Geo wrote:
I have a two story house that I want to add outdoor lighting to. Can
someone recommend what is appropriate lighting for the exterior of the
house? I presume flood lights are in order, but I don't understand
what wattage I should be looking for. I've seen flood lights at 10W,
20W and 50W, but I just don't know what's the best to use. Thanks in
advance.


What sort of outdoor lighting? Is this decorative, as in around a patio
or along a garden walk? Do you want a security light at your doors,
perhaps on a motion sensor? Do you want to light an area? Floodlights
are really only useful in the latter case. Small floods can be used for
security lighting, but IMNSHO are a bit of overkill.

As a general rule of thumb, the more watts a light is rated at, the more
light it will cast. It will also draw more current and I'm 99.9% certain
the electrical code will require exterior lights to be on their own
circuit(s).

As a sidebar comment, have a look around at your favourite home
hardware/plumbing/electrical store; they usually have a simplified
version of the electrical code, written in layman's language. Well worth
adding to your DIY library.

Yours aye,
W. Underhill

--
"Take sides! Always take sides! You may sometimes be wrong - but the man
who refuses to take sides must *always* be wrong! Heaven save us from
poltroons who fear to make a choice!" R.A. Heinlein, "Double Star"