Installing external post lighting

[polo1]

Hi all, just looking for ideas on how you typically install decorative garden lighting (say s/steel) - post type, into soft ground. Customers often provide B&Q type fittings with two/three base fixing holes which are a real pain. I previously had some great bases made up in plastic for a large job - diameter the same as the light base, with a centre rod which could be used to spike into the ground, as well as a threaded hole into which you could insert flexi conduit from the bottom. The light was just screwed onto the plastic base using s/s machine screws. Unfortunately, the company which made these up very cheaply is no longer around (maybe that's why!), but I'm now looking for time-saving tips for installing this type of lighting.Regards

 

[telectrix]

could drop a paving slab in.

 

[polo1]

Thanks Tel - I should have said that I'm trying to avoid that type of approach - often they need cutting down and if the lighting is going into beds it's not ideal. I've also tried the larger driveway blocks, but can't help thinking there must be a more efficient/elegant solution (if I can't get whet I used before made up at reasonable cost to suit individual jobs).

 

[BigSi]

We normally drill a hole through a paving slab for cable entry (from Wicks), and then fix the post to it. The slab is then buried under the soil, gravel, lawn, etc, to provide a stable base for the light fitting. Sometimes if the fitting does not allow it, we put an IP rated enclosure under the slab for the SWA’s.

 

[Flanders]

I would use torpedo joints under ground the water always seems to find it way in to water proof boxes

 

[HandySparks]

Might it be possible to make use of a hammer-in fence post spike in some way?

 

[shocking_eg]

and fill all connections up with wiska gel

 

[polo1]

Thanks all. I like the idea of the fence post spike, worth looking at.

 

[Knobhead]

Polo, where are you?

There's a couple of machine shops I know that take on the sort of work you need.

Send me a PM