Security Light Installation Guide

Looking for ways to make your home safe and secure? A sensor light helps you keep your property safe without wasting energy. Sensor lights work by emitting a passive infrared (PIR) beam to scan a pre-defined zone. When movement interrupts the scan, the sensor prompts the attached light to switch on, illuminating the area and helping you to find your way or startling potential intruders.

Read on to learn how to choose and install security lighting for your home.

How to choose security lighting

With so many motion sensor lights available, there’s bound to be one that suits your specific needs. Consider these factors when choosing outdoor lighting for your property:

Application: Do you need a floodlight that can quickly illuminate large dark areas? Or are you after a motion sensor light to help guide you through pathways or stairwells?

Ease of installation: Some security lighting is easier to install than others. Unlike hardwired lights, battery-operated and solar motion sensor lights don’t require electrical work at all.

Energy use: Sensor-activated lights tend to save energy since they only switch on when motion is detected, but it can still add up over time. If you’re looking for outdoor lighting that saves energy and money, consider solar security lighting that charges up during the daytime hours.

At Trade Tested, we offer a wide range of solar-powered security lighting products for your home. These lights don’t require any wiring, so not only are they easy to install, but they can also be installed in areas without access to mains power. Just secure it to a surface, making sure the solar panel isn’t in a shady area, and you’re ready to go.

How to install hardwired security lighting

Hardwired security light installation comes with a couple of extra steps. Remember, if you have any doubts about these instructions, it’s crucial you hire a certified electrician to install your security lights instead. Electricity is lethal, and your safety is paramount.

Step 1: Prepare your equipment

Before you start your home security light installation, get your tools together:

Screwdriver

Drill and bits

Circuit tester

Electrical tape

Silicone

Work gloves

Safety glasses

Step 2: Turn off the power

Start by turning the power off at the mains. Locate the main power switch and switch it to the off position. Turn a light switch on in your house to make sure the power is off. Now, safely remove the old light fitting from the location where you want to install your new motion sensor light system.

Make sure to use your circuit tester on the wires attached to the old light fitting to make sure the power has been cut.

Step 3: Screw the mount

Now that you have your light pack and you know where you are going to install it, read the instructions! This is important because most brands will supply you with an instruction sheet with the specific requirements for different models.

Screw the mounting strap in place, using the screws supplied and your electric drill. The manufacturer may provide you with a plastic hanger to hold the unit near its final position, allowing you to continue with the wiring.

Step 4: Connect the wires

Thread all the fixture wires through the large holes in the gasket on the base of the light unit. Then connect the wires that come from your home to the light fixture wires. Ensure that the colour-coded wires are matched.

You will have a positive wire, a negative wire, and an earth wire. Twist each set together tightly, secure with wire connectors and electrical tape.

Step 5: Attach the motion detector

Remove your plastic hanger and secure the motion-detecting light fixture to the mounting strap you installed earlier, making sure all the wiring is inside the junction box of the light fitting. Once it has been screwed into place, you can push the rubber plug into the screw cavity (the rubber plug should be supplied).

Step 6: Apply silicone sealant

If the junction box isn’t weatherproof, ensure you apply silicone sealer around the base of the light and the mounting surface.

Step 7: Set up the timer

Turn the power back on. Read the instructions to learn how to set up the angle of the sensor and lights and how to set the timers for the best effect. Now that the installation is complete, you’ll have additional lighting to keep your home safe and secure.

Shop security lighting at Trade Tested

Don’t get caught out by intruders or trip over obstacles at night! Trade Tested offers a wide range of security lighting systems for sale in our outdoor solar light range. The best thing about these products? They require zero wiring, just secure them in the ground, and they’ll light up after a good few hours’ charge. Full weather resistance means you can use them in any uncovered areas of the property. Find security lighting for your entrance, driveway, or yard today.

Have any questions about installing a security lighting system for your yard? Get in contact with our team.

Hear from happy customers

“It is everything it was advertised as, and I'm very happy. Lights up well when motion is detected and adds security and safety. Highly recommended.”

“I have 3 of these now, and boy! they are perfect! Very strong light, all night. My garden is well lit, and looks so pretty.”

“Brilliant product, lighting the way perfectly. Very happy with results.”

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to install security lights?

The cost of installing a security lighting system depends on several factors:

How bright do you want your lights to be?

How large is your property, and how many lights do you want to install?

Can you install your lights yourself, or do you need expert installation from a professional?

Our cost-effective solar lights are a cheap, easy way to illuminate dark areas of your property, helping to protect it from unwanted visitors.

Do you need an electrician to fit a security light?

Not necessarily, but if you have any doubts about the instructions, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and hire a certified electrician. Otherwise, you can use solar-powered security lights that don’t require any wiring.

Are security lights easy to install?

The security light installation process is straightforward if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, be aware that hardwired security lights involve basic wiring; if you’re not confident with this step, it’s safest to leave it up to a certified electrician.

Do security lights use a lot of electricity?

While exact electrical requirements depend on the model, motion-activated home security lights typically offer energy savings as they only switch on when the sensor detects movement in a set range.