Outside Light For Pole Barn

[Glenn In Michigan]

Hi All,

I need to install a outside wall light for the entrance/service door to meet code on my new barn. Siding is steel (.029), placed vertically. Not thrilled at the idea of drilling holes in my new building, but it is what it is.

Plan A - I've looked at the PVC mounting blocks at HD and Lowes. One even had a self-contained electrical box. However, the block was huge and unattractive. Any other suggestions or pictures would be appreciated!

Plan B - Would it be acceptable to mount a metal shallow/pancake ceiling box OUTSIDE, and mount the light directly to it? Thinking this would totally conceal the box. Due to some small ridges on the steel, the light fixture will not fit perfectly flush. I would either use a dremel to create recesses in the fixture to accomodate the ridges, or caulk the top section with clear RTV.

In any event, I would screw the box or block through the steel an into a perlin (2x4). Then, would I need to run a steel ****** through the perlin and into the box/block?

I hope this makes sence. This is a great resource!

Thanks.

 

[ForceFed70]

Typically what you do is get a traditional octagon box, mount it behind your siding, and cut a 4" (or so) hole. Sidings are almost never flat, so you typically use a trim ring designed for your siding type. The fixture mounts to the box not to siding.

Now, if you don't want to do that you could use conduit and surface mount a metal octagon box (tricky on uneven siding), but it won't look as good and you'll need to be careful with what fixture type you use (most have a gasket and are ment to seat against your trim ring). You'll also need to be careful with regard to water intrusion as most boxes are not ment for outdoor use. This may or may not be a concern depending on overhang, weather in your area, etc.

 

[Glenn In Michigan]

Thanks for the reply!

I do have good 2x4 perlin structure where I could mount a ceiling box on the inside.

I have 12" overhangs, but I'm in Michigan where the weather can get dicey.

Looking forward to others who may have equally good solutions/suggestions!

 

[tylernt]

most boxes are not ment for outdoor use. This may or may not be a concern depending on overhang

Even under an overhang (what I would consider a "damp" area per code rather than a "wet" area), I think a surface mounted standard metal box is kind of iffy. IMHO the best solution is to cut that 4" hole and use a recessed box.

Can you locate the hole between the metal ridges so you have a flat-ish surface that a gasket can seal to? If not, I would not depend solely on caulk to seal up the gaps between the light fixture and the ridged siding. It'll be fine for a few years but eventually large globs of caulk crack and pull away.

Instead, I would grab some cellular PVC (a 2x4 made of PVC instead of wood) or composite (plastic) decking material and carve it out to mate tightly to the ridged siding, then sandwich it between the light and the siding with caulk and screws. The constant pressure from the screws will keep the caulk from failing for decades to come.

 

[Glenn In Michigan]

Instead, I would grab some cellular PVC (a 2x4 made of PVC instead of wood) or composite (plastic) decking material and carve it out to mate tightly to the ridged siding, then sandwich it between the light and the siding with caulk and screws. The constant pressure from the screws will keep the caulk from failing for decades to come.

Ridges are approx 5" apart.

Are you suggesting to locate the PVC inside or outside?

Thanks.

 

[tylernt]

Are you suggesting to locate the PVC inside or outside?

Outside, to act as an "adapter" between the ridged siding and the flat light fixture.

Ridges are approx 5" apart.

Here's a different option for you then -- recess a standard rectangular single-gang electrical box, the kind you might install a standard receptacle in. But instead of a receptacle, install something like this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_69750-53911-S203WHE_4294653953__?productId=3333118&Ns

and then something like this:

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...oreId=10151&productId=3136459&catalogId=10051

(Those are just example products, I'm not suggesting those are the best brands/models.)

 

[Highbeam]

I got the same "violation" when I got my electrical permit for the pole barn. I face mounted a plastic PVC box to the purlin blocking and drilled a hole in the back to feed wire large enough to also accomodate the romex clamp on the box.

I did not want to drill any holes in the metal siding. Put your light up in the soffit area to stay out of the metal and out of the weather.