How to Change Light Bulb in Outdoor Lamp Post?

March 6, 2022

Generally, tenants are responsible for replacing their outdoor lamp post light bulbs. Sometimes, property managers and landlords take care of it too.

On the other hand, the rules suggest that lightbulbs in the lamp posts are consumable. That’s why tenants are most responsible for replacing bulbs for outdoor lamp posts.

So if you are one of them and need to replace your light bulb but found no way, then this article is for you.

And here, you will know how to change the light bulb in the outdoor lamp post and other necessary details to perform the task.

Different Parts of a Lamp Post

In the steps for changing a light bulb, I will use terms associated with the lamp post. Since you want to do it yourself, it will be helpful to know the different parts of a lamp post. You can jump to the next section if you already know about them.

Anyway, let’s explore:

Lighting: Bulb, Luminaire, Fixture
Pole
Base

The most important here is the lighting parts. In the main, it consists of 3 parts. The bulb is the light, and the luminaire is the cover. Together they make a fixture.

Tools and Accessories You will Need

A light bulb between 35-250 watt
A Screwdriver/wrench/needle nose pliers
A ladder

How to Change Light Bulb in the Outdoor Lamp: 4 Steps

Follow the steps below to perform the task.

Step 1: Turn off the Power

People often forget about this step. But this is a critical step you must perform for your safety. Since you want to complete the process safely, only turning off the light is not safe at all.

Do it this way-

Turn off the circuit breaker.
Go to the switchboard of the lamp post light.
Turn the switch on and off a couple of times while checking the lamp post light.

If the light stays turned off, then you are good to go! If the light still illuminates, you need to go to the circuit breaker again to see what is wrong.

Step 2: Open the Lamp Cover

The glass case that houses the light bulb is the lamp cover. People call it luminaire or lamp fixture too. Anyway, first- you need to open the house.

After that, you detach the luminaire from the lamp post. Know that – a lamp cover has two parts- the top cap and the rest of the body of the lamp cover.

To do that, set the ladder near the lamp post. Then, ride on the ladder with a screwdriver, wrench, or needle-nose pliers. I suggest you take all three tools because you don’t know if there are nuts or screws.

Once you are on the ladder and have seen the fasteners, take out the cap. Now, the lamp cover is partially open.

Let’s move on to the next step.

Step 3: Take off the Lamp Cover

As the top cap has been removed, you will find a screw. Unfasten that. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take off the rest of the lamp cover.

Clarify that there might not be another screw inside the cover. In addition, some people choose to change the light just with the cap off.

That’s not the standard process. Your hand might not fit in the opening. Also, it’s dangerous to change a light this way. You don’t want to cut your hand or get your hand stuck in the opening of the top part, do you?

Anyhow, all you are supposed to do here is to move the lamp cover out of the post. Make sure you do it carefully. Otherwise, you might crack the glasses.

Step 4: Remove the Old Bulb and Install the New One

Now, you will see the bulb set on the light holder of the lamp post. Remove the out-of-service bulb, and put it away.

Next, install the new bulb. Generally, the bulb's energy should be within 36-250 watts for outdoor use. You can ask the vendor or check the packet/product description online to know the energy capacity.

Once the bulb is on the post, you need to house it with the lamp cover/luminaire. And put all the parts and screws together again.

To Warp-up

After you are done installing the bulb, go back to the circuit board. Turn off the circuit board switch and check if the light is working fine. And, if you are looking for some efficient lamp bulbs, check out 99FAB.

Frequently Asked Questions

I will answer some questions related to changing the lights of lamp posts. Check them below. They might help in case you need some clarifications.

Is There Any Led Light Bulb for the Outdoor Lamp Post?

Yes, there is. You will find unlimited options in the market these days for outdoor lamp post LED light bulbs! But, you need to make sure the led post light bulb is properly covered.

Can I Change the Outdoor Led Light Bulb?

Yes, you can. All you need to do is, buy a suitable light. Then change the outdoor led light bulb.

How to Change the Porch Light Bulb?

Make sure the power is off > Open the luminaire/cover > Take out the fused light > Install a new one > Check if it works.

How Do I Change Bulb in Outside Light?

Make sure the power is off > Open the luminaire/cover > Take out the fused light > Install a new one > Check if it works.

How Do You Remove Outdoor Light Cover?

Check for the screws attached to the pole > Remove screws with a screwdriver > Disassemble the cover from the pole.

How Do You Replace an Outdoor Porch Light?

Make sure the power is off > Open the luminaire/cover > Take out the fused light > Install a new one > Check if it works.

How Do I Change the Bulb in My Outdoor Hanging Lantern?

Make sure the power is off > Open the luminaire/cover > Take out the fused light > Install a new one > Check if it works.

Is There Any Automatic Outdoor Light?

Yes, there is. You will find them both online and in the shop. Basically, they are on a sensor. That way, they automatically turn on and off with the daylight.

How Do You Remove a Porch Ceiling Light Fixture?

Turn off the circuit breaker > Confirm it’s safe by switching on and off a couple of times > Take off the nuts/screws with a wrench/screwdriver > Pull out the tight fixture carefully > Detach all the wired connections > Unscrew the light fixture mounting plate.

Can I Use Indoor Light Bulbs Outside?

You can, but the luminaire must be adequately sealed because the indoor lights won't sustain if they contact moisture. For the humidity, it will lose mechanical integrity. Besides, they will be an electrocution hazard. Better, you opt for outdoor lights.