Best outdoor step lights according to redditors

These solar motion lights. Really handy, I have them scattered all over the property, just hang on anything with a nail. Nice having a motion light right next to the trash cans if I have to take the trash out at night, also scares off critters since it's motion-sensing.

Look into path lights and see if they are something you find useful.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q7N6L7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GDL1DbTSKFGYK

Also, maybe just have some lights turn on when the ring detects movement (that people can see from outside) and then turn off after a while.

These are the items used for the landscape lighting:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FMMQPZ2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DIV23W0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DMQ801Y

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BT5614

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWZNVSR

It's this product: https://www.amazon.com/INLAR-Outdoor-Waterproof-Pathway-Security/dp/B07PPQHR2B/

Why it's there is anyone's guess.

simplest would be solar. lots of similar products to this out there: http://www.amazon.com/Set-Four-Solar-Step-Lights/dp/B00822VB9M

It's a nightlight/path light.

I'm a big fan of the company Mr. Beams. I have this light which does a great job at illuminating an entire staircase mounted on the wall near the top step. But I have two young dogs. For an older dog you'd probably want to put a few down the staircase.

A family member has this one which works really well for them on their outside steps.

>The problem is this switch activates randomly even when the door is closed.

Is this a major problem?

A better solution would be a sensor on the door for when it's opened. You would need a hub though.

Or maybe just use motion lights like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/Mr-Beams-Wireless-Battery-Operated-Motion-Sensing/dp/B00196WS6S

Mr Beams has some motion activated ones on Amazon. I use them in my closet and they are nice, and the batteries tend to last 6-12 months.

Here's one version:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008X099PG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solar Lights, QPAU Waterproof 12 LED Solar Powered Wireless Security Motion Sensor Light W Three Optimized Smart Modes for Modern Fixture Hallway Garden Stair Fence https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NOP5VK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JDGBxbT556CQ3

BAXIA Technology Solar Lights Outdoor, Wireless 100 LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights Waterproof Security Lighting Outdoor for Front Door, Backyard, Steps, Garage, Garden(2000LM, 2PACK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P5KRM9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5LjtDbG8W2Y28

I like this. And if you don't want plants on top you can attach solar deck lights or solar lamps.

Makes it look like a functional home safety device instead of a trap.

Better price:

Solar Light Outdoor 100 LED Waterproof Security Wall Night Light with Motion Sensor 270° Wide Angle for Pathway Porch Yard Garage Garden Fence Walkway Driveway https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S74HN2L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eL2iDbSB5DAMW

For the outdoor light, something like this. I have one similar for about 2 years and its still going. It has a regular 18650 inside.

For inside I'd get a lantern. Zanflare T1 I've seen recommended for near $20. Or just whatever is cheap on Amazon I guess.

Easiest outdoor lighting is using something like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076M172VM . Solar power with motion sensors. I use these for one side of my house to light up the walk way to the garbage cans. Been up for over a year and still work great. There all kinds of solar powered lighting. So should be able to find something that will work for your needs.

You may have a 12v system, or you may have a 115v system. Do not assume automatically that it is low voltage (although it almost certainly is) Verify this with a voltmeter.

As for making connections, there are many different styles of waterproof models. I like these myself:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DryConn-Tan-Low-Voltage-Waterproof-Wire-Connector-50-Pack-per-Canister-20136/205346935

As for the LEDs, just look for MR-16 bulbs of the correct voltage, with the bayonet pins. Here are 12v models:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-MR16-7-Watt-50-Watt-Equivalent-700-Lumens-/332129727995

For the deck steps, I'd go solar:

https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Garden-Lights-Outdoor-Lighting/dp/B01GJ5TUXW

Walmart & Amazon sell them. Some have AA batteries, some have 18650, which are 4.5v batteries, though the driver typically steps that down. The walkway and "candle"-type lights seem to have AA batteries, while the motion detector light types have 18650 cells.

The motion sensor could even be used to trigger a cheap Z-wave switch. I recall one mfr selling tiny, square switches (maybe Zigbee?) for $5-6. (Like the Xiaomi Aqara) ...A little cleverness with a Raspberry Pi and some Amazon Dash buttons would do it as well. Or an XBee board.

Here are the sort of 18650 lights I've purchased. Amazon has nearly constant deal-of-the-day "sales" on these. I wouldn't pay more than around $8-9 for one like this.

Another possibility is getting the components on eBay or aliexpress, straight from China.

I've been looking for something similar. We don't have any outlets in our upstairs hallway. They make battery operated motion sensor lights. I hate changing batteries but I imagine led bulbs are pretty efficient. I haven't bought any yet so I can't make a specific recommendation but here is one idea.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00196WS6S?pc_redir=1395473687&robot_redir=1