How to fix an outdoor lamp post?

How to fix an outdoor lamppost?

You can replace virtually any streetlight fixture.

If you live in a suburban community where streetlights are nonexistent, chances are you have a lamppost at the end of your driveway. Over time and due to weather fluctuations, the light fixture on top of the lamppost can begin to deteriorate in both appearance and functionality. Here's how to secure your outdoor lamppost.

Step 1

Make sure the power to the lamp post is off. While you can accomplish this by turning off the switch inside your home that controls it, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the switch to prevent accidents. This is especially important if your outdoor lamp post is controlled by a timer. Find the circuit breaker by turning on the lamp post, using the switch, or pressing the "manual on" button on your timer. With the light on, flip the breakers until you see the light turn off.

Step 2

Look at the base of the light fixture where it sits atop the lamppost. You should see at least three bolts securing the light fixture to the post. But before loosening these bolts, you need to remove the outer casing of the light fixture.

Step 3

Depending on your type of fixture, there should be additional bolts or screws holding the top of the fixture in place, or if your fixture comes to a point and you can see a threaded post inside the fixture, then the point may unscrew from the threaded post to allow the top to detach from the fixture. Once you have removed the top using a wrench or screwdriver, remove the bulb inside.

Step 4

Take your touch voltage tester and stick it directly inside the outlet to test the power. Make sure you press the tester button when you do this.

Step 5

If there is removable glass in the existing light fixture, remove it now. It should slide out of the frame. Start removing the bolts securing the light fixture to the lamppost with a wrench. Once the bolts are removed, disconnect the wires from the socket and lift the light fixture off the post. Replacing is the opposite of removing.

Step 6

If you don't have help, you can carefully place the existing light fixture on a ladder shelf or let it float in the air, supported by the wires. Take your screwdriver and use electrical tape to attach the wire to it in a cross shape. This will prevent the wire from falling inside the pole.

Step 7

Remove the wire connectors and place the disconnected light fixture out of your immediate path so you don't accidentally trip over it.

Take your new light fixture, open it up, and remove the top and any glass, just like you did with the previous one before removing it from the pole.

Step 8

Make your wire connections: black to black, white to white, and ground to ground. Wrap each wire connector in electrical tape to help keep moisture out. Remove the screwdriver and carefully guide the wire into the post.

Step 9

Secure the new light fixture to the post using the provided bolts. Reinstall all glass components, screw in a new, properly sized bulb, and secure the top of the fixture.

Step 10

FAQ: How to fix an outdoor lamppost?

Can any street lamp light fixture be replaced?

Yes, you can replace virtually any streetlight fixture, even if you live in a suburban community where streetlights are rare. Light fixtures can degrade over time due to weather fluctuations, affecting both their appearance and functionality.

How to prepare for repairing an outdoor lamppost?

To prepare for the repair, start by turning off the power to the lamppost. This can be done by turning off the switch inside your home or, more safely, by turning off the circuit breaker that powers the switch. This step is crucial, especially if your lamppost is controlled by a timer.

What are the first steps in fixing the lamp post?

Examine the base of the light fixture where it attaches to the top of the lamppost. You will usually find at least three bolts securing the fixture to the post. Before loosening these bolts, it may be necessary to remove the fixture's outer casing to access the internal components.

How to test electrical safety before repairing?

Use a touch voltage tester by sticking it directly inside the outlet to test the power supply. Make sure to press the tester button while doing this for a correct measurement.

How to remove and replace the floor lamp light fixture?

If the light fixture has removable glass, remove it first. Then, unscrew the bolts securing the fixture to the lamppost. After disconnecting the wires from the socket, lift the fixture off the post. Replacement involves reversing these steps.

Are there any tips for handling components during repair?

If you're doing the repair yourself, you can place the existing light fixture on a ladder shelf or leave it hanging by the wires while you prepare the new fixture. Using electrical tape to temporarily secure the wire in place can also be helpful.

How to ensure that the electrical connection is correct?

When connecting the wires to the new light fixture, be sure to connect wires of the same color together (black to black, white to white) and to properly connect the ground wire. Use electrical tape to secure each connection and protect against moisture.

What is the last step after attaching the new light fixture?

Once the new light fixture is secured to the post and all glass components are reinstalled, screw in a new bulb and secure the top of the fixture. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the lamppost. Remember to reset the timer if necessary.