What are Australia’s Guidelines in Power Pole Installation?

According to statistics, demand and consumption for energy are always increasing.

In 2019, the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources notes a 1% increase in New South Wales. The generated 73,532 GWh electricity comes from many sources. There is an increasing trend for solar generation. Most of the demand still comes from traditional ways. A big amount of energy still comes from your power providers and the power poles they put up.

People use power poles for electricity distribution to many residential and commercial areas. These power poles even extend their distribution to more rural settings. Instead of getting standard power poles, they have towers for power poles. These towers cater to the intense power lines for distribution. Setting up these power poles is not as simple as you think. Energy NSW imposes strict guidelines in putting up these poles. This is for both public and private safety of Australians.

Only a few people have clearance to set these poles up, on top of the set standards for power poles. Only authorised electricians can do the power pole installations. Their rigorous training and extensive relevant experience is a requirement for these installations. Sydney Inner West Electrician is a team of recognised electricians. We have permission to install power poles.

Material 

Pole suppliers make power poles from different materials. There are varying advantages and disadvantages for different materials used in power poles. If you decide to choose a pole, consult with your electrician and decide as you see fit for your property.

• Timber and other season wood are common choices for wooden power poles. Wooden poles are good and affordable. The downside is this: they tend to rot and need a constant inspection. 
• Reinforced concrete poles are strong and sturdy. However, they need expensive logistics to transport because of their great weight. 
• Stainless steel poles are often used as another option from wooden pools. They tend to last longer. Coupled with good coating, they’re a good choice for many settings.
• For higher voltage transmissions, steel towers are a common choice. The strength and durability of these power poles can withstand weathering damage.

Height

The height of a power pole is important in keeping its vertical clearance from the ground. In Australia, power poles should not be shorter than 4.5 meters. The factor that influences the height of the pole is the voltage of the transmission lines. Powerlines that have greater voltage need higher poles.

• 6-7 meters for 415 V (more common for residential settings)
• 8-9 meters for 11 kV 
• 11-13 meters for 19 kV
• 10-20 meters for 33 kV
• 10-20 meters for 66 kV

Cable Clearance

Vertical clearance is necessary for power pole installations. Safety is a priority especially for power poles out in public. Power poles should be high enough to support powerlines. Moreover, power poles should be strong. They need to keep overhead lines from sagging downwards. Cables that hang too low can sag down poles and ruin properties. Even worse, saggy lines can harm passersby that are walking around. 

Let’s say there’s a given scenario. For example, there are distribution power poles that are 8-9 meters high. These are the vertical clearance requirements for that power pole: 

• 5.5 meters high from roadway ground
• 3.0 meters high from residential driveways
• 4.9 meters high from the kerb line

Local councils encourage installing another pole for longer power lines. This is for keeping the power lines from sagging too low and causing accidents below.

Distance

Power poles maintain a certain distance between them. According to regulations, the distance between these poles should not be more than 45 meters. Service lines should be less than 20 meters in length and suspend as close to 90 degrees as possible. Longer power lines tend to add more danger around and its respective poles.

Level 2 electrician

Only certified people can install power poles, both in public and private places. Installation of these things can be dangerous and meticulous in nature. As such, only Level 2 electricians can perform these installations. Sydney Inner West Electrician is one of the Level 2 electricians you can count on for this. 

Conclusion 

Installing power poles in your location is a big decision. It is best to work with people who have the qualified experience. These changes involve your electrical system and power consumption. Sydney Inner West Electrician is the electrician for you and your power pole at home. We have qualified Level 2 electricians that can do these jobs. We are here to offer to you our power pole installation for private properties. Let the experts install the power pole for you. Contact us!

Call us at (02) 8378 2829 or book your appointment here. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!