How much does it cost to add outdoor lighting in Ottawa?

Outdoor lighting installation in Ottawa typically costs between $200-800 per fixture for professional installation, with most homeowners spending $1,500-4,000 for a complete outdoor lighting system.

The total cost depends on several factors including the type of fixtures, wiring complexity, and whether new circuits are needed. Landscape lighting with low-voltage LED fixtures runs $200-400 per light, while security floodlights or decorative post lights requiring 120V circuits cost $300-800 each installed.

Basic outdoor lighting projects like replacing existing porch lights or adding motion sensor floods to existing circuits are on the lower end. However, comprehensive landscape lighting systems with path lights, accent lighting, and architectural features require more extensive wiring and planning, pushing costs higher.

ESA permits are required when adding new outdoor circuits or installing fixtures that need new wiring runs. Most outdoor lighting installations need permits since they involve new circuits or modifications to existing electrical systems. Your licensed electrician will handle the permit process and ensure all work meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements for wet locations.

Key cost factors in Ottawa include:

• Fixture quality: Basic LED floods ($100-200) vs. premium landscape lights ($300-600)


• Wiring complexity: Existing circuits vs. new dedicated circuits from the panel


• Trenching: Underground wiring for landscape lights adds $8-15 per linear foot


• GFCI protection: Required for all outdoor circuits, may need panel upgrades


• Winter installation: Frozen ground can increase labor costs 20-30%

Safety considerations are critical with outdoor electrical work. All outdoor outlets and lighting circuits must have GFCI protection, and fixtures must be rated for wet locations. Low-voltage landscape lighting (12V systems) offers safer installation and lower operating costs, though the transformer and connections still require professional installation to code.

Popular outdoor lighting options in Ottawa include LED security floods with motion sensors ($300-500 installed), decorative coach lights for entryways ($400-700), and comprehensive landscape lighting packages starting around $2,500 for basic coverage of a typical residential lot.

For a free estimate on your outdoor lighting project tailored to your specific property and needs, Electrical Ottawa can provide detailed pricing and design recommendations from ESA-licensed electricians in the Ottawa Construction Network.

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Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted, ESA-licensed electricians from the Ottawa Construction Network:Ottawa Electrical Contractors:

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• Faulkner Electric

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