Exterior Lighting Upgrades Guide — Saint Paul & Twin Cities
Well-planned outdoor lighting boosts safety, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. This quick guide covers fixture choices, controls, and code-aware installation tips. If you’re ready to book an upgrade, jump to our service page below.
Get an upgrade: Exterior Lighting Upgrade Service →
Planning & Safety
- Listed equipment: Use wet-rated fixtures and boxes for exposed locations; damp-rated for covered areas.
- Weatherproofing: In-use covers, proper gaskets, and sealed entries keep moisture out.
- Circuits & protection: GFCI where required; AFCI/GFCI combos in many residential areas per current code.
- Wiring methods: Exterior-rated cable/conduit, proper supports, and code-compliant burial depths for underground runs.
Fixture Choices
- LED everything: Lower wattage, long life, and better lumen output.
- Dark-sky friendly: Cutoff fixtures aim light down, reduce glare, and keep neighbors happy.
- Use-case picks: Wall packs for entries/garages; path lights for walkways; spot/floods for driveways or security; soffit lights for accent.
Controls
- Photocell + timer: Dusk-to-dawn reliability with time windows for efficiency.
- Motion sensors: Auto-on for driveways and side yards; aim carefully to avoid nuisance trips.
- Smart options: App schedules, scenes, and integration with existing smart homes.
FAQ
Do I need a permit?
New circuits, new boxes, or trenching typically require a permit and inspection. Simple like-for-like swaps at existing rated boxes may not—ask us and we’ll advise.
Low-voltage vs 120V—what should I choose?
Low-voltage is great for paths and accent lighting with flexible layouts. Line-voltage works well for security floods, garages, and larger areas.
How do you handle underground wiring?
We use exterior-rated wiring/conduit and follow Minnesota-adopted code for burial depth, routing, and marking to protect against damage.
Will LED fixtures hold up to winter?
Quality, outdoor-rated LEDs perform well in cold temps and start instantly—just choose reputable, listed fixtures.
Next Steps
Want bright, efficient, and code-compliant outdoor lighting? We plan the layout, install rated equipment, and handle any required permits.