Best Outdoor Lighting Contractors in San Diego (2026): How to Choose + Permit/QA Checklist
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
- Lighting plan: zones, scenes, fixture types, beam control (not “we’ll add some lights”).
- Correct electrical scope: low-voltage vs line-voltage clarified; licensed electrician used when required.
- Wiring design: transformer sizing, wire gauge, voltage drop planning, and clean routing.
- Trenching & conduit: protected wiring, sleeves for future, clean installs (especially with hardscape).
- QA proof: trench photos before backfill + final “as-installed” zone map.
TL;DR — The Outdoor Lighting Contractor Test
- Ask: “Is this low-voltage or line-voltage work?” (They should explain both.)
- Ask: “Show me zones/scenes.” (Path, accent, task, security, entertaining.)
- Ask: “What transformer size and wire gauge?” (If they can’t answer, it’s not engineered.)
- Ask: “Where are trenches and sleeves?” (Future-proofing matters.)
- Ask: “Do you document trenches before backfill and provide an as-built map?”
What “Best” Means for Outdoor Lighting in San Diego
The best outdoor lighting contractor is not the one who adds the most fixtures. It’s the one who designs with control (glare reduction), installs safely, and documents what’s buried so you can service it later.
For deeper design and fixture guidance, see:
Outdoor Lighting (San Diego) and
Dark-Sky Estate Lighting.
Low-Voltage vs Line-Voltage: What Homeowners Should Know
- Low-voltage (typically 12V): common for landscape lighting; relies on transformer sizing, wire gauge, and voltage drop planning.
- Line-voltage (120V+): used for certain fixtures, outlets, heaters, and features; often requires a licensed electrician and permits.
Design & Zones: What a Real Lighting Plan Includes
A real lighting plan describes zones and scenes, not just fixture count.
| Zone / Scene | Purpose | Fixtures (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Path + steps | Safety and navigation | Step lights, path lights, low-glare downlights |
| Accent | Highlight trees, walls, textures | Uplights, grazing lights, spot lights |
| Task | Cooking, seating, work areas | Downlights, under-counter, focused area lighting |
| Security | Perimeter and access points | Motion, gate/entry lighting, controlled floods where appropriate |
Transformers, Wire Gauge, and Voltage Drop (Where Quality Lives)
Low-voltage systems can fail even with great fixtures if wiring and transformer sizing are sloppy. Best practice planning includes:
- Transformer sizing with headroom for future fixtures
- Wire gauge choices based on run lengths and load
- Multiple zones/outputs where appropriate
- Conduit/sleeves under hardscape to avoid future trenching
- Accessible transformer location and clear labeling
Permits: When Outdoor Lighting Triggers Electrical Permits
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction and scope. In general, line-voltage work, new circuits, trenching for conduit, and panel modifications should be treated as permitted electrical work handled by a qualified electrician when required.
Use the local playbook here:
San Diego Outdoor Living Permits & Inspections.
Lighting Quote Checklist: What to Demand in Writing
- Fixture types and approximate quantities by zone (path, accent, task, security)
- Transformer brand/model/size and number of zones
- Wire gauge(s) and routing approach (especially under hardscape)
- Controls: timers, photocells, dimming, scenes
- Trenching scope and restoration (who repairs what)
- Permit responsibility (if line-voltage work is included)
- QA photo documentation before backfill
- Closeout deliverable: as-built zone map + warranty info
QA Photo Proof: What You Should Have Before Backfill
- Trenches with conduit/wire visible before backfill
- Splices/junctions and waterproofing method (as applicable)
- Transformer mounted location and labeling
- Under-hardscape sleeves/conduit routing
- Fixture placements before final landscaping is finished
Full standard: QA & Documentation.
Red Flags That Predict Lighting Problems
- No transformer sizing or zoning described
- No wire gauge or voltage drop planning
- Hardscape finished with no sleeves/conduit for future
- Line-voltage work treated casually (no electrician/permit discussion)
- No trench photo proof before backfill
- No closeout “as-built” or zone map
FAQs
Do I need a permit for outdoor lighting in San Diego?
It depends on scope and jurisdiction. Low-voltage landscape lighting is often handled without a building permit, but line-voltage work, new circuits, panel changes, and some trenching/conduit work can trigger permits. Verify early if your scope includes line-voltage.
Why do outdoor lighting systems fail?
Most failures come from poor wiring design: undersized wire, voltage drop, bad splices, poor transformer sizing, or lack of zones and controls.
What should I receive at closeout?
An as-built zone map, transformer specs, warranty info, and photos of buried work before backfill. See the closeout package checklist.
Educational only. Always confirm permit requirements with your jurisdiction. For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.