how to protect outdoor light fixtures

LED lights are generally bought in packs of six. For starters, always choose lighting fixtures that have received the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval. They're usually light and flexible, so they're easy to keep out of the way. Don't use something that might damage the wires, and avoid anything with metal in it. Protecting Your Lights from the Elements. Scott Simpson Design + Build Save Photo. I have been searching internet without much success. I have brass light fixtures, that got dull and one has dark places on it. I am looking for ideas on how to protect my wall mounted garage light fixtures from damage due to my boys playing basketball in the driveway. Where you have outdoor lighting fixtures that are on the mains system but are out in the open, you can buy light shields to protect them. Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit or power source, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the electrical wiring and light fixture connections. An easy solution is to place a bucket over the fixture before you mow, or using a weed whacker to trim all around the lights. It’s also possible to buy outdoor lighting fixtures that are completely weatherproof but if you already have fixtures in place and don’t want to go to the expense and time of replacing them, light shields are an effective solution. This is especially true in Texas, where the storms can be extremely severe. When this salt-ridden water gets inside it can cause a whole lot of damage … This is also a good place to install lights that switch on as soon as they detect motion. What to Look for in Solar Landscape Lighting, Troubleshooting a Turn Signal that Won't Turn On, Wiring a Light Switch in the Middle of a Ciruit, 5 Tips for Installing an Outdoor Light Switch. If the wiring that feeds your outdoor receptacle has GFCI protection from a circuit breaker or some other GFCI device upstream, you can install a standard weather-resistant receptacle in the outside box. Globe or Light Cover: Follow the same procedure as above. Most fixtures, indoor or outdoor, will have a sticker or label that says "Maximum Wattage: 60W", or 75W or 100W. Since I … All rights reserved. For two quick examples, a light that's under your porch roof and never gets wet needs to be rated for damp locations, or say "outdoor" on it, because it will still get damp, cold and hot, and it needs to be able to take that. Fixtures may also have a switch to control the light, either … A well-lit landscape should have both functional and decorative light fixtures. Disassemble your lights to clean them. This video shows how to replace a light bulb in an outdoor lighting sconce fixture. If you plan on installing outdoor light fixtures in a salt corrosive area then you want to make sure you can rinse the fixture with fresh water at least once a month. I’ve been telling my Hubby that I need him to take them down for me so I can spray paint them, but I tired of waiting so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Think of it like a sponge that soaks water up into its deepest layers. It’s harder to find truly rust-resistant lighting fixtures than you may think. The reason why these materials work best is due to their high resistance to corrosion. However, many solar lights also have batteries fitted so you can run them as long as you need. How To Paint an Outdoor Light Fixture Without Taking it Down. It’s a safety feature. 6 Tips for Installing Outdoor Solar Ligh... 6 Tips for Installing Outdoor Solar Lighting in Your Yard. Thanks. As the name implies, these covers will keep the receptacle​ and the plug that's in it, dry -- even in the rain. One $7 can of spray paint coated six light fixtures! It was pressure washed, which may have had bleach in the mixture. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Follow the tips here, of course, but keep in mind that safety is goal #1. Reply Delete. Disassemble the light fixture and remove the glass panes. It's there to keep you from putting in a light bulb that will overheat the wiring in the fixture, which will damage the insulation on the wires. If your outdoor receptacle isn't under a roof or some other protective cover it needs to have a special cover, known as an "in-use" cover, over it. Such a simple … As the name implies, these covers will keep the receptacle and the plug that's in it, dry -- even in the rain. Outdoor lighting fixtures are useful additions that set off your landscaping and for guiding people safely along the path to your door. There’s no wiring involved so there’s no danger of wires becoming damp and creating short circuits. They need to be rated as weather-resistant. Because they're not permanent installations, temporary lighting and power connections can be more dangerous. Putting solar lights along outdoor pathways is a good way to make sure you don’t have to worry about the elements. Your best option is to utilize an MOV surge protector installed by a professional outdoor lighting company in Houston. Is there a way to bring back the shining brass and seal it? Step 10 Spray the brass or gold fixture with a light coat of primer. Use a simple grease-cutting cleaner. If you are looking for a different way to clean the bathroom fixtures, you can also use vinegar and baking soda.This would allow you to give all of the fixtures a good cleaning periodically without having to go to a store to buy professional products.Be careful not to get any of it on your clothing due to the potential to stain and smell.Make both of these solutions by … Keep away from using abrasive cleaners or rough-textured cleaning cloths. Iryna @RedBarberry.com March 18, 2015 at 2:21 PM. And they're definitely not made to stand up to getting wet. It can let you make the most of your patio on warm summer nights and can create stunning visual effects of light … Dry them completely inside and out before reassembly. Rinsing the … Aluminum doesn’t hold up well around salt and will corrode over time and is not recommended for coastal … Add a soft brush to your toolkit for the tough grime. I chose Rustoleum Metallic Burnished Amber. In this outdoor space, wall sconces on the house provide adequate illumination for entertaining, while the garden fixtures and the lights strung through the trees bring a whimsical feel to the patio at night. Weather-resistant, of course. Today, we're going to install a porch light to the side of our home. I have used Hammered Bronze spray paint from Rustoleum before with great results, but the oil-based brush on version of the … It would have taken me longer to replace them. Remember to put up enough protection for over spray! Refinish exterior brass light fixtures 2003. In an exposed fixture such as an outdoor flood light, most of us think of this. How do I protect a light fixture such as this or maintain it so that it stays shiny rather than pitted and black? An alternative to solar lights are LED lights. Imaging if you never washed your car how it would look in two years especially if you lived beachside. Transient surge events in AC power lines, which can damage lighting fixtures, represent a significant threat to outdoor LED lighting installations. A wall fixture that goes next to your door but doesn't have a roof over it needs a higher rating -- weatherproof, weather resistant, and "suitable for wet locations" are the words you're looking for. Have the porch lights close to the front door where the rain can’t reach them. Porch lights or security lights, for example. The simplest way to protect your outdoor lighting fixtures from the elements is by locating them correctly. Sep 15, 2019 - Tape around the light fixtures to protect the brick. You want it to “soak in”. GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, protection is one of the most important electrical safety improvements of the last forty years. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. On the list were these outdoor light fixtures we have hanging on either side of our garage and French doors in our bedroom: They get direct sun most of the day and the finish has become so faded. … The rules for outdoor lighting are principally about using fixtures that are rated for use in damp or wet locations: Light fixtures in wet/exposed areas must be listed for use in wet locations. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The ground wire is designed to protect you. In order to protect outdoor LED lighting from failing within an investment payback period of about five years, the lighting must offer high durability and reliability. Metal conducts electricity. If you're putting a CFL bulb in a fixture with a 60W rating, for example, you can use one that draws any amount of power up to 60W (which would put out more light than a 200W incandescent bulb). Place clear goggles over the eyes, gloves on the hands and a filter mask over the nose and mouth to protect against paint fumes and flyaway spray particles. All information is provided "AS IS." These covers will be marked "Suitable For Damp Locations.". Photo by: HEAD Productions HEAD Productions. Many metal fixtures are topped with a powder coat or baked enamel that is … A fixture that is specially designed to resist rust regardless of exposure to moisture or salinity is your best bet for long lasting lighting fixtures. The extension cords used indoors are made for that. Cover the socket with painter’s tape to protect the exterior of the socket and secure the newspapers. That means that we want the lights, power cords, controls and everything else associated with our outdoor lighting to be done with safety in mind. Of course, even that won’t protect your lights from a … Outdoor lighting gives you loads of benefits. Light fixtures in damp areas (protected by an overhanging … The lamps may be in sockets for easy replacement—or, in the case of some LED fixtures, hard-wired in place. One light fixture that always gets overlooked is the one in the stove hood. 11 of 11. Remove the wire nuts and wires from the light fixture. Even though they'll have special outdoor covers over them, the receptacles themselves need to be able to take dampness, freezing, and heat without being damaged. Many outdoor light poles are made from porous materials which means they are NOT salt resistant outdoor lighting. The recommended materials to have outdoor lights made from in coastal areas is either bronze, copper, stainless steel, or plastic (polycarbonate). This way you know your lighting is weatherproof and won’t catch fire or short out in wet or even damp conditions. You may freely link I painted, cleaned, and prepped 3 exterior light fixtures in about 2 hours time. Reply. You must be aware that each light needs to be turned on by hand (as do solar lights), so if it’s raining or snowing outside,  you’re going to get a little wet when you turn them on and off. Avoid any cleaning products that contain ammonia or alcohol. Bill Lewis is a freelance writer and professional electrician with over 25 years experience. The National Electrical Code includes special requirements for temporary installations that apply in addition to all of the regular guidelines. Aluminum Outdoor Lighting. Have gotten great compliments from the neighbors already. The only downside is that the energy stored in the light won’t last all night. A frequent problem is that outdoor lighting fixtures are at the mercy of the elements and are most affected by rain and snow. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. They give out a stronger light than solar lights so they can be better for darker areas of the garden or for a main path to the house. View our Privacy Policy here. suggestions. Solar lights absorb energy during the day and expend it at night in the light that they give out. In the event that the live wire comes loose and touches the light fixture, the ground wire diverts the power and blows the breaker, instead of you feeling an electrical shock when you touch the fixture. Solar fixtures should get a quick wipe down once a month, and a thorough cleaning twice a year. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be You totally inspired me and I did the same thing to my outdoor light fixtures this weekend. After a year of being outside, this light fixture is starting to show signs of turning black which I suppose is called Patina. Website operating Simply apply the paint either long way around the shade or short, up and down strokes, making your way around the shade. GFCI outlets should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and even attics, crawl spaces, and unfinished basements. Similarly, you can locate lights under overhangs where there will be a lot less chance of the rain reaching them.

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