The DIY thread - DIYourself
- Thread starter Red Mosquito
- Start date
iman29
Well-Known Member
While hanging the Xmas lights I noticed the 15 year old brass looking light fixture between the garages was sagging a little. Since I don’t have an outlet outside I use one of the bulb socket things to plug in the lights for the wreath above the garages. Went to swap the bulb and the light fixture basically fell off the wall. I realized then the plate was directly screwed into the wood shingle siding and the screws finally rusted.
Sent the middle son the lowes so he could call the wife and see what lights she wanted. I have to replace the hanging one under the porch anyway so might was well make them match. Then I need a second wall mount one for the deck.
Anyway got this taken apart and was surprised it was just a wire drilled through the wall and connected to the fixture. Another complication is that my electrician I hired back in 2003 never properly labeled a lot of the circuits. So of course it was the very last one I shut off called “general lighting “ that controls the garage and outside lights.
Wiring the new one back up an mounting the plate to the wall in the same way took about 15 minutes. Made sure to refill the wire nuts with the anti oxidant grease.
So the story is that putting up Xmas lights cost me $173 in light fixtures and now I have 2 more to install.
Is that a legit way to install the light or should I go back and add flush mount box?
Sent the middle son the lowes so he could call the wife and see what lights she wanted. I have to replace the hanging one under the porch anyway so might was well make them match. Then I need a second wall mount one for the deck.
Anyway got this taken apart and was surprised it was just a wire drilled through the wall and connected to the fixture. Another complication is that my electrician I hired back in 2003 never properly labeled a lot of the circuits. So of course it was the very last one I shut off called “general lighting “ that controls the garage and outside lights.
Wiring the new one back up an mounting the plate to the wall in the same way took about 15 minutes. Made sure to refill the wire nuts with the anti oxidant grease.
So the story is that putting up Xmas lights cost me $173 in light fixtures and now I have 2 more to install.
Is that a legit way to install the light or should I go back and add flush mount box?
Attachments
Mtbdog
Well-Known Member
Not legit. Flush mount box it is correct move.
You electricians are always so overly worried about safety.
My floodlight is hooked up with a similar hole. But the connections are made in a box on the inside of the wall.
Mtbdog
Well-Known Member
Code calls for light fixtures should be mounted to a box with 8/32" screw minimum.
So your light should have a box.
iman29
Well-Known Member
That’s what I thought but didn’t have it on hand. Will get 3 cause now I wonder about the other 2 fixtures being in a similar state.
get a hole saw, and set that pancake box against the sheathing rather than on the shingle.
if you really want to be fancy, get a mounting block for the light so it sets vertical (and correct box.)
Probably do this when you paint the house next summer.
oh, proper way to identify breakers that are hot - the second one is connectors for bare wire and bulb base.
Then a case, cause if it ends up in "the toolbox" you'll never find it again.
- Klein Tools ET300 Circuit Breaker Finder / Receptacle Tester Finds Electrical Circuit Breaker of 120V Standard Electrical Outlet
$29.99
- Southwire 58292240 60030S Circuit Breaker Finder Adapter/Accessory Kit; Includes Alligator Clips and Light Bulb Circuit Adapter (Compatible with Southwire's 41210S Circuit Breaker Finder)
$8.90
- Khanka Hard Travel Case Replacement for Klein Tools ET300 Circuit Breaker Finder, Finds Electrical Circuit Breaker
$12.99
i have one of these for my floodlight. Amazon product ASIN B074GXP75P
not sure about the intent since the cord on it is like 2 ft long . . .
If it has a plug, it would need a waterproof in-service box.
There are other configurations. Cutting the plug off would invalidate the safety listing.
Amazon product ASIN B001JEPX44
If it doesn't have a plug, it gets connected to a outdoor rated box with cable gland/grommet fitting to make it water tight.
Last edited:
serviceguy
Well-Known Member
Bought this after reading about it on one of your previous posts in this very thread. I now spend most of my spare time wondering how I managed to live without one for that long. Truly a must have.
no it doesnt, just a cord with stripped wires on the end. . . . i have it running through the wall to a box, where it is wire nutted to the standard romex type interior wire
updated after reading the reviews. Needs a waterproof box and cable gland fitting.
or just drill a hole in the wall, put in a drip loop, and connect it inside.
What could go wrong? 🔥🚒
iman29
Well-Known Member
you anticipated and answered my next question - recommendation for a tool to trace circuits cause I want to properly label the panel where I have 10+ of them "general lighting:
The major ones are labeled properly at least.
I has one of these... way easier than plugging in a BT speaker, volume all turnt up, and flipping breakers until silence.
Now I feel like I needs one them.
you do - and the case. perfect xmas gift from the kids.
also get a high/low voltage detection pen.
another perfect priced kid gift
Amazon product ASIN B08DV36KNG
and insulated screwdrivers.
has one. and the plug in circuit tester thingy. I have more shit than I'm qualified to use
ekuhn
Well-Known Member
I made my own with an old female cord end and a short piece of wire.
But a great tool for labeling panels that arent so clear.
