Light Pole Mounting – Direct Burial Vs. Surface Mounting Which Light Pole Is Right?

There are two types available for light poles. One is anchor-based, and the other is direct burial. Embedded poles (or direct burial) are placed in the ground by inserting the shaft without using anchor bolts or concrete bases. It gives the shaft a cleaner look. Most poles made of metal have a standard hand-hole cap and a cover. The handhole cover is used by electricians to make connections, replace damaged components, and maintain interior wiring. The pole caps can also be interchangeable. If the bull horn bracket is attached to the pole, then a polecat is not required.

The embedded installation will require a longer shaft to compensate. To calculate the length of the pole required, multiply 10% by your fixture mounting height and then add 2 feet. For example, 20 feet fixture mounting height means that you must bury 4ft, resulting in a 24 feet pole. Direct Burial LED pole lamps should only be used if the soil conditions are different.

The Following Guidelines Can Be Used As A Guide:

1. Solid rock conditions include backfill of crushed rock of 36 inches or less or cemented sand.

Poor soil conditions include soil with loose rock, gravel, high organic materials, or any other type of soil. You should consult local specialists that are familiar with the current soil conditions to ensure maximum soil compaction.

3. Normal soil conditions: clay or silt; organic soils are more common than those with standing water in the rainy season. The addition of crushed rock over 34 inches to the excavated material is necessary for backfill.

4. Digging the hole. The whole size should be about twice the diameter of the pole’s base. Holes should not be augured.

5. The pole should be wired: Finish wiring according to permitted procedures.

6. Install the pole

7. With a plumb bob, level and align the pole.

8. Backfill the hole using 6-8 inch filler and a tamper. The installation often requires tamping.

9. Embedded poles can be installed in a shorter time and cost less than traditional anchor bases. They are not suitable for sandy locations.

A straight burial solo can break or rust out. As shown below, you have only one option: to excavate it and start anew. Use a heavier pole. It is worth spending more money to use aluminum in moist locations.

What Is The Difference Between A Top Mount And A Flange Mounted Pole?

A metal baseplate is bonded onto the shaft for a surface-mount (flange mounting pole). There may be 3-6 anchoring bolt holes on the plate. The concrete foundation is poured and the anchor bolts are “cast” within the mold. They then rise above the surface, hence the name surface mounting. The bolts’ projecting areas link to the base.

What Is A Light Pole’s Flange?

A flange can be described as a plate of metal that contains anchor bolt holes and is used to attach the light pole shaft. They come in several forms, including squares, rectangles, snap-on, tapered, and round. You can find them in steel and aluminum as well as stainless steel in many different finishes.

Metal Light Post Vs. Timber Light Poles

When it comes down to choosing the right material for light poles for sale the choice is always between wood and steel. Selecting the most reliable, cost-effective utility pole is crucial for maintaining electrical continuity, lighting, and safety.

i. Wood Poles Can Always Be Buried Directly

Wood poles provide a low-cost way to support your backyard basketball courts, pickleball courts, and bocce courts. They can be easily installed on the ground, making them simple and cost-effective. The pole is put into an augured opening that has been lined in gravel. Next, it is backfilled with stone dust and native soils. Ground contact quality pressure-treated timber is durable and readily available at most lumber yards. These poles have several benefits. They are cost-effective due to low-cost materials, no need to purchase expensive footings, it is quick and easy to install, and it has a pleasant appearance due to the absence of anchor bolts and base plating.

Some localities prohibit wood that exceeds 12 feet in height, especially in fire-prone regions. Check your local laws. Wood can only grow to about 35 feet. For 40+, you’ll need metal.

ii. Metal Can Be Either

Metal can be used to strengthen your light poles. Metal poles are affordable, durable, can be made in a variety of designs, and last between 15-30 years, depending on the site. Metal poles are available in bolt and baseplate flexibility. They can also be used for direct burial or anchoring. Metal can also be used for surface mounting. This is helpful in high-wind areas or other hazardous locations. Metal can be mounted on top tenons or bullhorns as well as side arm mounts.

iii. Fiberglass Can Be Made In One Of Two Ways.

Fiberglass is possible if one lives in Florida.

How Can I Tell If The Bolts Will Fit Through The Flange Or Not?

Anchor bolts can be used to attach poles to concrete foundations. These bolts are made specifically for pole foundations and require anchor bolts to be placed into the flange of each pole for support. The bolts must match the diameter of the pole’s flange. You should refer to the spec sheet as well as the flange chart before buying a new flange. This will ensure that it fits with your current bolts. This will require you to consult the manufacturer’s catalog and do an engineering study.

How Much Concrete Will A Surface Mount Need?

The concrete foundation serves the purpose of supporting the pole under wind loads. It includes steel reinforcing beams that are precisely sized to prevent concrete from cracking or failing. The foundation should be large enough so that earth can bear additional loads. Tiny foundations can cause the foundation’s tilting or spinning. You can ensure that your bolt-down base is correctly erected by having it planned by an engineer who knows the local soil conditions. They should be able and willing to answer questions such as “How deep does it freeze?” Are there high temperatures or strong winds? Do you have concerns about your water table? What are the city and town codes? These elements are important in creating a positive working environment.

i. This Dimension Would Be Suitable For A 15-Foot Pole

For attaching poles using a surface mount method, you must be careful about how much concrete you use. Anchor bolts attach the posts to the ground with a base plate. After a concrete foundation is laid, the anchor bolts go into the mold. A 15ft pole requires a concrete footing of 2ft2ft2ft2. You should add 1 inch of concrete to each 5-foot height of a taller pole. Consider using two or more post top lights heads per pole.

ii. You Will Need To Verify The Building Codes In Your Area

It’s not just a matter of you liking the way the concrete looks. It’s a good idea if you don’t know how much concrete will be needed for your surface mount mounting, to check the local codes. These codes and regulations can be found in most areas. Before making any decisions on your project, you should check them. The use of the lights will determine the height and concrete requirements. Parking Lot Light Poles with Tall Poles require more concrete. Shorter concrete will work better if you’re lighting your backyard with shorter poles. You should consult professionals in the area for the best recommendations.