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

Scott installs ultra-thin, LED lights on a garage to replace a broken flood light.

#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH

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.

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

[jonasventurejr.]

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

[tomrum]

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

[kaisar]

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 !

[Waddamattau]

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

[franklinchmara]

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.

[ChavezDIY]

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.

[CALMBEATS]

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

[idontknowwhyimadethis]

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

[aperson]

do you have a product name for the switch?

[picardentify]

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

[juliosaracco]

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

[aaronwatts]

enforcement really love this migitil| basement .

[shadow.banned]

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

[PFC]

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

[zedman]

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

[Burps___]

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.

[romuloromero]

Anyone know where to get that wall switch?

[memor]

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!"

[Mr.Pop]

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.

[freewoodencrosses]

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