Hire an electrician to install an outdoor lamppost that's ambient and secure
Outdoor lighting can be an elegant addition to your outdoor space, especially if you install a lamppost. Not only does it add charm to your landscaping, but outdoor lighting like lampposts also increases the security factor. While it may seem straightforward for an eager DIYer, electrical work can be tricky and dangerous. Let’s review why it’s best to hire a professional electrician for lamppost installation, and how much you can expect the project to cost.
For a seemingly simple project, a lot of work goes into installing a lamppost, including advanced electrical work. Finding and hiring an electrician is the best way to ensure your post is installed correctly and that the electrical work is up to code for your area. Hiring a licensed and insured professional electrician near you also provides peace of mind that the project is getting done correctly.
The local electrician you hire will need to run wiring from the lamppost to your home, which drives up pricing. The cost of installing outdoor lighting can vary, but you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 on average for lamppost installation.
Professional electricians charge an average of $160 to install porch lights, or between $65 to $250 per fixture. Keep in mind that your installation costs will depend on location, extent of the electrical work, local permits, and labor costs. Since installation doesn’t take more than one hour in most cases, the bulk of the pricing is the lamppost itself.
If you’re looking to install a new lamppost or replace an old one, it’s important to know what cost factors play a part in the overall cost. After all, no one likes unexpected expenses, especially when dealing with electrical work. There are a few different aspects of this project to consider when looking at the overall cost:
If you only want to replace the lamppost without any additional electrical work, you can expect the cost to range from $100 to $500 or more. This cost depends on the size and material of the lamppost you choose.
The extent of the electrical work needed will play an important factor in the overall cost of installing or replacing your lamppost. Your electrician may have to install or rewire the circuit before connecting the new lamppost, which would drive up the project's overall cost. In addition, if you need to run new wiring underground, you’ll be charged for that expense separately, costing $10 to $25 per linear foot.
Depending on your location, you might need to have permits in place for outdoor electrical work. The type of permits (and the cost of each permit) will vary depending on your project's location and size. Your electrical contractor will be able to secure any permits needed for the project.
The professional you hire will charge a certain amount for labor to install or replace the lamppost. The cost to hire an electrician varies depending on the complexity of the project, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for labor in most cases.
Electrical work can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the processes and safeguards involved. Small electrical projects like replacing an indoor light fixture are a great place for many DIYers to start learning about electrical work.
Outdoor lamppost installation involves not only running a new electrical line, but there are also landscaping concerns, trenching, and concrete work involved. For even an advanced DIYer, outdoor lamppost installation might be too difficult, so it’s best to leave this project to an electrical professional.
Many landscape contractors can help you design the layout, placement, and plantings around your outdoor lamppost, and some may even have an electrician on staff for this type of project. If they don’t have a staff electrician, though, most landscape companies can refer you to an electrician they trust and who is familiar with outdoor lighting work. Contact a local outdoor light specialist to determine whether they can help with your lamppost installation.
A professional electrician can have your outdoor lamppost set and functional in a day or two. Here’s what to expect during this project:
The electrician will dig a trench from your home’s power supply to the lamppost location. The trench should run 12 to 18 inches deep, while the hole for the post should be around 18 to 24 inches deep.
The electrician will run a length of conduit from the house, through the trench, and up the hole.
They will then run an electrical line either from the breaker box inside your home or from an outdoor outlet.
They will thread the electrical wire through the conduit and up the lamppost.
They will fill the hole with gravel and concrete. Then, the electrician or landscape contractor will place the lamppost into the hole.
The electrician will wait for the concrete to harden and set, then return to complete the wiring needed to turn on the light.
Yes, lampposts need a concrete base. The concrete base provides a stable foundation for the lamppost, which can be heavy from the weight of the light fixture and other accessories. A concrete base also provides structural support for the lamppost, keeping it from sinking into the ground or tipping over in the wind.
Where you place your lamp post is dependent on several factors. For example, if you’re installing a lamppost for aesthetic lighting purposes, you’ll want to consider placing it in a highly-visible spot or a location that illuminates a yard feature. Use it as a focal point of your outdoor living space or use it to light up a garden or walkway. Be sure, however, to avoid any obstructions like trees or other structures that might be in the way or will cast a shadow.
A common standard is to bury the base of the lamppost at a depth of about ⅓ to ½ of its total height. However, this could vary on factors such as height, soil conditions, and local restrictions. Burying the lamppost at this depth provides stability and protection from tipping out of the ground or falling over during a very windy day.
