Need help adding exterior security light.
#1
11-26-16, 10:35 AM
Need help adding exterior security light.
Hello all,
I am trying to add a security light to my backyard. I have a small covered patio with an existing outlet that I would like to tap into. I want to run a switch from there to be able to turn the light on and off. The total cable run is maybe 15-20 ft. What would I need to complete this?
I am trying to add a security light to my backyard. I have a small covered patio with an existing outlet that I would like to tap into. I want to run a switch from there to be able to turn the light on and off. The total cable run is maybe 15-20 ft. What would I need to complete this?
#2
11-26-16, 10:44 AM
Extension ring, conduit, THWN wire (black, white, green), weather proof switch box, switch, weather proof round box for the light.
Last edited by ray2047; 11-26-16 at 11:05 AM.
#3
11-26-16, 02:37 PM
Thank you for your reply. I was at home depot and lowes trying to figure out what I needed. They have a lot of different receptacle boxes. I would think I need a box with and exit for wires and conduit. Same for the switch box. Can you post pics or links of what I should buy? Right now I have a recessed gfi outlet.
#4
11-26-16, 04:53 PM
The boxes below are metal boxes with threaded hubs but if you use PVC conduit you can use plastic boxes with glue type hubs.
Extension ring. Notice the back is mostly open.
Switch Box
Box for light.
THWN individual wires are preferable to cable. #14 for a 15 amp breaker. #12 for a 20 amp breaker.
Extension ring. Notice the back is mostly open.
Switch Box
Box for light.
THWN individual wires are preferable to cable. #14 for a 15 amp breaker. #12 for a 20 amp breaker.
#6
11-27-16, 04:29 PM
Hello Ray,Hope you are still watching my thread. I bought most of what you suggested and connected it. I could not find the ext ring you show but I bought something similar. I also have a 15 amp breaker on this circuit so I used individual14 gauge twisted wire in black, white and green. I match all the wire color but when I turn the circuit on it pops the breaker. I must have a crossed wire somewhere. I will check the wiring from the source out. Also do I need to ground each junction box with the green wire or can I just connect the green wires as I go to each other?
#7
11-27-16, 04:45 PM
That seems to be PVC conduit so if the junction box us metal the ground needs to be pigtailed to the device and the box.
Last edited by ray2047; 11-27-16 at 05:23 PM.
#8
11-28-16, 03:15 PM
The outlet where I am getting my power from was just pushed out with a plastic box. I kept the wiring the same as it was just added the box. I ran wire and from there to a light switch in a metal box. This was a kit lowes had for an outdoor light switch. I have 3 wires coming into this box. White, black and green. The green is ground. I need to connect the green wire from the switch to the metal box and also send it up to the light? After the switch is the light receptacle. It has 2 pairs of white, black and green wires. It is connected to a metal box. Do i ground both lights individually or can I use 1 wire to the box?
#9
11-28-16, 04:48 PM
The outlet where I am getting my power from was just pushed out with a plastic box.
After the switch is the light receptacle.
It has 2 pairs of white, black and green wires. It is connected to a metal box. Do i ground both lights individually or can I use 1 wire to the box?
Did you fix your short problem?
#10
11-29-16, 05:47 PM
Thank You Ray!!!!
I finally got it. I know I wired the light switch wrong and I think I didn't ground the light outlet correct also. Well I switched the wires on the light switch and grounded the outlet and all works now. No popping circuits and not fires!!!
I finally got it. I know I wired the light switch wrong and I think I didn't ground the light outlet correct also. Well I switched the wires on the light switch and grounded the outlet and all works now. No popping circuits and not fires!!!
