Exterior Lighting Installation in Ottawa

A basic porch light or entry fixture replacement runs $280 to $450 depending on the fixture and whether we need to upgrade the box or wiring. Motion sensor security floods cost $250 to $350 per fixture. Landscape lighting with six to eight path lights starts around $1,200 for basic installations. More complex setups with smart controls and multiple zones can reach $2,000 to $3,000. Homes in older Ottawa neighbourhoods like Westboro and Hintonburg sometimes need new circuits run from the panel, which adds to the installation cost. Newer homes in Kanata and Barrhaven often have existing outdoor circuits that we can tie into, which keeps costs lower. We give you a written price after assessing the job, before any work starts.

Yes. The Ontario Electrical Code requires GFCI protection for all outdoor outlets and certain outdoor lighting circuits. GFCI devices detect current imbalances and shut off power instantly to prevent shock in wet conditions. We install GFCI breakers at the panel or GFCI receptacles at the point of use depending on the circuit layout. Homes built before GFCI requirements became standard often have outdoor outlets without protection. We upgrade these to current code during exterior lighting installations. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles and frequent rain make GFCI protection essential for outdoor electrical safety. If your outdoor outlets or lights trip frequently, the GFCI may be functioning correctly by detecting a fault, or it may need replacement.

IP65 or higher is recommended for Ottawa. The IP rating indicates how well a fixture resists dust and water intrusion. IP65 means the fixture is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. This matters in Ottawa because winter freeze-thaw cycles can force moisture into lower-rated fixtures, damaging sockets and wiring. Fixtures rated IP44 or lower are suitable for covered porches but not fully exposed locations. If you're installing landscape lighting or security floods in open areas, confirm the fixture is rated IP65 or IP66. Hydro Ottawa's service territory experiences significant seasonal temperature variation, so fixtures need to handle both summer humidity and winter ice buildup without degrading.

The vast majority of exterior lighting work does not require a permit. If one is needed for your installation, we handle all the paperwork and scheduling with ESA. You don't need to contact anyone or track deadlines. Our electricians work under the master electrician licence, which authorises this type of installation in Ontario. Most Ottawa homeowners don't need to think about permits at all. It's part of how we manage every job from start to finish. ESA may require an inspection for certain types of work, and if that applies to your project, we organise it and ensure the installation passes.

Yes, in most cases. We can replace a standard switch with a motion sensor switch, or we can install a motion sensor fixture in place of an existing light. The approach depends on your fixture type and switch location. If the existing wiring is in good condition and the box is weatherproof, we swap the fixture and test the sensor settings. If the box or wiring needs upgrading to current code, we handle that as part of the installation. Motion sensors work well for security lighting at entries and along driveways. Settings typically include sensitivity adjustment, duration control, and ambient light detection so the sensor only activates after dark.

A single porch light or motion sensor flood usually takes one to two hours. Landscape lighting with multiple fixtures can take half a day to a full day depending on the number of lights, circuit requirements, and site conditions. If we need to run a new circuit from the panel, add time for routing cable through finished walls or along exterior surfaces. Homes in older Ottawa neighbourhoods sometimes have plaster walls or brick exteriors that require careful planning to avoid visible surface damage. We assess the routing before starting and confirm the timeline with you. Most installations are completed in a single visit.

Yes. We install both low-voltage and line-voltage landscape lighting across Ottawa. Low-voltage systems use a transformer to step down power to 12 volts, which makes them safer and easier to adjust. These are common for path lighting, garden accents, and uplighting for trees or architectural features. Line-voltage systems run on 120 volts and provide brighter output for larger areas or security purposes. We help select the right system based on your layout, the number of fixtures, and whether you want smart controls or timers. Installation includes trenching cables, mounting fixtures, and programming controls where applicable.

Yes. We install timers, photocell controls, and smart switches compatible with most home automation systems. Timers turn lights on and off at set times each day. Photocells detect ambient light levels and activate fixtures automatically at dusk. Smart switches connect to your Wi-Fi network and let you control lights from your phone or integrate them with motion sensors, door sensors, or voice assistants. Compatibility depends on your system, so confirm device lists before purchasing fixtures. Many Ottawa homeowners use smart controls to manage security lighting while away or to reduce energy use by scheduling lights only when needed.