Power Pole Height in Australia: What are the Standards?

Electricity is the source of convenience for every household in Sydney. More people depend on power to accelerate and do daily activities without hassle.

That is why Australians who are far from the public power poles aim to have private power poles in their premises to stretch out the supply of electricity to their homes. 

Moreover, due to the growing number of establishments and private settlements across Australia, power pole installations have become an in-demand service when cables re-route from streets, trees or walkways. It is also an excellent way to remove the unsightly view of wires in front of your house that may harm the passersby.

In addition, a bad private power pole installation will result in accidents and safety hazards. Thus, standards and regulations are made to be followed – most especially when the standard height of a power pole is involved. 

Standard Top And Below Ground Height 

Power Poles have a minimum height requirement in Australia which happens to be 4.5 m above ground. This necessity is greater in some instances due to the need to clear the ground, or the form of a pole. In these situations, the pole may be in the height of 5.5 m or even 6 m.

Moreover, there is also a standard height below ground to the pole. The Pole is commonly mounted in a hole which is at least 2 m deep. But depending on the power pole height, the wind loads and the amount of soil, it can extend to 3 m.

All in all, the total height from below ground to top pole height ranges from 6.5 m to 9 m. Timber poles can also extend to 9 m, but these are very rare. This happens when it’s very difficult or near impossible to source logs. Therefore, the vast majority would fall within a range of 6.5 m to 8 m.

Power Poles and Heights

Homeowners across Australia may choose to have power poles on their properties as a private source of electricity. Power poles come in various heights, strengths, and materials with 3 types of power poles to choose from. These are galvanised steel, hardwood timber and titan composite. However, whatever qualities of a pole that’s suitable for your area, it should follow the height standards required in Australia.

Hardwood Timber Pole

Timber power poles typically last 15-25 years considering hardwood or other acceptable woods. The typical length for timber poles is 8-11 meters, and it can be adjusted depending on the chosen location of the pole. The natural appearance and longer service life of timber poles than steel poles make it a better option.

The base of the timber poles must be protected with the environmentally acceptable method against insect and fungal attacks. There are still cases of termite infestation, however, and it is not advisable to mount it in areas with high humidity. The cables often run outside the pole, which causes hazards and health risks.

Galvanised Steel Pole

Galvanised steel poles have a lifetime of 10 to 15 years. Usually smaller in size but can it reach a maximum height of 7.3 metres. It is resistant to rot and more appealing when painted.

The cables can be placed inside the steel pole. Steel-pipe poles must also be sealed at the top in order to keep water from entering. However, some cable and electrical providers have policies that prohibit climbing steel poles, because they might have rust or below the surface is corroded.

Titan Power Pole

An advantage for the titan power pole is its lifetime warranty. It is immune to rot, rust, termite and burning. It also has the lowest carbon emissions and is environmentally friendly. Like steel poles, cables run inside the pole, improving the safety and security of the people around. 

Moreover, you can paint and cut the titanic power pole adjusting to different height specifications. This pole’s diameter is larger with 160 mm at the top and 240 mm at the base for the 7.2 m titan pole.

Other Poles/Posts

Apart from the poles above, power poles can be constructed from other acceptable materials, such as concrete. It is possible when you have the distributor’s approval and gives appropriate certification indicating strength and durability to the pole.

When you already know the type of poles that can be suitable for your areas, then measure the length of your pole above the ground must be taken note to get the required clearances. In all these situations, you need to get certification from a structural engineer that the mounting of your pole is designed to meet Australia’sAustralia’s standards and requirements. 

Conclusion

Power poles are the source of electricity in every home. Without it, productivity is affected. That is why instalment of power poles is a need when a household is far from the distribution line of municipalities. But along with that, observing the proper height required in Australia is a must. This is to avoid possible harms to passersby or nearby household and avoid penalties as well.

Sydney Eastern Suburb Electrician is here to help you for the installation of your power poles. With us, there will be no worries of fines or harms to your power poles; our team highly observes the standards of power poles in Australia. With the expertise of our level 2 electricians, you can guarantee a rapid response towards your electrical emergencies and a service of quality workmanship.

Call us at (02) 8378 2827 to get a free quote today.