Question 1

How long does a typical commercial LED conversion project take?

Accepted Answer

Every commercial LED conversion is different. Timelines depend on both the scale (how large the property is) and the scope (how much work is included—simple fixture swaps vs. broader upgrades, controls, and permitting). Some projects can be completed in as little as a couple of weeks, while others take longer due to the size of the site, the complexity of the work, and scheduling or material availability.

There isn’t a single “standard” timeline for a commercial LED conversion, because no two properties are exactly alike. The total schedule depends on:

Scale: A single storefront, small lot, or one-building property typically moves faster than a multi-building campus or large parking area.
Scope: A straightforward low-voltage LED retrofit can be quicker than a project that includes a mixture of high and low-voltage fixture upgrades, lighting controls, or broader coverage improvements.

Most projects follow the same general stages:

Planning and coordination
After you approve the quote, we coordinate scheduling, confirm fixture selections, and handle any required permitting (if applicable). If specialty fixtures or controls are needed, lead times can also affect the schedule.
On-site installation
The on-site portion varies widely. Some sites can be upgraded with minimal disruption in a short window, while larger properties or more involved scopes may require additional time or a phased approach to keep key areas safely lit and accessible.
Final verification
Once installation is complete, we confirm the lighting is performing as intended—focused on consistent coverage, appropriate brightness, and a clean finished look.

If you want the most accurate estimate, the best next step is to contact our team. That allows us to size the project correctly, identify any constraints, and give you a timeline that fits your specific property and goals.

Question 2

Can you replace existing exit and emergency signs without rewiring everything?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an Atlanta outdoor lighting company and licensed contractor, Lights Over Atlanta can often replace exit signs and emergency lights using your existing wiring. We match the voltage and circuit, swap the fixture, and test battery backup. Rewiring is only needed when wiring is damaged or unsafe.

You can usually replace existing exit signs and emergency lights without rewiring everything. Most units are powered from normal building circuits, even when they have an internal battery for emergency operation.

On a typical replacement, Lights Over Atlanta verifies the circuit voltage, checks the junction box and mounting style, then swaps the fixture and tests charge and emergency mode. If you want an efficiency upgrade, we can convert existing fixtures to LED where appropriate, which helps cut service calls and keeps light output crisp.

You will only need new wiring when the existing conductors are damaged, unsafe, or not compatible with the new fixture, or when an inspection calls for a correction. That is where working with a licensed general electrical and low voltage contractor matters.

If you are planning broader improvements, we can bundle exit and emergency work into Commercial Lighting Installation, LED Retrofit and Conversion, or ongoing Lighting Maintenance, along with parking lot lighting and warehouse lighting support, so your property stays consistent and supports compliance expectations with less downtime.

Question 3

What can I do if my lights aren&#8217;t working?

Accepted Answer

Start with a few simple checks. Make sure your timer is set correctly and that no breakers have tripped. Look for any fixtures that may have been knocked out of position by landscaping, weather, or foot traffic. If the issue persists after those basic steps, give us a call and we will schedule a maintenance visit to diagnose and fix the problem.

Before calling for service, there are a few things you can check on your own:

Confirm your timer is plugged in, powered on, and set to the correct schedule.
If your area recently had a storm or power outage, the timer clock may need to be reset.
Check your breaker panel to make sure nothing has tripped, and take a quick look at the fixtures themselves to see if any have been shifted by yard work, mulching, or heavy rain.

If everything looks normal and your lights still are not performing the way they should, contact our team at (470) 870-0606 to submit a maintenance request. Most residential service calls are completed within two to seven business days, and often sooner. For commercial properties with parking lot, garage, or security lighting concerns, we can prioritize based on safety needs.

Lights Over Atlanta provides ongoing maintenance plans for systems we design and install, so your lighting stays consistent and any issues are resolved quickly.

Question 4

Our front porch is stone—how do you install an exterior light fixture on stone without it looking messy or damaging the masonry?

Accepted Answer

Mount into mortar joints, use proper anchors and a weatherproof backplate, hide wiring through inconspicuous conduit, and seal holes; or hire Lights Over Atlanta—the Atlanta outdoor lighting company—to safely core-drill, mortar-patch, and position low-voltage LED fixtures so your stone façade stays pristine.

Outdoor lighting installers know the importance of respecting exteriors. We drill only in the mortar joints—not the face of the rock—using a small diamond bit and masonry anchors. This keeps the stone intact and, if you ever remove the fixture, the tiny hole can be repointed to disappear. A slim, paintable backplate or custom–cut gasket sits flush against the uneven surface, giving the fixture a clean outline while stopping water from seeping behind.

Next, low-voltage wiring is routed through the joint or tucked inside a narrow color-matched conduit that blends with the grout line. Cables run to a remote waterproof junction box, so there is no bulky electrical box on view. Finally, installers seal every entry with exterior-grade silicone and touch-up mortar, leaving nothing but crisp edges and warm light.

If you prefer a turnkey approach, Lights Over Atlanta handles the whole process. Our certified designers use LED fixtures that complement your porch, aim them for perfect accent and security, and back the work with a lifetime hardware warranty and ongoing maintenance. Your stone porch stays elegant, and you enjoy welcoming light every night.

Question 5

What is the difference between high-voltage and low-voltage lighting and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

High-voltage (120-volt) lighting ties straight into your main service panel, whereas low-voltage (12-volt) lighting is fed through a transformer. Low-voltage matters because it is safer around people and pets, costs less to run, offers more flexible fixture placement, and helps you meet electrical codes on your Atlanta property.

Lights Over Atlanta designs most residential landscape systems in energy-saving low voltage as part of our LED outdoor lighting conversion Atlanta service.

High-voltage (also called line voltage) sends 120 volts directly from the breaker panel to each fixture. That provides brighter raw output, but it requires rigid conduit, deeper burial, licensed electricians, GFCI protection, and bulkier weather-rated fixtures—plus any damaged cable can deliver a serious shock.

Low-voltage lighting steps power down to 12 volts through a small outdoor transformer. Because the current is minimal, wires can be shallow-buried or tucked under mulch, making installation faster and gentler on your landscaping. You gain freedom to highlight architecture, trees, and pathways with slim LED uplights, bollards, and specialty accents the moment inspiration strikes. Operating costs drop, too.

Today’s LED low-voltage fixtures use up to 80 % less electricity than comparable 120-volt lamps and last tens of thousands of hours, meaning fewer bulb changes and lower utility bills. Voltage drop is easy to correct by sizing cable or adding secondary taps—something our certified designers calculate during your free consultation.

Bottom line: low-voltage delivers the beautiful, flexible, and safe landscape lighting Atlanta GA homeowners want while still meeting electrical code.

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