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Home Repair Lighting Design Dilemma

Exterior lighting above garage door

4 years ago

We just installed new garage doors and went from 7’ to 8’ doors. We had spotlights in the top right and left corners,. You can see the wires still hanging out. They are in an Awkward Spot because new doors have been cut a foot higher, but i don’t think we are going to change location of lights.

any ideas on lights? Should we do spotlights again? any simple decorative lantern type lights that would work in that space?

Featured Answer

PRO

RL Relocation LLC

4 years ago

https://www.warehouse-lighting.com/products/millennium-lighting-14-warehouse-shade-with-selected-goose-neck-mount-and-wire-guard-available-in-bronze-galvanized-black-red-green-and-white-finishes?variant=25492439924836&matchtype=&network=g&device=c&adposition=1o2&keyword=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-fLPvK2V5wIVQx-tBh0UrAkuEAQYAiABEgKQ4_D_BwE

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Comments (9)

DavidR
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I'd use motion sensing LED floods. Nice doors, BTW.
moagra thanked DavidR
PRO
Novel Remodeling
4 years ago
I would get motion-sensing Solar LED lights. They are slightly more expensive in costs, but the saving they provide is unmatched. https://www.innercityskylineinc.com/electrical-panel-upgrade
moagra thanked Novel Remodeling
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Boy that is the wrong place for a garage light. Right location for a security light, but you have to decide what you need. The higher up the wall, the wider the spread on the light needs to be. I would call out an electrician and have electrical boxes placed either over the garage door or on either side of the door. Cap the box you currently have. You can replace the electrical supply box with a window so the gable wall doesn't appear to be so very large in size.
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DavidR
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I can't imagine why anyone would install a solar powered light when the wiring was already there. Makes no sense.

You gain nothing with solar in a case like this. They don't provide any savings at all. In fact, since installation cost isn't a factor here, a solar light will cost much more to operate long term, because it will eventually require battery replacement. Or, since the batteries are now often permanently sealed inside, the entire light will have to be replaced.

Let's say your power costs 15 cents per kwh - pretty high, but maybe it's California. A line powered 500 lumen motion sensing LED light operating for an average of 1 hour per night will cost around 30 cents per year in energy. A cheap solar powered motion sensing light with similar actual lumen output (the lumen ratings for these gadgets are always vastly overstated) will cost around $35. It would have to last for 117 years before it would pay for itself.

Solar is a great answer where you don't have line power available, or if it's too difficult or costly to install a real light. But if the wiring is already there, it makes absolutely no sense.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
4 years ago
barn style or warehouse-style with an arm that comes out and down.
PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
4 years ago
I was thinking the same thing

RL Relocation LLC
moagra thanked Filipe Custom Woodwork
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
4 years ago
Even adding a 3rd one to the center might make it look more intent...
moagra thanked RL Relocation LLC
functionthenlook
4 years ago
It depends on the amount of light you need. If you have residual lighting from neighbors and/or a city, lanterns should be enough. If you are in an area without residual lights like me you might need the spots.
moagra thanked functionthenlook
wdccruise
4 years ago
I would purchase a pair of Dark Sky complaint lights to avoid contributing to light pollution in the neighborhood. Both Home Depot and Lamps Plus have a variety of such fixtures (though some on these web pages don't appear to really be compliant). It looks like you might need mounting blocks to attach the lights to the siding.
moagra thanked wdccruise

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