From the desk of Bob Carr
After 42 years in the outdoor lighting business, we’ve seen it all—from flickering path lights to systems shutting down after a big rain. Most of these headaches aren’t “bad luck.” They’re predictable problems that can be avoided when the system is designed and installed the right way.
Below are the 7 most common outdoor lighting problems we see in Maryland—and how to prevent them.
1) Lights That Stop Working After Just a Few Years
This is the #1 frustration our service department hears. A new system looks great for a while, then fixtures start failing and dark spots creep in. Homeowners tell us, “I wish it had been installed right the first time.”
The root cause is usually cheap materials and corner-cutting during install. At TLC, we use professional-grade fixtures, sealed wiring, and designs that don’t overload the system—and we back it with a 7-year parts & labor warranty.
2) Water Damage & Corrosion
A common story: everything looked perfect the first year… then after a rainy season, fixtures fail. The weather gets blamed, but the real culprit is often the install. Fly-by-night contractors skip gel-filled, watertight connectors, so moisture creeps in and wires corrode—leading to premature failure.
We prevent this with professional-grade, gel-filled waterproof connectors and fully sealed fixtures built for Maryland weather.
3) Poor Wiring Connections (The Flicker Problem)
Flickering lights drive homeowners crazy. Nine times out of ten it’s bad connections—no gel-sealed, waterproof wire connectors, shallow burial, or cheap splices. We see this all the time when we’re called to fix competitors’ jobs.
We do it right the first time: waterproof, pro-grade connectors and properly buried runs so your system stays reliable.
4) Too Bright… or Too Dim (No Fine-Tuning)
This one’s usually easy to fix—if your installer returns to fine-tune at night. Sadly, many don’t. They install, collect the check, and disappear. But outdoor lighting is part art: beam angles, brightness, and placement need nighttime adjustments.
At TLC, we come back after dark to dial it in. Fine-tuning is what turns a good system into a great one.
5) Overloaded Transformers
Systems that shut down, run unevenly, or burn out transformers are often overloaded. A transformer should not exceed 80% of its capacity. Example: a 300W transformer should carry ≤240W. We routinely see systems running at 110–120%, which causes premature failure and inconsistent brightness.
We size correctly from the start—one reason we confidently offer a 7-year parts & labor warranty.
6) Lights Out of Alignment (Design/Layout Issues)
Yes, life happens—mulch shifts and mowers bump fixtures. But many alignment issues start on day one: the fixtures weren’t matched or laid out correctly for the home’s architecture and landscape.
We solve this with precise design up front (correct fixture types, beam spreads, and aiming) and ongoing maintenance to keep everything aligned and looking like day one.
7) Weak or Non-Existent Warranties
We hear this too often: the original company won’t return calls, or the “warranty” is only six months to a year. If a contractor offers a short warranty, you should run—it signals low confidence in materials and workmanship.
TLC offers an industry-leading 7-year warranty on parts and labor—the best in Maryland—because we believe in what we install and we’re building long-term trust with our clients.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor lighting should make your home safer, more beautiful, and more enjoyable—not a source of constant repairs. TLC has helped Maryland homeowners avoid these pitfalls for 42 years with professional design, quality materials, and careful installation—backed by a strong warranty.
👉 Tired of lighting issues—or want to make sure you never have them?
Contact TLC for a free consultation and we’ll help you design, install, or maintain a system that lasts.