Users' questions

How can you tell if a utility pole is rotted?

How can you tell if a utility pole is rotted?

Sturdy, solid wood will produce a clear, resonating sound. At places where there might be rot or decay, the wood will produce more of a dull thud. The hammer will also rebound more sharply on solid wood. Bore test. If any points of probable decay are found, the inspector bores into them with a drill.

What is the life expectancy of a utility pole?

Utility Pole Life Extension with Remedial Treatment. According to research done by Osmose, utility poles given remedial treatment when needed will have a 60 percent increase in life expectancy, bringing the average 45 year lifespan up to 73 years.

Can a utility company move a power pole?

(Note that the power lines must also ONLY run over land for which the utility company has an easement so even if they have an easement for the spot where you want the pole to be, they won’t be willing to move it if doing so would cause any of the utility lines to fall outside of their easement.)

How can you tell the strength of a utility pole?

This is continued every few inches, up to about six feet. The resulting sounds from the utility pole can indicate its structural integrity. Sturdy, solid wood will produce a clear, resonating sound. At places where there might be rot or decay, the wood will produce more of a dull thud. The hammer will also rebound more sharply on solid wood.

How is rot measured on a utility pole?

Here are some of the tests that a utility pole inspector will perform: Visual inspection. Many of the utility pole inspections to measure rot or strength can be performed with the naked eye, simply by looking closely enough. Is there visible rot or decay in the wood?

How to extend the life of utility poles?

Utility asset managers would be wise to investigate how utility pole life expectancy can be increased by adopting an inspection program followed with remedial treatment. Typical inspection programs often go into effect within 7 to 15 years post-installation, varying by region. After the initial inspection, many companies adopt a 10-year cycle.

How often do people get electrocuted by utility poles?

Today, I’ll give you an electrocution lawyer’s nearly 40 year perspective on why so many utility line workers and independent contractors, as well as innocent members of the public are electrocuted every year. It usually starts and ends with unsafe utility poles.

What happens when a utility pole goes down?

Not only does a downed line disrupt electrical, telephone and a variety of other types of service for people in the area, it causes even bigger problems for you as the pole owner, as well as all the other people (attaching companies) who make use of the utility pole. Not the least of these issues is liability.