Question with wiring up a flood light.

SuperAkuma · 09-19-2008, 08:15 PM

I just bought a Motion sensor flood light from HD. This is my first time working on a home electrical besides replacing the receptacle at home. I don't really know much about home electrical but I work at lot in the 12v world,(computer and car audio).

On the flood light, it has 3 wires, Black, White and a bare cooper wire. I know that black is hot, white is neutral and bare cooper is ground.

The problem is the place where I want to put the flood light has no electrical power wire on it. The closest light fixture is at my front door and that is about 20 feet away. I also have a receptacle inside the garage but I will have to drill a hole from the outside to the inside. That is no problem, but I don't know if I can get a wire to just plug those 3 wires from the flood lights to the plug.

My question is, can I tape into the wires from my light fixture in the front door. If I do that, what type(gauge) wire should I buy? Or is there a kit that allows me to run the wire?

My other question is, is there a way that I can make the flood light plug into the receptacle plug.

Or what other ways can I wire the flood light safely.

Thank you
SAi♠

Wildie · 09-19-2008, 09:41 PM

Information as to how to do this is available on the internet!

Try this site, it may assist you!
http://www.chiff.com/home_life/house/electrical.htm

I would advise you to hire an electrician. Then you will see how the job is done properly!

SuperAkuma · 09-20-2008, 12:21 AM

I check that link and checked out all the sub links and I didn't find anything that explained about installing a flood lamp without using existing wires. At the moment I do not want to hire an electrician. I believe I can do this myself if someone tell how to do it safely.

**Termite** · 09-20-2008, 02:54 AM

There are so many variables that will make or break this installation. If you had an existing fixture at that location and wanted to replace it, I feel we could definately assist you with this. The job you're describing is somewhat complex.

However, I feel that this is too much of a job for someone without the fundamental understanding of household current and wiring methods. If you do something wrong, the worst thing that can happen isn't a non-functional light...It is a house fire or an electrocution.

There's a time to DIY and a time to someone that knows what they're doing do the job with you, so you're more capable next time something electrical comes up. I feel we'd be negligent in giving you any advice besides telling you to involve an electrician.

J. V. · 09-20-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekctermite

There are so many variables that will make or break this installation. If you had an existing fixture at that location and wanted to replace it, I feel we could definately assist you with this. The job you're describing is somewhat complex.

However, I feel that this is too much of a job for someone without the fundamental understanding of household current and wiring methods. If you do something wrong, the worst thing that can happen isn't a non-functional light...It is a house fire or an electrocution.

There's a time to DIY and a time to someone that knows what they're doing do the job with you, so you're more capable next time something electrical comes up. I feel we'd be negligent in giving you any advice besides telling you to involve an electrician.

Yep, I was tempted, but will back off. I agree.

SuperAkuma · 09-20-2008, 11:45 AM

Ok, I thought this was something that I was able to do. I guess I will have to return the unit. I am not going to pay money to have the flood light installed, I don't need it that bad.
Thanks for the advice.

**Termite** · 09-20-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperAkuma

Ok, I thought this was something that I was able to do. I guess I will have to return the unit. I am not going to pay money to have the flood light installed, I don't need it that bad.
Thanks for the advice.

Understandable. I think you're making a smart decision, and I respect you for making it.

09-19-2008, 08:15 PM	#1
SuperAkuma Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 23	Question with wiring up a flood light. I just bought a Motion sensor flood light from HD. This is my first time working on a home electrical besides replacing the receptacle at home. I don't really know much about home electrical but I work at lot in the 12v world,(computer and car audio). On the flood light, it has 3 wires, Black, White and a bare cooper wire. I know that black is hot, white is neutral and bare cooper is ground. The problem is the place where I want to put the flood light has no electrical power wire on it. The closest light fixture is at my front door and that is about 20 feet away. I also have a receptacle inside the garage but I will have to drill a hole from the outside to the inside. That is no problem, but I don't know if I can get a wire to just plug those 3 wires from the flood lights to the plug. My question is, can I tape into the wires from my light fixture in the front door. If I do that, what type(gauge) wire should I buy? Or is there a kit that allows me to run the wire? My other question is, is there a way that I can make the flood light plug into the receptacle plug. Or what other ways can I wire the flood light safely. Thank you SAi♠

09-19-2008, 09:41 PM	#2
Wildie Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Canada (s/w ON.) Posts: 2,294	Question with wiring up a flood light. Information as to how to do this is available on the internet! Try this site, it may assist you! http://www.chiff.com/home_life/house/electrical.htm I would advise you to hire an electrician. Then you will see how the job is done properly!

09-20-2008, 12:21 AM	#3
SuperAkuma Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 23	Question with wiring up a flood light. I check that link and checked out all the sub links and I didn't find anything that explained about installing a flood lamp without using existing wires. At the moment I do not want to hire an electrician. I believe I can do this myself if someone tell how to do it safely.

09-20-2008, 02:54 AM	#4
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	Question with wiring up a flood light. There are so many variables that will make or break this installation. If you had an existing fixture at that location and wanted to replace it, I feel we could definately assist you with this. The job you're describing is somewhat complex. However, I feel that this is too much of a job for someone without the fundamental understanding of household current and wiring methods. If you do something wrong, the worst thing that can happen isn't a non-functional light...It is a house fire or an electrocution. There's a time to DIY and a time to someone that knows what they're doing do the job with you, so you're more capable next time something electrical comes up. I feel we'd be negligent in giving you any advice besides telling you to involve an electrician.

09-20-2008, 11:45 AM	#6
SuperAkuma Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 23	Question with wiring up a flood light. Ok, I thought this was something that I was able to do. I guess I will have to return the unit. I am not going to pay money to have the flood light installed, I don't need it that bad. Thanks for the advice.

Question with wiring up a flood light.