Outdoor Light - Easy Installation without touching the house electrics.
Watch me install a new, easy outdoor light that doesn't even need wiring into the house electrics.
Amazon links to the tools and materials used in this video...
UK Links:
► Up/Down lighter: amzn.to/2ZQIrvp
► Analog timer: amzn.to/3olyNdK
► Surface mounted backbox: amzn.to/3EkNNOh
► Stanley wire strippers: amzn.to/3du42gm
► Dewalt Impact Driver: amzn.to/3tvYFmq
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill: amzn.to/2MiM71A
► Marksman marking tool amzn.to/3aZitbE
US Links:
► Stanley wire strippers: amzn.to/3EJDnIw
► Dewalt Impact Driver US: amzn.to/3xwcpQe
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill US: amzn.to/3q7uzW7
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Music used in this video from Epidemic Sound and Artlist:
Being Together by Untitled Love Story
Another Time by Future Dreams
As always clearly explained and as an ex electrician I can say easy for non experts to follow
Thank you very much especially coming from an electrician.
Never an ex electrician
@@andyhawkes3335 so true ,when you enter a room do you always look up to see the lights , sign of true sparky!
@@raychambers3646 even on holiday i check the quality of conduit and traywork haha
Well that was straightforward, what could possibly go wrong? 😱 Very clear and simple guide. Excellent 👍🏻
As an electrician for 31 years, you get a thumbs up. Well done. Clearly explained.
Thank you very much. As always I do very much appreciate positive comments from electricians!
@@ProperDIY As always, another down to earth reply.
As an electrician do you now think that having a light on most likely 32A circuit breaker would be a little unsafe. You could argue that there is a 13A fuse use in the plug but thats still quite a low level of protection. But apart from that i do agree the work has been explained very clearly and completed to an acceptable standard
Another fantastic video Stuart, ideally published as I have bought a light identical to replace an old coach style light, after having my soffit lights installed… this video has come at a perfect time for me as the tips you offered were things I hadn’t given consideration (ie) the grease, the silicone, sharpie gaff, and the conduit tutorial…. Absolutely brilliant information and instructions as always, keep them coming I look forward to these videos every week…. Fab
Thank you for your very kind comments. I'm glad to have given you some ideas!
Just installed three of these exact lights today, and made sure that I followed the tips in the video, including greasing the threads. Keep up the good work.
I love how we have all been there - we think we have a great idea and then something gets stuck. Thanks for the video - I am going to install a light from off the garage this way.
Another clear & concise video Stuart. A lantern with a built in PIR/PEC would have done away with the timer (if the manufacturer had such a matching item).
Another excellent video and one that might just save me getting an electrician in to fit a light in the shared path between my neighbour and myself. Clear and simple explanation. Top job!
Be careful if you wire it like that and your neighbour get a shock you would be liable to prosecution.
Great job. As teaching people who are not electrical workers this is a very easy tutorial. Thank you for sharing with us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great video. I love that you include your little struggles and errors, such as the resistant sharpie pen.
Thank you
For one horrible moment, I thought we were going to hear "A Technical Term" when the Sharpie refused to budge...😱....🤣. Great videos, Stuart. Subscribed!
Timely video as I'm doing this next week! Think I'll use a smart socket instead though. Can schedule timer but also do triggers so that they come on when I arrive home got example.
For goodness sake where have you been all my life , from a DIY point of view . You keep explaining things so well and addressing the tricky bits that make the difference between a good job and a slight bodge up , thanks .
Wow, thank you! Nice of you to think so.
Brilliant......I am crap at DIY but your videos are so good...easy to follow and full of very handy tips that may be obvious to the experienced man but not to a luddite like me - keep em coming and thanks very much.
Hi Stuart, as an Electrician that also has a KZhead channel it's clear that you take pride in your work. As an Electrician what I would've done differently is to not have the conduit on show within the house, I would possibly have taken the feed via the socket circuit and then onto a fused connection unit with nothing really being on show inside the house. You have the right idea in that as it's a class 1 fitting you need to make sure that it has good Earth continuity. I would also have checked to see if the house has an RCD fitted as it's an outside class 1 fitting. Also I would've fitted a 3A fuse. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, you will undoubtedly be able to do a lot more DIY work than I can. I would recommend to anyone that if they're confused by this video to get an Electrician in to complete the work, you're probably only looking at 1.5 hours labour to fit it as I just said.
How much do you think an electrician would charge to do this job
@@keziasarah If it is how this video is and the customer was supplying the light fitting then I would be charging about £150
@@DoctorElectricKZhead thanks appreciate your reply
@@DoctorElectricKZheadas a trademans myself I could think of anything worse than paying another bloke £100 an hour (minus expenses) to fit a light 😂 absolute daylight that is.
And that is one of the reasons I have a full diary, because "electrical work is easy", until you mess it up and then you have to call us in! We have been to so many jobs where the kitchen fitter or builder has done the work and it is very rough! Keep doing what you're doing, my mortgage appreciates it!@@lewismclean6285
This has got to be the easiest way to make the inside of your house look like a council house
Just installed outside lights using the methodology you've outlined in the film. Used a Kinetic switch for remote switching but basically the same as you've done. Great idea and very clear. Love being able to do this without having to get a minor works certificate from a qualified sparky.
Nice one - especially with the Kinetic switch!
Adding grease onto the threads is a good idea to reduce the chance of rusting. Thanks for sharing.
Great video as always. I'm in the US so the details don't always translate, but the process is spot on. Thanks again.
Cool, thanks
That marker is great, not seen that type before. Of course not breaking into the house electrics is also not risking breaking any regulations so great for the DIYer.
Exactly!
Timely video this one!! Nicely explained as ever Stuart! Cheers! Top tip on greasing the threads as well.
Thanks 👍
What was the grease you used there? It looks familiar.
A diyer who knows what they are doing, makes a change. I'm trained industrial, commercial and domestic electrician. They extra terminal in the timeclock may be a loop terminal for the earth, but unless stated on supplied wiring diagram your way is better. I would suggest to anyone doing this to make sure and use a 5amp or 3amp fuse in their plug top and not 13amp to keep fusing correct for size of cable. Job well done, thanks for video.
Thanks. Yes exactly - no details on what the extra terminal was for so best avoided. I should have made it clear I downgraded the fuse to 3amp.
Another good wee video. Remember to change fuse in plug as they come with 13 amp as standard. Also could swop timer for WiFi switch so could be controlled by Alexa etc.
Why is that important to do? Could you elaborate?
@@andriusantanaitis9922 Fuse-down as 1mm flex as used is rated to 10amps - you want the fuse to blow before the cable melts and catches fire
Pleased to come across your channel - clear, precise and so very helpful - REAL DIY indeed, thanks!
Welcome!
First time I’ve commented on your videos and I must say every video I’ve watched, your standard of work is first class!
Well thank you very much.
This man has very strong knowledge god bless his heart and soul
Thanks I enjoyed this....I am not even planning to install outdoor lights yet I couldn't stop watching till the end lol
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Your videos are so satisfying to watch. Really well explained as well. 👍
Thank you very much!
Great instruction video. Detailed and straightforward. Thanks Stuart.
I loved watching this! Perfect. Clean and beautiful.
Brilliant video thanks I have started to fit my lights to each side of my garden shed 😀 looks amazing thank you 😊
Glad to help
Very apt you have a timer in this video has your timing is perfect. I need an outside light and was wondering ehat was the best to go about it and now I know 👍. Finding your channel has been one of my 2021 highlights! I've learnt so much off you this year please keep up the great content. I'm already counting down to next week's upload lol
I'm glad I'm being some help and you are enjoying the channel.
Nice to see you using proper 20mm pvc saddles for the conduit, and not those single fixing ones that look like copper pipe clips. Nice video.
Thanks. Yes those copper clips look well out of date now - easy to get right these days with places like Screwfix around.
Battery LED PIR lights have came on leaps and bounds last few years. Much more powerful and battery life good. For most non DIYers it's a better option.
Not if you're facing north
Great video, I liked the helpful hints about using the 15mm pipe through the wall, the use of silicone to fix the cable and pipe in place, and the orientation of the light and fitting. One observation I'd make is the necessity of an earthing sleeve on the bare earth wire. I look forward to future videos.
Thanks. The sleeve on the earth wire is an industry standard practice. Personally, I don't think you need it but if I don't put it in I get a lot of flack from the electricians who watch these videos!
I just installed an outside light following your instructions - thanks Stuart. One thing I changed is rather than a clunky analog switch I chose a WiFi and Alexa enabled bulb which is so much more this century 😊
I love the way your videos are aimed at the people who unknowingly might be fully capable of DIY but have been over cautious to try anything... . . . which is why I'm always amused by the "know-all" experts (on so many YT channels) who forever assert you SHOULD do it this way, or SHOULD have done that... ;-)
Thank you very much!
Nice job and really neat. The only addition to the install would have been to fit a lockable cable gland on the end of the conduit where the plug is. Would look neater and also prevent tugging the cable inside the conduit.
Was thinking the same. Plus I'd extend the conduitto nearly below the socket.
Good video mate, very explanatory for anyone who has no prior electric knowledge. I had a giggle when I noticed you had to take the light back off to fit the bolts to screw the cover on, we’ve all been there and done that with those up/down lights haha!
Yes I remember that - what a pain!
Great instruction. Thank you for the time and effort you took to make this video and share it with us. Greetings from Croatia.
Thank you very much! Hvala
Good tips on this channel for the clueless amongst us, myself having no tools and no DIY talent at all, I got lucky, didnt have to drillI, i noticed loose mortar by outside upstairs window sill, when poked it went right through, so i ran a new tv ariel through and bought a 8W Luceco prewired sensor lamp, they are fitted with enough lead to go through your wall, just put a plug on with a 3 amp fuse, and a tube of Stixall filled in the hole, to my amazement the light and tv ariel are still in place and working
This popped up on my feed randomly and I ended up watching it all. Really well put together with clear explanations.
Thank you
The best diy channel on the tube.
Excellent video, your style of delivering information is excellent and really well presented and in good detail, not just skimming over stuff. I hope your channel grows a lot more as you really deserve it!
Much appreciated! Very nice to get feedback like this - thank you.
Lovely work buddy, I am about to do almost exactly the same with some 240v down lighters with a dimmer switch. Plug and perm fix in a storage cupboard.
Go for it!
“Tell me you’re an engineer without telling me you’re an engineer” Me: greases threads on a light fitting because they sound rough.
Best DIY channel on KZhead
Very kind of you to say that
Ditto...
I’ve recently done the same with a couple of lights either side of garage door, very relieved to find I’d done it much the same way as you, Stuart. Great channel
Nice one! Thanks for the comments.
Did you wire each light to the same timer?
Really tidy work mate, I'm very impressed.
I hope you are well thanks so much for your hard work every week
Thank you. Yes this all takes far more time than most people could imagine!
1st time watching great for an enthusiastic DIY person such as myself, pretty sure I will be looking in again over the coming weeks
Welcome aboard!
I'm really enjoying being able to remember more and more clips from the intro
Great video. I did something similar recently, but chose to have the light have a regular plug on the end, and use a plug-through timer. This way I could use a smart plug with an app, which actually worked out cheaper than even the basic analog timer, and allowed me much more flexibility in setting.
Another fantastic video this man is such a great teacher 👍
Thank you very much
I've recently run a load of cables through conduit (they were previously just clipped to the wall) and found that the plastic pipe cutters I have for Speedfit pipe works a treat on the conduit.
Good tip - I'll have to invest in some
Excellent video ...👍your videos are so satisfying to watch. Really well explained as well
Glad you like them!
Thank you dear, as always, a very well explained video, much appreciated. Take care and please be safe, from us in South Africa
Thank you - hi SA!
Brilliant video. Really well explained and tidy work
Thank you
This video was as well taped, edited, and the proper steps and equipment to use and how to install it as usual. That's why I love your videos. Everything is done Proper! There is a guy here in the States that has a woodworking channel but I refuse to watch it. Unlike you, where you explain and talk to the audience, this guy is so arrogant and full of himself and talks down to people. He is the opposite of you. Just for the record, give yourself a pat on the back for doing a bang up job with your channel! 👍👍!
Well thank you very much - very kind of you to say that. I try to make these videos as clear as possible while at the same time being not too serious so it's very nice to have feedback which tells me I'm doing that.
The 4th connector looks like a place to loop the earth instead of using the wago.. Additionally, you should reduce the rating in the fused plug to 5amp as most ship with 13amp installed
5amp is still way too much. 1 amp would be better
Its more likely a standard backplate. 4 terminals for Live & Neutral in and Live & Neutral out. Theres a trend now for not switching the neutral to the load, so 3 connections are used. The 4th terminal is blank, and probably could be used to carry earth connections, but it would be compromising the manufacturer's instructions. Probably best using a wago in this instance anyway, as hes used soild T&E and stranded flexible cores.
It did look like a green coloured screw, so could be intended for earth
You can fit a stuffing gland where the flex cable exits the conduit. This will act as strain relief and will look more pleasing to the eye.
As always Stuart.. great video mate great for the DIY-er 👍👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Stuart I do have watched a lot of you tube videos. You have a method and skill which is well presented. I appreciate the time you take to make these videos - I am confident with most things but you never know it all or have the best method everything builds your knowledge etc. With respect to the comments from some trades here showing displeasure what I can say is I have seen work carried out by “qualified trades” which has seen my blood pressure rise and following trades ! Traders sometimes people use these videos just to help them understand or learn not all will just rip into the house. PS. Stuart can you show us how to make a height adjustable soap box 🙂
Thank you for your positive feedback. One reason I do most of this myself is so I don't have to put up with the so called 'experts' doing half a job for me - so I totally agree with your comments. I like the height adjustable soap box pun!
I'd recommend smart bulbs if you can for the GU10 bulbs (or any light really) Energizer do GU10's for around £5 each and you can schedule timings to come on / off automatically, and can schedule them to come on at dusk etc. V useful and so cheap now. Nice vid btw.
Time to make a cup of tea and watch some quality DIY!
Nice one!
I just took a table lamp off a plug in timer and replaced the timer with a smart plug instead. Far better as it automatically comes on at sunset, whatever time that might be so it saves me resetting the timer during the year. Also I can operate the table lamp remotely.
Today I leant that you can use a combi drill as a saw horse... nice, every day a skool day ;-)
Yes, and before this project I didn't know that either.
Good clear instructions and using a plugged feed there's a fuse in there too 👍🇬🇧
I love the fact you include a parts list in your description this helps us know exactly what you have used. You have though not mentioned what you use for "grease". The uplighter part always seems to me to be a waste of electricity and adds to what us astronomers call light pollution. Do you think it serves any purpose?
Thanks. The grease is just multi purpose grease from Screwfix. The uplighter is just decorative and yes, adds to light pollution
Well I never knew about there being male and female fittings on the lamp. Makes perfect sense now you've told us. And I can confirm that not greasing the threads causes problems later on. I've found that its always the up facing bulb that needs replacing most often, which surprises me as you'd have thought the heat in the downward bulb would cause failure first. Great video.
Nice one. That's funny, I've also found the upward bulb failing more often!
This is brilliant. Only change I would make is analogue timer for smart switch.
Thanks. yes you could do. I walk passed this switch a number of times a day so very easy for me to change the settings etc
Think I've said in one of your other videos, you should be a pro tutor, so clear and concise :D Maybe that 4th screw down is for an earth coupler?
Very clearly explained, thank you. I could've done with finding this video before I fitted my outside lights, but there you go. Incidentally, that fourth connector on the timer, if it's not connected to anything at all, could that not have been used for earth?
practical,and very smartly installed also a very good idea, great video with excellent explanation,.
Thanks
Lot learned. in the US, we call it ground wire what you call earth wire. I personally like to use solid 12/2 (12 AWG) with ground wire or use 14/2 for a lower voltage application.
Thanks for sharing
A great video. Wish I had seen this a few months ago.
Thanks. Sorry for not getting it out sooner!
Really good tip on greasing the threads. Thank you for the great videos.
Thanks for watching!
I used lights with built in dusk to dawn photocell operation. Effective all year round and probably cheaper than a timer. Just needs an isolating switch. My problem is I am very close to the sea and many manufacturers say their lamps are not suitable. As they are all stainless steel I don't know why. The problem is they are lacquer coated and the lacquer deteriorates.
waiting patiently for your loft boarding out vid probably be next year but please put it top of your list top man have a good xmas
Yep got this task waiting for my immediate future as well!!
I couldn't wait any longer and just did mine. Will be interesting to compare methods!
Coming soon!
Thanks Stuart very clear, nice installation would you use 3 or 5 amp fuse in the plug👍👨🏻🏭
Thank you. yes 3amp fuse would be best
Thanks for the video, very thorough, clear and some great tips that I wouldn't have thought of, like the right way up for the lights! I have some questions, and hope you can help. I have 12 outside lights to put up, to be powered from the garage, and having checked the light switch in the garage, it does not have an earth, so I will (presumably) have to go the same route as you did i.e., use a plug on the end connected to a garage socket. I have a couple of problems though - firstly, using your method, would I need to install a spur, or can I go directly from the plug socket, to the first light? I'm guessing no spur needed, but perhaps you could confirm? Secondly, 10 of the 12 lights are made of metal and have an earth connection accordingly, so they will need to be earthed (no problem, as the cable and T&E will cover that). However, two are plastic and do not have an earth. How can I wire them all up together? Would I simply bypass the earth connection on the two plastic lights (so just wiring up the live and neutral), and carry on to the 10 metal lights with all 3 wires (the earth bypassed from, and not connected to, the plastic light, and the live and neutral coming FROM the plastic light), or would it be better to have the two plastic lights at the end of the run, so terminate the earth connection at light no.10, with just the live and neutral continuing to the plastic lights? I wanted to start the run with the plastic lights as they will be on their own and are virtually the same as the other 10, but not exactly, hence I want them separate from the others so the difference isn't noticeable. I also have the issue of not a timer, but a Sensky Photocell Sensor Switch Dusk to Dawn (see Am@zon), which I will need to install outside, so that the lights will automatically switch on when dark. I'm assuming I should have that at the beginning of the run, before any lights, but can you confirm? The sensor does NOT have an earth connection, so would I again bypass the sensor and just continue the earth wire to the first light, along with the live and neutral from the sensor? The item on Am@zon shows the connections i.e., 2 x live, and 2 x neutral. Lastly, I will be running 6W LED lights, so total load will be 72 watts. Thanks in advance.
Amazing, useful and practical tips, thanks.
Cool. So very clearly explained and neat work.
Glad you liked it
Thanks for the videos. What if I wanted to fit more than one light but just use the one plug socket?
Hi, great video and very helpful to me as I’m planning to install 3 outdoor lights to my garages! My question is … the lights I plan to install are remote control colour changing up down lights . So would the remote still turn them on and off while they are run through the timer which would be set for specific times?? Hope I’ve explained that ok
CLANG! Used a 13A fuse. 5A or 3A is what you need.
Very good video just to add the appropriate fuse should be fitted to the plug top to suit the cable and load
A brilliant installation.
Thank you
Really good video Stuart. Keep up the good work. I’d never considered applying grease before, but will now going forward. What type type of grease did you use. Can you tell me the name and where you got it from, or better still provide a link ? Thanks again 👍
Thank you. I use multi purpose grease from Screwfix
You should use your wire strippers to strip the grey sheath from the twin and earth, it gives an nice clean finish to it 👍 not that it makes any difference to the electrical safety.
Another well explained job Stuart. Any plans for some more Dubai/Abu Dhabi trips ?
Great video, my only feedback would be the unnecessary use of a analogue timer. A smart plug would do a great job with smart features such as sunrise and sunset....
Excellent job.Thankyou.
Thank you too!
I've done this two, but in addition I used a 3amp fuse at the plug. Belt and braces I suppose as the cabling is more than up to 13 Amp, but with an LED external light the load will be tiny.
Nice work. I would have channel the cable to conceal the ugly trunking for pro finish 💯
Nicely done! And you still gain a bigger audience, I'll be there when you get your 100K!
Thank you - moving there slowly!
Great channel very informative .
Glad you think so!
Thanks Stuart, for another great and clear video! Good tip about greasing the threads on the stainless steel fittings too! 👍
Thanks!
Can I use the 1mm cable from the socket to the light. Still need to change the fuse? Nice work, you inspired me to do some work around the house. Thank you
How would this be completed without a timer? Can the plug still be installed??? Excellent video thank you
Nicely done that man!
Thank you! Cheers!