How to Install a Farm-Yard Light

Determine the area where you want to have light when it is dark outside. Find the center point of that area, near the edge of a walkway, if possible.

Dig a hole at the center point at least 30 inches deep and plant a pole to hang a light fixture. For poles taller than 10 feet, add two feet of depth for every 10 feet above ground. If you are using a preexisting structure, like a barn wall, cut the necessary holes to run wire through. Be sure the lighting fixture is attached to structural supports of the building and not just siding.

Dig a 6 inch -- or deeper -- trench from the pole to a breaker box. If running wire from inside a barn or other structure, lay out the wire and secure it to the structure before installing the light and connecting it to the breaker box.

Lay 110-volt wire in the trench and bury the wire. Check local codes to determine if the underground wire requires a conduit.

Connect the wire to a switch at the pole. Run a wire from the switch to the light to connect the circuit. Contact a professional, if necessary.

Install the switch into the breaker box. Attach the wire to a 110-volt switch at the breaker box. Flip the switch.