Quck answer
To wire a lamp post with a light sensor, follow these steps:
1. Choose a suitable location for the lamp post, preferably near an electrical outlet.
2. Dig a trench from the electrical outlet to the lamp post location, deep enough to bury the wires.
3. Run a 12-gauge UF (underground feeder) cable through the trench, connecting it to the electrical outlet.
4. Install an outdoor-rated junction box at the lamp post location and connect the UF cable to it.
5. Mount the light sensor on top of the lamp post, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Connect the light sensor to the junction box, using wire connectors.
7. Install the lamp fixture on the lamp post and connect it to the junction box.
8. Test the light sensor by covering it and uncovering it to ensure the lamp turns on and off accordingly.
Remember to always follow local electrical codes and consult a professional if you are unsure about any step.
Adding an outdoor lamppost is a great way to enhance the security and safety of your home. However, it can be difficult to remember to turn on the lamppost every night, and using a timer means constantly adjusting it for daylight savings. By installing a lamppost with a built-in light sensor, you can eliminate these concerns. The light sensor automatically turns on the light when it gets dark and turns it off when it becomes light again. The process of wiring the fixture is not very complicated.
Items Needed
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Lamppost fixture with light sensor
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Screwdrivers
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Touch-type voltage tester
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Wire strippers
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Needle-nose pliers
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Wire connectors
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Electrical tape
Steps on How to Wire a Lamp Post With a Light Sensor
Step 1: Turn Off the Circuit
In the electrical panel, switch off the circuit that powers the current light on the lamppost.
Step 2: Remove the Top and Bulb
Take off the top of the light fixture by unscrewing the bolts or removing the finishing caps with needle-nose pliers. Remove the top and the bulb. If the light was recently on, wait for the bulb to cool down before proceeding.
Step 3: Lift Off the Fixture
Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts on the base of the lamppost fixture. These bolts secure the fixture to the post. Once the bolts are loose, you can lift the fixture off the post.
Step 4: Ensure the Circuit Is Off
Before touching any of the wires, use a touch-type voltage tester to check the wires inside the post. Press the button on the tester and touch the tip to each wire to ensure that the circuit is off. If the tester beeps or lights up, then the circuit is still live. Keep trying different breakers until you find the correct one.
Step 5: Identify the Wires
Pull the wires out of the post until you locate the wire connectors that connect the fixture wires to the feed wires. Disconnect the wire connectors to remove the fixture, and fold the feed wires over the rim of the post to prevent them from falling back inside.
Step 6: Strip the Wires
Use wire strippers to remove the necessary insulation from the ends of the wires, both on the new fixture and the wires in the post.
Step 7: Connect the Ground Wires
Join the ground wire from the post with the ground wire on the new fixture using a wire connector.
Step 8: Connect the White Wires
Connect the white wire from the post with the white wire on the light fixture and the white wire on the light sensor. Ensure that the wire connector is securely fastened and wrap the connection with electrical tape to protect it from the elements.
Step 9: Connect the Black Wires
Join the black wire from the post with the black wire on the light sensor. Ensure that the wire connector is securely attached, and wrap the connection with electrical tape to prevent any external elements from entering the wiring.
Step 10: Connect the Remaining Wires
Attach the black wire from the fixture to the red wire on the light sensor. Make sure the wire connector is tightly secured, and wrap the connection with electrical tape to prevent any external elements from entering the wiring.
Step 11: Reattach the Fixture to the Post
Push the wiring back down into the post and place the fixture on top. Secure the fixture in place by tightening the bolts around its base.
Step 12: Install a Light Bulb
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the top of the fixture and install an appropriate light bulb. Replace the top and switch the circuit back on.
Step 13: Test the Installation
To test the installation, cover the light sensor with electrical tape to block out any light. The light should turn on within a few seconds. Remove the tape, and after a few seconds, the light should turn off.
Tip
Before testing the circuit you are working on, always test your tester on a known working circuit to ensure its proper functionality.
If your outdoor lamppost was previously controlled by a wall switch, leave the switch on at all times after installing a fixture with a built-in light sensor.
Warning
Never connect a light sensor to a live circuit, as it is not only dangerous for the individual but it could also damage the sensitive circuitry of the sensor.
