Hey everyone! I'm trying to install a floodlight on the side of my house since it's really dark there at night. The catch is, there's no existing power outlet nearby and the breakers are located in the garage and on the opposite side of the house. I'm considering different options for mounting the floodlight, like attaching it to the vinyl siding or possibly under the metal roof (not entirely sure what to call that). I was thinking about splicing a heavy-duty external wire to connect it to an outdoor outlet. Does that sound safe? Or is there a better way to tackle this? I'd also prefer solar lights, but unfortunately, there are trees blocking most of the sunlight. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Good call on checking the safety of your wiring! It's important to follow proper rules for permanent outdoor fixtures. Can you clarify what type of heavy-duty wire you plan on using? Is it just a flexible cord or more permanent wiring like gray UF-B cable? Also, how will you make the connection at the floodlight—is it in a weatherproof junction box? Sometimes it’s safer to run a new wire through the wall from an existing power source indoors instead of external wiring. Just a heads-up: using cords for permanent setups isn’t allowed since they aren’t built to withstand the elements long-term.
Honestly, why not just go solar? You can find really affordable solar floodlights with motion sensors for around $20. Plus, some even come with panels that can be installed flexibly, so you can get around those tree issues!
I used to work as an electrician, so I can offer some tips! The easiest setup might be to connect to an attic light using a 14/2 NM cable. From there, you can run it to the soffit where you can place a weatherproof junction box and a motion sensor floodlight. This method provides constant power. If you want a switch for the light, that's a bit more complicated, especially in two-story homes. By the way, do you happen to have any power access in your attic?