Installing outdoor lighting around your commercial property is more than just a visual upgrade. It’s a smart, strategic investment. Well-placed lighting can enhance your building’s appearance, increase property value, improve safety for employees and customers, and even deter criminal activity. But when it comes to any electrical project, it’s critical to prioritize safety and compliance. That’s why working with a licensed electrician is always the right choice.
At Paragon Electric , we help businesses across Plantation, FL, and surrounding areas install outdoor lighting systems that are safe, efficient, and fully up to code. Here’s everything you should know before starting your next lighting project, courtesy of our commercial electrical service experts.
Assessing Your Electrical Load Capacity
Before installing any new outdoor lighting, the first step is to perform an electrical load calculation. This process involves evaluating how much power is already being used on the electrical circuit you need to use. The goal is to ensure the circuit can support the added demand without exceeding its capacity.
Many commercial buildings operate with tight electrical loads due to equipment, HVAC systems, appliances, and office lighting already in use. If you add outdoor lighting to a maxed-out circuit, it could cause breakers to trip frequently or even result in overheating and fire hazards.
A licensed electrician can assess the electrical load and determine if your current setup can accommodate the additional lighting. If not, they may recommend installing a new circuit or redistributing some existing loads to maintain safe operation. This analysis is essential for long-term reliability and energy efficiency.
Navigating Permit and Code Requirements
Electrical codes and permitting requirements for commercial properties are typically stricter than those for residential buildings. In most cases, if you’re installing new wiring, circuits, or any outdoor lighting that changes your electrical system, a permit is required.
Permits are not just red tape—they ensure the work is inspected for safety and compliance. Working without a permit can lead to fines, failed inspections, or even insurance claim issues in the future. Most jurisdictions also require permits to be pulled by a licensed electrician, especially for commercial work.
When you hire Paragon Electric , we handle the permit process for you. We make sure all installations are completed to meet or exceed the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and local building codes, providing peace of mind and long-term protection for your investment.
Scheduling a Utility Locate for Safety
Outdoor lighting installations often require underground wiring, especially for parking lots, pathways, or landscape lighting placed away from the building. Before any digging begins, you’re legally required to call 811 and schedule a utility locate. This step must be done at least three business days in advance.
Next, local utility companies will visit your site and clearly mark the location of underground lines, including gas, water, sewer, and electrical. Skipping this step can be costly and dangerous. Damaging a utility line can result in hefty repair costs, serious injury, and even temporary business closures.
At Paragon Electric , we coordinate utility locates as part of our pre-installation process, helping you avoid unnecessary risks and stay compliant with legal requirements.
Choosing the Right Wiring Method
Wiring for outdoor lighting must be properly protected from environmental factors like moisture, UV exposure, and physical damage. For surface-mounted wiring (like lights attached to building exteriors), electrical code requires the use of weather-resistant conduit, typically made of metal or rigid plastic. This protects the wiring from corrosion and mechanical wear.
For underground installations, wiring must either be buried at a specific depth or run through an approved conduit system. While certain types of wire can be buried without conduit, we always recommend using conduit as an added layer of protection, especially in commercial environments where future digging or landscaping could pose a risk.
Conduit helps prevent accidental damage, reduces long-term maintenance needs, and offers an extra layer of safety for your lighting system. Our team at Paragon Electric will select the appropriate conduit and wiring materials based on the project’s location, conditions, and usage requirements.
Installation and Final Testing
Once permits are approved and utility lines are marked, installation can begin. Our electricians will route the wiring, install the fixtures, and connect everything to your electrical panel using proper grounding and safety protocols.
The final step is to test the system thoroughly. We check each light for functionality, verify that switches and timers are working correctly, and inspect the system for any potential issues. Even if permits aren’t required, having a licensed electrician perform this final stage is vital to reduce fire risk and ensure the system operates reliably.
Incorrect wiring can lead to shorts, flickering lights, overheating, and worst of all, electrical fires. These problems can shut down your business, possibly permanently. That’s why we never cut corners. Every lighting system we install is tested and verified to meet commercial-grade standards for performance and safety.
Why Businesses Choose Paragon Electric
We understand that commercial properties have unique electrical needs. Whether you’re lighting up a storefront, office complex, warehouse, or restaurant patio, our experienced electricians will design a lighting system tailored to your property and business goals.
We handle everything—from the initial load calculations and permitting to utility coordination and professional installation. You won’t have to worry about code violations, safety hazards, or rework. Our goal is to provide lighting solutions that enhance your property’s appearance and improve its overall function and security.
Contact us at Paragon Electric today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.
