Making Your Own Flag Pole Lights

Flag pole lights are a great way to light up your home and give it a patriotic touch. If you know someone who is serving in the military overseas, you probably try to honor them by flying an American flag in front of your home. Since it is a requirement that an American flag be lighted at night, you might be looking for an affordable way to light the flag or any other banners you choose to fly outside your home. Installation of a self made flag pole light can be very simple, as well. You can choose to either install it in the ground with a self charging solar panel or you can anchor it to your home.

Step 1: Locate Your Flag Pole

Before attaching the light to your pole, you need to find the ideal location in your yard to put up the flag pole. Since this light is going to be on at night, you do not want to locate the pole too close to exterior windows. Once you do put up the pole, you’ll need the angle the light away from the house so it does not shine directly into any windows. It is best to have the flag pole at least 15 feet from your home to avoid the light coming in the windows. If you plan on having a light that you control with an on off switch from inside the house, the pole will need to be closer.

Step 2: Put Up the Flag Pole

The flag pole kit should come with easy to follow instructions for putting it up. Some kits come with mounted brackets that attach directly to the home, while others are in ground poles. This can also determine the type of light you want to use, either rechargeable or electrical.

Step 3: Attach the Light to the Pole

Most flag pole lights come with a proper clamp that can be attached to the pole. The first thing you want to do here is attach the clamp without the light onto the pole. It needs to be installed at least five feet off the ground for a 15 foot tall flag pole. Next, attach the parabolic flood like to the other end of the clamp. If you purchased and adjustable clamp, which works best, you will be able to adjust the angle of the light on the banners. Next, make sure that the solar panel on top of the lamp is exposed to the sun. You do not want any tree branches getting in the way, as the panel needs to charge the rechargeable batteries in the light.

Step 4: Adjust the Light

If you purchased an adjustable clamp, angle the light so that it is pointing directly at the flag. Make sure it is not angled at your home as well. The batteries should be fully charged after a day of sunlight and they will light the flag automatically at dusk.