So I decided to build a cupola to go on the top of the garage. Just a few more finishing touches before moving it to the roof. I built it in three parts to make moving it easier. The base, the middle or the window part, and the roof. The roof is covered with 4 pieces of slate with painted aluminum ridge cap and are removable to make it easier to move. All the screws are either stainless steel or painted metal roof screws and there are hinges on the roof to allow access once it is mounted. Once mounted I will run the electric wire underneath the existing ridge cap through the roof so I plug the lights in. The lights will be on a timer (WIFI) so I can adjust whenever I like. Once mounted on the roof (waiting for some warmer weather) I will post finished pictures.
When I did my outdoor lights I used a photo electric eye mounted on the end of my shop where the sunsets. I never need to reset a timer and the lights come on at dusk and off slightly after dawn. I ran the circuit from the breaker in the box to a junction box where I mounted the photo cell. I then went from the photo cell to the lighting I wanted to control. The best thing about doing it this way was they all turn on and off at the same time. I had to run some extra buried conduit and wiring to connect all the exterior lighting on the shop, garage and house but it is really nice now.
Ok, so I do not want to be that guy but be careful with the electrical part. "Plugging" in the light will require a weather tite box, cover and conduit. Running the "wire" in the ridge cap creates a wiring chase which means you can not run Romex inside it, also can not run Romex in conduit. So do some research so you stay somewhat in compliance in case something goes wrong.
Looks good so far.. ironpony when did it become bad/poor etiquette to offer sound safety tips? Especially on a man’s garage!!
Thanks for the suggestions on the wiring. The only reason I am going under the ridge cap is to no drill a hole through the roof though I do plan to sleave it and not use the ridge cap as a chase. I opted to not use outdoor covers as the structure is water tight and the outlets are not outside but you are probably correct as this would be considered a damp location but not a wet location. Damp requires outlet covers when not in use but wet requires waterproof covers when in use. Everything is on a GFI and the timer I have is WIFI so I can change the schedule on my phone. There is also a separate switch on this circuit. Thank you for comments and suggestions.
Well, being I am not as active as in the beginning of the forum I wanted a disclaimer in case the OP was someone I have not interacted with much.
I mounted the cupola today since the weather was cooperating. I also took the advise of Ironpony and changed all my wiring and used non-metallic flexible conduit and waterproof fittings. Took a few pictures along the way. Originally I planned on using a painted aluminum roof with standing seams but I did not like how it turned out so I decided to use slate instead. I had to cut the slate to fit and used a diamond blade in a skillsaw. I did use painted aluminum flashing for the corners. 400 little lights in it which are on the same timer as my garage (barn) outside lights.
