Summary: Wiring an exterior wall light: Learn how to wire an exterior wall light, prepare a new lighting circuit, fit a boxed light fitting, fit a bracketed light fitting, install an inside switch, and fit an outside switch.
This is a non-notifiable project providing the spur is not run from a circuit in a kitchen or special location. Installation must conform to Electrical Regulations.
The safest way to install a wall light is to run a spur from the indoor lighting circuit. It is also possible to run the spur from a socket outlet on the ring-main via an FCU. The switch should be placed on the inside of the wall and you will need weatherproof light fittings designed for mounting on an outdoor wall.
The lighting circuit for a new exterior wall light.
If your wall light consists of a bulb between a base and transparent cover, you can fix it to the wall by the base.
If your light is fixed to the wall with a bracket as in many lantern-style fittings, it will already have flex protruding from the bracket.
To fit an additional switch outside, make the inside switch a two-way switch and place a one-way weatherproof switch on the outside wall. It should be positioned back to back with the inside switch.
Author: C J Mills Google+
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