Fit a solar security light to an exterior brick wall

Fix a solar security light to a brick wall safely, checking for hidden cables before drilling and testing the sensor works.

SL-01Choose the spot and check the wallPick a height of 2.2–2.5m so the light is hard to reach but still triggers on someone approaching. Make sure the solar panel will get several hours of direct sun a day — shaded spots won't charge the battery properly. Tap the wall to confirm it's solid brick or block, not render over something hollow, and avoid pointing the sensor straight at a neighbour's window.

1 each · Solar security light (PIR)

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1 each · Pencil

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SL-02Mark the fixing holes and check for hazards before drillingHold the bracket against the wall, level it, and mark the two fixing points. Run a detector over the marks — cables for outside sockets, alarm bells or satellite dishes can run through exterior walls, and detectors can miss ones that are deep or behind metal. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can act fast if you ever hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about what's behind the wall, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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1 each · Spirit level

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SL-03Drill and plug the holesFit a 6mm masonry bit and drill straight into the brick to a depth of 40mm, wearing safety glasses and a dust mask. Push a matching wall plug into each hole until it sits flush. If a hole feels loose or crumbly, drill it slightly deeper rather than using a fatter plug in soft or old brick.

1 each · 6mm masonry drill bit

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2 each · Wall plugs (red, for 6mm hole)

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1 each · Safety glasses

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1 each · Dust mask

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SL-04Fix the bracket to the wallLine the bracket up with the plugged holes and drive in the screws until snug — don't overtighten, or you'll crack the plug in the brick. Check the bracket is level and doesn't rock before moving on.

2 each · Stainless steel screws (4 x 40mm)

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SL-05Attach the light and set the sensorClip or screw the light head onto the bracket and angle the solar panel to face as close to south as the mounting allows. Set the PIR sensor's range and sensitivity dials to a mid setting for now — you'll fine-tune these once it's dark. If the unit takes a separate battery, fit it now, following the maker's instructions.

SL-06Test the light and tidy upCover the solar panel with your hand for a few seconds in daylight to force the light on and check it works, or wait until dusk. Walk across the sensor's range at the distance you want it to trigger, and adjust the dials if it fires too early, too late, or not at all. Sweep up any brick dust, and check the lens and panel are clean and the bracket is still tight.

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