How to Install a Garage Floodlight

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

FLOODLIGHT:

1. ROUND OUTLET BOX

2. LAMP-HOLDER COVER

3. MOTION SENSOR

4. LAMP HOLDERS (2)

5. 90-WATT HALOGEN BULBS (2)

WIRING:

6. 14-GAUGE INSULATED STRANDED WIRES

7. TWIST-ON WIRE CONNECTORS

8. ELECTRICAL TAPE

9. 14/2 NONMETALLIC CABLE (AKA ROMEX)

HARDWARE:

10. 1/2-INCH EMT CONDUIT

11. CONDUIT ELBOWS

12. CONDUIT HANGERS

13. STRAIGHT CONDUIT COUPLERS

] 14. RIGHT-ANGLE CONNECTORS WITH REMOVABLE COVERS

15. CABLE CONNECTORS

16. METAL JUNCTION BOX

17. EXTENSION BOX WITH CONNECTOR

18. COMBINATION 15-AMP GFCI RECEPTACLE AND SWITCH

19. 2-INCH GALVANIZED DECKING SCREWS
for attaching electrical box to wall

20. SILICONE CAULK
to seal hole

]

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Side-cutting lineman's pliers
- Wire stripper
- Magnetic torpedo level
- 12-inch-long 7/8-inch spade bit
- Tape measure
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Drill/driver
- Ladder
- Fish tape
- Hacksaw (to cut conduit
- Round file or reamer,
  to remove burrs on just-cut conduit
- Utility knife
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Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9

4 to 6 hours
$40 to $80, depending on the light fixture

Difficulty: Moderate All the parts are small and lightweight, but there are lots of them and assembling the conduit takes some time and patience

One of the simplest, most effective ways to enhance the safety and security of your home is to add a motion-sensor floodlight to the garage. The dual-lamp model installed here comes on automatically if something—or someone—crosses its field of vision.

If you’re hesitant about working with electricity, don’t worry. We’ve greatly simplified the process by safely tapping into an existing garage circuit and by running the wires through surface-mounted metal tubing, called conduit. This technique speeds the installation by eliminating the need to blindly pull wires through walls and ceilings.

All of the supplies required for this project are sold at hardware stores and home centers, including the thin-wall metal conduit, which is referred to as EMT for electrical metallic tubing.