Requirements for Private Power Pole Installation

With the refinement of everyday living, more people depend on electricity to make daily activities faster and easier. Although generating electricity comes from nonrenewable resources, it makes life comfortable and more livable.

From your cellphones to the air conditioning system in your household, electricity is a vital part of different items to work.

But there are instances that electricity becomes a problem in different households. There are cases when your house is far from the electricity distributor’s line. When there are difficulties in connecting with the electricity post, a private power pole installation can solve this issue.

Hundreds of Australians choose to have a private power pole for a variety of reasons. Some poles are set a distance away from roads, pathways and neighbouring properties for safety purposes. Also, some tend to have private poles for aesthetic and other purposes.

Following the NSW service and installation rules, here are the requirements you need to know in installing a private power pole.

When to Install Private Poles

These are the following circumstances when private poles/posts can be erected:

• As an alternative to a road crossing pole
• Upon the wish of the customer
• Suitable point of attachment (POA) is not available on the building
• Avoiding the crossing of neighbouring premises
• An excessive distance of electricity distributor’s pole to the building
• To provide the required clearance

The stated circumstances can happen, or your situation urges you to do so. If it happens, then there is a need to secure approval from the local council before a pole/post can be erected to any customer’s premises.

Labelling Private Pole

To differentiate other utility poles from the electricity distributor, there must be a clear label that it is a private one. The lettering must be a minimum of 20 mm high.

Soil Quality

Inspecting the soil where your power pole is installed is very important. It will determine if your poles are set securely in the ground. There are three qualities of land to determine if it is suitable for installing a private post:

• Poor- it is mostly soft clay, poorly compacted sands and soils. This type of soil tends to absorb large amounts of water.
• Medium- it consists of compact medium clay, sandy loam or bonded sand and gravel. This soil could reasonably drain surface water.
• Good- it is composed of well-compacted rock soil, hard clay and well-bonded sand and gravel. This kind of soil has good surface water drainage.

Moreover, poles can be set in concrete and must be located centrally in a borehole with the given standard size. The concrete must be placed not less than 300 mm below the ground. Also, it can be set in solid rock, and its depth in the ground can be reduced by 0.3 m.

In case the soil doesn’t provide enough support, it is possible to set poles at a greater depth than what is usually required. If it is impossible, it is accepted to use bearing block/shoes or flange mounting on a reinforced concrete structure.

Types of Power Pole

There are different types of power poles you can choose for your private one. Here are the qualities to help you find a suitable pole that you want and what stands best for your area.

Hardwood Timber Pole

Timber power poles usually last for 15-25 years, considering it is hardwood or other suitable woods. Available in varying sizes, it usually has an average length of 8-11 metres. Its natural look and longer life span make it a better choice than steel poles.

The base of timber poles must be treated against insect and fungal attack through the environmentally approved method. However, there are still instances of termite infestation, and it is not advisable to install it to places with high moisture. Also, the cables run outside the pole imposing danger and health risks.

Galvanised Steel Pole

Steel poles have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 15 years. Smaller in size, it usually reaches a maximum height of 7.3 metres. It is rot and proof resistant and can be more attractive when painted.

The cables can run inside the steel pole. Also, steel-pipe poles must be capped at the top to prevent water entry. However, there are policies of some cable and electrical companies preventing from climbing steel poles as it might be rusted and corroded below the surface. 

Titan Power Pole

The titan composite power pole has a lifetime warranty. It is rot, rust, termite and fireproof. Also, it has the lowest carbon footprint that is eco-friendly. Cables can run inside the poles, improving the safety and security same with some steel poles.

 The titan power pole can be painted and cut down to specific height requirements. This pole’s diameter is larger, with 160 mm at the top and 240 mm at the base for the 7.2 m titan pole.

Other Poles/Posts

In addition to the above, poles or posts can be made from other suitable materials, such as reinforced concrete. This is possible when adequate strength and durability certification is given with the distributor’s approval.

After choosing the type of poles you want, you need to assess the required length of your pole above the ground to obtain necessary clearances. In all such cases, you need to obtain a structural engineer’s certification that the mounting is designed to meet the requirements. Certification is essential before proceeding with construction.

Maintaining the Pole

You can seek professional advice from a Level 2 electrician to make the requirements easier. Installing a private power pole means that the distributor doesn’t accept responsibility for damage to the customer’s premises. It is then very important that you or a professional electrician inspect the pole regularly.

Maintaining a private power pole involves inspecting its stability. If the pole appears to lean or be unstable, check for termite infestation or corrosion in the base. Lastly, identify whether your pole is far from the surrounding trees and other vegetation.

Conclusion

The property owner is responsible for the installation, maintenance and operation of a private power pole. This emphasizes why knowing the requirements and following it can help you throughout the operation of your power pole. Following the standard rules and requirements will help you to reduce the likelihood of possible untoward incidents and problems.

Sydney Inner West Electricians is always here to help you in private power pole installation. We have installed private poles for 10 years serving all of our customers with a great reputation.

For a free quote, you can call us at (02) 8378 2829. We make sure you won’t have any problem with the source of electricity and live life more comfortably.