What does post-light wiring cost in a NB driveway?

Post light wiring for a driveway in New Brunswick typically costs $300–$600 for a straightforward installation, though the total can rise to $800–$1,200+ if trenching, a new dedicated circuit, or panel work is required.

The biggest variable is how far the post is from your home's electrical panel and whether an existing outdoor circuit can be extended. A simple run from a nearby exterior outlet or junction box is far less expensive than running a new circuit from the panel. Most electricians charge by the job rather than the hour for this type of work, and you can expect the labour and materials to break down roughly as follows: trenching and conduit for the underground run, the post light fixture wiring itself, and any new breaker or circuit additions at the panel.

Underground wiring is where costs climb quickly. In New Brunswick, frost depth can reach 1.2–1.5 metres, which affects how deep conduit must be buried to protect it from frost heave and damage. The Canadian Electrical Code requires underground conductors to be installed in conduit or use direct-burial rated cable at appropriate depths. Longer driveways — common on rural NB properties — mean more trench length, more conduit, and more labour. A 30-metre run will cost meaningfully more than a 10-metre run.

TSANB permit requirements apply here. Because this involves a new circuit or extension of an existing outdoor circuit, a TSANB permit is required before work begins. Your licensed electrician will pull the permit, complete the work, and a TSANB inspector will verify it meets the Canadian Electrical Code before a Certificate of Compliance is issued. Skipping the permit is never worth it — unpermitted electrical work can void your home insurance and create serious liability if something goes wrong.

Coastal and climate considerations matter in New Brunswick. If your property is near the Bay of Fundy or the Northumberland Strait, salt air corrosion is a real concern. Make sure your electrician uses weatherproof, corrosion-resistant fixtures and fittings rated for wet locations. Even inland, NB's freeze-thaw cycles and ice storms put stress on exterior electrical components, so quality materials pay off over time.

For a more accurate estimate, an electrician will want to know the distance from panel to post, whether you have an existing outdoor circuit, the driveway surface (grass vs. paved — cutting asphalt adds cost), and your fixture choice.

New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a local licensed electrician for a free estimate on your driveway post light project. It's a straightforward job for an experienced electrician, and getting a couple of quotes will give you a clear picture of what to expect.