Beatrice Lang
Installing electric post lights is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal and improve safety and navigation at night. While it may seem daunting, the process is relatively straightforward and can be done by following a few simple steps. First, you'll need to choose the best lamp post for your space, considering factors such as height, lighting style, and shade to ensure it complements your landscape design and provides adequate lighting coverage. Once you've selected the perfect lamp post, it's time to start the installation process, which includes digging a post hole, running electrical wiring, and making the necessary connections to power your new light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Dig a hole, place the post, fill with gravel, plumb the post, add dirt and water, compact the dirt, brace the post, adjust straps, backfill the trench, add decorative elements |
| Electrical wiring | Expose wires, match and connect wires, use wire nuts, connect conduit pieces, thread UF-rated wire through pipe, lay pipe in trench, connect wires to breaker box, install switch, test lamppost |
| Materials | Lamp post, gravel, shovel, level, concrete, PVC cement, UF-rated wire, wire stripper, wire nuts, conduit, rope/straps, utility knife, electrical boxes, cable clamps, weatherproof covers, GFCI outlet |
| Safety | Turn off power to main breaker box, hire a licensed electrician, check for permits, avoid underground utilities, comply with local electrical codes |
| Lighting | Choose lighting style (bulb setup, shade), consider visibility, add a timer or photocell |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a lamp post and location
Choosing the right lamp post and location is crucial for installing outdoor lighting. Here are some detailed steps to help you make the right choice:
Choose a Lamp Post
When choosing a lamp post, consider the height that will best suit your space. In most residential settings, an 8-foot lamp post is ideal as it provides ample overhead lighting without spilling over into your neighbour's yard. Also, consider the lighting style you prefer. Some lamp posts come with a single bulb, while others offer brighter or diffused lighting with multiple bulb setups. Select the shade of your lamp post as well. Clear shades provide more light, while frosted glass shades offer softer, more ambient lighting. If you want a cohesive look, coordinate your lamp post with your existing outdoor sconces and lighting hardware.
Choose a Location
Consider a location that maximises visibility and complements your landscape design. Ensure the chosen spot is away from underground utilities and provides adequate lighting coverage. Think about the proximity to walkways, driveways, and your home's electrical panel. Before installing any outdoor lighting, check with local authorities to determine if you need a permit. Obtaining the necessary permits ensures compliance with local building codes and regulations. Failing to secure permits may result in fines or removal of the lamp post.
Additional Considerations
To enhance the appearance of your lamp post, consider adding decorative elements like mulch or small plants around its base. You can also add house numbers to make it easier for visitors and emergency services to locate your home. If you plan to install the lamp post in concrete, ensure you have the proper tools and materials. However, if you prefer a temporary installation without concrete, you can follow a different set of steps.
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Dig a hole and prepare the site
To install a lamp post, you'll need to start by digging a hole at your chosen location. This is the first step in preparing the site for your new light.
Before you begin, check with your local authorities to see if you need a permit for installing outdoor lighting. Obtaining the necessary permits ensures you comply with local building codes and regulations, and avoiding potential fines or issues down the line.
Next, you'll want to choose the best location for your lamp post. Consider a spot that maximises visibility and complements your landscape design. Ensure the location is away from underground utilities and provides adequate lighting coverage. Think about proximity to walkways, driveways, and your home's electrical panel.
Now, it's time to dig the post hole. The depth and diameter of the hole will depend on whether you plan to use concrete for stability and support. If you're installing a temporary lamp post without concrete, dig a hole that is 18 to 24 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter. Clear out rocks and loose dirt clods as you dig to ensure a smooth, solid surface.
If you're using concrete, you'll need to mix a batch in a trough or wheelbarrow. Avoid adding too much water to maintain a firm mix and a shorter set time. Once you've dug your hole, you can proceed to the next steps of installing your lamp post.
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$119.99
Connect wires and cables
Connecting wires and cables is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you connect the wires and cables for your post lights safely and effectively:
Planning:
Firstly, you need to determine the power source for your post lights. This could be a nearby outlet or an underground electrical line. If you're using an outlet, choose a GFCI-protected one, and ensure it can handle the additional electrical load of the post lights. Mark the cable route from the power source to the post light location with spray paint.
Wiring the Post Lights:
Now, you can start the wiring process:
- Install the light box: Position and secure the light box according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Run cables: Connect the light box to the outlet box using cables. Ensure you use direct burial cable or wire in conduit for post light wiring.
- Secure cables: Insert the cables into the outlet box and fasten them securely with cable clamps.
- Connect wires: You will typically have a hot wire, a grounding wire, and a neutral wire. Connect these wires to the corresponding terminals on the GFCI. The hot and neutral wires go to the "load" terminals, while the house wiring connects to the "line" terminals.
- Test the wiring: Before enclosing the wiring, test it with a circuit tester to ensure it is safe and functional. Turn off the electricity, then connect one node of the tester to the wire and the other to a grounded surface or the ground wire. If the tester lights up, the wire is hot and carrying electricity.
- Finish the installation: Once the wiring is tested and secure, finish the wood trim on the post and hook up the light fixture according to the manufacturer's directions.
Additional Considerations:
- Voltage drop: Unless you are using extremely high-wattage lights, voltage drop is typically not a concern for LED fixtures.
- Number of circuits: If you have multiple post lights, you may need to use more than one circuit. You can have up to four circuits, and for more lights, consider using LED lights, which are more energy-efficient.
- Conduit and junction boxes: Protect your cables by running them through conduit, especially when connecting to multiple posts. All splices should be inside junction boxes, which must be accessible without tools.
Remember, always turn off the power at the main breaker box before starting any electrical work to avoid accidents. If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a licensed electrician for assistance.
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Install the light fixture
Before installing a light fixture, it is important to understand the fundamentals of electricity and wiring to ensure the project is completed safely and successfully. It is also important to note that lamp posts typically require concrete for stability and support, but temporary lamp posts can be installed without concrete.
Firstly, turn off the power at the breaker before beginning any electrical work. Check the ceiling supply wires for fraying or damage. If there is damage, use a wire cutter to cut the wires and strip off about 3/4-inch of wire insulation. If necessary, use wire strippers to remove the insulation from the light fixture's electric wires.
Next, connect the house wires and the wires of the new light fixture in the reverse way that you disconnected the old light fixture. Thread the light fixture's electric wires through the screw collar loop. Connect the light fixture to the junction box. Screw in the crossbar, the nipple, the lock nut, and the screw collar loop that supports the fixture. If the box and mounting hardware are visible, slide the canopy up against the ceiling to cover it.
Attach the adjusted chain to the light fixture on a flat surface. Thread the light fixture's electric wires through every other link in the chain. Slide any necessary parts over the wiring and hanging chain. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.
Newer fixtures may have a black wire and a white wire. Twist the bare end of the black ceiling wire together with the bare end of the black fixture wire and then twist on a wire nut. Repeat with the white wires. Carefully tuck the wires into the junction box. If you are replacing an older fixture, the fixture wires may not be color-coded. If so, choose one fixture wire and connect it to the black supply wire. Connect the other fixture wire to the white ceiling wire. Connect the silver or copper ground wires.
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Finish and test the lamp post
Once you have wired your lamp post, it is time to finish and test it.
First, make sure you have positioned the post for stability. Place the new post in the existing hole and snake the underground wiring through the post. Check that the post is level and plumb. Pour fast-setting concrete mix into the hole around the post and add water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the concrete to set for at least an hour before proceeding.
Now, you can finish wiring your post and mount its head. Strip the ends of the wires if necessary. Match the coloured wires (typically black to black, white to white, and green or bare copper to ground). Twist the matching wires together and screw them in place with wire nuts. Wrap the connections with electrical tape for added protection. Push the wiring back down inside the post and set the fixture on top. Secure it in place by tightening the bolts around its base.
Before turning the power back on, test the wires inside the post with a touch-type voltage tester to make sure the circuit is dead. Press the button on the tester and touch the tip of it to each wire. If the tester beeps or lights up, the circuit is still live. Try additional breakers until you find the correct one.
Now, turn the power back on and test the light. Activate the switch or timer. Check for any flickering or unusual behaviour. Verify that the timer functions correctly if you installed one. Make any final adjustments to the light fixture. Loosen the mounting screws slightly if needed and adjust the fixture's position for optimal illumination. Retighten all screws and connections.
It is recommended that a qualified electrician completes the electrical installation and testing. An electrical installation certificate should be supplied, and the electrician should provide a test certificate to prove that the installation complies with current wiring regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to dig a hole for the post. The hole should be 18-24 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter. Clear out any rocks and loose dirt clods. Place the post in the hole and fill it with a 10-inch layer of gravel. Add a 1-inch layer of dirt and water it until it seeps into the gravel. Repeat this process until the gravel is covered with wet dirt, then add a final 2-inch layer of dirt.
You will need to hire a licensed electrician to connect the wiring to your main box. Before doing so, you should locate the nearest outlet to supply power to the post. Use a GFCI-protected outlet to avoid electrical hazards.
The light fixtures you choose should be rated for "wet locations". You can choose the number of bulbs depending on how bright you want the light to be. Clear shades provide more light, while frosted glass shades offer more ambient lighting.
Strip about 3 inches of insulation from the cable at the top of the post to reveal the wires. Match the wires from the lantern to those from the post – white to white, black to black, and bare copper to bare copper (or green). Twist wire nuts to secure the pairs together.
