Finally a search of "How to wire an outdoor light to an existing outlet" finds this video of EXACTLY what I am looking for! And my eyes grew wide when you pulled out that switch outlet! Perfect!
Perfect. I knew most of this, but it was still great to watch before doing the job and the outlet with the switch is just what I need to replace the outlet in the ceiling of my garage that I'll wire the light to.
Great video. Noticed a number of questions about the need to use a GFCI outlet to attach the outdoor fixture, is there any reason you wouldn't use one? Also, does it pass code to simply drill a hole straight through an existing outlet box through an exterior wall if you are placing the fixture directly on the opposite side?
There is no harm in using a GFCI outlet but permanent fixtures do not require them. Only outlets require shock protection. I’m no code expert but it’s a common practice to drill through the box instead of opening the wall.
Thanks for the excellent explanation. I want to do something similar. In my garage I have a backside of an outlet box that services an outlet on the outside of the garage. Can I come off that outlet to a switch that control a light that I want to install on outside my garage? If so, do you have video showing the process? The stud wall in my garage is open so I can easily route new wiring. Thanks much!
Not Rich 🤑 This ruclips.net/video/Hgl4vGnbzuo/видео.html is the closest I have, but it’s not from a GFCI. BTW, permanent fixtures don’t need GFCI protection. Only outlets.
Hello friend, thank you. I’m actually here after I’ve done the connections and had a question regarding gfci. Do I have to change out my outlet from regular to gfci now that I pigtailed the wire to the exterior for the floodlight?
You can install without a switch and just bounce the circuit breaker if you need to reset the light. If it becomes a common problem, install the switch later.
Do you have any how to creating landscaping lighting? Low voltage vs 110 voltage? How to wire outdoor whether you need to add insulation tubing as per code or wires can lay directing underground?
Low voltage: Just plug the transformer into a GFCI outlet, then anything goes with the wiring. Run it however you want. Line voltage: From what I’ve read, a GFCI-protected line only needs to be buried 12 inches and doesn’t need to be in conduit if using UF Romex (underground feed). Of course, this can vary by jurisdiction so always check local codes.
Can you do a how to add an additional light to an existing light? I am trying to have my light switch turn on an additional new light that is placed further away. Thanks for all the help!
I have Motion Activated Security Light in my balcony and that one got a swtch to turn it off or on and the light installed on junction box . if i get power from the same junction box that the 1st light is installed on another junction box for the new Motion Activated Security Light which is gona be 6 meter away Do i still need another switch to control the second one or only the one that is already there is good for both
Out of curiosity, do you use 14 gauge or 12 gauge wire? For my electrical projects which aren’t very advanced but amongst the scope of things you show such as adding a new outlet off another or adding a light off an outlet etc, I follow your directions pretty precisely but I want to make sure I’m using the best wire. I picked up a roll of 14 gauge wire but looking to hear your thoughts.
Hello , as you mentioned all flood lights come with 3 wires , ground , black , and white ,, like you mentioned white goes with white and black goes with black , I didn’t see if ground (3rd wire on floor light ) also goes ground to ground , or do you just leave it alone ?? All I saw was the ground wire coming from switch grounded directly to plate , did I missed anything ?
If you bought a Ring Floodlight Cam, yes it needs to be hard wired and that requires a round outdoor box. You can use a surface mounted box or one installed flush to the wall.
Trying to add a light fromThe outlet but the outlet has both neutral & hot terminals already are used. I believe one is going to the ceiling fan. Is it possible to add another light to the same outlet by pigtailing all three wires(hot,fan,light) & connecting to just one terminal?..doing same to neutrals. thank you.
MY situation is similar. I have an existing outside light and I need to add another light fixture around the corner. I was thinking of using a PVC surface mount box and use PVC conduit to route the wire and mount the lights on the box. Both locations are either under the porch roof or under a soffit. The siding is cedar. Any suggestions?
Hi I changed out lights in my bathroom and moved them from wall to ceiling. The new light has vent and light to it. That's been hooked up. The old switch that went to light on Wallis not longer needed so I want to changed that switch out to a double outlet. Can you tell me how to do that?
You want a double outlet where there was a switch. Do you mean a duplex receptacle or TWO duplex receptacles? If you already have one, it’s easy to add another. If you only have a switch, you need to verify you have a neutral to change it to an outlet like in this video: ruclips.net/video/1JK0-yoNaWo/видео.html Either way, be sure to use a GFCI outlet for shock protection. This video shows how to wire that: ruclips.net/video/inpvNt6591E/видео.html
Thank you so much for answering and your videos. It has 2 switches one for light and another for vent fan. I put a new LED light and vent fan where old fan came down. Put new switch in the place of vent fan switch. I haven't tried this yet. I want to take out the old light switch and replace with an outlet next to the new vent fan light switch. Can that be done? I will watch the videos you pasted on, your awesome@@handydadtv
You can only add an outlet there if you have a neutral in the switch box. Be aware, that outlet will be on a lighting circuit so anything you plug into the outlet will cause the lights to flicker.
Hello Sir, Need a advice on my simple project. Planning to connect 3, 46 watt outdoor light from patio outlet by adding a switch box. Does it need any circuit breaker or just adding like in our video will be good? Also Can I use 14 gauge stranded wire from the outlet(easy for wiring)? Please advice.! Thanks In Advance.!
You don’t need to run a new circuit. Don’t use stranded wire for permanent wiring. Use Romex if you’re running the wire through the wall. Use Romex in conduit if running outside the wall.
Hi,I have a question for you. I have a Dusk to Dawn feaxture out side my house that is on all day and all night. I do not know where the electricity source is at , And I would like to adjust that light feaxture to only light at nights. Where do you think it’s power comes from?
What if you have a double outlet? Like the one you had there on the bottom right? I’m trying to install a ring flood light but the only outlet availables are the double outlets
30-amp circuits aren’t standard for outlets. I’d only recommend 15 or 20. To answer your question, googlethatforyou.com?q=what%20gauge%20wire%20for%2030%20amp
I could be wrong, but I think best thing is to do it in the same wall cavity(between the studs) of an outlet, so above an outlet or switch. You’d have to cut and repair drywall after drilling through it. You’re going to need a few long masonry drill bits so you can start with a small one and work up to one that’s big enough to fit your wire through. I think you’d need a bigger plastic box for the outlet you’re tying into, some wire, wire nuts, a hammer drill would be best, but it’s possible to do it with a regular drill just use the smallest bit first and a cup of ice water to dip your bit in every 15sec or so since it will get really hot. Also would need stuff for drywall repair, wire strippers. Probably take you 2 days depending on how much time you have.
Technically there is no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit. You’re only limited by the total current of everything plugged in and turned on.
Hello sir I have question what kind of wires do I need for the light, and the outlet i have doesn’t have ground wire, only have white and black wire, can i still do it ?
You need to look at your circuit breaker. If it’s 15 amp, use 14 gauge wire. If it’s 20 amp, use 12 gauge wire. If your wires are encased in a metal shield, that provides the ground.
If you want to convert a light fixture from hardwired to plug, the easiest solution is to cut the female end of an outdoor (grounded) extension cord, strip the insulation, and connect it with Wagos or wire nuts.
I live in the Middle East and I have a table fan that works with electricity 230 V AC 50 HZ.. If I brought it to the USA and ran it on two phases, each of them 120 V AC 60 HZ.. Does it work well or does it burn...? Thank you
Finally a search of "How to wire an outdoor light to an existing outlet" finds this video of EXACTLY what I am looking for! And my eyes grew wide when you pulled out that switch outlet! Perfect!
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
What I love about the videos, it is not long and you information is plain enough for anyone to understand.
Thanks so much 😊
Excellent video. You convinced me to change out the regular outlet with an outlet and a switch. Great idea! Thanks.
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
The best demonstration benefits everyone for a minor project. Thanks to Handy Man.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so much 😊
Perfect. I knew most of this, but it was still great to watch before doing the job and the outlet with the switch is just what I need to replace the outlet in the ceiling of my garage that I'll wire the light to.
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Excellent work. Because of your videos now I can change the outlet like you teaching us how to do it.Thanks.
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Great video. Thanks for the links to the outlet and ground adapter. Just installed my new patio light very easy 20 minutes project.
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Short and simple, love these videos
Thanks so much 😊
Thank you so much for this vid. I can now install the sensor lights I bought from Costco!
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
This was perfect do you have a video doing a full install like this?
No sorry
Very nicely explained
Thanks 😊
Amazing. Best video on RUclips about this subject. Thanks!
Thanks so much 😊
Hello Sir, Sharing your experience and is very much helpful for beginners like me and Great Thanks.!
My pleasure
This is great I have been wondering how I could do this. Thank, for the Demonstration.
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Great help for beginners, thank you
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
I swear I read the thumbnail as “Outdoor Light from an Omelette” 😂
You must have been hungry.
Great video. Noticed a number of questions about the need to use a GFCI outlet to attach the outdoor fixture, is there any reason you wouldn't use one? Also, does it pass code to simply drill a hole straight through an existing outlet box through an exterior wall if you are placing the fixture directly on the opposite side?
There is no harm in using a GFCI outlet but permanent fixtures do not require them. Only outlets require shock protection.
I’m no code expert but it’s a common practice to drill through the box instead of opening the wall.
@@handydadtv Thanks! And thanks for putting together such great video content!
Thanks for the excellent explanation. I want to do something similar. In my garage I have a backside of an outlet box that services an outlet on the outside of the garage. Can I come off that outlet to a switch that control a light that I want to install on outside my garage? If so, do you have video showing the process? The stud wall in my garage is open so I can easily route new wiring. Thanks much!
I only have the wiring videos.
But yes, you can take a line from the outlet to a switch to an outside light.
Thank you Chris.
My pleasure!
you explained well thank you
My pleasure!
Hi Rich, do you have a video installing an outdoor motion sensor light to a gfci outlet with no switch? Or did I overlook the video.
Not Rich 🤑
This ruclips.net/video/Hgl4vGnbzuo/видео.html is the closest I have, but it’s not from a GFCI. BTW, permanent fixtures don’t need GFCI protection. Only outlets.
My apologies, Chris! Thanks so much.
Hello friend, thank you. I’m actually here after I’ve done the connections and had a question regarding gfci. Do I have to change out my outlet from regular to gfci now that I pigtailed the wire to the exterior for the floodlight?
No. GFCI is not required for lights, only for receptacles in wet locations.
Do you need to use outdoor rated romex? Or can I use the regular yellow 12/2 romex I used for everything else?
No need for outdoor Romex. But use 12 gauge for 20 amp circuits; 14 gauge for 15 amps.
Is it the same if I have a light switch instead of an outlet? Thank you
Not necessarily. You don’t always have a neutral at a light switch.
If I get a light with a remote control do I still need an outlet with a switch? To avoid having trouble you mentioned? Thx
You can install without a switch and just bounce the circuit breaker if you need to reset the light. If it becomes a common problem, install the switch later.
@handydadtv thx and great video!
Hi Dad! Do I need to run a special electrical cable or will regular romex work? thanks!
Romex is fine as long as it’s allowed in your town. Some require shielded cables.
@@handydadtv thanks!
Do you have any how to creating landscaping lighting? Low voltage vs 110 voltage? How to wire outdoor whether you need to add insulation tubing as per code or wires can lay directing underground?
Low voltage: Just plug the transformer into a GFCI outlet, then anything goes with the wiring. Run it however you want.
Line voltage: From what I’ve read, a GFCI-protected line only needs to be buried 12 inches and doesn’t need to be in conduit if using UF Romex (underground feed). Of course, this can vary by jurisdiction so always check local codes.
Great video! Question for you, should it be a GFC outlet in case water gets inside the floodlight, etc? Thank you
GFCI is only for outlets. No need for anything hardwired.
Good info.
Thanks 😊
Just the video I needed!!! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
great explanation. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Can this method be used if pulling from a gfci?
Yes
Great video. Thumbs up for you sir. 👍
Thanks so much 😊
Can I add multiple lights like that from the same on/off switch?
Yes
what gauge of wire do you recommend if your only feeding one light fixture.
The wire gauge is *always* determined by the circuit breaker rating. A breaker that’s 15 amps can use 14 gauge wire. 20 amps needs 12 gauge wire.
Very handy 😊
Thanks 😊
Thanks Dad!
My pleasure!
Sir, what do you call the blue round box that connects the wall and mount the motion light? Please let me know, thanks
4-inch ceiling box.
@@handydadtv Thanks indeed for your reply!
Slick ! 👍
Thanks 😊
Does the bottom outlet turn off when the light is off or does it have constant power?
I wired it to have constant power.
Thanks for your reply... In this video, is that the wiring for constant power?@@handydadtv
Can you do a how to add an additional light to an existing light? I am trying to have my light switch turn on an additional new light that is placed further away. Thanks for all the help!
I’ll put it on my list, but in the meantime, just connect your new wires to the same ones going to the existing light.
I have Motion Activated Security Light in my balcony and that one got a swtch to turn it off or on and the light installed on junction box . if i get power from the same junction box that the 1st light is installed on another junction box for the new Motion Activated Security Light which is gona be 6 meter away Do i still need another switch to control the second one or only the one that is already there is good for both
You don’t need another switch.
Great video, thanks
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Out of curiosity, do you use 14 gauge or 12 gauge wire? For my electrical projects which aren’t very advanced but amongst the scope of things you show such as adding a new outlet off another or adding a light off an outlet etc, I follow your directions pretty precisely but I want to make sure I’m using the best wire. I picked up a roll of 14 gauge wire but looking to hear your thoughts.
What is the size of the circuit breaker? Amperage dictates wire size.
@@handydadtv 100 amps
That’s the main breaker. You need to find the one that powers that circuit.
@@handydadtv sorry,i misunderstood. The breaker on that circuit says 15
@tannerc900 You can use 14 gauge wire for a 15-amp circuit.
i have a outdoor light and would like to run a outdoor outlet for a tv, is it the same process. pardon my ignorance
It’s a bit different. Watch this: ruclips.net/video/BfRZSYN1QcU/видео.html
Hello , as you mentioned all flood lights come with 3 wires , ground , black , and white ,, like you mentioned white goes with white and black goes with black , I didn’t see if ground (3rd wire on floor light ) also goes ground to ground , or do you just leave it alone ?? All I saw was the ground wire coming from switch grounded directly to plate , did I missed anything ?
The ground is always connected as well.
I am installing a ring motion light to the fron of my garage. There is no light currently. Would I need to put the n a junction box? Thank you
If you bought a Ring Floodlight Cam, yes it needs to be hard wired and that requires a round outdoor box. You can use a surface mounted box or one installed flush to the wall.
Trying to add a light fromThe outlet but the outlet has both neutral & hot terminals already are used. I believe one is going to the ceiling fan. Is it possible to add another light to the same outlet by pigtailing all three wires(hot,fan,light) & connecting to just one terminal?..doing same to neutrals. thank you.
Yes you need pigtails
Are the bulbs interchangeable?
Not the sample used in this video. But you can get one that uses bulbs.
What’s highest watt light you can connect using this method?
That depends on the capacity of the circuit breaker and the other devices you have on that circuit.
MY situation is similar. I have an existing outside light and I need to add another light fixture around the corner. I was thinking of using a PVC surface mount box and use PVC conduit to route the wire and mount the lights on the box. Both locations are either under the porch roof or under a soffit. The siding is cedar. Any suggestions?
That’s an easier option than opening walls.
Is it the same for a GCFI outlet?
Not really. Watch this: ruclips.net/video/BfRZSYN1QcU/видео.html
Hi I changed out lights in my bathroom and moved them from wall to ceiling. The new light has vent and light to it. That's been hooked up. The old switch that went to light on Wallis not longer needed so I want to changed that switch out to a double outlet. Can you tell me how to do that?
You want a double outlet where there was a switch. Do you mean a duplex receptacle or TWO duplex receptacles? If you already have one, it’s easy to add another.
If you only have a switch, you need to verify you have a neutral to change it to an outlet like in this video: ruclips.net/video/1JK0-yoNaWo/видео.html
Either way, be sure to use a GFCI outlet for shock protection. This video shows how to wire that: ruclips.net/video/inpvNt6591E/видео.html
Thank you so much for answering and your videos. It has 2 switches one for light and another for vent fan. I put a new LED light and vent fan where old fan came down. Put new switch in the place of vent fan switch. I haven't tried this yet. I want to take out the old light switch and replace with an outlet next to the new vent fan light switch. Can that be done? I will watch the videos you pasted on, your awesome@@handydadtv
You can only add an outlet there if you have a neutral in the switch box. Be aware, that outlet will be on a lighting circuit so anything you plug into the outlet will cause the lights to flicker.
Hello Sir, Need a advice on my simple project.
Planning to connect 3, 46 watt outdoor light from patio outlet by adding a switch box.
Does it need any circuit breaker or just adding like in our video will be good?
Also Can I use 14 gauge stranded wire from the outlet(easy for wiring)? Please advice.! Thanks In Advance.!
You don’t need to run a new circuit. Don’t use stranded wire for permanent wiring. Use Romex if you’re running the wire through the wall. Use Romex in conduit if running outside the wall.
@@handydadtv Hi Sir, Sincere Thanks & Appreciate your quick response.! This gives me more clarity and I can confidently wiring it up. GBU.!
Hi,I have a question for you.
I have a Dusk to Dawn feaxture out side my house that is on all day and all night.
I do not know where the electricity source is at , And I would like to adjust that light feaxture to only light at nights.
Where do you think it’s power comes from?
You need to turn off each circuit breaker, one at a time, until you find it.
Start with 15 amp, then 20 amp.
What if you have a double outlet? Like the one you had there on the bottom right? I’m trying to install a ring flood light but the only outlet availables are the double outlets
You can do the same thing and still have 3 outlets available.
What gauge wire do I need if I’m pulling from a junction box from my garage that’s connected to a 30amp breaker?
30-amp circuits aren’t standard for outlets. I’d only recommend 15 or 20.
To answer your question, googlethatforyou.com?q=what%20gauge%20wire%20for%2030%20amp
Awesome! Thanks
My pleasure
Yo nesecito esta caja para afuera de mi garage muy nuen video👍
👍🏻
Thank you
My pleasure!
I want a motion light onto my brick home from the outside. How difficult is that of a job?
Don’t DIY if you’ve never drilled through a brick wall before. Hire a handyman.
I could be wrong, but I think best thing is to do it in the same wall cavity(between the studs) of an outlet, so above an outlet or switch.
You’d have to cut and repair drywall after drilling through it. You’re going to need a few long masonry drill bits so you can start with a small one and work up to one that’s big enough to fit your wire through.
I think you’d need a bigger plastic box for the outlet you’re tying into, some wire, wire nuts, a hammer drill would be best, but it’s possible to do it with a regular drill just use the smallest bit first and a cup of ice water to dip your bit in every 15sec or so since it will get really hot. Also would need stuff for drywall repair, wire strippers.
Probably take you 2 days depending on how much time you have.
How many receptacles can I use on a 20 amp breaker. ?
On 12/2 wire.
Technically there is no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit. You’re only limited by the total current of everything plugged in and turned on.
Ok great and thanks 👍🏻👍🏻 enjoy the video’s and subscribed 👍🏻👍🏻
@robertdallas8867 Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!
Hello sir I have question what kind of wires do I need for the light, and the outlet i have doesn’t have ground wire, only have white and black wire, can i still do it ?
You need to look at your circuit breaker. If it’s 15 amp, use 14 gauge wire. If it’s 20 amp, use 12 gauge wire.
If your wires are encased in a metal shield, that provides the ground.
@@handydadtv i checked it and looks like it’s regular cord wire
@@handydadtv can i still do it without ground wire
It’s your choice. The light will work without a ground but it’s a risk.
How do I add a plug to the wires from the lamp and then just plug it in to extension that connects to outlet inside? 😅 Do I need a surge protector?
If you want to convert a light fixture from hardwired to plug, the easiest solution is to cut the female end of an outdoor (grounded) extension cord, strip the insulation, and connect it with Wagos or wire nuts.
I live in the Middle East and I have a table fan that works with electricity 230 V AC 50 HZ.. If I brought it to the USA and ran it on two phases, each of them 120 V AC 60 HZ.. Does it work well or does it burn...? Thank you
No, it won’t work here.
What size wire to use?
Depends on the rating of the circuit breaker.
15-amp circuit = 14 gauge wire
20-amp circuit = 12 gauge wire
Hi i did something just like you did it , but doesn’t turn off , the light stays on thank you
It could be a defective light.
I want add outside outlet to wires from yard lights that's going into a box
ruclips.net/video/BfRZSYN1QcU/видео.html
What if my outlet has two hots, neutrals and grounds?
Use pigtails to connect multiple wires
Awesome! I usually don’t get responses. You Rock! 🤘
@mattieo777 I’m unusual 🤣
How do I install the box itself?
ruclips.net/video/Op_Wc_SGGZs/видео.html
How do you connect 2 electrical wires together
I prefer Wago Lever-Nuts but you can also use wire nuts.
❤
💙
If you're really worried about your light DtoD light "glitching" you can just reset the fuse.
Correct
@@handydadtv Great video - if you use a GFI outlet would the reset button serve the same purpose as the switch?
Yes, I suppose it would.
2:00 in..what?? I'll never do this without blowing up my rented home that 68 yrs old..ugh😢
It’s not for everyone
👍🏻
👌🏻
how to wire 5 outlets with a light switch to operate the fifth outlet
Sounds like you meant to ask Google
Don't you have to have a GFCI-protected outlet for any light outside or did you forget about it!!
No, just outlets need GFCI protection.
Guess im spending $200 for an electrician to hook up a $30 bulb camera..with outside light..jeez
Sorry
I never trust USA electrics .
Where do you live?
And if you want to reverse that, an outside light already existing to a new outside outlet?
Same process as adding an outlet from an outlet.
Thanks for these videos. My dad never taught me anything except how to ruin your life.
Ouch. Sorry.
Thank you
My pleasure!
Thank you
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻