Installing a lamp post

[binky]

I have a lamp post to install, should be fun, and was wondering about earthing arrangements. I presume no earth should be exported from the main building (hi Steps, glad to see you back). I was also wondering what the easiest installation method would be. The post is 5m tall, so holding it upright whilst concrete sets could be interesting - any suggestions as to how to achieve this?

 

[Lurch]

Exporting the earth, up to you, I would.

As for the installation, dig hole, put post in, support in a level position, fill hole with concrete. You can usually support it by jamming a couple of battens across the top of the hole against the post in some sort fashion, doesn;t have to be too fancy, as long as it stays level.

 

[binky]

Was thinking of some big pegs and rope, but I'm an ex boy scout so I like this sort of thing!!

 

[binky]

So its standard practice to connect to earth in building then??

 

[Andy™]

you will find many council posts are TNCS. (and not an RCD in sight)

due to the fact thats its in effect a large earth rod, you shouldnt get an issue with it being a different voltage to the soil around it.

 

[Lurch]

Was thinking of some big pegs and rope, but I'm an ex boy scout so I like this sort of thing!!

Depends, PITA getting the ropes right, and tight. Wood wedged in, solid.

 

[Andy™]

council are replacing all lighting in this area - there in my street now.

they just dig a hole, 3 people drop post in (6mtr), compact concrete around it and move on to the next post

 

[Lee321]

mix the concrete a little drier so its stiffer

the post goes quite a way down so it will be fairly sturdy

 

[Andy™]

post mix - throw in dry & compact. then pour water on

 

[binky]

[quote name='Andy

 

[binky]

Dry mixing the concrete sounds good, think I'll try post mix with some rapid set thrown in for good measure

 

[binky]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Andy™]

Dry mixing the concrete sounds good, think I'll try post mix with some rapid set thrown in for good measure

post mix is ready mixed, and normally quick drying. its mostly used for fence posts, so likes of building places should have it

 

[septiclecky]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Andy™]

Council lighting columns are connected directly to the local DNO cables, as they are not metered council are charged a set rate eg total loading off all the street lights by number of hours on (averaged out over year because of shorter time on in summer and longer in winter)

yep. afaik, all new posts in this area are being connected directly to DNO (since most new posts are different place to existing). but many older council installations have a DNO feed to one post, and a council feed between that and many posts. but for some new posts where there is an existing post near, it gets a feed from there

 

[Lee321]

regs do not apply to street lighting i think.

i'm sure there is a note

 

[Lurch]

They do, there is a specific section on it.

 

[Lee321]

559.3 (iv)

but if you power street lighting from a building then it applies

again i think

 

[Andy™]

regs do not apply to street lighting i think.i'm sure there is a note

regs have always applied, regardless of private supply or DNO. ESQCR only covers upto the DNO cutout

16th used to have its own section

 

[Lurch]

I was under the impression this was a post owned and operated by a private individual, so yes, BS7671 applies.