Utility contractors offer a variety of pole types, including steel, concrete, and wooden options. Steel utility poles are common due to their strength and resilience against outdoor elements. The poles also support crossarms, insulators, braces, and other hardware, making them suitable for electrical lines, communication cables, and street lighting. Here are some ways utility contractors install different poles:
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Hole Excavation
Contractors first dig a hole at the site where the post will be installed. Before excavation, they inspect and mark all underground utilities to prevent accidental damage. Holes are dug using truck-mounted augers. The depth of the hole varies based on the type of pole, supported accessories, soil conditions, and national and local codes. For safe installation, the hole should be easily accessible and away from hazards that might affect its performance, such as steep drop-offs or busy roadways.
Wooden poles are usually installed into the hole and backfilled to verify stability. Steel utility poles require a reinforced concrete foundation with anchor bolts. Contractors excavate the soil and prepare the reinforced steel bars, pour in the concrete base, and add anchor bolts. The foundation is usually left to cure before the pole is installed. Concrete poles are heavier and require deeper, reinforced foundations to support the weight of the installation.
Pole Placement
Steel poles may arrive as single pieces or in segments that are bolted together on-site. These poles can also be galvanized to prevent corrosion and withstand harsh weather conditions. Since they’re installed on pre-cured foundations, pole placement involves lifting and mounting the post onto the anchor bolts. Before pole placement, contractors install necessary accessories, including crossarms, ground wires, and insulators. Wooden and concrete poles are raised and guided into the hole. These installations use direct embedment, where the poles are placed directly into the drilled hole and backfilled. Due to the weight of steel, concrete, and wooden poles, transportation and lifting are supported by boom trucks or cranes.
Backfilling and Securing
Steel poles require minimal backfilling because they’re installed on a concrete foundation, which may be a few inches below the ground surface. This space is often filled with grout and compacted to create a level, stable surface. Bolts are also torqued to specification. For wood installations, the hole is filled with soil or gravel and tamped down to stabilize the pole. Contractors can also pour concrete, instead of backfill, to secure the pole. In some designs, the pole is bolted into a concrete pad. Poles installed in areas with high winds or heavy loads may also require anchors and guy wires to secure them. These wires provide extra support and prevent the poles from leaning.
Special Requirements
Installing utility posts includes reviewing requirements for grounding, clearance, and safety. Poles are usually grounded with copper to help dissipate excess voltage and prevent accidents. The poles must also meet spacing requirements to keep high and low-voltage lines apart. They should be installed at a safe distance from trees, buildings, and other utility infrastructure.
Some installations involve underbuilds, where the same pole is used for distribution and transmission lines to save space. These poles require additional reinforcements and anchoring to support the extra weight and tension. Some terrains require digging deeper reinforced foundations in flood zones to secure the pole. Installing utility lines and poles also requires the guidance of licensed electricians for proper connections, grounding, and safety.
Find Quality Utility Poles Today
High-quality poles last several years and offer enhanced support for accessories and utility lines. Steel is often the preferred choice due to its resilience against environmental hazards, like weather and pests. Concrete and wood also have unique applications. Speak to a utility poles supplier today to find out more about their options and services.