How to Install Outdoor Lighting and Outlet
- Tap into House Wiring Determine where you want the electrical post positioned and then find the nearest existing outlet to supply the power. Note: That outlet must be GFCI protected. ...
- Mark the Route and Dig ...
- Run Conduit Under the Sidewalk ...
- Assemble the Parts ...
- Bring the Cable to the Power Source ...
- Partially Preassemble Your Light Post ...
- Notch the Post ...
- Cut Holes for the Electrical Boxes ...
Full Answer
How do you wire a lamp post?
Wiring your lamp post can be done a few different ways, depending on what type of post you are using. Some people will use a lamp post that may already be pre-wired, possibly even already having the lantern attached. Others may have chosen to create a more custom lamp post, be choosing their own post and lantern combination.
How do I connect the light sensor to the post?
Connect the black wire from the post with the black wire on the light sensor. Make sure the wire connector is on tight and wrap the connection with electrical tape to help keep the elements from getting inside the wiring.
How do you install a fence post light box?
Fill and pack soil around the post bottom. Assemble and glue the plastic conduit parts. Run the cable through it and strap it to the post. Install the light box and run a cable from it to the outlet box. Insert both cables and fasten them to the outlet box with cable clamps. Finish the wood trim on the post.
How do you run electrical wire from house to post?
To bring the wiring from the breaker box in the house out to the post, you'll need to bury it. The wire we recommend you use is rated for direct burial, but in concrete, it needs the protection of PVC conduit. For a double measure of safety, we suggest you protect the wire with conduit for its entire run.
What is the best way to prevent electric shock?
How deep should a hole be for a post?
Do you have to shut off all electrical wiring before starting a project?
Where is Ezmeralda Lee?
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How do you wire an outside lamp post?
1:105:29Install a Lamp Post - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all I have to do is loop the wire through the string. And pull it from this point right upMoreSo all I have to do is loop the wire through the string. And pull it from this point right up through the end. I secure the loop by wrapping it with electrical tape.
How deep should a light post be in the ground?
1:003:12Setting a lamp post with QUIKRETE Fast-Setting Concrete Mix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're putting in a light post like this is always a little digging. Involved we're going to startMoreYou're putting in a light post like this is always a little digging. Involved we're going to start with a 16 inch diameter hole and of course whenever you're doing that you always want to contact your
How do you wire an outdoor light socket?
0:032:20How to Install Exterior Light Fixture Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat it never comes off makes them attaching the black wire of the outlet box and a black wire ofMoreThat it never comes off makes them attaching the black wire of the outlet box and a black wire of the of the fixture and twisting the wires together. And putting a wire nut on the end of.
How do you install a post light?
2:524:47How to Install Deck Lights on a Post - Landscape Lighting Installation TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the end of the wire into the hole and feed it up through the post. Check the orientation ofMoreInsert the end of the wire into the hole and feed it up through the post. Check the orientation of the deck light to make sure that the top is facing.
What gauge wire for outdoor lamp post?
12-gaugeThread the correct length of 12-gauge UF-rated electrical wire through the pipe. Leave about 10 extra feet at the post location.
How do you install a light pole base?
0:515:53How To Install A Precast Light Pole Base With Contractor Testimonial ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnyway for starters you're going to mark your site at each location where the site lightingMoreAnyway for starters you're going to mark your site at each location where the site lighting foundations are going to be at this point you can start to auger your holes.
How do I extend the power from my outdoor light?
The quickest way to extend power outdoors is to install a receptacle back-to-back with one inside the house....Before you begin, check to make sure the new service won't overload the circuit.Step 1: Find Cable Path. ... Step 2: Install Box. ... Step 3: Run Pipe. ... Step 4: Connect Wires. ... Step 5: Install a Cover.
Do you need a mounting block for exterior lights?
When installing exterior light fixtures, house numbers, or mailboxes onto a house with vinyl siding, a homeowner will need something called a mounting block. Mounting blocks are installed right on top of the vinyl siding to provide a level, flat surface for any type of fixture.
Which wire is hot when both are same color?
In most modern fixtures the neutral wire will be white and the hot wire is red or black. In some types of fixtures, both wires will be the same color. In this case, the neutral wire is always identified by some means. In some cases, there will be small writing on the wiring case.
How do you wire a lamp post light sensor?
2:034:27How To Install a Lamp Post Sensor (Photocell) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you do is turn it on put about a wire and it'll light up if it's hot remember that the blackMoreAll you do is turn it on put about a wire and it'll light up if it's hot remember that the black wire is hot never assume the person before you connected it correctly.
How do I add an outlet to a lamppost?
0:109:42lamp post outlets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'd rather have the the outlets up a little higher closer to the top. And then they useMoreSo I'd rather have the the outlets up a little higher closer to the top. And then they use electrical tape to wrap around the wire here just to hold it in a circular pattern.
How do you replace an outdoor lighting pole?
Cut the Power. Identify which circuit breaker on your electrical panel controls your outdoor lamp post and turn it off. ... Remove Old Post Lamp. Remove the old lamp from the post. ... Connect New Lamp Wires. Follow directions on the new post lamp to ensure your fixture is connected properly. ... Attach New Lamp.
How deep should a light pole foundation be?
The minimum depth of foundation shall be 48 inches below grade and meet pole manufacturers' minimum specifications.
How deep is a light pole base?
A light pole base can be up to 10′ deep. The most common sizes are 6′ to 8′ deep.
How deep are light pole foundations?
Most pole standard bases in commercial and retail parking areas are a minimum 6' deep and they are usually 8' deep.
How much concrete do I need for a light post?
About 16 inches of concrete will do the trick, with the post set 12 inches into it. You can also add to the stability of the lamp by digging a deeper hole and lining it with about 6 inches of gravel, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
Underground wire to lamp post | DIY Home Improvement Forum
Hi all! Looking to run conduit for a future outdoor brick pillar which will have a lamp on top. This is a new construction so the rough grade is currently about 6 inches below what the final grade will be and I want to get this installed before the landscapers come with the top soil.
Wiring to an outdoor lamp post.
Here is my problem...I have an existing lamp post outside that trips the circuit breaker. There is no other switch in the house that powers on/off the lamp beside the breaker. I was told by a neighbor that the previous owner put the post in himself while the house was being built and before the conc...
Installing Electrical Wiring For Post Lights
Electrical Wiring For Outdoor Post Lights Electrical Question: I just replaced the wiring to an outdoor lamp post with a plug in the base. It was wired with indoor 12/3 and no GFCI. The power feed comes from a junction box in the basement which supplies the other 2 outdoor plugs around the house.
How do I run a wire underground to an outdoor post lamp?
I live in Geauga county Ohio. My question is three part. First what type of wire do I need to run from the house underground to a post lamp 100 feet away? Second,does it need to be in conduit and t...
How to connect conduit to posthole?
Connect elbows to lead the conduit away from the house and down into the trench then up at the post. Add a conduit to the elbow in the posthole, making sure it is long enough to project 6 inches above the ground. Connect the conduit pieces together using PVC cement. All the elbows should be oriented correctly.
How long does it take for a lamppost to dry?
Adjust the straps that are attached to the lamppost to firmly hold the post in position. Allow the concrete to dry and harden completely about 4 hours before you remove the straps.
How to check for plumb on a post?
Brace the post by wrapping two or three straps or ropes around the post and staking them into the ground a few feet away. Hold a level against the post vertically in different spots around its circumference to check it for plumb.
How to make sure GFCI is protected?
To make sure the “feeder” outlet you choose is GFCI protected, look for the characteristic GFCI buttons, or if it's a standard outlet, check it with a GFCI tester. Standard outlets still may be GFCI protected by being linked to another GFCI outlet elsewhere in the house. If yours isn't protected, simply replace the standard outlet with a new GFCI outlet using the techniques we show in Photo 13 and Figure A. Another option is to cut in, mount and wire a new outside GFCI outlet, feeding it from an outlet mounted on an inside wall in the house. Sometimes that's easier than digging a long trench to a more distant power source.
What is a GFCI line?
Line is for the incoming wires from the power source, and load is for the switches, outlets and fixtures that it supplies. Don't wire it improperly or users won't be protected against shocks caused by damp ground or standing water.
What to replace conduit with?
Replace the conduit fittings with plastic bushings.
How to get power right where you need it?
By far the best way to get electrical power right where you need it is to run underground ‘line’ voltage (120-volt household current). All it takes is a little electrical moxie and a willingness to dig a shallow trench.
Why do you need male adapters?
The male adapters and plastic bushings on the ends of pipes are to protect the cable from the sharp pipe edges. They're not only required but also a good idea, so don't skip that step!
How many sides to nail a post?
Nail two sides and a 1-1/2 x 2-inch nailer to the post as shown.
Can you expand a wiring project?
You can expand the project to include additional outlets, switches and lights. The techniques for running the wire and mounting electrical boxes are the same. However, make sure not to overload the circuit.
Why is the lamp post hollow?
The lamp post is hollow to allow the wires to run without the conduit from the base to the lantern top. When you run the wire, make sure to leave plenty of extra near the house so there's enough to snake through the wall and reach the circuit-breaker panel inside the house. Then have a licensed electrician check your work, ...
How to attach PVC conduit to a posthole?
Dry fit PVC conduit to reach from the house to the posthole. Where necessary, cut the pieces with a hacksaw. Attach elbows to bring the conduit away from the house and down into the trench, then up from the trench at the post. Add conduit to the elbow in the post¬hole long enough to protrude 6 inches above the ground.
How to expose copper wire to light?
Use wire strippers to expose ½ inch of bare copper on all the colored wires from the post and lantern. Pair the wires from the lantern to those from the post, matching white to white, black to black, and bare copper to bare copper (or green). Twist on wire nuts to hold the pairs together.
How long does it take for a lamppost to harden?
Allow the concrete to harden completely before removing the straps—at least four hours.
How to get air pockets out of concrete?
Tip: Use your shovel to chop gently at the concrete as you fill the hole, which will help eliminate air pockets.
How to brace a post?
Wrap two or three straps or ropes around the post and stake them into the ground a few feet away, which will brace the post by pulling it in opposing directions. Hold a level vertically against the post in several spots around its circumference to check it for plumb.
How to illuminate the topography of a house?
Illuminate the topography with a lamppost, which will light the way for weary travelers and homebound housemates alike. Installing one is simpler than you might think. A hole filled with concrete keeps the post straight, and a narrow trench from the house carries the wiring - you could do that all in a day, as This Old House technical editor Mark Powers shows here.
Consider the Wiring
Figuring out how to wire a lamp post isn't difficult. The best option is to simply wire your lamp post to a nearby outlet. Use a GFCI-protected one mounted on a nearby deck, patio or porch.
Dig the Hole and Trench
Use a posthole digger to create a hole that’s about 18- to 24-inches deep and 6-inches in diameter. Check the lamp post manufacturer's guidelines.
Connect the Conduit
Here's the basic steps of wiring a lamp post to an outlet with rigid non-metallic conduit (RNC).
Insert the Lamp Post
Put the lamp post down on the ground and pull the wires through, working from the bottom to the top.
How to Wire the Lamp Post
After your concrete has hardened, remove the work straps. It's now time to wire your lantern to the lamp post. For this part, you’ll need a utility knife, wire strippers and wire nuts. Make sure all power is off at the main breaker box before you begin.
How to Install a Lamp Post Without Concrete
Lamp posts typically require using concrete for stability and support. However, if you’re trying to install a temporary lamp post, here's how to do it without without using concrete.
How to test a wire in a post?
Test the wires inside the post with a touch-type voltage tester before you touch any of the wires with your hands. Press the button on the tester and touch the tip of it to each wire to make sure the circuit is dead. If the tester beeps or lights up, then the circuit is still live.
How to connect white wire to light sensor?
Connect the white wire from the post with the white wire on the light fixture and the white wire on the light sensor. Make sure the wire connector is on tight and wrap the connection with electrical tape to help keep the elements from getting inside the wiring.
How to connect a light sensor to a post?
Connect the black wire from the post with the black wire on the light sensor. Make sure the wire connector is on tight and wrap the connection with electrical tape to help keep the elements from getting inside the wiring.
Why do you need an outside lamp post?
An outside lamp post is an excellent way to add increased security and safety to your home. But remembering to turn on the lamp post every night is easier said than done, and using a timer means that you always have to remember to adjust it for daylight savings. By installing an outside post lamp that has a built-in light sensor, ...
How to test a light sensor?
Cover the light sensor with electrical tape so no light can get through, to test the installation. In a few seconds, the light should turn on. Remove the tape and after a few seconds, the light should turn off.
Do you test a lamp post before installing a light sensor?
Always test your tester on a circuit that you know is working before you test the circuit you are going to be working on. This is to ensure that the tester is functioning properly. If your outside lamp post was previously controlled by a wall switch, leave the switch on all the time after installing a fixture with a built-in light sensor.
Can you connect a light sensor to a live circuit?
Never connect a light sensor to a live circuit, as it is not only dangerous for the individual but it could damage the sensitive circuitry of the sensor. With light sensors, daylight, or the lack of it, controls the light's operation. An outside lamp post is an excellent way to add increased security and safety to your home.
What is the best way to prevent electric shock?
When working with electrical wiring and installation, it is best to have some sort of “ground” (for example, rubber soled shoes, or rubber gloves) to reduce your risk of electric shock. Whenever possible, avoid direct contact with anything metal while handling electrical wires.
How deep should a hole be for a post?
It is recommended that your hole be a minimum of 30 inches deep to avoid your post shifting due to ground freezing.
Do you have to shut off all electrical wiring before starting a project?
Always make sure you have the power shut off to all electrical wiring involved before beginning any project.
Where is Ezmeralda Lee?
Ezmeralda Lee is a published writer living in Upstate New York. She has been writing for more than 15 years and has experience with subjects such as business, management, computer programming, technology, horses and real estate, She has expertise in computers, home and garden, law and literature. Lee holds a B.A. in English from Binghamton University.
