How to install an exterior wall light... without calling your electrician

Once night falls, wall lights on a facade will really change your home. More security, a more beautiful facade, and an unmissable ambience on summer evenings. 

But maybe the idea of installing your own outdoor lighting makes you feel a little dizzy... Maybe words like cables, drilling and electricity make your hands sweaty...

But what if I told you that you didn't need an electrician to install an exterior wall light? That you can be average at DIY and still manage with just a little method, the right products (Lumihome, of course) and a dash of self-confidence.

Shall I show you?

Choosing the right technology: solar or wired?

The first essential step is to choose the right outdoor wall light. Wired or solar-powered? There's nothing complicated about it: 

• if you're replacing existing 230V wallwashers, you can keep the same technology.(see the range of wired wall lights).
• if you don't have an electricity supply where you want to install your wall lights, then I'd advise you not to complicate your life (you may already have a teenager at home for that...), choose asolar-powered wall light model. 100% autonomous, as powerful as a wired model (1000 lumens at Lumihome), automatic switch-on, etc...

Waterproofing: essential for the life of your sconces

Whichever sconce you buy, it's a good idea to make sure your new wall lamp meets the recommended waterproofing standards. Sometimes, some lower-priced models leave something to be desired in this respect.

Check the IP rating of your luminaire according to where you want to install it. 

IP	Protection	Recommended use
IP44	Water sprays	Sheltered areas (porches)
IP65	Water jets	Exposed facades

What tools and equipment do you need to get started?

It's time to equip yourself with a few essential tools. However, nothing extravagant; judge for yourself: 

• a stepladder (stable please). 
• a screwdriver
• a drill + bits
• a spirit level
• a grease pencil
• a Meter
• plugs and screws
• WAGO-type quick connectors

Choose the right fastener for your wall type

Now comes the tricky part: fixing the wall sconce to the wall. It's important to choose the right anchors for your wall. If you don't, you risk damaging your wall and not fixing your fixture properly. 

Here is a summary table: 

Wall type	Recommended fasteners	Advice
Brick	Expansion dowels	Drill gently
Wood	Direct wood screws	Pre-drill to prevent bursting
Plaster	Long dowels with washers	Gentle percussion to prevent plaster splintering
Concrete	Metal/chemical dowels	Using a hole punch
Cavity wall	Molly pegs/umbrella + plate	Distributing the load

How to install an exterior wall light step by step

A 230V wired wall light

1. Turn off the main power (this is non-negotiable!)
2. Position the sconce plate and mark the points.
3. Drill holes, insert dowels and attach base plate.
4. Use the quick connectors if necessary, then connect the wires: Blue = Neutral, Brown/Black = Phase, Green/Yellow = Earth.
5. Fix the sconce, turn on the power, test.

A solar wall lamp

It's even simpler because there's no connection to the mains. Attach the circuit board as for the wired wall lamp. Then follow the instructions to charge the solar lamp before testing it.

Your sconce won't light up - don't panic!

If, despite your best efforts, your sconce won't light up, don't panic. Here's a list of common faults that you'll be able to correct in no time at all: 

• It's basic, but did you reset the circuit breaker? If so, it's also possible that when you switched it back on, it tripped. Check this.
• Then check the voltage with a multimeter.
• If your sconce is solar-powered, you must charge it before switching it on. Follow the instructions for your model. 
• Still for a solar model, we don't always think about it, but most models are equipped with a twilight sensor. As long as it's daylight, the sconce won't light up. 

What's next?

Do-it-yourself sconce installation is often quite straightforward. Of course, if you're allergic to DIY or if your installation is very particular, call in a professional. In the meantime, let us guide you through our article on how to choose your new outdoor led wall light and the latest trends in garden sconces.