Residential Security Motion Lighting in Altadena

Professional Security Motion Lighting services for Altadena homes and businesses. Expert electrical installation with fire-resistant design, modern safety features, and full code compliance.

Licensed & Insured
A, B & C10 Contractor
25+ Years
Experience in LA
1000+ Projects
Successfully Completed

Our Work

Tesla Supercharger station with solar canopy installation by Shaffer Construction electrical contractorsCommercial EV charging infrastructure with electrical panels and utility meters installed by licensed electriciansTesla Powerwall battery storage system professionally installed on residential home exterior

Benefits

Smart, resilient control

We design security lighting that adapts to your needs and grows with your property. From motion sensors with adjustable range and timeouts to photocells, astronomical timers, and app-based controls, we deploy reliable, energy-efficient solutions. Prefer remote monitoring? We integrate Lutron Casèta, Ring, and similar platforms so you can check status, adjust schedules, and respond to alerts from anywhere—especially valuable during post-fire recovery when you may not be on-site full-time. Our layouts are scalable—adding side-yard floods, integrating camera systems, or expanding coverage during a rebuild is straightforward. We use high-efficacy LED fixtures, shielded optics, and weather-rated components designed for long-term foothill performance.

Permits and code mastery

Shaffer Construction manages Altadena permitting end to end and builds to the 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC) and California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). We design exterior lighting to meet high-efficacy requirements and incorporate compliant controls—motion sensors with photocells, smart timers, or networked systems. GFCI/AFCI protection, proper grounding/bonding, wet-location boxes, and sealed penetrations are standard. We coordinate inspections with Los Angeles County Building and Safety and provide documentation for insurance, HOAs, and future resale. For post-fire rebuilds, we deliver complete as-built records and code compliance certifications.

Built for foothill resilience

Quality materials and craftsmanship are essential in Altadena’s demanding foothill environment. We specify UL-listed, wet-location fixtures with powder-coated or anodized housings, UV-stable gaskets, and stainless steel hardware. Conduit is Schedule 40 PVC or rigid metal where required; all exterior joints are sealed with weatherproof connectors and heat-shrink where appropriate. On hillside properties, we route wiring to avoid erosion zones and protect conduit from brush contact and wildlife. We set proper mounting heights and angles to reduce glare and water intrusion, and we label circuits clearly at the panel for future service. The result: lighting that performs reliably season after season, through Santa Anas, wildfires, and recovery.

Site-specific lighting design

Every property is unique, and every post-fire rebuild presents distinct challenges. We walk the site at dusk to observe dark zones, traffic patterns, neighbor sightlines, and any areas of concern—especially vulnerable access points or construction zones. Then we propose fixture locations, beam spreads, and controls to light paths, entries, driveways, side yards, and rear patios—without hot spots or trespass. Typical solutions blend 3000–4000K LEDs for clear visibility with a warm, welcoming feel. We plan for wire routing (through attics, eaves, or trenched underground), account for panel capacity, and offer options for smart controls and camera integration. Our goal is a cohesive, low-glare solution that increases safety, supports your recovery, and complements your home’s architecture while respecting Altadena’s dark-sky character.

What We Offer

Perimeter and driveway LED flood light installation with shielded optics
Motion sensor placement and tuning for driveways, side yards, rear patios, and vulnerable access points
Photocells and astronomical timers configured for dusk/dawn operation
New dedicated exterior lighting circuits with GFCI/AFCI protection as required
Eave-mounted, wall-mounted, and soffit lighting installations with sealed boxes
Low-voltage pathway and step lighting for front walks, side gates, and hillside stairs
Smart lighting integration with Lutron Casèta, Ring, and similar platforms
Weatherproof conduit, junction boxes, and UV-resistant hardware for foothill zones
Panel capacity check and load calculations; upgrades if needed for older or rebuilt homes
HOA submittal packages with fixture cut sheets, site plans, and photometric data
Title 24-compliant high-efficacy fixtures and required controls documentation
Nighttime aiming and commissioning to eliminate glare and light trespass

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit in Altadena to add motion-activated exterior lights?+

If you’re replacing an existing fixture at the same location, a permit may not be required. When adding new circuits, relocating fixtures, or trenching wiring—common in post-fire rebuilds—an electrical permit from Los Angeles County Building and Safety is typically needed. We assess the scope, advise on permit needs, and handle applications and inspections. Permit timelines are commonly 2–4 weeks depending on workload and project complexity.

What fixture materials hold up best in Altadena’s foothill environment?+

Choose wet-location, powder-coated aluminum or anodized fixtures with UV-stable lenses and stainless steel fasteners. We seal penetrations and use weatherproof boxes with durable gaskets. For homes exposed to dust, temperature extremes, and wildfire risk, we specify fixtures and hardware designed for rugged conditions to extend service life and maintain appearance. Marine-grade or powder-coated finishes resist UV degradation and temperature cycling.

How bright should my security lights be and what color temperature is best?+

For most driveways and side yards, LED floods delivering roughly 2,000–4,000 lumens per area provide clear visibility without glare when properly aimed. We typically recommend 3000K–4000K color temperature—warm enough for residential comfort but neutral enough for security cameras. Shielded optics and correct mounting height are key to avoiding light spill into neighbor windows and preserving Altadena’s night sky.

Can you integrate lights with Ring or other smart devices?+

Yes. We routinely integrate security lighting with Ring cameras, Lutron Casèta switches, and compatible sensors. Options include app control, schedules, and automations such as turning on floods when a camera detects motion. This is especially valuable during post-fire rebuilds when you may not be on-site full-time. We’ll confirm Wi-Fi coverage or propose alternatives, and we’ll program and walk you through the system on installation day.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your electrical project!

Contact Us