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Depending on if you’re dealing with foggy San Francisco mornings or scorching Inland Empire afternoons, you may have needed to make a few searches for “outdoor light switch California” to see what will work in your area. These switches have to hold up against moisture, temperature swings, and occasional seismic activity while complying with strict energy and safety standards.
Best Pro Lighting understands what you face when choosing a low voltage outdoor light switch for your outdoor lights. We’ll explore how to make an informed choice if you’ve been searching for “best outdoor light switch California,” so you’ll be able to set up and run your lights for years in your particular part of the state.
An outdoor light switch for landscape lighting needs to be durable for the reasons we’ve given, and it needs to be compliant so you can avoid hazards and costly replacements. Weather, safety and smart outdoor light switch controls are some of the aspects that contribute to what kind of switch you will need.
Weather & Environment
Between salty seacoast air, heavy rains and dry heat, depending on your region of the state, your outdoor light switches can face a lot of wear and tear. What’s needed are robust enclosures so water and dust are sealed out of the switch, so you won’t have to worry about UV degradation or corrosion.
Electrical & Safety Requirements
California's Electrical Code (CEC) mandates protections against shocks and faults. All outdoor installations require weatherproof boxes and proper grounding. Make sure to match switches with the load to prevent overheating.
How do you know what type of switch to buy? Traditional switches are easy to use, and smart outdoor light switches, like WI-Fi-enabled models, give you even more convenience. Some people like to go with traditional switches; they cover basic on/off needs, and cost less upfront.
Best Pro Lighting offers these highlighted products from our big selection of LED outdoor lights, to use with your switches:
LED Brass Path Light: Designed to cast a soft, circular spread of light, these fixtures illuminate specific areas and add a decorative touch to your outdoor space.
LED Low Voltage Landscape Directional Fiberglass Bullet in BRZ: The BPL Fiberglass LED Light casts vibrant illumination across larger outdoor spaces. Its weather-resistant design stands up to the elements.
LED Low Voltage Landscape Light 3 Tier Pagoda - BPL302 - in Rust: The Rust 3-Tier Pagoda Landscape Light elegantly lights walkways and driveways. It combines style with durability.
3W LED Bollard Path Light in Rust Finish: These lights help direct pedestrians and serve as informal barriers, pointing people away from lawns and plants.
LED Flood Light - BPL100 Low Voltage Landscape Lights in Rust Finish: Cost-effective and highly versatile, these LED lights illuminate your outdoor areas with ease.
Find dozens more LED outdoor lights in our big collection of garden lights. We also offer many other types, to fit your landscape lighting needs.
It’s fun to highlight stucco facades and palm trees with spotlights so your California landscape looks its best after dark. Depending on the type of lights you choose, the switches to run these lights may need the ability to handle higher wattages. You can get switches with adjustable timing so you can save energy.
Weatherproof & Waterproof Switch Options
You may want to choose a weatherproof and waterproof switch. A waterproof outdoor lighting switch with an IP65 rating seals against jets of water and dust, great for areas like Sacramento. Weatherproof covers snap over standard switches, adding protection. For heavy coastal fog, try a marine-grade stainless steel switch to protect against rust.
Energy-Saving Features in Outdoor Switches
California's Title 24 standards emphasize reduced energy consumption. Automating lights is a big energy saver. A dusk to dawn outdoor light switch (California rated) uses photocells to activate at twilight and deactivate at sunrise. You may also wish to use motion-detector lights in several areas so they only come on when necessary.
Importance of Following California Outdoor Electrical Codes
It’s important to follow the CEC to prevent fires and avoid facing fines. Section 210.8 requires GFCI protection for wet locations, including outdoors, to interrupt faults within milliseconds. Non-compliant installations risk insurance cancellation, especially post-wildfire rebuilds.
Try these tips to choose the proper switch for your California outdoor lighting layout:
You can choose your own lights and switches, but when in doubt, having an electrician review your setup may be worth it. That will ensure you’re compliant and make certain your lights work the way you want them to.
Rely on Best Pro Lighting for every type of LED outdoor light you need for your landscape. From path lighting, to bullet lights, to spotlights that provide a reassuring beam, you can beautify your space and upgrade safety and security, while running your lights for much less than incandescent bulbs.
Shop Best Pro Lighting for the ultimate outdoor LED lighting selection. Free shipping for US orders over $150.
Q: Do outdoor light switches need to be GFCI protected in California?
A: Yes, CEC 210.8 mandates GFCI for all 125V, 15-20A outdoor switches in wet areas to safeguard against shocks.
Q: Can I use a smart switch outdoors, or do I need something special?
A: Yes, choose weatherproof, IP-rated smart outdoor light switches because they are made for reliable, safe outdoor performance.
Q: What is the minimum IP rating for an outdoor switch in California climates?
A: IP65 minimum protects against dust and water jets, and can stand up to California's rain, fog, and dry heat variations.
