Exterior column light fixture and outlet questions

14 years ago

I have columns with lights at our driveway. The columns are about 200 feet from the nearest outlet.

I would like to add a gfci outlet to the column in order to plug in a low voltage transformer with landscape lights.

My husband and I built the columns and I have access to the inside in order to run wire. The cap on the top of the column is removable.

Can a gfci outlet be run from an exterior light fixture?

If not, can I do a junction box inside the column and run the wire to the outlet that way?

The lights are on an indoor light switch. I have the lights on a programmable timer so that the lights come on for 4 hours in the evening.

I thought I would purchase a transformer that has a daylight sensor as opposed to a timer. That way when the column lights turn on, the transformer would turn on also and the daylight sensor would control the landscape lights.

Could the interruption of power due to the programmable timer for the column lights, cause the gfci to trip all the time?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (6)

Ron Natalie
14 years ago
You shouldn't have a problem (provided everything is done properly). A transformer that either uses a photocell or can be set to stay on all the time would just operate at the same time the power to the existing lights is on (timer or whatever).
lsst
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks!

Would one way of running the wire be preferred over the other?
(direct run from fixture as opposed to a junction box inside column)
It would be easier for me to do a junction box.
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normel
14 years ago
The timer won't affect the GFCI... the timer will be wired to the line side. Use the junction box if that is easier, just be aware, the receptacle will only operate when the column lights are on.
brickeyee
14 years ago
You need to make sure that the supply to the post is always on.

If a switch in the house is used to turn the light on and off you are not very likely to have power all the time to the post.

The timer will be thrown off whenever the power is removed.

If you have a photo cell for the light and no 'in house' switch it could work.
lsst
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks everyone!
I have bought my supplies and it is next on the project list!
lsst
Original Author
14 years ago
I installed the receptacle today.
It took a little longer than I expected but it works!
Thanks everyone! Each time I have posted a question about a problem or project on this forum, everyone has been so helpful!

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Exterior column light fixture and outlet questions

Comments (6)

Ron Natalie

lsst
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normel

brickeyee

lsst
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Exterior column light fixture and outlet questions

Comments (6)

Ron Natalie

lsstOriginal Author

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normel

brickeyee

lsstOriginal Author

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