Outdoor lighting adds to the security of your home and can add to its curb appeal. However, the installation of outdoor lighting is not as simple as running a cable through a wall.
Checking the Existing Circuit
Before the electrician even starts to run any cables, he must check if the existing outdoor circuit can handle the extra load. The risk of fire due to an overloaded circuit is too great to overlook this important step.
Choosing the Right Fittings and Cable
The fittings for outside use must be rated IP44 (water and dust) or higher. For underground work SWA armored cable is the standard used, to resist settlement and damage. This type of cable is far more resistant to damage than standard twin-and-earth cable.
Trenching and Protecting the Cable Run
In Pennsylvania, the electrician hired for outdoor lighting installation must follow the outdoor wiring requirements in the National Electrical Code (NEC), for example the use of conduit to protect cable runs through underground trenching and also the requirement for GFCI protection of outdoor circuits.
Making the Connections
Connections to the lighting unit and to the consumer unit must be secure and suitable for outdoor use. Use of loose terminals or undersized connectors for connections will cause faults over time.
Testing Before Sign-Off
A comprehensive test will include insulation resistance testing as well as functional testing of the newly wired lighting system.
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The long term installation will be safe should it be installed correctly the first time.
