Replace the bulb for either type of fixture in a few minutes using a ladder, if necessary, and the help of a friend to hold the ladder steady while you work.
Things You Will Need
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Switch off the circuit breaker in the building that controls electricity to the outdoor lamp post.
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Position the ladder beneath the lamp post if it is at a height you cannot reach. Recruit a friend to hold the ladder steady while you work.
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Pull the knob on the windowpane for a fixture that opens from the side, or remove one of the two screw knobs on top of a top-access light fixture. Use pliers to unscrew the top knob if it is stuck due to weather exposure.
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Inspect all sides of the bulb fixture for signs of corrosion. If the fixture shows rust and corrosion, remove as much of it as possible by rubbing a strip of abrasive tape against the fixture.
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Unscrew the old bulb and insert a new bulb with matching wattage in the socket, twisting clockwise to install the bulb. The watts rating is printed on the dome of the bulb.
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Close the lamp post fixture to prevent rain and snow from getting inside.
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Switch on power at the circuit breaker.
The Drip Cap
- Outdoor lamp posts are typically built with one of two types of enclosures for accessing the lightbulb socket.
- Replace the bulb for either type of fixture in a few minutes using a ladder, if necessary, and the help of a friend to hold the ladder steady while you work.