Lighting is a practical addition for the exterior of your home. Illuminating your front porch can prevent dangerous trips and falls, for example—and makes it easier to find your keys in your bag. When installing your lighting, follow the below tips to stay safe. 

What to Know About Safely Installing Outside Lighting

1. Only Use Lights Intended for Exterior Use

Outdoor lighting is made of materials that can safely withstand elements, like rain and wind. Untreated wooden fixtures will rot if they get damp, for example.

If the moisture penetrates the electrical wiring inside, it can be a fire hazard, increasing the risk of a spark setting it ablaze. Synthetic resin and plastics are water-resistant and easy to clean. Metals are also durable; aluminum and steel are preferable as both are resistant to rust.

2. Follow the Bulb Recommendations

Check the bulb recommendation on the packaging. Overloading a lamp with bulbs above the maximum wattage will overheat the wiring in the fixture and damage the insulation. Also, make sure they are durable enough for outdoor use.

Bulbs are differentiated by their Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating. An outdoor bulb will be UL listed for damp and wet locations. If the bulb is only "UL Listed" and not additionally specified as suitable for damp and wet locations, the fluctuating temperature that comes with cool rain hitting a hot bulb can cause the glass to shatter.

3. Install Ground Fault Protection

A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, protects people and animals from electric shocks. It monitors electricity flowing in a circuit and, if it senses a loss of current, quickly switches off power. This happens in less than a second and helps people avoid electrocutions. 

Wiseway Design Showroom provides indoor and outdoor lighting as well as decorative home accessories. With the largest lighting showroom in the Lexington, KY, area, they have a comprehensive selection with a variety of models for all tastes and price points. Their knowledgeable team will be happy to show you items that suit your style. They serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the counties of Fayette, Scott, and Jessamine, among others. Get a look at their product catalog on their website. For questions, call (859) 259-0466.