How to Install Ultra-Thin Exterior Lighting | All About Lights

How to Install Ultra-Thin Exterior Lighting | All About Lights | Ask This Old House

Рет қаралды 378,033

7 жыл бұрын

Scott installs ultra-thin, LED lights on a garage to replace a broken flood light.
#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH
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Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $120-150
Tools:
Pliers
Hole Saw
Screwdriver
Wire nuts
Shopping List:
LED lights
14-2, NM electrical wire
Astronomic Timer Switch
Steps:
1. Before doing any electrical work, ensure power is turned off at the breaker. Confirm the power is off using an electric tester.
2. Remove the current light fixture and disconnect the wires.
3. Measure and mark where each new light fixture will go, maintaining even spacing.
4. Use a hole saw to drill openings for the new lights.
5. Fish 14-2 electrical wire from the main power source to one fixture. Fish wire to any additional fixtures
6. Make the electrical connections to each junction box and tie the wires together using wire nuts.
7. Clip each LED light into its hole.
8. Replace the existing light switch with an astronomic timer switch that will automatically turn the lights on at dusk.
9. Restore power at the breaker and test the lights and switch.
About This Old House TV:
This Old House is the No. 1 multimedia home enthusiast brand, offering trusted information and expert advice through award-winning television, a highly regarded magazine, and an information-driven website. This Old House and Ask This Old House are produced by This Old House Ventures, LLC and are presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.
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How to Install Ultra-Thin Exterior Lighting | All About Lights | Ask This Old House
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Пікірлер: 152

@kaisar2411 7 жыл бұрын

we got the same ultra-thin LED panels here in Germany for 230 V. I Installed 3 of them in a Office. They are GREAT ! Good Light !

@jonasventurejr.6582 7 жыл бұрын

The behind the scenes interior shots are very helpful, thank you to the genius camera director that thought of showing us that.

@Waddamattau 6 жыл бұрын

Works perfectly! This brand, Lotus Led Lights comes with a 10 yr warrenty. Easy to install.

@franklinchmara3039 4 ай бұрын

Scott, I enjoy watching all of your videos and I am able to follow along and understand everything, I wish that I have gotten into this field when I was younger.

@tomrum42 6 жыл бұрын

They do not light up the driveway itself and are not replacing the security aspect of the original light.

@vince6829 Жыл бұрын

Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

@ChavezDIY 6 жыл бұрын

The people saying he didn't do it "right" or by code should post their own video with links so I can see what is the right way of doing this.

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Miguel Chavez code only matters if your in city limits, “right” only matters if you have experience and don’t want something to catch fire within 6 months. He did just fine, but the way he handled the light fixtures makes him appear to be a novice

@CALMBEATS 7 жыл бұрын

but the other light lit the main driveway . that's for accent lighting.

@matthewnowak3488 2 жыл бұрын

That is correct about the accent lighting, they just needed to swap the fixture and aim the lights with LED floods. Done deal. For accent sure throw a couple over the door.

@aaronwatts5930 7 жыл бұрын

enforcement really love this migitil| basement .

@1252PFC 7 жыл бұрын

Been looking for something like this. great video and suggestion. thanks. suggest for next video... column outdoor lights in front entrance/porch.

@sandmastermaster 6 жыл бұрын

2:58 MAGIC

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Jesse Meyer this guy is a total wiener lol, that part bugged me so bad

@hughtub 7 жыл бұрын

Another very helpful video, awesome!

@idontknowwhyimadethis5517 3 жыл бұрын

Why did I wach this I already know how to do this

@Mr.Pop0 3 жыл бұрын

you could also just buy those normal led recessed lights they sell at homedepot and flip the springs on them upside down and theyll work like this.

@picardentify 9 ай бұрын

Hello, just found your video and had a question since you have had them for awhile. Do you have an issue with bugs and spiders because of the lights. The ones i have attract bugs and when there are bugs, there are spiders. I need to switch them out and I'm trying to find ones that won't attract flying bugs. Thanks

@smb123211 6 жыл бұрын

Seven years ago in my "man cave" we used "50 W" LED dimmable throughout. But my office has a dropdown ceiling / AC duct so we had to use strip bar. When wafers came out in 2014 I got them instantly and they've been going ever since without a hitch. The key is quality and though I paid a premium, we've had zero problems. I figure after 10-15 years I can simply replace any that fail or move on to the next technology (wireless?).

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

smb12321 wireless is a long time away from now, currently everything we use would suffer from the interference of the fields. Even still, there are some things that require more power than you can safely transmit across the air around any kind of lifeform without causing imminent cancer or death

@52memor 7 жыл бұрын

Here in the UK we have to be wary.. Lots of houses the soffits are made of Asbestos and cutting into them is a big "NO NO!"

@heroknaderi 4 жыл бұрын

Very interesting 👍

@shadow.banned 2 жыл бұрын

Smart recessed downlight that I can turn on/off with HomeKit, Google, Amazon, etc.?

@Arieeeee 7 жыл бұрын

Few notes: these are more decorative than security lighting which is ok if that's what you want, but most people still opt to have flood lights on the corners of the house for their security camera to work well. Also, proprietary light fixtures that don't follow a standard mounting method (like a 4-0 box) are a mistake IMHO. They SAY LEDs last for years but these are outdoors and eventually water will get into the electronics. In my experience, even a little moisture will screw up LED electronics. In the old days, you could have a mercury vapor ballast pretty much be submerged in water and after drying out and fixing the leak, it would work like nothing happened, but not with LED's. The point is, either pick a fixture that takes standard bulbs, or if you're going to go with a low profile fixture, go with one that fits in a 4-0 box. Lightolier makes some shower lights that work well.

@misterwebb1472 4 жыл бұрын

There are water resistant ones. Also these are able to be used outside because they are made for outdoor use as well

@Arieeeee 4 жыл бұрын

@@misterwebb1472 I was talking about water resistant ones. Maybe it's because i live in very hot and humid weather but moisture eventually finds a way.

@DFWDANCEBAND 10 ай бұрын

@misterwebb1472 The Host should note to use one's for Exterior/Outdoors, Wet/Damp rated, etc when they're doing these videos. People don't always know. I've already seen tons of people using "Interior Only" rating lights with no Exterior/Wet/Damp rating for people to install with links to those very same lights with no reference to get the correct ones. I feel it's irresponsible. That's one of the first things I noted when we purchased some for inside and someone told us to use the same one's for outside. I thought great, are they rated for outside? Um....... they didn't know, nor thought it mattered. Needless to say, I found the correct one's.

@Joe-dv5yp 3 жыл бұрын

What I like most is when they pick a product, they show you how they install it BUT they pick the one scenario where the material he needs to drill is wood when 99% of houses have aluminum.

@Mr.Pop0 3 жыл бұрын

where do you live that all the houses are aluminum?

@romuloromero2268 2 жыл бұрын

Or plaster 😬 with wire lathe

@rafaelalvarez1976 6 жыл бұрын

KZfaq comments are the perfect place to find sarcastic, know it all, negative Nelly trolls.Every where you look no matter the subject. LOL.

@AMD1 6 жыл бұрын

Rafael Alvarez All comment sections have gone down the shitter over the past decade. It's becoming a disease for me to read them.

@gregbotlin4446 5 жыл бұрын

Well then DO IT RIGHT!! LED's save so much money. Let's just go back to candle power then. They put out just as much light. Slap in some 120V light fixtures and DO IT RIGHT.

@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын

I was JUST thinking this the last few weeks! If you want arm-chair quarterbacks who work in fast food but are 'master-everythings' then youtube comments are the place to find them! lol

@cup_and_cone 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! A proprietary system... so when one dies in three years for unknown reasons, you cannot replace just the light (because the switch mode supply is what usually dies), you will need a whole new light fixture! Contractors dream right there. And he'll have to pay an electrician 3x to have the other two units replaced as well to match the replacement. If you want LED's, get a fixture that uses standard bulb type sockets, and just buy LED bulbs for them. This way you're never SOL if they die.

@adamliske 7 жыл бұрын

thechosendude except that type of led light fixture has a run time of between 30000 and 50000 plus hours depending on grade and brand and a failure rate much closer the zero than any conventional setup. So.... that home owner should have at least 10 years without any maintenance and the energy savings of integrated led fixtures means the electrician is already easily paid for when they need replacing. Or since all the wiring is done, just buy some and swap them out.

@cup_and_cone 7 жыл бұрын

The LEDs have a 20,000+ hour life...if they are run modestly. The power supply is what fails in almost every LED unit that goes out. Look at reviews of LED retrofit kits for refessed lighting, LED ceiling mount lighting, etc. They have problems with their supply dying.

@Arieeeee 7 жыл бұрын

I agree. 5 years ago, I was at a sales seminar a lighting manufacturer was throwing and boasting their fancy new LED recessed systems which were 100% proprietary. I pointed out that the technology was still emerging and it was silly to commit to one manufacturer for something that's supposed to last the lifetime (or at least until the next major remodel) of the house when in a few years you'd have much better quality lights and finding parts would be difficult. They down played it of course saying they would still have parts. Turns out these things don't last for 20 years and I go to houses which have burned out trims and it takes forever to find a matching light and costs more than $100 and it's far inferior to any new bulbs out today. I can buy a great 90 watt eq. Satco 2700k bulb for $15 now. vs. $150 legacy trim/bulb.

@donaldfaulkner1435 7 жыл бұрын

thechosendude I am an electrician and have seen these power supplies fail after 3 months. You are better off with a LED bulb in a regular fixture.

@Arieeeee 7 жыл бұрын

"We're sorry, water got in them so the warranty is voided" or "Sorry, this item is discontinued but we can give you one that doesn't look anything like it and you'd have to change the rest to match"

@Magnum_Wolf 6 жыл бұрын

I like those

@zedman442 7 жыл бұрын

Not much angular light to light the driveway though. I guess you wilmned another floodlight for that.

@mspbabesxox4385 7 жыл бұрын

Zed Man

@TomO-if7nh 7 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I was thinking, and I don't think they're motion activated which was the purpose of the old flood light.

@bigvegass 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, no spot light blinding you while driving up the driveway.

@switchoff64 3 жыл бұрын

Nice

@aperson1181 6 жыл бұрын

do you have a product name for the switch?

@juliosaracco8388 7 жыл бұрын

What brand are the light and we're can I buy some

@jeffkerr7038 7 жыл бұрын

I think this is the light he installed. Lithonia Lighting WF3 LED 40K MW M6

@MidlandTexan 4 жыл бұрын

Where do you get such lighting?

@romuloromero2268 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone know where to get that wall switch?

@duramaxallison2535 3 жыл бұрын

Carefully twists the wires together. Doesn't actually twist the wires together. Installs wire nut. All good

@djm0078 7 жыл бұрын

these lights are great but i don't think they serve the purpose in the driveway.. also shadowing is an issue here

@electricaf365 3 жыл бұрын

Yea, that would be a tragedy if there were some shadows on the outside soffit of a house

@rict.4998 6 жыл бұрын

Are these at home depot ?

@nicholassmith82 4 жыл бұрын

I've seen multiple tutorial videos on how to install soffit lighting, but I just don't have experience with wiring to an existing switch that already powers other fixtures. Otherwise, I'd do this myself in a heartbeat.

@MichaelStephenLau 3 жыл бұрын

Disclaimer: Consult a professional first. Light switches have a hot (black), a load (black/red), and a ground (copper/green). Some smart switches will also have a neutral connection to run various functionality when need be, but typically your neutrals connect together external to the switch. When you have more than one wire in the setup (ground, loads, or neutrals) you just connect them with the proper size wire nut, and have a single wire go to the switch connection.

@brettvukovich6220 3 жыл бұрын

@@MichaelStephenLau I've upgraded every existing fixture in my home with an led recessed light, but was wondering if it would be acceptable to daisy-chain two soffit lights to some existing led recessed lights I already have in my garage? If that isn't an option, I'm guessing it's best just to install a new switch?

@MichaelStephenLau 3 жыл бұрын

@@brettvukovich6220 Are they 120V?

@AgentOffice Жыл бұрын

@@brettvukovich6220you can they use very little power

@Burps___ 7 жыл бұрын

Dear This Old House, Could you consider a segment on outdoor area lights, wide coverage, such as used by barns and home parking areas? I'm thinking sodium lights and the like, but now there are LED options, I think. Thank you. Wayne.

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Cool One what’s a sodium light

@kostaskaronis5046 6 жыл бұрын

there are LEDs that dont use a transformer..they get regular 220v.and are for outdoor use....

@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын

and? This is the USA, majority of homes do not have, nor need, 220v going to any light receptacle outside. Here in USA common residential voltage is 120v and that is plenty.

@saidtheblueknight 3 жыл бұрын

How will this light up the driveway? This seems more like mood/decorative lighting for the house rather than serving an actual purpose.

@JosephTammaro 4 жыл бұрын

That is a nice idea. Are they insulation safe?

@flyjarrett 3 жыл бұрын

Yes

@freewoodencrosses 7 жыл бұрын

Many homes have vinyl soffit which, I think, would not support this device. How would one mount in a vinyl soffit?

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Dennis Adams have to take it out, make a frame that will support the fixture and install it, reinstall old or new soffit

@acreageliving 4 жыл бұрын

these are made to install in soffits, that spring just snaps right onto the soffit and holds tight. Awesome for your application

@johnbarone8948 3 жыл бұрын

Wouldn't it make more sense to install LED spot lights with motion detector that would light up the driveway?

@Mr.Pop0 3 жыл бұрын

Guy said he didnt want the lights in his face driving up.

@Topher_Knows 7 жыл бұрын

Should also point out that not all wood and materials are weather treated if you cut through the surface. In some places, that's a no no to cut and not add an additional sealer.

@Engineer9736 7 жыл бұрын

Owen Robinson At 3:08 you can see the gap between the fixture and the panel. In that place it's no problem but if there's any chance of rain getting at the light you need to use silicone kit to seal it properly.

@Topher_Knows 7 жыл бұрын

Good catch. I didn't see it or notice if it sealed the newly exposed particleboard or just acting as an expansion gasket at the bottom. In this case though, we have no way to know if it's necessary because only the owner and Scott could see the wood and/or markings. However, as a how-to or suggestion video, I still wish Scott verbally included the optional step of sealing the exposed wood.

@PvtPapa 7 жыл бұрын

If you've got rain hitting that hole in the soffit the homeowner probably has bigger problems hahaha! Can't say I've seen rain curve back up and hit the soffit.

@raskal8578 7 жыл бұрын

PvtPapa theoretically rain can hit the soffit if driven by heavy winds, surface tension can than drive it towards the trim if the light which may rust that material.

@howardhoward5694 4 жыл бұрын

At least the sisters aren't snitches hahahha

@nathancawley6944 7 жыл бұрын

The homeowner chooses what to install, he's paying for it after all.

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Nathan Cawley generally, yes. I think it’s in good taste to suggest what you know works well and lasts a long time when you start the job. All sorts of overpriced cheap garbage out there that a homeowner without any electrical or product design knowledge could buy that will break or fail faster than something half the price

@zekenzy6486 7 жыл бұрын

good job bro

@chavaleos5443 7 жыл бұрын

Where do you get the led lights

@benefactionhindrance 4 жыл бұрын

LIGHT Emitting Diode Lights? Nice one.

@raskal8578 7 жыл бұрын

Are these considered exterior lights?

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

Raskal I’m fairly certain they aren’t lol

@nigeltapp8303 7 жыл бұрын

I see people comment on here about how he doing it every state the laws is different everybody trained differently like I was doing floors in the hospital I learn how they did it but when I went to a second Hospital to do floors they say I was doing it wrong and to do it that way doesn't matter how he do it the job is done and did the people he did lights for did anyone of them complaint about he did a bad job or something happen months or years later

@maxmott7489 3 жыл бұрын

Are they waterproof?

@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын

I'll wager they're outdoor rated but I very much doubt they're water proof. They're made to be recessed under a soffit or awning and unless you have a leak from above it would be very difficult to get water behind them. Looking at them again, you have a water tight connection from the transformer box to the 24v wire and the back of the light doesnt have any exposed circuits or anything. Submerging them would not be a good idea but i'll bet the underside of that could get 'some' water but I wouldn't install them in that kind of area.

@kaemack44 6 жыл бұрын

Can you install these lights on under eaves that also have soffitt?

@acreageliving 4 жыл бұрын

yes

@kaemack44 4 жыл бұрын

@@acreageliving ....I'm glad I figured it out on my own instead of waiting 2 years for an answer from someone here! I installed them myself and they are beautifull ! I have 3 across the front of my house above the windows and am using a dimmer switch to control the lighting. The lighting is a yellow shade and not a true led bright light, which is ok but I was hoping the lighting would be a bright white led. Anyway, I installed them. I love the look under the eaves. And I would reccomend them for anywhere you want lighting.

@acreageliving 4 жыл бұрын

@@kaemack44 sorry bud, just seen the comment, i came as quick as i could! lol

@jermaineburke5390 7 жыл бұрын

whats the name of the light?

@beeps7 7 жыл бұрын

Type? There are several names for it. Down lighting, can lights, recessed lights. If your asking for the brand idk. But it largely doesn't matter. Whatever you have at your local building supplies store.

@dinelar 7 жыл бұрын

it looks like a lotus ultra thin led recessed light

@bgregg55 7 жыл бұрын

Thx for the heads up.

@onecrazywheel 7 жыл бұрын

jermaine burke They sell these at City Electric Supply

@Waddamattau 6 жыл бұрын

Lotus Led Lights. The outdoor ones are wet/location. Can be installed in showers also. Indoors go from, 2", 3", 4", 6", & 8". Some are round and squares. Different trim colors also. White, brushed nickel, black, and brushed cooper. 27k, 30k, 40k & 50k. Excellent service. Quality lights. Check out their website.

@nite82hawk 6 жыл бұрын

Why not explain the wiring? To me that's confusing part.

@phatpunxs64 7 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised an electrician that would be featured on this old house would wire up any circuit starting with the hot or neutral. Proper wiring would have you wire the ground first, neutral second and hot third. The reverse order should be followed when you are disconnecting any circuit.

@russ827 7 жыл бұрын

Michael Aguilar It really isn't that big of a deal lol

@2430jgv 7 жыл бұрын

It is a big deal. You have to train yourself to do it that way. Even if power is off you work it like its hot.

@phatpunxs64 7 жыл бұрын

russ827 you'll learn the correct way really quick once you get hit with a loaded nuetral.

@electricaf365 3 жыл бұрын

@@phatpunxs64 the power is off, champ.

@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын

wow dude, calm down. I looked at your channel to see how a different licensed journeyman does it... oh wait.........

@brettvukovich6220 3 жыл бұрын

All of that work, and the lights look a little underwhelming. lol

@san379 7 жыл бұрын

my house is going to get about 20 of them.. sold at RONA.CA

@kingalphadogg Жыл бұрын

I'll play the devil's advicate for those whom are beginners and dont understand. They never fully explain nor fully show each step all the way. We see 3 new lights to install. We also see one power source from preexisting power from a floodlight which operates on a preexisting switch. He mentioned the new lights being powered from the main source, but never showed how he safely connected the power to the last two and of course how it tied into the switch.

@alexisjankowski3281 4 жыл бұрын

So we explain the daisy chain, but don't demonstrate it? Okay.

@RobertLeBlancPhoto 5 жыл бұрын

Too bad the fixtures are not already rated for 120 vac. Then you could simply connect the Romex directly into each fixture and eliminate the transformer, making the setup even more compact and easy to install.

@romuloromero2268 2 жыл бұрын

Yes they are. You daisy chain to one another. Just used these to install recessed lights in my living room

@trenvan5546 7 жыл бұрын

I've watched several videos featuring this guy... does anyone disagree he is doing the cheapest easiest and not following code?

@adamliske 7 жыл бұрын

tren van What here is not code? And what is wrong with using a system that is just as reliable, if not more so, and much easier to install? Wet/damp location remodel pot lights would have require the same exact install method with the exception needing a much larger cavity.

@portaadonai 7 жыл бұрын

Nothing here against code, what are you talking about? You obviously arent an electrician. Most NEC codes are for 50 volts or less to ground. These fixtures are 24 volts. The 120 volt wiring is secured in those metal junction boxes

@CourtneyWright76 7 жыл бұрын

No way in the world would a show like "This Old House" take a shortcut or do something against code.

@9sikes11 6 жыл бұрын

tren van as an electrician and my father as a master baldy goes by code and makes it the cheapest for the customers

@ottoroth9377 6 жыл бұрын

Tren Van..why do you say he's not following the code.....what does the actual code say and the code section and number?

@willy6648 7 жыл бұрын

@UltimateDoomer1 6 жыл бұрын

That is a 4" can. Not a 6 Inch. This guy is a dope.

@ryanclark457 6 жыл бұрын

UltimateDoomer1 I’ve never seen one so long before lol

@fgf56 7 жыл бұрын

Piss poor way to splice then wirenut

@heribertogomez5191 6 жыл бұрын

no electrical tape

@donl1410 4 жыл бұрын

@@heribertogomez5191Learn how to do a splice and you don't need tape

@anthonycardona3141 3 жыл бұрын

Corded drill 😂

@TheMrjaysol 6 жыл бұрын

No sure if anyone noticed. The lights he walked through we're not the same he installed.

@TheMrjaysol 6 жыл бұрын

*were

@GonzoAudioTips 7 жыл бұрын

This electrician is such a hack job, they never recommend the right style lighting!! That is in no way appropriate security lighting!

@jonasventurejr.6582 7 жыл бұрын

This wasn't exactly made for the situation, the show and episode is a guide to show the process of installation and the features of the brand products that are available on the market. They ask people for volunteers on who would want to test out new products for free.

@damianduarte1392 6 жыл бұрын

Agree

@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын

try and keep up. The HOME OWNER decides what he/she wants. They had a flood light... but did the home owner specifically tell you he still wanted a flood light and he was strong-armed into recessed lighting? NO? Then let the home owner choose what they want... you upgrade you shanty the way you see fit and let other people upgrade their houses the way they see fit... comprende? ¿

@HowardSantiago-qn4kv 7 жыл бұрын

That guy needs Bosley, They will MAAAK it and put hair back in

@juliof970 5 жыл бұрын

To many unseen steps.

@ss_whole 5 жыл бұрын

"Wait till you see it tonight" Doesn't show it

@codymurray2199 7 жыл бұрын

First

@DuncanCunningham 7 жыл бұрын

no prize though.... 68.media.tumblr.com/2a189578f9673e8b09336ff19d17528f/tumblr_ogr5omt38d1rxxgowo2_1280.png

@Momofifahd1 7 жыл бұрын

first

@iswish_41 6 жыл бұрын

That guy ALWAYS make things more complicated. No matter what he's doing he chooses the worst way to make it happen. Just watch his videos and you'll see......

@yonathanbenyahudah5175 10 ай бұрын

I don’t like it

@fredbach6039 3 жыл бұрын

Don't make me laugh. These lights do NOT replace the function of the previous light. You removed the irritation when driving up, but your solution should have been supplemented by real floodlights mounted elsewhere, perhaps to the left and higher.