Things to Know When Planning Private Pole Installation

Electric poles supply electricity needs for your home, but sometimes they might distress you due to wiring problems and risk-hazard because of its location.

To avoid probable accidents, installing a private pole in your property is the best solution.

Here are some of the things you should know when planning a private pole installation.

This article provides things to know when planning a private pole installation including its advantages, requirements, and cost. 

Advantages of Private Pole Installation

• By placing your pole inside your property, it prevents the risk from vehicles to hit the pole. 
• It provides safer connections by removing hanging wires from public streets which might cause electrical problems.
• It gives an aesthetic appeal. You can no longer see unpleasant wires in front of your house.

Private pole installation might cost a lot, but it is a good investment to ensure the safety of your family and community. You should meet the requirements and procedures for its proper installation and make sure to ask an electrician for assistance.

Requirements for Private Pole Installation

Legal requirements

Permits are necessary to install a private pole. Power suppliers and authorities should make sure that you comply with all requirements during the installation period.

Only accredited level 2 electricians have the right to install your private pole since they have knowledge and skills on the safety measures and the standard protocols.

Depth of your pole

To stable your pole and not fail in inspection, electricians install them below the ground level depending on the type of soil and the surrounding environment of the preferred pole location. 

If the soil is too soft, they can use concrete in a required depth as long as:  

• They set the pole at the centre of the borehole.
• They place the concrete below the ground with a minimum distance of 300mm.
• They attach the overhead service three days after the concrete settled.
• They decrease the pole sinking depth.

Materials

There are three common kinds of pole to choose from when considering its installation:

Hardwood Timber

• Cost: $700-$900
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Pros: Cheaper and longer lifespan than steel, natural look
• Cons: Termite attacks, installation requires heavy equipment, not suitable for areas with groundwater

Galvanised Steel

• Cost: $800-$1000
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Pros: Termite-proof, rot-proof, installation does not require heavy equipment
• Cons: Corrosion 

Titan Composite

Cost: $1300-$1500

Lifespan: Lifetime warranty

Pros: Rust-proof, termite-proof, rot-proof, fire-proof, cable can run inside the pole

Cons: Most expensive

Clearance Space

Surrounding trees pose a great risk, they can fall and hit the poles when a storm comes. Trees should have a safe distance of 7 metres from your pole, given that they can grow at a maximum of 3 metres only. Surrounding plants should also have a minimum distance of 3 metres so they cannot spread fire in case of wiring faults.

Installation

Accredited electricians with at least level 2 are the only ones licensed to install private poles. They have the required skills and knowledge to carefully plan and build them while prioritising your preferences and following the proper guidelines. 

Inspection

After the installation, inspections are necessary to know if the pole meets the standard requirements and safety measures. This would also determine if you can now operate it for your electrical needs. 

Maintenance

You are responsible for your private pole, so its maintenance should also be your concern. Your electrician can regularly check it but you can help by checking for signs if it needs immediate repairs. Examine if there are:

• Signs of corrosion
• Hanging wires 
• Leaning poles
• Termite attacks 

Conclusion

You need to install a private pole when you want your connection safe from the dangers of the streets and present the beauty of your home away from the hanging wires of your old public pole. It requires a lot of procedures, from planning up to its maintenance, but thankfully your electricians can guide you for each step of installation.

Here at Sydney Inner West Electricians, we offer the best services when it comes to your private pole installation with our Level 2 electricians equipped with knowledge and skill we can carefully plan and execute your preferences at an affordable and reasonable price. Don’t hesitate to call us at (02) 8378 2829 or click here to book your appointment.