Replacing two existing barrel outside lights Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[deemi786]

Hi all,

Hoping someone can help. I have 2 barrel lights outside of the house which are hardwired, the switch for them is near the front door in the hallway.

I want to replace these with solar powered barrel lights. My question is, what do I do with the existing wires connected to the lights? I obviously wont need these anymore so do they need to be capped off? I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. Do I need to get the wires removed or is is as easy as wrapping some insulation tape around the wires and leave them in the wall outside? Possibly behind the new solar powered lights?

[Mr White]

You should isolate the wires, insulation tape is not recommended as it will fail over time. You can use choc blocs or better still wago connectors.
I would also suggest you leave your new solar lights outside for a week before you change them over to see if they are suitable. The principal of solar lights is sound but in practice this time of year they are often of little use.

[deemi786]

thanks for the reply but aren't they too big? will they fit behind the recess of the existing solar lights? or do i chase them into the walls behind the light?

Apologies for the stupid questions

[Mr White]

If the wires with wago connectors on do not fit behind the lights, then yes, make the recess bigger so they will fit.

But I really do suggest you try the solar lights for a week first. I have been looking on YT and as I already know, most that have reviewed them are not 100% happy and some go on to mention they fail after a few months.