Problem: The light fixture on your unfinished porch is unsafe because it was designed for interior use only. Plus, it's in a bad location and provides inadequate lighting.
Solution: Install a new light fixture that conforms to building codes and provides better lighting.
Equipment list:
drill with screwdriver bits
tape measure
hammer
wire strippers
crimping tool
safety goggles
junction box
mounting bracket with threaded center bolt
outdoor rated electrical wiring
light fixture approved for outdoor use
When installing new wiring, it's a good idea to leave all your work exposed until you're finished.
Install the new fixture
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker box.
- Locate the junction box, loosen the collar holding the wires in place, and remove the old electrical wiring that leads to the existing fixture. As a safety measure, disconnect the powered black wire first, the neutral white wire next, and the bare ground wire last.
- Attach the new junction box to the porch ceiling. Be sure the screw goes into the wood but not through it, because it could poke through the shingles on the roof. A B
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