Lamppost Installation Details

Dig Hole

• The first step in installing a lamppost is to dig a hole to set the post. Use a round shovel or posthole digger to create a hole approximately 18 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches in diameter, depending on the size of the post. If you're using a concrete form for your installation, select one approximately 2 inches longer than the depth of the lamppost’s trench for the best fit.

Run Conduit

• To power the lamppost, you must run a PVC conduit from your home to the hole. You may need to cut the conduit with a hacksaw to fit properly. Use elbow sections to direct the conduit down into the hole and up from the hole to the lamppost or to change the conduit’s direction. Dig a trench approximately 18 inches for the conduit and connect the pieces with PVC cement. Use 12- or 14-gauge wire to connect the lamppost to your home’s circuit breaker, ensuring the wire is long enough to travel through any walls to reach the breaker box and provide at least 8 feet extra at the lamppost location. Thread the wire through the conduit, place the conduit in the trench and cover with soil.

Add Concrete

• When adding concrete to your lamppost trench, use a concrete form or simply pour the mixture into the hole. It’s usually best to mix the concrete one bag at a time, so it doesn’t dry before you have time to fill the hole. Avoid adding too much water to the concrete or it may not be firm enough to hold the lamppost in place. When placing the concrete into the hole or form, use a shovel to avoid getting any on the wires or into the conduit. Level the top of the concrete with a concrete float or wooden board.

Set Lamppost

• Because the concrete may begin to set, you must work efficiently when setting the lamppost in place. Thread the wires from the conduit through the post until they reach the top. Push the post into the concrete directly above the conduit and continue until it's approximately a foot deep in the concrete. You may need to turn the post as you push to fully work it into place. You can tie several ropes around the post to stake it in the ground to stabilize it and use a level to ensure it's plumb. Let the concrete set for at least five hours to ensure it fully hardens.

Connect Wires

• When the concrete has hardened, you can complete the wiring. Cut away insulation from the cable at the top of the post, so the three individual wires inside are exposed. Black, white and green or copper wires will match the wires from the post’s lantern. Connect the corresponding wires with wire nuts and place the lantern at the top of the post, tightening its screws to lock it in place. For safety reasons, it’s usually best to consult a licensed electrician to connect the wires to your home’s circuit breaker if you aren’t familiar with electrical work. Your electrician can also mount a switch outside your home so you can easily turn the lamppost on and off.