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Outdoor Lighting Installation Services in Los Angeles
*Updated November 2025
Outdoor lighting should do more than look pretty — it should make pathways safer, highlight architecture, and stand up to Los Angeles weather. RG Electric designs and installs code-compliant exterior lighting for homes, apartments, and small commercial properties. From low-voltage landscape runs to line-voltage wall lights and floodlighting, our licensed C-10 team delivers neat, durable work that passes inspection and looks great at night.
Design that blends beauty, safety, and efficiency
Good exterior lighting is layered. Paths and steps need low-glare wayfinding. Entries and patios call for warm, inviting light with minimal shadows. Trees, facades, and architectural details get subtle accents to create depth. We walk the site at dusk when possible, map dark zones and glare risks, and propose a balanced plan that prioritizes safety while elevating curb appeal. Fixture selection, beam spread, and color temperature are coordinated so every zone feels intentional.
Low-voltage vs. line-voltage — choosing the right backbone
Low-voltage (12–15V) landscape systems are flexible and efficient for paths, gardens, and accent lighting. We use listed, weather-rated transformers, bury cable to safe depths, and balance voltage so fixtures at the end of the run shine as evenly as those near the transformer. Line-voltage (120V) is ideal for wall lights, soffit downlights, floodlighting, and areas that require higher output or switched circuits. We’ll often mix both, using low-voltage for soft glow and line-voltage where punch and control are needed.
Pathways, entries, and architectural accents
Path and step lighting should guide without blinding. We place fixtures to avoid trip hazards and keep light on the walking surface, not in your eyes or neighbors’ windows. Entry sconces and soffit downlights provide secure, consistent light at doors and gates; we size boxes and bracing to support heavier fixtures and seal penetrations for weather. Accent lighting for trees, columns, and textures uses narrow or wide beams based on the height and surface. We avoid “hot spots” by setting distances and aiming carefully, then tune levels to keep the composition calm and elegant.
Security lighting that feels welcoming, not harsh
Security lighting protects the property without turning your yard into a stadium. We use aimed floodlights, shielded fixtures, and motion detection with appropriate timeouts so light activates when needed and rests when it is not. Strategic mounting at eaves or garage corners reduces shadows that could hide movement. Where cameras are installed, we coordinate beam direction and color temperature to support clear video at night. For wider sites, we add zones with independent controls so you can secure perimeters while keeping patios comfortable.
Smart controls, timers, and sensors
Controls make the system effortless. We use astronomic timers that track sunrise and sunset automatically, dusk-to-dawn photo controls, and motion sensors where targeted activation makes sense. Smart switches and low-voltage controllers enable app control, scenes, and schedules. For multi-unit properties, we standardize components so maintenance is simple and replacements are available, then label circuits and provide a one-page control map for management.
Weatherproof, long-lasting installations
Outdoor work fails early when connections aren’t protected. We use listed, weather-rated boxes and covers, in-use covers where cords connect, and gel-filled or heat-shrink splices for low-voltage runs. Conduit is sized and strapped correctly, penetrations are sealed, and fixtures get drip loops to keep water away from terminations. We specify fixtures with solid finishes and quality drivers so the look holds up through sun, salt air, and irrigation. At the panel, we verify surge protection to protect LED drivers from voltage spikes.
Retrofit upgrades with minimal disruption
Many projects are retrofits. We replace corroded floodlights with efficient LED fixtures, convert older halogen systems to low-voltage LEDs, add soffit downlights to extend living spaces, and re-route exposed cords into proper conduit. We protect landscaping during trenching, use existing sleeves where possible, and leave the site clean. If your panel is full or a legacy brand, we can add a sub-panel or recommend a safe panel upgrade so new lighting has reliable power and the inspection is smooth.
Apartments, HOAs, and small commercial properties
For shared spaces, durability and consistency matter. We standardize lamp types and color temperatures across courtyards, walkways, mailrooms, gyms, and pool areas. Vandal-resistant fixtures are specified where needed, and lighting levels are set to be secure without being harsh. We label circuits and provide fixture schedules for maintenance. When projects are phased, we coordinate with management to minimize downtime and keep paths safely lit during construction. Explore our commercial electrical services for larger scopes.
Code, permits, and inspection
Exterior lighting must meet current code and product listings. That includes GFCI protection where required, proper burial depth or support for wiring methods, conductor fill limits, weather-rated enclosures, and support for heavy fixtures. We pull permits when needed, meet the inspector, and provide labeled photos for your records. If we uncover unsafe conditions — damaged boxes, corroded terminations, or overloaded circuits — we document and correct them so the installation is safe and compliant end to end.
Our process, from plan to glow
Start with photos or a simple sketch of your yard and the areas you want to highlight. We discuss goals — beauty, safety, security — then propose fixtures, beam spreads, and controls that fit your budget. On site, we protect finishes and landscaping, trench or run conduit cleanly, set transformers and controls, and aim lights at dusk for best results. We leave you with a labeled control map and a tidy panel directory so the system is easy to operate and maintain.
Costs and timeline
Price depends on fixture count, run length and access, trenching versus surface runs, control complexity, and whether new circuits or a sub-panel are required. Simple entry and path packages can complete in a day; larger landscapes and multi-building sites are phased. To speed quoting, include fixture counts, distances from power, and any existing low-voltage gear when you request an estimate. We provide clear pricing and can bundle related work — e.g., dedicated circuits or EV charger power — to reduce repeat visits.
Related electrical services
Exterior lighting pairs well with wiring improvements, panel upgrades, indoor lighting upgrades, and emergency electrical repairs if damage is discovered during installation.
