5 Tips for Wiring an Outdoor Post Light
An outdoor post light provides you with a number of advantages. It helps to light up your backyard or front lawn so that you can work and play there safely even after it is dark. It also adds to the beauty of the area and can be used to highlight different areas or break the monotony of an empty grassy space. It also acts as a deterrent for would-be robbers and thieves. Last, but not the least, an outdoor post light can significantly escalate the aesthetic and financial value of your property.
You can either hire a professional to install your outdoor post light for you, or you can choose to do it on your own to save on the costs involved. If you’re a hands-on sort of person and want to install your own lights, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when wiring them. Here are some tips for wiring outdoor post lights.
1. Check the Local Regulations
This is the most important step when you are going to be wiring your outdoor post lights. Check the local regulations and ensure that you comply with them. Why run the risk of having all your hard work undone just because you didn’t follow some local rule? If you’re caught violating a local regulation, you may not only have to get the work redone by professionals at a higher cost, but may also have to pay a steep fine. Besides, these regulations are put down to enhance safety, so you may as well comply with them from the start.
2. Use GFCI Outlets
Most local laws require all outdoor wiring to be connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. Even if you are not required by law to do so, it is a good idea to always connect your outdoor wiring to a GFCI outlet. This is because outdoor wiring is more prone to deterioration, which may lead to water coming into contact with the live electrical wires. A GFCI outlet will help prevent electrocution and damage to your equipment in such a situation.
3. Pass the Wires Through a Conduit
You should use electrical wires that are encased in a PVC conduit. Depending on the local regulations, you may have to use such wires only for bends and the parts that are exposed above the ground, or for the entire length of the wire that is outdoors. Ideally, all of the wiring that runs outdoors should be of a grade that is designed to withstand the environment by being sheathed in a protective PVC conduit.
4. Bury Them Deep
The electrical wiring should be buried at least 12 to 18 inches deep beneath the ground. Check your local regulations to see if a certain depth has been specified. The deeper down you bury your electrical wiring, the lesser the chances of someone accidently damaging them with a spading fork or other such tools.
5. Use Weatherproof Equipment
Water is your biggest enemy when you are wiring an outdoor light post. Always use weatherproof equipment for all electrical boxes, receptacles, switches, wires and light fixtures.