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Project overview
Our Raleigh branch completed a clean, code-compliant outdoor lighting project for homeowner Michelle Punch in Raleigh, NC. On December 6, 2024, lead technician Francisco Martinez installed a dedicated circuit and multiple post lights to enhance nighttime safety and curb appeal. This Lighting & Ceiling Fans service focused on Lighting Installation best practices for long-term reliability in North Carolina’s outdoor conditions.
The scope included trenching, running direct-burial cable, installing a GFCI-protected breaker, adding a wall switch for convenient control, setting the light posts in concrete, and providing protective PVC conduit where needed. The result is a durable, safe, and easy-to-use lighting setup that’s ready for seasons of dependable performance.
What we installed
- Dedicated outdoor lighting circuit: New 15A GFCI breaker added at the panel to protect the entire lighting run and meet outdoor electrical safety requirements.
- Switch control: A standard wall switch was installed to provide simple on/off control of the post lights from a convenient indoor location.
- UF-B direct-burial wiring: Approximately 100 ft of UF #14/2 cable routed underground to power the post lights, sized and protected for a 15A circuit.
- Professional trenching: About 40 ft of trench completed at an 18–24 inch depth, aligning with burial depth guidance for outdoor branch circuits and GFCI protection.
- PVC conduit (3/4"): Around 15 ft of PVC used for mechanical protection and clean transitions where required, with fittings and supports as applicable.
- Concrete-set light posts: Four light posts furnished, set in poured concrete, and installed plumb and secure for long-term stability.
Note: For safety and utility coordination, North Carolina 811 should be contacted prior to any digging. Touchstone Electric follows safe-digging practices and observes locate markings during trenching.
Code-compliant trenching and wiring
The outdoor lighting run was designed around NEC guidelines for burial depth and GFCI protection. UF-B cable is rated for direct burial, helping to resist moisture and soil conditions common in Raleigh, NC. GFCI protection at the breaker adds critical shock protection for exterior locations, while PVC conduit segments offer additional mechanical protection at transitions and vertical exposures.
By placing the lights on a dedicated 15A circuit, the homeowner gains a reliable system isolated from other indoor loads. This approach helps reduce nuisance tripping and simplifies future maintenance or additions to the lighting layout.
Benefits for the homeowner
- Improved safety and visibility: Post lights clearly mark walkways, driveways, and outdoor living areas for safer evenings.
- Convenient control: A single wall switch operates the lights, making daily use intuitive.
- Durability outdoors: UF-B wiring, GFCI protection, and concrete-set posts create a robust installation built for exterior conditions.
- Cleaner look: Proper burial and conduit where required keep the installation neat and protected.
- Future-ready: A dedicated lighting circuit makes it easier to service or expand the system later.
Local expertise in Raleigh, NC
As a Raleigh-based electrical contractor, Touchstone Electric regularly helps homeowners with outdoor lighting design and installation, from post and pathway lighting to landscape accents and architectural highlights. Our Lighting & Ceiling Fans team brings the right mix of planning, protection, and precision to every Lighting Installation project—especially those that involve trenching, GFCI-protected circuits, and concrete-set fixtures.
If you’re in Raleigh and considering outdoor post lights or other exterior lighting upgrades, our Raleigh branch has the experience to deliver a clean, safe, and attractive result.
Reviewed by our customer
Michelle Punch praised our work with a Google review. Read it here: View Michelle’s review on Google.