How To Install a Wall Sconce and Recessed Lights

Installing an outdoor wall sconce and recessed lights to your property improves visibility while adding a touch of elegance. This project requires moderate electrical skills and can typically be completed in a few hours. In the video above, This Old House master electrician Scott Caron shows how to install an outdoor wall sconce and recessed lights at a converted church home.

Understanding the Project

Whether working with brick, wood, or other materials, using the correct tools and techniques to get the job done efficiently and safely.

Materials Needed

Choose recessed light fixtures suitable for wet locations to ensure longevity and safety. Take into account factors such as light intensity, energy efficiency, and bulb type when selecting your fixtures. LED bulbs, for example, provide bright illumination while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance.

You’ll need electrical boxes, with a pancake box for the sconce, to house and protect wiring connections. You’ll also need wire nuts to safely connect wires, electrical tape for added security, and weatherproof caulk to seal any openings. Get mounting screws and LED bulbs if they’re not already included with your fixtures. 

Tools Required

• Chisel
• Drill/driver
• Hammer drill if working with brick or concrete
• Hole saw bits
• Pliers
• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver
• Voltage tester
• Wire stripper
• Work gloves

Preparing the Installation of a Wall Sconce and Recessed Lights

A well-organized setup will save time and help prevent common mistakes or setbacks.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety when working with electricity. Begin by turning off power to the circuit at the main electrical panel to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Confirm the power is off using a voltage tester. Wear safety glasses and work gloves to safeguard against potential hazards. If working on a ladder, ensure it’s stable and have a helper spot you for added security.

A Cautionary Tale: Allen Gallant, master electrician for This Old House, learned the hard way why locking out a circuit breaker matters. “Electricians put something called a lock-out on a circuit breaker after cutting the power so no one else can turn it back on without them knowing,” he explains. While working alone on a Sunday, he skipped the lock-out — and when a painter arrived and flipped the power back on, 120 volts shot through the ceiling fixture Gallant was wiring, knocking him off his ladder. “Any electrician will tell you it’s not the zap that gets you but the fall that can follow,” he says. He walked away with cracked ribs and a lasting reminder to never skip safety steps.

Removing the Old Fixture

Start by removing the existing light fixture from the wall. Carefully detach it, making sure to handle connections and wires gently. Inspect the wiring and electrical box to assess its condition and compatibility with your new fixture. If there’s no electrical box present, you’ll need to install one. This ensures a secure and compliant setup for your new lighting solution. 

Safety First: Before touching any fixture, go to your house’s main electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that controls the room where you’ll be working. Flip the light switch in the room on and then off again to confirm that the power is off. After lowering the old fixture’s canopy to access the electrical box, carefully remove the twist-on connectors from the wiring. Check again to be sure there is no current by connecting the two leads with a simple electrical tester—if the tester’s light doesn’t come on, it’s safe to detach all the wiring and free the fixture.

Once power is confirmed off, you’ll find three wires that need to be disconnected: the black wire feed coming from the switch, the white wire neutral that completes the circuit, and the ground wire, which is connected to the ground screw on the fixture strap. Remove the ground wire with a straight screwdriver and the fixture will come down. With the light fixture removed, you can then remove the fixture strap that holds the light fixture up tight against the ceiling.

Evaluating Existing Wiring

Examine the wires’ condition, looking for any signs of damage or wear that may require repair or replacement. Ensure that the wiring meets current safety standards and is sufficient to support the new fixtures. If you spot any issues, consult a licensed electrician to address them before proceeding with the installation. 

Installing the Outdoor Wall Sconce

Here’s how to install the wall sconce correctly. 

Mounting the Electrical Box

When mounting the electrical box, the type of surface you’re working with will influence your approach. If you’re working with masonry, such as brick, concrete, or granite, follow these steps:

1. Use the pancake box as a template to trace its outline on the wall.
2. Drill pilot holes with a hammer drill to facilitate the chiseling process.
3. Chisel out the area to create a recess for the box, carefully removing enough material to ensure a snug fit.
4. Fish the existing wires through the box and secure it with appropriate fasteners, making sure it is tightly anchored to avoid movement or loosening over time.

For siding or other materials such as wood or metal:

1. Use a hole saw to cut an opening for the electrical box, making sure the cut is clean and accurately proportioned.
2. Insert the box and secure it to the structure using screws or fasteners that are compatible with the material.

Wiring the Sconce

Once the box is in place, it’s time to wire the sconce for a reliable connection. Begin by attaching the mounting bracket to the electrical box. Connect the ground wire to the green screw on the bracket. Match and connect the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires from the house to the corresponding wires on the fixture using wire nuts. This creates the electrical path needed for the sconce to operate. Wrap connections with electrical tape for added security to prevent accidental disconnection or exposure to elements.

Pro Tip: Heath, a This Old House electrician, advises following a specific order when making connections: “Ground wire is always the first one to connect and the last one to disconnect.” Start with the ground, then the white (neutral), and finish with the black (hot). This sequence minimizes the risk of accidental shock and ensures a safe, reliable installation.

Securing the Fixture

Completing the installation involves ensuring the fixture is securely mounted and protected from the environment.

1. Carefully tuck all wires into the electrical box to prevent pinching or exposure.
2. Mount the fixture to the bracket, ensuring a snug fit against the wall, which prevents water or debris from entering.
3. Apply weatherproof caulk around the edges to prevent water infiltration, sealing any gaps that could compromise the installation.
4. Install the appropriate bulb and any decorative elements, ensuring everything is tightly and properly affixed to complete the installation. This step not only finalizes the process but also sets the stage for testing and commissioning the light.

Mounting on Lap Siding: Getting a weathertight fit against siding with overlapping pieces — such as shingles, clapboards, and vinyl — can be particularly challenging. One solution is a rigid-foam mounting block, notched on the back side to mirror the profile of the overlap. The notches fit on top of the siding as snugly as a puzzle piece, with no cutting needed. When caulking, apply sealant around the top and sides of the block’s back face, but leave the bottom uncaulked so that any water that seeps in can drain out.

Adding Recessed Lighting

Next, you’ll install the recessed lighting to add some subtle illumination to your outdoor space.

Cutting the Openings

Installing recessed lights involves precise and careful work. Here’s how to do it:

1. Mark the locations for your lights, ensuring even spacing to provide uniform lighting coverage across the area.
2. Use a hole saw to cut openings in the ceiling material, paying close attention to the size needed for a snug fixture fit.
3. Be cautious of any wiring or structures in the ceiling, avoiding accidental damage that could compromise safety or operation.

Wiring and Mounting

Follow these steps to wire and mount the recessed lights effectively, creating a safe and durable installation:

1. Run electrical cable to each fixture location, ensuring the cable is properly rated for outdoor use.
2. Connect the wires to the junction box on the recessed light housing, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Insert the housing into the ceiling opening, taking care not to crush or damage any wires in the process.
4. Secure the housing using the built-in clips or mounting brackets. They should be tightened and locked into place for a stable fit.
5. Install the trim piece, getting a tight seal against the ceiling to prevent water ingress or debris collection.

Finishing Touches of Installing a Wall Sconce and Recessed Lights

The final steps complete the transformation of your exterior space.

Testing the Lights

Turn the power back on at the main panel. Test each light to check that all are working properly, observing for flickering or unexpected behavior. Conduct a thorough inspection to confirm everything is operating as intended.

Adjusting and Aiming

For the best lighting effect, make any necessary adjustments to the fixtures.

• Adjust any directional recessed lights to highlight specific areas, such as pathways, entryways, or landscape features.
• Ensure the wall sconce is level and positioned correctly.
• Consider adding a dimmer switch for greater control over light levels, allowing you to tailor the environment to your needs.

Maintenance and Care

Periodically clean fixtures to prevent dirt and debris buildup, which can affect light output and fixture appearance. Check seals and gaskets to make sure they’re still intact and effective—this helps protect the system from moisture and contaminants. Replace bulbs promptly when they burn out. With proper care, your outdoor lighting system will remain a reliable and attractive feature of your home.

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