Direct Burial Light Poles

What is a Direct Burial Light Pole?

Direct burial light poles are lighting structures embedded directly into the ground without requiring concrete foundations or anchor bolt systems. Based on our 15+ years in commercial lighting, this installation method eliminates the extensive excavation and foundational work typically needed for traditional pole mounting. The pole's lower section gets placed directly into an excavated hole and secured with soil backfill, creating a stable lighting solution that saves both time and money on most projects.

Key Advantages of Direct Burial Installation

• Eliminates foundation costs - Eliminates foundation material costs and heavy equipment needs, improving project budgets by 20-30% when properly specified
• No hardware required - No anchor bolts, base plates, or mounting hardware required for installation
• Low maintenance - Removes long-term maintenance issues associated with concrete foundation cracking and anchor bolt corrosion
• Improved installation precision - Installation precision improves without waiting for concrete curing times
• High wind ratings - Tapered pole designs offer superior EPA wind ratings up to 130 mph for coastal and hurricane-prone areas, model dependent
• Long service life - Composite, fiberglass, and wood construction materials provide stronger alternatives to traditional aluminum poles with an 80 year service life expectancy under optimal conditions

Anchor Base Installation vs. Direct Burial Installation

Soil conditions significantly impact the success of direct burial installations. We typically recommend direct burial for projects with stable, well-draining soil that provides adequate compaction. Areas with sandy, clay-heavy, or loose soil conditions may benefit from concrete backfill around the buried section for enhanced stability, depending on soil conditions.

Anchor base installations work better for temporary installations, areas with poor soil conditions, or locations requiring frequent pole repositioning. Most of our customers choose direct burial for permanent lighting projects where soil conditions allow, as the cost savings and installation speed make it the preferred method.

Material Options for Direct Burial Light Poles

Our direct burial pole selection includes three primary materials, each engineered for specific environmental challenges and project requirements. Composite fiberglass poles resist corrosion, conduct no electricity, and withstand harsh weather conditions that would damage aluminum alternatives. These lightweight yet durable poles handle sustained winds up to 150 mph, model dependent, and maintain structural integrity in salt air environments where metal poles fail within years.

Coastal installations particularly benefit from fiberglass construction since the material won't corrode from salt spray or develop the galvanic corrosion issues common with aluminum poles. The non-conductive properties also eliminate electrical safety concerns during maintenance.

Steel direct burial poles offer the most economical solution while delivering excellent strength characteristics. Available in heights from 10 feet to 30 feet with multiple diameter options, steel poles cost significantly less than composite alternatives while providing superior impact resistance. The material naturally resists fire, insect damage, and decay, making it suitable for industrial environments where durability matters more than weight considerations.

Wood poles remain the standard choice for utility-grade projects requiring maximum strength and traditional aesthetics. All our pole materials meet AASHTO M111 specifications for structural performance and wind load requirements when properly specified, helping ensure your installation complies with local building codes and engineering standards.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Your Direct Burial Project

Our experienced product specialists analyze your site conditions and provide detailed energy savings calculations before you purchase. We create complementary, custom lighting plans that optimize pole placement for your specific facility layout and lighting requirements.

Unlike generic suppliers, our team has specified direct burial poles for over 3,000 commercial projects, giving us insight into which material and height combinations perform best in different environments. We maintain an extensive inventory of direct burial poles in all materials, ensuring faster delivery than manufacturers who require 6-8 week lead times. Our technical expertise means you get the right pole specification the first time, eliminating costly change orders and installation delays that plague projects sourced from inexperienced vendors.

Direct Burial Light Poles Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Direct Burial Light Pole?

A direct burial light pole is a lighting structure embedded directly into the ground without concrete foundations or anchor bolt systems. The pole''s lower section is placed into an excavated hole and secured with soil backfill, eliminating anchor bolts, base plates, and mounting hardware.

Key Advantages of Direct Burial Installation

Direct burial eliminates foundation material costs and heavy equipment needs, improving project budgets by 20-30% when properly specified. Tapered pole designs offer EPA wind ratings up to 130 mph for coastal and hurricane-prone areas, and composite, fiberglass, and wood construction materials provide an 80 year service life expectancy under optimal conditions - verify ratings on datasheet as specifications are model dependent.

Anchor Base Installation vs. Direct Burial Installation

Direct burial works for projects with stable, well-draining soil that provides adequate compaction. Anchor base installations work better for temporary installations, areas with poor soil conditions, or locations requiring frequent pole repositioning - areas with sandy, clay-heavy, or loose soil may benefit from concrete backfill around the buried section.

Material Options for Direct Burial Light Poles

Composite fiberglass poles resist corrosion, conduct no electricity, and handle sustained winds up to 150 mph (model dependent) while maintaining structural integrity in salt air environments. Steel poles are available in heights from 10 feet to 30 feet with multiple diameter options, and all pole materials meet AASHTO M111 specifications for structural performance and wind load requirements when properly specified.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Your Direct Burial Project

Product specialists provide detailed energy savings calculations and create complementary custom lighting plans that optimize pole placement for your specific facility layout. Extensive inventory of direct burial poles in all materials ensures faster delivery than manufacturers who require 6-8 week lead times.