Table Of Contents
In today's world, you cannot imagine going without electricity. That is why incidents of power outages can be frustrating. There are times when you need professional power pole installation or replacement services.
Such jobs are best done by professionals. After all, you would want to put safety first. This post considers putting safety first and the importance of professional power pole installations. You can also learn more about the uses of private power poles and when to call for professional private power pole replacements.
You can read up on the best options for having power poles replaced and the legal requirements and safety risks of power pole installations and replacements. This article wraps up with how electrical contractors can help with power poles. Continue reading to uncover more!
Uses of Private Power Poles
Private power poles are utility poles located on private land owned by private individuals or organisations. They differ from those owned and maintained by public utility companies. Private power poles usually transmit electricity to one property, such as your home or business.
Importance of Professional Power Pole Installations
It would be best if you were sure to hire an experienced electrical contractor for your power pole installations.
- This will give better assurance that your power poles will be of the best quality.
- In addition, professional power pole installations and replacements help improve your property's safety.
- Moreover, your electricity supply will also be more reliable.
- Above all, professional electrical contractors have a team of experienced technicians with the right technology and equipment for quick, efficient, and safe power pole installations.
When to Hire Professional Pole Replacements
There are cases where you need to replace your private power pole. This can happen if it fails to meet safety standards or is beyond repair. Private power pole replacements may also be called for if you have received a fault or defect notice from Western Power.
Best Options for Power Pole Replacement
Inviting a professional electrical contractor is your best option for private power pole replacements. This is better than attempting the replacement on your own. This is because the process is not only complex but also potentially dangerous.
You need to have specialised knowledge and equipment. Also, there is a risk of injury if you try to replace a private power pole yourself. You may not have all the necessary safety equipment if you wish to perform a DIY replacement. This includes hard hats, gloves, and protective clothing.
Legal requirements for power pole installations or replacements
The associated legal consequence is another powerful reason to choose a professional power pole replacement instead of a DIY replacement. There are proper procedures and regulations that you must follow, and experienced licensed electricians are more versed in them.
They know how to get the necessary permits and comply with local and state regulations. Failing to follow these regulations and safety requirements can have serious legal consequences.
In addition, your utility company and other service providers may have provisions in your agreements or contracts that you should be aware of. You may need proper authorisation before tampering with your private power pole.
Safety Risks of Power Pole Replacements
Power pole replacements can be highly dangerous as they involve working with high-voltage electrical power. There is the risk of electrocution if the process is not well handled. Fatal injury can also occur. Meanwhile, there is the chance of causing accidental damage to your property or the power grid.
Also, remember that the work will involve lifting and installing a power pole. You need to have the necessary skills and strength to do it safely. Using the wrong tools, equipment, or techniques can cause severe accidents and injuries.
Responsibility for Private Poles and Private Assets
In some areas, the connection point begins from the first pole on your property. In other regions, private poles bring power from the electricity network. As such, the connection point starts before the private poles. You should note that you are responsible for maintaining the private poles and overhead power lines in both cases.
The Electricity Supply Act 1995 has provisions that allow asset inspectors to assess and perform ground-based patrols of private power poles and overhead power lines. However, they may not inspect private sub-mains or low-voltage overhead power lines that connect beyond main switchboards or metering units.
Other considerations for power pole installation or replacement
- Be sure to consider necessary electrical updates, such as the installation of new outlets or fixtures
- Also, keep emergency measures in place for unexpected power outages or interruptions. For example, you may make arrangements for backup generators.
- Live wires are lethally dangerous. Do not climb power poles, get close to the wires, or perform DIY electrical repairs.
- One way to avoid the risk of fire and electric shocks is to maintain a minimum of a 5-metre distance between your trees and power lines.
- Get a licensed private electrical contractor to inspect your private power pole and powerlines regularly for possible structural issues. Such private power pole inspections can help keep you and your family safe.
- A private electrical contractor can help you repair or replace your private power pole if you have received a private power pole replacement notice.
- All property owners of shared private poles are responsible for maintaining the poles that connect their properties. The private poles incorporate the power pole, overhead power lines, and all associated electricity equipment and fittings.
- You should know what type of power pole you have. The types include hardwood poles, timber poles, steel poles, titan composite poles, and galvanised steel poles. They have varying high-quality materials, life expectancies, and reliability.
- If you spot signs of rot or damage on power poles, you must invite an authorised service provider immediately. Do the same for bushfire safety issues that affect power lines.
- Do not touch fallen power poles and power lines that are on the ground. They can be a severe safety hazard.
- Consistently implement electrical and gas safety measures properly. You must also correctly maintain electrical installation components such as circuit breakers and fuses.
Why you should regularly inspect and maintain power poles
Power poles tend to get weaker and may deteriorate over time. Intense weather and winds can damage the power poles and can result in fatal injury. Natural disasters and wear and tear can also cause structural damages, which can, in turn, lead to electric shocks or fires.
That is why you should inspect your private power poles and maintain them regularly. Such inspection and maintenance services help to provide you with an uninterrupted and reliable power supply.
How electrical contractors can help with power poles
You should know that electricians who are not certified Level 2 electricians are not qualified to perform power pole repairs or private power pole installations. This is understandable as such work carries a high risk.
Electrical contractors can provide the right electricians who can perform the following:
Power pole services
- Professional power pole maintenance and repair on private properties
- Getting overhead and underground lines installed
Installation services
- Garden lighting installations
- Smoke alarm services
- Ceiling fan installations
- Setting up of electrical appliances
- Heat pump installations
- Light Installations
General electrical services
- Electrical work for the building and construction industry
- Consumers mains power and switchboard upgrades
- Repairs on safety switches and electrical fault-finding
- Installation of power points
- Emergency electrician services
Electrical guides and consultancy services
You can get advice on your consumer products as it relates to wiring electrical components:
- Electric distribution issues in Australia and New Zealand
- Safety regulations
- Product safety advice
Get Help for Professional Power Pole Installations
This post gives you more information on how to put safety first and the importance of professional power pole installation. You have also read up on the safety risks of power pole replacements, responsibility for private poles and private assets, and further considerations for power pole installations/replacements.
Again, attempting DIY power pole installations or repairs is not advisable. It would be best to invite a commercial electrician with the appropriate electrical licence and qualification to perform power pole installations and replacements.
