GUIDE TO REPLACING AN OUTDOOR LAMP POST
A lamp post is an outdoor lighting fixture in which the light source sits atop a pole or post. It helps illuminate different areas, like the driveway, and usually comes in two parts—the lantern and the post. An ornamental lamp post adds style, curb appeal, safety, and security to the home. Over time, though, the outdoor lamp post may require replacement. A reliable electrician can help homeowners in replacing the lamp post. Electrical contractors have the knowledge and experience, and hiring them reduces the risk of any damage or injury during replacement.
Here is a simple guide to replacing an outdoor lamp post:
Turn off the power
It is essential to completely cut off the power supply to the lamp post and not just turn off the switch. The professional will first locate and turn off the circuit breaker that controls the power supply to the lamp post. Professionals also make sure that no one accidentally turns it on while the replacement job is under process.
Access panels
Most exterior lamp posts commonly have some way to gain access to the wiring. The professional will first remove the panel if the lamp post has an access panel or take off the casing if it has one enclosing the mounting bolts.
Get rid of the wiring
The lamp post has some light source that needs to be disconnected. As a critical step, use a wire cutter to cut the wires closest to the place where they connect to the lamp because they are worthless as the old lamp post is of no use. If there is excess wire, remove the wire nuts to preserve the extra wiring.
Old lamp post removal
The nuts securing the post to the bolts are unscrewed strategically to prevent them from falling on one side to remove the old lamp post. First, remove the nut from one side of the post and then take off the nut opposite to it on the other side. Similarly, remove all the nuts. If the nuts are too tight, they may require applying a penetrating fluid for easy removal. The lamp post is then carefully removed by digging the ground around with a shovel to replace it with a new one.
Installing the new lamp post
For installation, the new lamp post is positioned in the hole to ensure it stands straight. The gap is then filled using fast-setting cement and allowed to settle fully. Tighten the screws and nuts, followed by connecting the main electrical wiring to the wires present inside the lamp post. Professionals ensure to connect the wiring properly with pliers and wire nuts to avoid any operational issues. Next, re-install the access panels or casings. Finally, turn on the switch to ensure that the lamp post works correctly.
A lamp post is a valuable outdoor fixture to light up the driveways and yard for easy access and safety. Hiring an electrician for lamp post replacement eliminates risks and ensures that it works right the first time itself.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
