How to determine if you need a new power pole

Power poles are often hard to miss. They are towering structures that help to distribute power supply to your home or other buildings. Considering the importance of private power poles, you must ensure they do not fail. As such, you need to be able to determine if you need a new power pole.

Here, we will discuss the role of private power poles, the consequences of fallen private power poles, and the responsibility for private power pole maintenance. You can learn how to determine your need for a new power pole, signs you need private power pole replacements, and how electrical contractors help with temporary power poles.

Role of private power poles

Power poles play an essential role in the power distribution system. They are posts or columns with electrical lines (overhead) that power your home or business. Utility companies own and maintain public power poles, while individual property owners own and maintain private property poles. These private poles connect public power lines to the electrical system of private properties.

Consequences of fallen private power poles

When you consider the critical role of power poles in electricity supply, you will make it a duty to have professionals regularly inspect the condition of private power poles and powerlines. This way, you can quickly identify structural issues and internal deterioration.

You will also be avoiding the following consequences of fallen power poles:

Electrical safety hazards

Fallen power poles pose a significant electrical safety hazard. Electrical fires may occur due to the sparking of live wires. Live wires may also cause electrocution.

After noticing fallen power poles, your first and immediate action should be to contact your local utility company or invite a professional electrical contractor. You should not try to move any wire or attempt to remove the power pole. This is primarily because you may lack the training and equipment for safe removal and repair.

Power outage

A significant consequence of fallen power poles is a disruption of power supply. Consequently, homes and businesses are plunged into darkness. There is a loss of heating and cooling system functions, and essential equipment may shut down.

Ultimately, your business can lose revenue due to power outages.

Responsibility for private power pole maintenance

Private power pole property owners bear legal responsibility for maintaining and repairing their power poles and electrical assets. You have a responsibility as a private owner to have professionals inspect your power poles at least once a year.

You should also inspect privately owned power poles and privately owned powerlines for all forms of electrical danger after heavy storms. This responsibility covers both private power lines and every pole on your property. You might face hefty fines and legal consequences if you fail to deal with a fallen or damaged pole.

This is because promptly dealing with fallen private power poles is not just a matter of getting your Christmas lights back on. You must also meet your legal obligations to ensure the community's safety.

This is why there is a legal provision for you to provide access for your network company and teams, such as those from Horizon Power, to inspect overhead powerlines, underground cables, and power poles where necessary.

How to determine your need for a new power pole

It is sometimes apparent that you need a power pole replacement. For example, the power pole may be obviously knocked down, or it may be showing signs of decay. Other times, it may not be evident that you need a new power pole. You may use the indicated signs of the need for power pole replacement discussed in the next section below.

More importantly, you can invite professional, qualified, and licensed electricians to perform electrical safety inspections on the power pole and confirm that it needs replacement. They can conduct a proper damage assessment and assess the pole's condition to confirm the need for a new pole.

Signs you need private power pole replacements

Your power pole may begin to fail for any of several reasons. Understanding these reasons is your first step in preventing and managing power pole failures. Here are some signs or indications that you need a new power pole.

• Toppled power poles due to natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes
• Knocked down power poles that occur due to human causes such as car accidents
• Decayed or worn down power poles – due to age or lack of maintenance
• Rotting power pole wood or rusting metal
• Fraying or damaged wires
• Attachments and hardware that are not secure
• Leaning power poles

New power pole installation process

• Professional electrical contractors always know to put safety first. This is why they will first keep every human and animal away from the area of a fallen or damaged power pole.
• After that, the professionals will assess the damage. This involves checking the wires, attachment, and condition of the pole for the causes of damage and the risk of further damage.
• Western Power may issue a power disconnection notice if your private power pole is a safety hazard.
• Your electrical contractor also needs to send them a notice of intended work.
• The actual repair process can then begin. The pole is safely removed with proper care given to live wires and other hazards.
• Next, the new pole is installed by digging a hole. The team will ensure the stability and security of the power pole.
• Finally, the team will reconnect the power lines to the new pole.

How electrical contractors help you

• Your electrical contractor can provide temporary power pole installation services. This service helps to ensure that your home or property has a temporary power supply before a permanent one is set up.
• A qualified electrical contractor can help you liaise with Western Power and submit a notice of intended works.
• This includes assisting with the application process, obtaining permits, and getting approval for the temporary power installation.
• They can also help coordinate power disconnection and reconnection processes.
• Your power pole installer will follow the established set-up process for electrical connection set-up.
• You can expect them to handle the on-site preparation process for the power pole installation.
• They will mark the power pole's location, inspect it, install it, and initiate the connection process.
• You can call your preferred power supply and request them to connect the temporary power pole. Your utility company will perform checks and may apply an approval sticker if satisfied.

Considerations for power pole installations

• Timber poles tend to last longer than steel poles and have lower electrical conductivity. However, unlike galvanised steel poles, timber poles are not termite-proof.
• Another thing to consider is that wooden power poles are more susceptible to bushfires and can burn easily.
• Tree branches that are near power lines can mess with them. You may use a tree trimming service if needed.
• Maintain a reasonable distance between individual power poles and powerlines.
• Check for overhead power lines that hang lower than usual. Such low-hanging wires may breach safety requirements.
• Stay a distance of at least eight metres from a fallen power pole or power line for your electrical safety.
• Protect private power lines and poles from exposure to wildlife, pests, and poor weather. This will help reduce the risks of structural damage.
• Your chosen electrical contractor should be authorised to work in your local region.

Services to expect from licensed contractors

Read on for some services that you can expect from licensed local electricians:

Electricity supply services

Your electrical contractor should be able to handle issues relating to electricity generation, electricity distribution, and electricity supply. As such, you can call them if you have problems with electricity equipment metering data or if you need private power pole replacement.

Regarding power generation, your licensed electrician can help you install solar PV systems and set up battery storage. This way, you can charge electric vehicles more efficiently at a reduced cost.

Electrical defect notices

Similarly, they can help you handle electrical defect notices from companies like Essential Energy.

Electrical consultations

Your electrical contractor can help you evaluate private power pole installation costs and other electrician Sydney projects. This financial advice can include energy-saving tips to help you reduce your signs when paying your bills.

You can rely on local electricians to advise you on keeping your pole safe and following the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety guidelines. Visiting the Building and Energy website may not be enough. Your electrical contractor can give you tips on keeping safe in severe weather, how to avoid shocks and tingles, and other tips to improve safety at home.

Electrical safety inspections

They can perform private power pole inspections and check your underground and overhead power pole connections. This process can include checking safety switches, switchboards, and consumer mains.

Local contractors provide power pole services

After reading this guide on how to determine if you need a new power pole, you can better understand how to determine if you need a new power pole. You also know more about the latest power pole installation process, considerations for power pole installations, and services to expect from licensed electrical contractors.

Power pole replacements or installations require the professional expertise of licensed electricians. You can exercise the power of choice and contact your local electrical contractor for a safe, efficient, and professional new power pole installation.