locate the studs upon your roof, and simply measure how far they are from one another.

Step 2 - Safety First

The immediate thing you need to do next is to turn off power going to the source you will be working on. Actually, the best option, is to turn all the power off. This ensures no mistakes or accidents can happen, and keeps you from harms way.

Step 3 - How Big Is It

You will need to know the dimensions of your junction box. This can be done by simply looking at the packaging it came in, however is best to do your own measuring with your tape measure. Then, using your tape measure again, you will need to know how far it is from that to the studs in your ceiling.

Step 4 - Cut a Hole

Now you will need to construct a hole for the junction box to fit in. Use your saw to cut out a box so that it will fit the junction box very snug. Then hang your junction box over the whole. You can do this by using the hardware that came in your kit.

Step 5 - Cut the Cable

Next you will need to cut the cable using your wire cutters. Make sure to cut the cable about six inches longer than you will actually need it. You will need enough to run from the junction box to the spotlight itself.

Step 6 - Run the Wiring

Take the wiring that was previously there, and run it to the junction box. Junction boxes contain the instructions on how to connect the cables.

Step 7 - Put It into Place

Now take your junction box and place it into the hole you earlier cut to size. Use the mounting brackets to attach and secure it into place. Then you can attach your spotlight to the junction box itself using the included hardware and instructions.

Now all that's left is to restore power, and check it out. If you have followed the instructions, and used safety precautions, it's time for a job well done.