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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Photo: Richard Howard

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9

8. Make the connections

• Trim the cable coming from the round outlet box to 6 inches and use a utility knife to cut away the plastic sheathing.
• Use wire strippers to remove 1/2 inch of the plastic insulation from the black and white wires.
• Join the cable to the floodlight, as detailed in "Wiring Connections".
• Attach the floodlight with machine screws and insert bulbs.
• Make the wire connections at the junction box and switch. Then turn on the power and adjust the lamp holders and motion sensor.