When selecting the right light poles for your outdoor lighting projects, one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask is, “How will the light poles be installed?”
There are two general light pole installation types: direct burial and anchor base. Here is a basic description of the two:
- The direct burial method allows poles to be installed straight into a hole in the ground. The underground section of the pole is then backfilled to provide stability.
- The anchor base method has the pole fastened to a concrete base using anchor bolts.
Understanding your installation type matters for long-term performance and cost-efficiency. Each method has scenarios where one is more appropriate than the other. This guide helps define when direct burial is the better choice.
We will explore the key differences between direct burial and anchor base light pole installations to help customers determine the best method for their outdoor project.
What Are Direct Burial Light Poles?
A direct burial light pole (also known as an embedded light pole) is a continuous structure that doesn’t require anchor bolts or base plates. They are installed by placing a section of the pole directly into a pre-dug hole. The hole is then backfilled with compacted soil and gravel to stabilize the pole. No concrete foundation is required, but it can be used to fill the hole rather than soil and gravel, if desired.
Direct burial light pole installation will require a proper assessment of ground conditions.
- The type of soil and its stability will affect its bearing capacity. Loose or sandy soil might require a deeper hole to ensure stability.
- The soil will need to support the weight of the pole and its associated fixtures. The pole may require additional reinforcement or a different installation method altogether.
- The ideal soil for pole mounting consists of hard clay, sand and gravel, compacted coarse sand, or compacted loam.
What Are Anchor Base Light Poles?
Anchor base poles are mounted on a concrete foundation with implanted anchor bolts. The pole is fastened to the base plate with washers and nuts. They are commonly used for projects requiring easy replacement or where deeper burial isn't feasible.
Typical applications for anchor base light poles are commercial parking lots, urban streets, sports fields, industrial areas, and where soil conditions vary.
Advantages of Direct Burial Over Anchor Base Light Poles
Ease of Installation
Direct burial installation only requires that a hole be dug, and the pole be installed and then backfilled.
Anchor base light poles have more installation requirements than direct burial poles. Their installation process tends to be costly and time-consuming. This includes constructing a concrete pier, laying out and drilling a bolt pattern, attaching anchor bolts, and waiting for the concrete to set. All of this must occur before a light pole can be installed.
Lower Material and Labor Costs
For direct burial installations, less time is spent on-site, especially on projects in open fields, rural roads, or parks. This saves money on labor costs.
Cost savings are also realized due to fewer material requirements than anchor base installations. There is no need for poured foundations or formwork. There is also less equipment required. Cranes or heavy lifting for smaller aluminum or fiberglass poles are not required.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum and fiberglass poles are naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for burial since the pole is in direct contact with the soil. Steel light poles are not recommended for direct burial installations, as they will rust and corrode at a much faster rate than when installed above ground.
Less maintenance is required over time compared to steel poles used in anchor base setups.
Ideal for Specific Environments
They are great for soft or consistent soil, low-traffic areas, or remote installations.
Some remote areas, such as mountainous terrains, are difficult to navigate. In these cases, it is recommended that a direct burial installation be used rather than an anchor base installation. Anchor base poles require a concrete foundation, and getting a cement truck to certain areas could prove challenging.
When to Choose Anchor Base Poles Instead
Urban or Commercial Environments
Although anchor base light poles are more costly and time-consuming to install than direct burial poles, they are much easier to replace. Direct burial pole replacement requires that you dig out the old pole before replacing it with the new one. Anchor base poles can reuse the original concrete base if it is in good condition. All that needs to be done is to unfasten the old pole and install the new one on the same base.
Heavier Poles or Fixtures
Anchor base light pole installations are better suited for tall steel poles or multiple-luminaire configurations. Their concrete foundation provides exceptional stability in harsh weather conditions.
Challenging Soil Conditions
Direct burial pole installation requires good soil conditions. The installation site must be well drained and where there is no standing water during wet periods. Areas with high water tables or unstable soils are unsuitable for direct burial poles and will require anchor base installations.
Direct Burial Installation Examples
Here are some scenarios where direct burial light pole installation is ideal:
- Parks and greenways that use fiberglass direct burial poles for pedestrian lighting.
- Rural road projects that use aluminum direct burial poles to avoid costly foundation work.
- City beautification projects where aesthetics and ease of installation matter.
- Illuminating coastal areas exposed to saltwater environments.
- Expanding rural mobile network connectivity by integrating cellular or Wi-Fi access points into direct burial poles.
Why Partner with LightMart
No matter what type of light pole installation method you require, LightMart can help you make the right anchor base vs. direct burial decision. Our knowledgeable staff can help point you in the right direction and assist with your outdoor light pole installation options. In a hurry? We also have the largest selection of quick-ship light poles in North America that are in stock and ready to go. Contact us, today!