Installing Outdoor Flood Lights Under Eaves

Outdoor flood lights are a great way to illuminate your home's exterior, enhance security, and brighten up your yard. Installing them under eaves can provide a clean and effective lighting solution. This guide will walk you through the process, covering essential steps and safety considerations.

Step 1: Plan and Gather Materials

Before starting, take time to plan your lighting setup and gather the necessary materials. Consider these factors:

Location and Coverage: Determine the areas you want to illuminate and the desired coverage.
Light Type: Choose floodlights with appropriate lumens and beam angles (narrow or wide) for your needs. LED floodlights offer energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Mounting Height: Eaves typically provide a height of around 8-10 feet, which is ideal for most flood lights.
Electrical Circuit: Ensure your existing electrical circuit has enough capacity for the additional load.

Gather the following materials:

Flood light fixtures
Weatherproof electrical outlet box
Electrical wire (size depends on the amperage of the flood lights)
Wire connectors
Cable staples or clamps
Mount or bracket for the flood light (check if included with fixture)
Screws and drill
Level
Voltage tester
Safety glasses and gloves

Step 2: Prepare the Installation Location

Ensuring a safe and secure installation is crucial for proper operation. Consider the following steps:

Location Assessment: Select a suitable location under the eaves where the wiring can be routed cleanly and the flood light has a clear view of the desired area.
Electrical Access: If you're working with an existing outdoor outlet, ensure it's properly grounded. If you're running new wiring, determine the best route to the nearest electrical panel.
Circuit Capacity: Check the circuit capacity before adding the flood light's load. If necessary, consult an electrician for an upgraded circuit.
Safety Precautions: Always work with electricity with caution. Disconnect power to the circuit before working on any wiring.

Step 3: Install the Electrical Outlet Box

This step is crucial for providing a safe and secure connection for the flood light. Follow these guidelines:

Location and Mounting: Choose a location on the eaves that's easily accessible and allows for proper wiring routing.
Drilling and Mounting: Using a drill and appropriate drill bit, create pilot holes for the outlet box. Securely attach the outlet box to the eaves using screws.
Wiring Connections: Connect the electrical wires from the outlet box to the flood light fixture. Use wire connectors to ensure secure connections and proper grounding.
Safety Check: Before proceeding, use a voltage tester to verify that the outlet box is properly wired and that the electricity is turned off.

Step 4: Mount the Flood Light Fixture

Once the outlet box is installed, mounting the flood light fixture is the final step:

Fixture Placement: Position the flood light fixture according to the desired lighting pattern and coverage area.
Mounting Brackets: If using a separate mounting bracket, install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Securing the Fixture: Securely fasten the flood light fixture to the mounting bracket or the eaves, ensuring it's level and stable.
Final Connections: Connect the flood light fixture to the outlet box using the electrical wires.
Test and Adjust: Turn on the power and test the flood light. Adjust the fixture's position if needed to optimize the lighting pattern.

Following these steps meticulously will ensure a safe, functional, and visually appealing installation of your outdoor flood lights under the eaves.