Adding a lamp post to your front yard can improve your home's safety, security, and aesthetic appeal. Installing a direct burial lamp post is a fantastic way to achieve this, and it's a project that homeowners can tackle on their own with some basic tools and a little know-how. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to install a direct burial lamp post and provide helpful tips to make the process smoother. 

Canterbury LED Post Light and Classic Black Lamp Post with Crossarm

What You'll Need 

Before you begin, you'll need a few tools and materials. If you're still searching for the right lamp post or light, check out our handy post light buying guide.

A direct burial lamp post

Shovel or post-hole digger 

Concrete mix 

Level 

Screwdriver 

Wire nuts 

Electrical tape 

Wire strippers 

Circuit tester 

Step 1: Choose Your Location 

The first step is to choose the location for your lamp post. Consider the height of the post for your space. A six-to-eight-foot lamp post provides plenty of light without spilling into your neighbor’s yard. It’s also important to consider the type of bulb you'll be using and any potential obstructions in the area. Once you've selected the location, mark the spot with a stake or spray paint. 

Step 2: Turn Off Power 

Always remember to turn off the power to the electrical item you’re working on.  

Step 3: Dig the Hole for the Post 

Using a shovel or post-hole digger, dig a hole that is at least 18 inches deep and 8 inches in diameter. Fill the hole with 6 inches of gravel.  

Step 4: Dig the Trench for the Wires

Using a shovel or post-hole digger, dig a trench from the power source to the lamp post hole. The appropriate depth for burying conduit may vary based on local electrical codes. However, a general rule of thumb is to bury PVC conduit at a depth of 18 inches, direct wire burial at 24 inches, and RNC (rigid non-metallic conduit) at 6 inches.

Pro Tip: To make refilling the trench easier, place the soil on a plastic tarp as you dig.

Step 5: Connect the Wires 

Run the wire through the trench, making sure that it is protected by conduit piping. Feed the wire through the lamp post inlet hole and to the top of the post.

Check with local authorities for specific electrical code requirements for your location.  

Step 6: Install the Lamp Post with Concrete 

Insert the lamp post into the center of the hole in the ground and make sure it is level. Then fill the hole with concrete mix to just below the wire inlet hole at the post base. 

Step 7: Test the Lamp Post 

Before turning the power back on, make sure that all connections are secure and that the wires are properly insulated. Once you're confident that everything is in order, turn the power back on and test the lamp post to ensure that it's working correctly. 

Optional: Outlet Installation 

To wire the outlet, first connect the black outlet wire to the black power supply and post top wire. Connect the white outlet wire to the white power supply and post top wire. Then connect the green outlet wire to the power supply and fixture ground. Finally, screw the outlet kit to the lamp post.  

Optional: Photo Eye Installation 

To install a photo eye to your lamp post, connect the black photo eye wire to the black power supply wire. Connect the red photo eye wire to the black post light wire. Then connect the white photo eye wire to all other white wires. Finally, screw the photo eye kit to the lamp post.  

Installing a direct burial lamp post is a great DIY project that can enhance the safety, security, and aesthetic appeal of your home. With a little bit of effort and some basic tools, homeowners can complete this project and enjoy the benefits of a well-lit front yard. Whether you choose the Design House Lamp Post with Photo Eye or the Design House Lamp Post with Convenience Outlet, you can be confident that you've made a wise investment in your home's exterior. So, why not get started today and illuminate your home's front yard with a beautiful new lamp post?