Poles--Lighting & Power

Lighting or power poles are erect poles that are used either to suspend electric lamps or to support electrical cables that transmit electricity. They are also typically known as utility poles, but may go by the terms transmission pole, telephone pole, telegraph pole or telecommunication pole depending on what it is being used for. There is also a “stobie pole” which is a multipurpose pole, composed of two steel joists separated by a slab of concrete.

Power poles were first used in the 19th century in order to transmit telegraphic signals. When buried versions of them proved faulty, they moved the system above ground. Today, electrical cables are usually routed overhead as it keeps the cables insulated from the ground, away from traffic and pedestrians and is an affordable and space-saving option.

Poles can have other special applications aside from light and power in today’s world. This includes suspending banners, holding cameras, traffic signal light poles and sign structures. With energy saving in mind, many lighting poles also now come equipped with solar panels to eliminate the need for expensive power line connections.

Power and lighting poles can be made from a variety of materials including wood, steel, aluminium, concrete or even composites like fibreglass. They are usually also marked with branding by thee company containing information such as the company that owns the pole, the dimensions of the pole, the year of installation, and the type of materials used.