How do you power lights outside without an outlet?

Installing outdoor lighting can greatly improve the look and safety of your home. However, many outdoor areas don’t have readily available power outlets. Thankfully, there are several effective methods to provide power to outdoor lights without needing an outdoor outlet.

Using Solar Powered Lights

One of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to power exterior lighting is with solar powered lights. These lights collect energy from the sun during the daytime and store it in an internal battery. At night, the stored energy is used to power the light. Here are some benefits of using solar powered lighting:

• No wiring or electrical work required – Solar lights are self-contained units that don’t need to be wired into your home’s electrical system.
• Placement flexibility – Because no wiring is required, solar lights can be placed anywhere that gets sufficient sunlight.
• Lower energy costs – Solar lights don’t increase your electric bill since they run off sunlight.
• Eco-friendly – Solar lights help reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable solar energy.

There are many styles of solar powered lights to choose from including spotlights, path lights, step lights, and post mounts. Opt for LED bulbs in your solar lights for the greatest efficiency and longevity.

Tips for Using Solar Lights

• Choose locations that get at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day.
• Look for lights with larger solar panels that can collect more sunlight.
• Make sure the lights have sufficient battery capacity to last through the night.
• Install the solar panel in a south or west facing position to maximize sunlight exposure.
• Remove any obstructions that could block sunlight from reaching the solar panel during the day.
• Clean the solar panel periodically to keep dust and debris from interfering with light absorption.

Low Voltage Lighting

Low voltage lighting systems are another great option for powering exterior lights without an outdoor outlet. Low voltage lighting works by stepping down standard 120-volt household current to a lower voltage, typically 12 volts. This allows for safer installation since the lower voltage reduces the risk of shocks or electrocution.

Installing a low voltage system involves running a pair of low voltage wires from a transformer to each light fixture. The transformer can be plugged into any indoor 120-volt outlet and converts the higher voltage down to 12 volts. The low voltage wire is narrow gauge, flexible, and easy to run discreetly along pathways, through gardens, under deck railings, or behind walls.

Benefits of Low Voltage Lighting

• Highly versatile and adaptable – Low voltage wires can run long distances and around obstacles.
• Safer than 120-volt systems – The lower voltage significantly reduces shock risk.
• Energy efficient – Low voltage fixtures can be LED for maximum efficiency.
• Affordable – Low voltage lighting kits are relatively inexpensive.

Low voltage systems can be used to power a wide variety of outdoor lighting fixtures including accent, spot, path and deck lighting. Kits are available at home improvement stores containing everything you need to get started.

Low Voltage Lighting Tips

• Calculate your transformer wattage needs by adding up the wattages of all connected fixtures.
• Limit wire runs to 300′ or less between the transformer and farthest fixture.
• Use 16 or 18 gauge wire for most low voltage systems.
• Bury low voltage wiring at a depth of 6 to 8 inches underground.
• Connect fixtures in parallel, not series, for even illumination.

Outdoor Electrical Outlets

If you have exterior walls on your home, installing outdoor electrical outlets is a convenient way to provide power for lighting and other exterior electrical needs. Outdoor outlets should always be GFCI protected for safety against shocks. They also need to be weatherproof, with covers that seal out moisture.

Here are some tips for adding outdoor electrical outlets:

• Hire a licensed electrician to ensure proper installation and adherence to local electrical codes.
• Use only UL-approved, weatherproof outlet covers and boxes.
• Install the outlets at least 12 inches above ground level to avoid rain and snow accumulation.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for protection against shocks.
• Place outlets beneath overhangs or eaves to provide extra weather protection.
• Consider tamper-resistant outlets if small children are frequently around.
• For easy access, mount outlets on exterior walls near outdoor lighting fixtures.

With outdoor outlets installed, you can not only power exterior lighting but also plug in outdoor tools, holiday lights, sprinkler systems, and more. Be sure to use outdoor-rated extension cords and products with the outlets. Install outlet covers when not in use.

Outdoor Light Fixtures with Built-In Outlets

Many common outdoor light fixtures like pole lights, recessed soffit lights, and wall lanterns now come with built-in electrical outlets. These integrated outlets provide a convenient source of electricity for tools, decorations, or other lights without a junction box.

Here are some popular fixtures that include built-in outlets:

• Pole lights – Tall pole lights often include one or more outlets in the pole near the base, protected by a weatherproof cover.
• Soffit lights – Recessed downlights mounted in overhangs or ceilings can have an outlet in the base.
• Porch lights – Exterior pendant lights, sconces, and ceiling-mounted lights can have outlets built into the back or side.
• Post lights – Lights mounted atop fence posts or short poles can incorporate outlets.

When shopping for exterior lighting, look for options with onboard outlets to conveniently power other outdoor electrical devices. Just be sure the light is rated for exterior use and the outlet is GFCI protected.

Running Extension Cords from Indoors

If safe to do so, running an extension cord from an indoor outlet can provide temporary power outside for lighting or decorations. There are heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords specifically designed for this purpose.

When running cords outside, take these precautions:

• Use only extension cords rated for outdoor use with covers to protect against moisture.
• Don’t overload cords by plugging in too many lights or decorations.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on the outlet or extension cord.
• Keep cords safely out of the way of foot traffic or equipment to avoid damage.
• Don’t bury cords or run them through walls as this presents a fire hazard.
• Check that cords don’t have any worn or frayed spots.
• Avoid creating tripping hazards with long cord runs across walkways.

Extension cords are meant to be temporary solutions only. For permanent exterior power needs, have a licensed electrician install proper outdoor wiring and outlets.

Portable Generators

For temporary lighting setups, portable generators can be very useful for providing power where no outlets exist. These gas-powered generators produce electricity on demand that can be used to plug in lights, power tools, medical equipment, and more.

Small portable inverter generators are well-suited for running exterior lighting. These quiet, fuel-efficient models provide between 1,000-4,000 watts to power several lights, a refrigerator, electric cooker, TV, or other essentials during power outages.

When using portable generators for outdoor lighting:

• Always run generators outside in well-ventilated areas to avoid deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
• Plug devices and lights directly into the generator rather than connecting to home wiring to prevent backfeeding.
• Refuel generators only when turned off and cool to avoid spills and fire risks.
• Check that your lights and other loads don’t exceed the generator’s rated wattage to prevent overloading.
• Keep generators sheltered from rain and snow under a canopy or vented cover.

Portable generators provide convenient temporary power but should never serve as a permanent substitute for properly wired electrical outlets.

Battery Powered Lights

Self-contained battery powered lights offer another versatile lighting option for outdoor areas without power access. These cordless lights have built-in batteries that provide hours of illumination before needing recharged.

Popular styles of battery powered outdoor lighting include:

• Puck lights – Compact LED discs that stick to walls, steps, or trees.
• Spotlights – Bright LED or halogen lights on stands for shining on garden features.
• String lights – Connected series of small LED bulbs on flexible wire.
• Lanterns – Decorative portable lights suitable for paths, porches, or accent lighting.
• Flood lights – Wide-angle work lights on stands for illuminating larger areas.

Look for weatherproof lights with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that provide at least 10 hours of light per charge. Waterproof ratings of IP65 or higher are best for outdoor use.

Tips for using battery powered lighting:

• Fully charge lights before first use and after each use.
• Turn lights off when not needed to conserve battery life.
• Shelter lights from direct rain and snow if possible.
• Ensure batteries are removed from cold weather storage before charging.
• Dispose of old batteries properly rather than in household trash.

Placing Lights Near Power Sources

The easiest way to provide power to outdoor lighting is by placing fixtures near an existing outdoor power source. Potential options include:

• Porch outlets – Many porches have outdoor rated outlets ideal for lighting.
• Soffit outlets – Outlets are often located in roof overhangs.
• Post lamps – Fence line post lamps sometimes have outlets at the base.
• Garage lights – Many garage exterior lights have built-in outlets.
• Garden outlets – Waterproof outlets used for ponds and irrigation systems can power nearby lights.

Carefully survey your property to locate any existing outdoor power sources. Place new lighting fixtures as close as possible to these outlets to simplify providing power. Extend with outdoor-rated cords if needed.

Hiring an Electrician

For permanent outdoor lighting that looks built-in and professional, your best option is often to hire a licensed electrician to install wiring and outlets optimized for your lighting needs.

An electrician can:

• Determine the appropriate lighting circuits and loads for your home.
• Install outdoor junction boxes and outlets on exterior walls or other surfaces.
• Run all necessary wiring through walls and other cavities.
• Connect lighting fixtures to dimmer switches for adjustable brightness.
• Integrate outdoor lighting into your home automation system if desired.
• Advise on lighting design and fixture placement.
• Obtain any required permits for electrical work.

Outdoor lighting hardwired by an electrician provides superior permanence, safety, aesthetics, and functionality compared to DIY power solutions. Though hiring an electrician costs more upfront, it’s a smart investment for reliably powering outdoor lights for years to come.

Conclusion

With so many effective options, it’s easy to provide power to outdoor lighting, even in areas without nearby outlets. The simplest solutions are solar lights, battery lights, and properly sized extension cords. For permanent lighting, consider wiring outdoor outlets, low voltage systems, or fixtures with built-in power sources. Professional installation by an electrician provides the best long-term lighting performance and safety. With the right approach, you can enjoy the beauty, security, and convenience of robust outdoor lighting powered entirely without outdoor outlets.