Lighting Installation
Kitchen · Bath · Under-Cabinet · Exterior · Landscape · Security · Smart Controls
Layered lighting design and installation across Eastern CT. We do single-fixture swaps, full kitchen lighting plans, exterior and landscape systems, and dimmer-matched LED retrofits.
Lighting Types We Install
Kitchen Lighting
Layered design — recessed overheads, under-cabinet task light, pendant accents over island. Dimmer-matched LED.
Under-Cabinet
Linkable LED strips or pucks, wired or plug-in, GFCI-protected. Tap or motion-sensor switches available.
Bathroom Lighting
Vanity fixtures, recessed shower lights (IC + wet-rated), bath fan combos, GFCI-required circuits.
Exterior Lighting
Wall sconces, soffit downlights, post lights — wet-location-rated, photocell or smart-switched.
Landscape Lighting
Low-voltage path, accent, and uplight systems. Transformer + zone wiring + LED fixtures.
Security & Motion
Motion-activated floods, dusk-to-dawn area lighting, garage exterior coverage, camera-coordinated lighting.
Accent Lighting
Wall sconces, picture lights, gallery rail, cove and toe-kick lighting for architectural detail.
Garage & Basement
High-output LED shop lights, ceiling fixtures sized for workshops, GFCI-protected basement circuits.
Smart Lighting Controls
Lutron Caseta, GE Enbrighten, smart dimmers and switches. See /services/smart-home-installation/.
Dimmer Switch Installation
LED-matched dimmers (ELV, MLV, 0-10V). Compatibility-checked against the fixtures being controlled.
For recessed lighting specifically, see our recessed lighting page.
The Eastern CT Electrical Protection Package
Everything you get when you call TJF Electric — zero hidden fees
- ✅Free same-day estimate — we come to you$150FREE
- ✅Full safety inspection of your electrical system$200FREE
- ✅Written scope of work before we start$75FREE
- ✅Owner Tyler on every single job — no subsPriceless
- ✅10-year workmanship guarantee in writingFREE
- ✅CT licensed & fully insured — 100% protectedFREE
What's Specific About Lighting Installation in Eastern CT
Layered lighting design — why one ceiling fixture isn't enough
The best-lit rooms have three lighting layers: ambient (general overhead, usually recessed or a ceiling fixture), task (where you actually do things — under-cabinet in a kitchen, vanity light over a bathroom mirror, reading sconce by a couch), and accent (the small lights that add depth — picture lights, wall sconces, cove lighting). Most Eastern CT homes have only ambient — and the rooms feel flat. We design and quote layered systems on remodel projects, not just one-fixture installs.
GFCI and wet-location requirements
CT code requires GFCI protection for any outlet within 6 feet of a sink (kitchen, bath, laundry, wet bar), any outdoor outlet, and any garage or unfinished-basement outlet. Wet-location-rated fixtures are required outdoors and in shower zones. We size circuits, breaker protection, and fixture ratings to match the location during the install — no surprise inspector flags later.
Under-cabinet lighting — the kitchen game-changer
A $400-$800 under-cabinet LED retrofit is one of the highest-ROI lighting investments in a typical Eastern CT kitchen. Most homeowners under-budget on it because the overhead lights "seem fine" — until they install task lighting and realize they've been cooking in their own shadow for years. We install linkable LED bars or LED tape with a switched outlet under the cabinet, or hardwired with its own switch.
Smart switches vs smart bulbs — pick switches
A common $400 mistake we fix: homeowners buy smart Hue or LIFX bulbs ($30-60 each), install them everywhere, then have to keep the dumb wall switch always ON or the smart bulbs lose connectivity. The right answer for most homes is smart switches (Lutron Caseta or similar, $50-80 each) controlling normal LED bulbs. The wall switch keeps working normally, the smart features work reliably, and family members or guests can use the room without an app. For full smart-home work, see /services/smart-home-installation/.
Lighting Installs
Kitchens, baths, exterior, landscape, security, accent — real installs across Eastern CT.
Kitchen Lighting Plan
Ceiling Install
Residential Lighting
High-Ceiling Work
Exterior Lighting
New Lighting Circuit
Panel + Lighting
Related EV Work
Lighting Service
Lighting Installation FAQ
How much does a lighting project cost in Eastern CT?+
Highly variable — a single fixture swap is $100-$200; a full kitchen lighting plan (8-12 recessed + under-cabinet + pendants) runs $2,500-$5,500; exterior + landscape lighting systems for a typical 0.5-acre lot run $1,500-$4,500; whole-house dimmer + smart-switch retrofits run $1,500-$3,500 depending on switch count. We quote a written scope after a free walk-through.
Do you supply fixtures or do I buy them?+
Either works. Customer-supplied fixtures are common for higher-end residential projects (designer fixtures, specific brands you want). We supply for most standard recessed, under-cabinet, exterior, and dimmer work. If customer-supplied, we'll spec compatibility (especially dimmer compatibility for LEDs) before you order.
Can you do landscape lighting installation?+
Yes. Low-voltage landscape lighting systems (path lights, accent uplights, deck lights) run on a 12V transformer fed from a switched outlet on the house. We install the transformer, run the underground low-voltage cable, position the fixtures, and tune the system. Most residential landscape jobs run $1,500-$4,000 depending on fixture count and run lengths.
What's the difference between exterior lighting and security lighting?+
Exterior lighting is the general category — wall sconces, soffit downlights, post lights, garage lights. Security lighting is a subset focused on motion-activated bright lights for detection and deterrence — typically 24W-50W LED floods with passive infrared motion sensors. Both use weatherproof fixtures and outdoor-rated wiring. Most Eastern CT homes benefit from both: general exterior for nightly use, security floods for motion-triggered alerts.
Will LED retrofits work with my existing dimmers?+
Often not — most pre-2010 dimmers were designed for incandescent loads and will flicker, buzz, or fail with LED fixtures. The compatibility chart on most LED fixtures lists matched dimmers (e.g. Lutron Maestro CL, Diva CL). We test compatibility during the install and swap any incompatible dimmers as part of the project.
Lighting Projects Across Eastern CT
What Customers Say
"TJF Electric upgraded our panel and installed a whole-home generator before last winter. Fast, professional, and fairly priced. Tyler was at our house within 2 hours of calling."
Mike R.
Willington, CT • Panel Upgrade + Generator
"Called at 9pm with a tripping breaker and burning smell. Tyler was at our house within an hour. Fixed the issue safely and explained everything. You can't put a price on that peace of mind."
Sarah K.
Coventry, CT • Emergency Electrician
"We needed a licensed CT electrician to wire our new office in Manchester. TJF Electric came in on time, passed inspection first try, and was incredibly professional throughout the whole project."
James T.
Manchester, CT • Commercial Wiring
"Had TJF Electric install a Level 2 EV charger in my garage. Tyler handled the permits, did the install in one day, and it's been working perfectly. Highly recommend for any EV work in CT."
Lisa M.
Vernon, CT • EV Charger Installation
"We've used TJF Electric for multiple projects now — panel upgrade, new circuits for a hot tub, and outdoor lighting. Tyler is always on time, always cleans up, and always does it right the first time."
Dave & Kim P.
Tolland, CT • Multiple Projects
"After the ice storm last February, our generator wasn't starting. Called TJF Electric and Tyler diagnosed a faulty transfer switch and had us back up within 3 hours. Absolute lifesaver."
Carol B.
Storrs, CT • Generator Service
Planning a Lighting Project?
Kitchen plan, exterior package, landscape system, or single fixture swap — free walk-through, written quote, dimmer compatibility checked.