HOW TO INSTALL FLOODLIGHTS (Safe, Watertight, and Properly Grounded)

hey Gang! We've got a great video today. We got a call asking if we could come help install some LED exterior Garage Floodlights to help illuminate a driveway at one our Best buds shop. Today, we're showing you how to tackle these exterior lights and how to be safe about it! Make sure you pick up an Electrical Tester and let's have some fun installing some lights!
STUDPACK APPAREL
Studpack.com
Big Thanks to our Friends at Klein! Made in The USA
Kleintools.com
Links to the Cool Stuff We Used in this Video!
Magnetic Wristband
amzn.to/3D2nTz5
Fluke Electrical Tester
amzn.to/36vryco
Ratcheting Screw & Nut Driver
amzn.to/3iilXZV
Wire Strippers
amzn.to/3N4vou8
6 in 1 Tapping Tool
amzn.to/3D9aJAB

[@punkiin]

I love how all of your guys videos feel more true to life. Like if you fumble your words a bit or forget to turn the multi-meter on, you dont just cut it and re do the take so everything is perfect. Makes the videos feel exactly how things would happen in real life as apposed to a production video. contributes to the wholesome father son vibe yall got going on. Makes the video feel way more authentic and watchable. Keep it up

[@pauloutdrz]

I first saw your videos on the KZbin app on my TV. Kind of like a daily dose of handyman/DYI information. You're a natural at teaching and so far beyond (in experience and knowledge) any contractor I've ever met. I appreciate how you approach "advertising" the products you use, enough to get the marketing while not taking away from the purpose at hand. Thank you for your efforts in producing these videos, they are helpful and entertaining. Wish my Dad could have been like you!

[@green5sing]

Finally! A channel that helps everyday diy-ers. I am so grateful for your channel. I put in the floodlight all by myself because of your video! Feeling empowered 💝

[@markxx90]

At 14:21, you actually want any stranded wire to be leading the solid conductor by around 1/16” to 1/8”. By the looks of it, those stranded wires will pull out if you give it a pull test

[@jefffree6990]

Great tip!

[@aurvaroy6670]

I hate to sound like an idiot but what's the point of a pull test if those wires will almost never be under that much tension inside the junction box?

[@ixionn563]

@@aurvaroy6670 Because if a wire can easily pull loose, then it is likely to work it's way loose over time from vibration and heat/cold cycles. Eventually, when a wire does get loose you'll have a bad connection, which can cause arcing, heat, or both when under load, so it would become a fire risk. Connections that survive the pull test are far less likely to work loose over time.

[@jeffhansman2829]

@@aurvaroy6670 Better safe than sorry.

[@kevinritchie9227]

As an electrician, when I hear 'outside light' MY stress level goes up! That's exactly how I ended my week this week, too. Great job guys! Also glad to see you have some S.A. friends! lol

[@eddiecabrera1408]

Another fine job done by Paul and Jordan thanks for the tip I ran into a couple jobs with the same trouble you had there and didn't really know what to do with it but somebody showed me away and you showed me a different way thank you so much keep recording so I can keep watching, you guys be safe

[@michelrail]

If I not mistaking, one of the hex sides of your screwdriver will fit that ground screw and would be easier to drive that screw in. It's a great screw driver.

[@poeticsilence047]

You are not mistaken. It's ba neat trick i use all the time.

[@zTribalstylerz]

Yeah he finally used it to take down the old ballast but I woulda been using the hex the whole time!

[@travisk5589]

Yeah, one size is 1/4 inch and the other is 5/16. 2 very common sizes in the trades. That 5/16 will handle hose clamps also

[@ranger178]

the Klein 15 in 1 multi tip ratcheting screwdriver has a special combo tip c1 c2 that just fits the square slotted Philips screws that get used in electrical a lot

[@joshcowart2446]

@@travisk5589 if it’s a Klein 11 in 1 it also has 3/8 on the other side as well

[@travisk5589]

A true electrician will leave all those little piles of cuttings on the ground for someone else to clean up.

[@ranger178]

lol yeah, every job is littered with wire ties and scrap insulation striped from wires

[@stevewilson3791]

So true.

[@daconqueror101]

Hahaha bro fr

[@throttlebottle5906]

13:31 always leave the wire nuts/wago/push-on's with the open ends facing down/sealed ends upwards. that is in case of moisture from air leakage causing condensation or rain ingress. if they're hanging downward or sideways they can fill with rain/condensation and corrode apart in months to years.(I learned that the hard way)

[@oftenwrongphong]

man, I've never even considered these variables. Thanks.

[@michaelfarris2556]

The old man shows you exactly what he is doing. Great information that is needed. It gave me exactly what I needed to know. Thanks

[@l.rod2827]

Great work as always, I would have used the cordless for the 3" screws... LOL...?? You guys are true men...

[@olafvanes]

Yes, I use a compact 10,8 volt Makita cordless drill for almost every screw

[@woodyfx]

Your videos are well presented and super detailed. Great work fellas..learning something new in every episode. Thank you

[@malikto1]

In case you didn't know, it is possible to have a hot neutral where there is a shared neutral (multi-wire branch circuit) and you have an open neutral. This happens when a 12/3 or 14/3 circuit is used to save a wire (not uncommon in commercial installs to save conduit space and wire) and a double pole breaker wasn't used or where two breakers don't have the required handle ties or are on the same phase. You need to make sure both breakers are off on these before working on them.

[@markwong6548]

Learned this the hard way

[@masseyferguson9195]

I do this all the time when conduit size is too small

[@norielvaldes2166]

me, an arduino kiddie: lol, i kno some of these words.

[@cdurkinz]

He knows all about the hot neutral, has explained it in other videos. He got the worst or second worst shock of his life on one. He checks them every time, I assume even if he doesn't cover it.

[@stevenle1760]

Hot neutrals are the worst. The two breakers that supply the hots for the shared neutral should be linked so they both turn off at the same time but it's not common to see this.

[@brandonbrown2487]

I wanted to let you guys know that I watch a lot of your guys's videos and I mean a lot I've seen just about every one of them and your guys' tips tricks and doing things the right way have helped me out as a contractor more than once keep the great content coming

[@kenmore01]

Great video! It's good to mention that on three phase wiring, the hot wires could be black for one phase, red for another and blue for the third. Any phase would work for the single phase light, but it explains you connecting the red wire in the box to the black wire in the lighting fixture.

[@maxderman447]

Check out the Klein C2 bit for most electrical fittings. Basically a square/flat combo really gets a nice firm grip in those ground screws, receptacle terminal screws, EMT fittings, and more.

[@Chris.Rhodes]

I actually prefer the Milwaukee ECX

[@htownblue11]

“14g for 15A and 12g for 20A” is a great way of remembering that rule. Always learning something from you guys.

[@luvdady]

Generally just use 12 on 15 amp the overall $$ difference is negligible in the long term. Especially if you don't have any access to the wire

[@electroman982]

You can learn a lot more accurately from the National Electrical Code Book aka NEC !!

[@jefffree6990]

Great tip! though i can't imagine that short leg for an LED light calls for 12ga/ 20 amp . Is that a local code? (obviously can't hurt to have it though, and as long as you have some hanging around...)

[@luvdady]

@@jefffree6990 ok let's say 14 awg is $49 a roll. And 12 awg is $59 a roll. For $10 more if you ever needed to bump up to a 20 amp breaker what does it cost you in the long run? $49+ 59+drywall mud and then mudding an tapeing sanding etc... lol Plus if your wiring plugs your probably going to have 12 anyways And leds are low powered, but say 6 months from now you want a ceiling fan?

[@bobbing4snapples]

​@@electroman982one of the very first things in NFPA 70 is a passage explaining that the NEC is not an instruction manual or a how-to book. While you will certainly use the NEC while you are learning it's not written for beginners and you're likely to misinterpret something and hazard yourself or others

[@milesharlan1]

Studpack & Cars what a great combo guys!! Love the video!! Keep up the good work!!

[@Ted_E_Bear]

I love this content you are sharing ! Please keep the videos rolling out !

[@expressknight6734]

Thanks Stud pack, one more thing add to my arsenal of thinking. Now understand grounding wire fualts. Your doing a great job. 👍 Remodeling my kitchen.

[@chriswand2313]

Enjoying the contact guys. Great to see positive crews out performing work.

[@richardspivey1562]

Thank you my friend. I have recently found you here and I'm lucky to do so. Have I said THANK YOU?!? You have taught me a great deal of things. Knowledge is power!

[@dominickpeterpaul8340]

Nice Job Paul, great Tips on how to break it Down, and proper way to install ground wire, love the fancy tools, makes the job much easier.

[@johnnybussart4721]

Nice job ! I personally always use a 5/16 " for ground screws , easier on my arthritic hands.

[@macster1457]

If I lived where you guys are, I would always hire you guys even if you charge me more than the regular rate... I'd be glad to pay for it since I know I won't have to worry about the work. I am super picky as well and Paul is my kind of "picky" guy 😎

[@cineaste1969]

Me too. These guys are first rate. The father son thing is pretty cool too. 👍🏼

[@TheDarthJesus]

They broke code numerous times, for example pulling Romex through conduit in a wet location, using 14awg in a commercial setting, etc. Hard to not worry about these handyman hacks

[@TheDarthJesus]

@SumOfIt You must use a wire rated for wet locations. NMD is not.

[@illestofdemall13]

@@TheDarthJesus Where did they use 14AWG? He removed 14 and replaced with 12.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

@@illestofdemall13 Exactly. If TDJ is going to criticize, he should make SURE the comment is correct.

[@TR4Ajim]

I usually keep some crimp-on eyelets in my toolbox, and use that to attach twisted ground wires to the box. Here’s an idea for a future video - converting a fluorescent light fixture to LED bulbs by removing the ballast. I did this to my 8 foot garage lights, and what a difference!

[@carlmetzger3971]

Love, Love, Love Stud Pack!!!! Hope you guys can keep it going. If you make them, they will watch. Great content, learned a few things besides.

[@tallbrian100]

Bell boxes are made for threaded IMC or Rigid conduit. EMT conduit connectors are straight thread and are listed for use with boxes and locknuts. Good job showing how the effective ground fault is compromised using the incorrect fittings. Also when wire nutting solid to stranded, put the stranded wire a little past the solid so the nut make a good connection.

[@electroman982]

"Bell boxes are made for threaded IMC or Rigid conduit. EMT conduit connectors are straight thread and are listed for use with boxes and lock nuts" Those 2 statements are not accurately true...so go figure...and report back w/corrected relevant info! Sorry I don't do others homework for them for FREE! Clue...start with the Listing/s! "Good job showing how the effective ground fault is compromised using the incorrect fittings" A dagger to the code book...OUCH! Clue...you wouldn't reward your dog for pissing on your leg would you?!!?!? "Also when wire nutting solid to stranded, put the stranded wire a little past the solid so the nut make a good connection." So you have more then one week experience...good boy! Clue...there are places where the 2 types should/should not meet!

[@ixionn563]

@@electroman982 Notice how nobody takes you seriously or even acknowledged your comment because of how rude you are for literally no reason? Maybe you can go learn from that.

[@peteteaokimosh9798]

That was very helpful for me to do the old lighting out back, I’ll have to get me one of those Kleen screw drivers 👍🏽 I sure enjoy watching your videos, always helpful.

[@handrewdimmick4326]

Reminds me of an on location episode of a home improvement show. Great video guys

[@chrisnorden8043]

"I didn't blow up his house"

[@Nicetrybrobro]

Upgrades, tools, cars, beer and pizza.... thats a boys day right there. Great video!

[@vjez1427]

STUD PACK VIDEO on a Saturday made my day !!!!!!!

[@Theswaggman2012]

Man you guys we’re vary helpful I been watching your most recent build defiantly a Fan . Keep up the good work

[@tomburke2697]

Would have liked to see more of the cars! You guys are great. Keep it up. Probably my favorite channel

[@MatthewPierce9]

Love it! great video.

[@karencarroll2027]

Watched and learned so much! Thanks for sharing your videos !

[@Chris.Rhodes]

I prefer Wago 221s when I'm wiring stranded wire. Good job, love the cars!

[@gr0ove]

Fast forwarded to the part I was curious about, then ended up watching the whole thing because you made it entertaining! :)

[@montygram]

Excellent work per normal, thank you Jordan and Paul. Awesome man cave Best Bud! 10:50 I believe that's your best option really (matter of opinion) realistically you should have the compression/raintight fittings there and not the normal set-screw type on the upper box. This is simply because you're outside, you wouldn't want moisture getting in the boxes in anyway possible. I personally run dedicated EGCs for every run but every situation is different, and with your case they weren't previously installed.

[@ftjp8]

Appreciate your time in clearly explaining the details. Love your content thank you!

[@Mental_Egg]

Love it the best DIY channel on the internet

[@ebnhahn1993]

Great video!. Gave me all the information I needed to install my flood lights. Thank You!

[@johnds6621]

great job. I always tape up the wire nuts on the positive side just to be safe. In my 90 year old house they soldered the wires together and then used tape.

[@Derakkon2]

I'm not sure if it's a code violation, but I personally would have replaced that single gang box with a round one. With that it would not only look nicer, but it should have better protection against the elements and help your light fixture last longer.

[@throttlebottle5906]

I was taught years ago, to bond the ground to the box and the light holder cross brace as well as the light fixtures ground terminal or screw. why? many times the light fixtures were metal, with unknown quality ground wire connections, the box may be plastic and set back into the wall, and a conductor could become bare and touching the cross bar without shorting and tripping breaker. that would make the bar live, as well as fixture mounting screws/nuts and possibly more, depending on design. if you overthink it and worry too much, you'd never use anything electric nor touch it. 😬 **you should always leave the stranded wire "leading" the solid wire slightly when using wire nuts(1/16 to 1/8 inch),that makes sure it gets grabbed and bitten into and NOT pushed down and out, if not it can often be pulled out with nearly no force.

[@Roach25]

Love the work!! Keep it up!!!

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

Awesome video boys. Love it

[@lxOFWGKTAxl]

GET OUTTA MY HEAD! I just had a conversation with my wife yesterday about installing some flood lights in our backyard! Y'all are flipping amazing!

[@charlesviner1565]

👍Your videos are of excellent quality

[@Afro_Cowboy]

Worth every minute.

[@josesorto5298]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos and knowledge 🙏🙏🙏

[@manuelluna370]

Awesome job picked up a few tips.

[@binkleyt]

You guys are awesome, your positivity make me feel good about the world again lol....

[@joshpavelich5235]

Hey Stud Pack! That "square drive' is called a Robertson! Here in Canada its the most common for construction screws. Electrical is basically Robbie #1, #2, or if you use the screws included in a light fixture, then Philips #2. Robertson #2 is most common across all building trades here. Keep up the great videos!

[@TheDarthJesus]

Square and Robertson are actually slightly different, Robertson screws/bits feature a longer tapered edge designed to hold the screw better. Square was designed because Ford refused to pay for the Canadian designed Robertson bit, and created their knockoff "Square"

[@bludika]

he's so knowledgeable, skilled, and hard working men are always a pleasure to see

[@edwinheredia4305]

Beautiful job you explained it very well

[@mytubebobbie06h]

I learn things every time I watch your videos.

[@firemanj35]

Great stuff Paul.

[@alexhoward1504]

Love your stuff guys 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@ppilgrim3441]

Thank you for this very informative video. So much good info!

[@tonysaturno731]

Great job 👍

[@moneyfornothing3264]

I love this video! Thanks boss!

[@wooloongabba]

Cordless Driver time saver and therefore money maker . 21st century guys , get with it . Love your channel guys

[@michaelrussell499]

That was a bad ass video!!

[@jessicahites871]

Pizza, beer, some electrical work and badass cars!! Now this is my kind of video!!

[@estherstephens1858]

I’m not into cars like that but that ZL1 sure is sexy as well as the rest of the collection. I love that you mention the tools you use. Thank you

[@twincam825]

Thanks very professional.

[@tg9754]

Great job!

[@julienabors2223]

Great video! I bought similar flood lights to use on corners of my house. My boyfriend told me what to get. Your video is EXCELLENT for watching to install. Who says girls can’t hang floodlights! 😂 Thank you! 🙏🏻😇

[@julienabors2223]

I couldn’t fit all the wires behind the new floodlight.

[@brucebissell7626]

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!! THANKS FOR THE INFO. SOUTHWEST UTAH. 😇

[@ceciljohnson3829]

Enjoyed this one also.

[@arthursimmons8592]

Thank you so much brother

[@skeezle1337]

Really appreciate your videos! Could honestly watch you guys install a toilet! And probably already have... Every time I watch a video though I find more tools I need to buy!

[@timwintersoncntr]

Here's a nugget I just learned this month: Milwaukee makes the perfect bit (1/4-inch hex or full screwdriver) for those electrical screws. Receptacle box screws take an ECX #1 and, I think, breaker box screws take an ECX #2.. They combine the Robertson #1 with a broad, flat blade for incredible grip.

[@ranger178]

yeah my klein 14 in one has the combo bits for electrical screws it is nice has 6 double ended bits in handle that are quick and easy to change

[@DewaltFanboy]

Wow what a great place! I love Oldschool American cars. They have a lot of character, but that new Camaro is looking spicy!

[@gameilebrown6136]

This is my dude. I love him

[@raymitchell9736]

That's the right way to tackle that job... I Wish I could have been there for the pizza and beer part of the light install project... you know... to help out! 😁

[@Ryan-jk8du]

when you splice stranded to solid make sure the stranded wire is ahead of the solid wire so the wire nut can pinch the wires together better makes a stronger connection

[@shannonphillips3869]

Nice!

[@WrenchNinja91]

That panther pink Cuda 😍

[@BC-hr2of]

just bought them at Costco 😎 … easy install and we have a ground wire 😎 … sharing your video 👍🏽 … no bonding lugs 🤔 … sweet tool that tapper 👀

[@jamarone5902]

Thank you

[@brianhopkins5251]

that magnetic wrist band is cool as heck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zTribalstylerz]

Nice lights and nice cars!

[@AlexeiTetenov]

I recommend using motion-detecting lights with included cameras instead of just motion lights these days. They are not significantly more expensive and being able to monitor them from a smartphone is invaluable.

[@electroman982]

Certainly ones opinion...and you know what they say!

[@Superman-xr1oh]

@@electroman982 🙄

[@Janzer_]

@@electroman982 lol, someone always has a better/different idea. :D

[@drewcama2488]

OK, we all want that 6in1 tap driver!

[@50calops]

As always, y'all hit a homerun!!

[@mr.g937]

Not a fan of using conduit as a ground. Fittings often get loose and all it takes is one disconnected or loose fitting to ruin your entire ground path. I prefer running a dedicated ground always.

[@lyradm1]

Totally agree. Been burned by conduit open grounds

[@HBSuccess]

It’s better no doubt to run a dedicated ground, but on a big commercial job the cost of the extra conductor can be the difference between winning and losing a tight competitive bid. So if it’s not specified by the owner and it’s not code nobody is going to do it.

[@tphvac87]

Omg what a gorgeous automobile! I don’t like slotted screws anymore idk how our old timer counterparts screws slotted screws to duct work, kudos to them!

[@robd.4319]

Hey stud pack another great video. wow wouldn't you love to drive that car I would.

[@frankletizia7835]

I never saw a magnet wrist band on anybody else . Great idea . Would get a shock if got hit by power was on? Great job !! I just got done wiring same flood light.

[@DanielleD117]

Lol "sometimes." really enjoy your videos.

[@sen3990]

cars and construction hell yea !

[@hansangb]

I *hate* these videos. Because it puts me in the doghouse with the boss.. I mean how am I *NOT* supposed to get the klein ratcheting screwdriver? And the tapping tool? Will I need it? THAT'S BESIDE the point. I *may* need it, so I want it. Of course, the upside, is that ratcheting one looks a lot like my 11-in-1 Klein so she may never know! LOL 😂 thank you Studpack for another educational and fun video.

[@yh21510775]

Thanks

[@lostreb]

Thank you first for the tip on the 6 in 1 tap by Ideal Industries! That has to be as handy as the magnetic wristband! I would have been pulling out my Tap And Die set, and sometimes something as convenient as the Ideal Industries Tap is so much more cost effective (not to mention time saving effective because we all know time = $$$$!!). I subscribe to the theory work smarter, not harder. Great tip reminding everyone the wire caps should point up. (Unfortunately for me, everything I've learned has been through the school of hard knocks, and while this is a common sense tip once it's been pointed out? I never had anyone to tell me. Just goes to show in my mid-70's, I'm not too old to learn new tricks or anything new, contrary to what I'm told constantly...Yes that is an attempt at levity!) Huge fan of repurposing the "contractor" light inside!! Great Video. Please keep them coming.

[@danbrookshire5628]

Looking forward to the stranded wire video!

[@4212daniel]

now we need a video on the cars 😁

[@b.powell3480]

Great video, Paul and Jordan!! Enjoy the pizza 🍕

[@udalimb384]

I do only sumple stuff. My ratchet screw driver is my favorite tool.