How Do I Change My Outdoor Lights To Turn On Automatically At Night

How Do I Change My Outdoor Lights To Turn On Automatically At Night?

Having outdoor lights that turn on automatically at night can provide safety, convenience, and security for your home. Whether you're coming home late at night or just want to enjoy your backyard after dark, there's no need to stumble around in the dark. Follow these simple steps to change your outdoor lights to turn on automatically at night:

1. Choose the right light fixtures.

Not all light fixtures are created equal. When choosing fixtures for outdoor use, you'll want to look for models that are weatherproof and designed to withstand the elements. You'll also want to choose fixtures that have built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors. These sensors will automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

2. Install a photocell.

A photocell is a small device that detects changes in light levels. When the light level drops below a certain point, the photocell will trigger the lights to turn on. Photocells are typically installed in a weatherproof housing and mounted on the side of the house or on a pole in the yard.

3. Wire the lights.

Once you have chosen your light fixtures and installed the photocell, you'll need to wire the lights. The wiring diagram will vary depending on the type of light fixtures you have, but in general, you'll need to connect the black wire from the light fixture to the black wire from the photocell, and the white wire from the light fixture to the white wire from the photocell. You'll also need to connect the green or bare copper wire from the light fixture to the ground wire in the electrical box.

4. Test the lights.

Once you have wired the lights, test them to make sure they're working properly. Turn the power on at the circuit breaker or fuse box, and then wait for the lights to turn on. If the lights don't turn on, check the wiring to make sure it's correct. Once you've confirmed that the lights are working properly, you can enjoy the convenience of having outdoor lights that turn on automatically at night.

Additional tips:

Use LED lights for energy efficiency. LED lights use less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights, so they can help you save money on your electric bill.
Install motion sensor lights in areas where you need extra security. Motion sensor lights will turn on when they detect movement, which can help to deter intruders.
Use a timer to turn your lights on and off at specific times. This can be helpful if you want to control the amount of time your lights are on each night.