Whether starting a new outdoor project or adding to an existing one, installing light poles requires a lot of planning before you break ground. To start, you’ll need to identify the location type and application of the lighting before you can do anything else. Will they be installed in a commercial, residential, or recreational area? Will you be following a street light installation procedure? What are the environmental conditions to consider? What local ordinances do you need to comply with? Knowing these things will help identify the diverse installation needs for your project. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for proper light pole installation best practices.
How to get started
If you are thinking about installing a light pole, here are some things to consider before beginning the process:
- Step 1: Be sure to familiarize yourself with your city’s requirements. (*Disclaimer: check with a foundation engineer and an electrician to help with installation and wiring.) Different municipalities provide their own guidelines.
- Step 2: Consider the wind conditions in the area where you plan to install the poles. Local municipalities will require you to comply with EPA (Effective Projected Area) ratings to ensure that your light poles can safely handle the local wind conditions. This includes the entire pole assembly (pole, light fixtures, mounting hardware, etc.). More information can be found here.
- Step 3: Recognize the type of soil. The ideal soil should be solid and firm and should not retain water. A proper site assessment should be done before excavation begins. Identify any obstacles or underground utilities that could hinder the process. Depending on how solid the foundation is, you might have to dig deeper, which will affect cost.
The following soil types will likely require more depth of installation:
- Sandy: Does not have much load-bearing capacity and is vulnerable to erosion and settling.
- Clay: Retains water which can cause swelling. This can compromise stability.
- Rocky: Difficult to penetrate depending on the stability and density of rock formations. It may require special techniques and/or equipment for digging.
Light Pole Installation methods
Before you begin, you must obtain the proper concrete installation tools. After considering your city's requirements, wind speed, depth, and soil condition, choose which installation method to use; the Direct Burial or Anchor-based installation method. Hiring an engineer to guide you through the process is highly recommended to ensure proper installation.
Here is a breakdown of the following light pole installation methods:
Direct Burial Light Pole Installation
The direct burial method, also known as the embedded method, allows poles to be installed straight into the ground. Aluminum and fiberglassare the recommended pole materials as they do not rust. Remember that steel poles, base plates, and anchor bolts are not needed for this installation.
The light pole shaft needs to be longer than normal (10% of the ideal height you had in mind, plus 2 feet). The soil should consist of silt, clay, soil, and a small amount of crushed rock. Please note it will be difficult to create a solid foundation in areas with loose soil and sand.
Below are the suggested burial installation steps to follow:
- Step 1: Attach the light fixtures and any associated accessories to the pole before raising it to install into the hole.
- Step 2: Thread the electrical wiring through the pole. It should run down the pole from the fixtures at the top to the access hole near the base.
- Step 3:
Dig or use an auger to create a hole. Be sure that the diameter of the hole is about twice the diameter of the pole’s base. The suggested heights and depths are
listed below, depending on the type of pole you will be working with. (These are approximate depths. Consult each pole's specification sheet for recommended embedment depths.):
- How deep does a light pole need to be?
- Pole Height: 8-18 feet, Depth = 3 feet
- Pole Height: 18.1-25 feet, Depth = 4 feet
- Pole Height: 25.1-40 feet, Depth = 5 feet
- Pole Height: 40.1-50 feet, Depth = 6 feet
- How deep does a light pole need to be?
- Step 4: Tamp the floor and walls of the hole to firm them up.
- Step 5: Lower the pole into the hole while guiding the wires through the cable entrance holes to the hand hole. Make sure that it is aligned properly.
- Step 6: Lay 4 to 6 inches of backfill into the hole. Support the pole and use a plumb bob to level the pole, packing the backfill as you go.
- Step 7: Add an additional 4 to 6 inches of backfill and continue to plumb the pole.
- Step 8: Tamp the backfill to ensure it is solid and compact so that the pole is securely in place.
- Step 9: Connect the electrical wiring in the hand hole. Be sure to follow the local electrical codes.
This method is less costly and can be used when installing light poles within athletic courts and residential areas.
Can I install a direct burial light pole in cement?
Yes. If you are using cement to fill your hole, all of the previous steps will remain the same, except you will want to use a concrete mixture to fill the hole instead. The following tools will be necessary; a conduit pipe fitted wiring and a concrete float.
- Step 1: Fill the trench with reserved soil
- Step 2: Pour in a concrete mix into the post hole you are working with (6 ft of the conduit pipe should remain exposed after this step has been completed). Do not cover any wires or conduit with the concrete.
- Step 3: Smooth out the top of the post hole with a concrete float.
Anchor-Based Light Pole Installation
The anchor-based installation process tends to be costly and time-consuming; however, this foundational method can be beneficial in certain locations, specifically parking lots. According to CBS News, 20 percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. Often, light poles are damaged as a result of these accidents. Shopping mall parking lots use the anchor-based process because light poles can be easily replaced.
There are two ways to install an anchor base light pole foundation.
Method 1: DIY concrete foundation: This method involves digging a hole, pouring in the concrete, and attaching your anchor bolts. This can be a long, exhausting process; however, it still gets the job done.
The following steps on how to construct an anchor bolt base foundation are listed below:
- Step 1: Cut out the template and template supports.
- Step 2: Layout and drill your bolt pattern.
- Step 3: Secure the bolts to the template.
- Step 4: Place the template on the forum and make sure it is leveled.
- Step 5: Fasten the template to the supports, secure the supports to the H frame.
- Step 6: Secure the cage to the supports.
- Step 7: Secure the concrete and remove the template.
Once the concrete is set, you can now install the light pole to the foundation.
- Step 1: Attach the light fixtures and any associated accessories to the pole before raising it to install into the hole.
- Step 2: Thread the electrical wiring through the pole. It should run down the pole from the fixtures at the top to the access hole near the base.
- Step 3: Lift the pole up using a crane or forklift and set it onto the anchor bolts.
- Step 4: Secure the pole using the included nuts and washers. Use a plumb bot to align the pole properly.
- Step 5: Connect the ground wire and the electrical components.
- Step 6: Backfill the excavated area.
- Step 7: Connect the electrical wiring in the hand hole. Be sure to follow the local electrical codes.
Method 2: Helix Foundation: This method is often used to implement utility poles, cell phone towers, solar panels, and distribution lines. These durable, grounded anchors are great for keeping everything in place because the helix-shaped plate allows all bolts to be screwed in quickly and easily without the need for concrete. For this method, a helical plate allows for all bolts to be screwed in without the need for concrete. The plate acts like a large corkscrew used to dig into the ground. A steel anchor is screwed into place by using hydraulic rotary equipment.
Wiring the Light Pole
Before you begin, make sure to turn off your power source located within the main breaker box. Have the following tools on hand; wire nuts, wire strippers, and a utility knife. It is highly suggested to hire an electrician.
How is light pole installation different in residential versus commercial settings?
Residential light pole installation requirements differ from commercial light pole installation. The type of installation depends on your location, as some cities have requirements for which ones you use. Please note:
- Commercial light pole installation is a long process due to traffic and crowded areas
- Commercial light poles are often thicker and sturdier.
- Residential light poles have a shorter warranty and can be installed in soil or cement. Light poles in commercial settings will typically be installed using cement to withstand tougher conditions.
How much does installing a light pole cost?
The cost of a light pole installation depends on the size and the location of the hole. The cheapest option, the Direct Burial method, costs between $200 to $500. The Helix foundation ranges from $500 to $700. The final, yet pricier, installation option is the traditional Anchor-base method, costing $600 to $1000.
Direct burial light poles are the most economical poles to install. They don’t require a concrete foundation with anchor bolts and base plates like the anchor base method. They also require less time to install. They do, however, require poles that are made of aluminum or fiberglass, which are more expensive than steel poles. The reason for this is because of the direct contact with the soil. This means that the poles used in this installation type need to be resistant to rust.
Regarding the anchor base installation method, yes, it is more expensive and time-consuming. But it makes the poles more wind and impact-resistant. They are also much easier to replace than direct burial poles because there is no excavation required.
Common outdoor lighting installation problems
Errors are common. Here are three of the most common installation mistakes that people make:
- Mismatching: Improperly installing your anchor bolts may cause measurement errors, leading to a pole that does not fit. Once the foundation and the anchor bolts are set, there is no going back unless you have an adaptor or start over and redrill.
- Crooked installation: Direct burial may result in crooked light poles.
- Not hiring an engineer or electrician: Hiring an electrician or engineer is highly recommended to design the proper foundation for each application.
Post-installation maintenance
Once a light pole is installed, you’ll need to properly maintain it to ensure safety, longevity, and aesthetics. To do this, you’ll need to:
- Inspect it twice a year.
- Clean it regularly.
- Protect its finish by painting and applying protective coatings.
- Repair and replace components.
For more information on light pole maintenance, click here.
Check out our product instructional videos page or subscribe to our YouTube channel to learn more about light pole installation and other helpful tips and tricks.
If you have any more product-related questions about installation, feel free to give us a call or message us. We’d be happy to help!