You can convert an existing steel security bollard into a solar-powered security light with no trenching and no rewiring, if the bollard is a concrete-filled 5" Schedule 80 steel pipe (5.563 in OD / 141.3 mm) set 36 or 48 in above grade. The SECU body sleeve slides down over the pipe, the solar head locks on top, and the bollard lights itself from dusk to dawn. A lighting specialist confirms pipe size and height before you order.
Key Takeaways
- Steel stops, SECU lights. The concrete-filled 5" Schedule 80 core stops the vehicle; SECU adds 390 lm at 130 lm/W of ground-level light.
- No second project. No trenching, no conduit, no electrician, and no utility bill.
- Check the pipe first. SECU fits 5" Schedule 80 steel pipe, 5.563 in. OD, at 36 or 48 in. above grade.
Why Retrofitting Is Smarter Than Installing New Bollards
Wired bollard lighting adds a second project to every perimeter: trenching, conduit, a licensed electrician, and a permanent utility bill.
- Upgrade existing bollards without excavation
- Cut costs dramatically
- Add solar LED lighting rated IP66, IK07, and B0-U1-G0 dark sky friendly
Retrofitting is faster, cleaner, and more scalable for large properties like parking lots, campuses, and industrial sites.
Learn More About SECU Solar Bollard Retrofit Kits
Tools & Materials Needed
To complete your retrofit in 15 minutes, you’ll need:
- SECU body sleeve, solar head, and tamper-resistant hardware (supplied, 3K/4K/5K or 590nm Amber — keep both links)
- Structural silicone caulk
- Temporary 1/2 in non-marring spacers or shims
- Basic hand tools and a cleaning cloth for the pipe exterior
Pro Tip: Confirm your bollard is 5" Schedule 80 steel pipe (5.563 in OD), filled with concrete, and set at 36 or 48 in above grade before ordering. The 44 in SECU fits a 36 in pipe; the 56 in SECU fits a 48 in pipe.
Explore LED Retrofit Solutions for Facilities
Step-by-Step Retrofit Guide
Step 1: Clean and prep. Make sure the pipe exterior is free of concrete splatter, dust, and grease.
Step 2: Apply the caulk rings. Run heavy, concentric beads of structural silicone caulk around the pipe at spaced intervals above grade.
Step 3: Set the base gap. Place temporary 1/2 in non-marring spacers flat on the finished grade around the base of the pipe.
Step 4: Mount the SECU body. Lower the body sleeve straight down over the caulked pipe until it rests on the spacers. The caulk compresses into an internal weather seal and a snug fit.
Step 5: Install the solar head. Insert the recessed base of the head into the top of the body. It seats in the 8-1/2 in clearance above the pipe rim. Choose 3K, 4K, 5K, or 590nm Amber (keep existing links).
Step 6: Lock and clean. Secure the head with the tamper-resistant hardware provided, remove the spacers, and wipe away excess caulk. The solar sensor takes over from there: dusk-to-dawn light.
Result: Your steel bollard is now a solar security light, with no trenching and no rewiring.
Benefits of SECU Bollard Lights Retrofit Kit
- No Excavation for Power: no trenching, conduit, or electrician
- 100% Solar: no utility bill, and the light stays on when the grid goes down
- Output: 390 lm at 130 lm/W (white), 57 lm (590 nm amber), 3W system
- Replaceable LiFePO₄ Battery: rated for 3,000 to 6,000 charge cycles
- IP66 and IK07 rated, die-cast aluminum with marine-grade powder coat
- EXTREME-LIFE Rated L70 @ 270,000 Hours
- B.U.G Rating B0-U1-G0, dark sky friendly
- 5-Year Warranty
SECU Spacing Calculator: Straight Line
Enter the length of your bollard line. The calculator finds the fewest SECU solar security bollard lights that space evenly, keep a small car from passing between them, and leave an accessible route for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Spacing rules from the SECU Engineering & Installation Guide: clear gap between adjacent SECU bodies no more than 48 in (anti-ram) and no less than 36 in (accessible route); recommended 48 to 54 in center to center; SECU sleeve diameter 6.50 in. Results are a layout estimate, not a site design. A licensed structural engineer (PE) confirms foundation type, pier size, depth, concrete, and rebar for every site. SECU includes the body sleeve and solar head; the 5 in Schedule 80 steel pipe, rebar, and concrete are purchased separately.
SECU Spacing Calculator: Lines with Corners
Lay out a SECU perimeter that turns a corner, such as a line along a parking edge that returns back to the building. A SECU sits at every corner. The calculator spaces each leg evenly, keeps a small car from passing, and leaves an accessible route for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
When a return ends at a building wall, the gap between the last SECU and the wall follows the same 36 to 48 in clear-gap rule, so a car cannot squeeze past and a wheelchair can.
Spacing rules from the SECU Engineering & Installation Guide: clear gap between adjacent SECU bodies no more than 48 in (anti-ram) and no less than 36 in (accessible route); recommended 48 to 54 in center to center; SECU sleeve diameter 6.50 in. Results are a layout estimate, not a site design. A licensed structural engineer (PE) confirms foundation type, pier size, depth, concrete, and rebar for every site. SECU includes the body sleeve and solar head; the 5 in Schedule 80 steel pipe, rebar, and concrete are purchased separately.
Ready to Upgrade Your Security Bollards to Safety Security Solar Bollard Lights? Discuss Your Project with an Access Fixtures Lighting Specialist
Conclusion
Retrofitting existing steel bollards with solar lighting is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to improve perimeter security without the disruption and expense of trenching new electrical lines. With a bollard light retrofit kit such as the SECU solar bollard sleeve, facility managers can convert passive security barriers into fully functional LED lights without trenching or rewiring, as long as the bollard is concrete-filled 5” Schedule 80 steel pipe. The result is brighter, more efficient lighting that improves safety, lowers installation costs, and eliminates complex electrical work. For properties looking to upgrade security quickly and sustainably, a solar bollard retrofit offers a practical path from simple steel protection to illuminated, high-visibility perimeter defense.
Bollard Retrofit Kit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (“People Also Ask”)
You have questions about bollard light retrofit kits and the solar bollard sleeve. We have answers. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, contact an Access Fixtures lighting specialist at 800-468-9925 or click here.
How long does installation take?
Once the concrete core has cured, SECU goes on in six steps: clean the pipe, apply caulk rings, set spacers, lower the body, seat the head, and lock it. No wiring, no electrician.
Does this retrofit work on all steel bollards?
No. SECU fits concrete-filled 5" Schedule 80 steel pipe (5.563 in OD) set at 36 or 48 in above grade. A lighting specialist confirms pipe size and height before you order.
Does SECU make my bollard crash-rated?
No. SECU adds light; the concrete-filled steel core and its engineered footing stop the vehicle. A licensed structural engineer (PE) verifies the foundation for each site.
Can I retrofit multiple bollards at once?
Yes. The process scales to parking lots, campuses, and industrial properties.
Is wiring or trenching required to install a SECU bollard light retrofit kit?
No. SECU sleeves are fully solar-powered and self-contained.