Security & Motion Lighting in Atwater Village
Keep your Atwater Village home safer and more comfortable after dark with professionally designed security and motion-activated lighting. From bungalows near the LA River bike path to classic Craftsman homes off Glendale Boulevard, well-placed lighting deters intruders, improves nighttime visibility, and welcomes guests. Shaffer Construction, Inc. designs and installs code-compliant, energy\u2011efficient systems tailored to your property's layout, architecture, and neighbors. We focus on brightness where you need it, shielding where you don't, and smart controls that work for your routines—so you get reliable security without lighting up the whole block.
Our Work
Benefits
Smart Lighting for the Future
We design security lighting with scalable controls and flexible hardware. Options include dual‑technology motion sensors, photocells with astronomic timers, and app‑enabled smart switches (Lutron Caséta, Wi‑Fi/Kasa, or Zigbee bridges) for schedules, scenes, and remote control. We specify LED luminaires (typically 3000–4000K, 1,500–3,500 lumens) with cutoff optics to limit glare. For detached structures, we run THWN‑2 copper in PVC or EMT with expansion fittings, and we leave capacity in conduits and boxes for future cameras or additional lights—so your system can grow with your needs.
Permits and Neighborhood Compliance
Shaffer Construction handles LADBS permits, plan notes, and inspection scheduling from start to finish. Our installations are built to the California Electrical Code and the City of LA amendments, with attention to GFCI/AFCI protection, grounding and bonding, weatherproofing (NEMA 3R/while-in-use covers), and Title 24 lighting controls. We prepare load calculations when panel capacity is a concern and coordinate trench depth and conduit fill per code. On inspection day, a supervisor is onsite to walk the job with the inspector so approvals are smooth and hassle‑free.
Proven Quality and Safety
We use LED flood and wall luminaires from proven manufacturers, weatherproof boxes, silicone-gasketed in-use covers, and stainless fasteners to resist corrosion. Circuits are dedicated 15A/20A with copper conductors sized for the run, properly supported EMT/PVC, and sealed penetrations. Every connection is torqued to spec, and each sensor is aimed and tested at dusk. The result is reliable lighting with minimal maintenance, strong energy performance, and clean wiring that meets or exceeds code.
Customized Lighting Design
Every property is different. We start with a day and optional dusk walk‑through, mapping sightlines, entry points, and neighbor windows. We set lighting goals (deterrence, safe passage, curb appeal) and select fixture optics, output, and color temperature to match. We account for trees, fences, and roof overhangs common to Craftsman and Spanish Colonial homes and propose shielding or lower mounting heights where needed. You’ll get a clear plan showing placements, controls, and an itemized budget before work begins.
What We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit in Atwater Village to add motion lighting to my garage or side yard?+
Replacing an existing fixture like‑for‑like usually doesn’t require a permit, but adding a new circuit, trenching to a detached garage, or modifying service equipment does. We confirm the scope, pull permits with LADBS when needed, and meet the inspector. Typical permit and inspection timelines are 2–4 weeks.
How bright should my security lights be to avoid bothering neighbors?+
For most Atwater Village lots, 1,500–2,500 lumens per fixture with cutoff optics works well. We aim lights downward, use warm 3000K LEDs, add shields as needed, and set short motion timeouts. This provides effective deterrence and visibility while minimizing glare and light spill onto neighboring windows.
Will motion sensors work reliably in Atwater’s hot summers and with pets?+
Yes—when properly selected and aimed. We use outdoor‑rated PIR or dual‑technology sensors, mount them at the correct height (typically 8–10 feet), and set sensitivity to ignore small animals. We also avoid heat sources and swaying branches that cause false triggers, and we verify performance with a dusk test.
Can you integrate the lights with my Ring or Nest cameras and a phone app?+
Absolutely. We can coordinate lighting zones with Ring Floodlight Cams, Nest cams, or separate cameras, and add smart switches or hubs so you can control schedules and scenes by app. Our setups keep motion lights functional even if Wi‑Fi is down, with manual overrides and photocell backup.
What if my older home doesn’t have a ground at the exterior fixtures?+
Older Atwater homes often have ungrounded branches. We evaluate grounding and bonding, and when needed run a new grounded circuit to exterior locations with GFCI/AFCI protection. We’ll also assess panel capacity and recommend upgrades if the existing service is undersized or obsolete.
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