How much is a utility pole cost?

With an average installed cost per pole of $3000, the total installed cost is $63 million per 1000 miles. Typically around 12% of these poles are inspected every ten years at an inspection cost of approximately $100 per pole using third-party inspectors.

Can I buy a telephone pole?

Utility poles are available from 20′ to 75′ lengths. The Utility poles all have a 6” tip and very in bases depending on the length of the utility pole. Pilings are a grade nicer than utility poles and start at 10′ lengths and also go to 75′ lengths.

Can I install my own utility pole?

How much does a steel utility pole cost?

Shipping a steel pole would be approximately $120 per pole. It is recognized by utilities that linemen prefer to work on wood poles because of greater familiarity and maneuverability, as well as the low electrical conductivity of wood.

How deep is a telephone pole buried?

about 6 ft
The standard utility pole in the United States is about 40 ft (12 m) long and is buried about 6 ft (2 m) in the ground. However, poles can reach heights of 120 ft (37 m) or more to satisfy clearance requirements.

How do you install a telephone pole?

Dig a shallow trench away from the pole in the direction the pole will lie as you pull it upright. The pole should lie in the trench, slide into the hole and brace against the pair of 2x4s as you pull it upright. Attach the winch high on the pole and, as high as you can attach it to a nearby tree or other structure.

What is the life expectancy of a telephone pole?

Many utility poles are several decades old

Most power poles are much older than their useful life expectancy, which is likely somewhere around 50 to 60 years. But some of them are much older. Metal and concrete poles can last much longer than wood, but eventually all utility poles need to be replaced.

Why are some telephone poles metal?

The poles are non-toxic, which reduce disposal problems or costs and they can be reused or recycled. After installing steel poles, you do not have to re-tighten hardware later due to pole shrinkage. Steel retains its shape and strength and isn’t susceptible to damage by woodpeckers, insects, rot, or fires.

How long do steel utility poles last?

The initial cost is a hurdle which many utilities have overcome by looking forward to the long term and overall life cycle of steel poles versus wooden poles. Traditional wood poles have a life-span of approximately 30 years while steel poles often remain in use anywhere from 50-80 years.

Can I paint a telephone pole on my property?

Depending on the composition–wood or metal–of the electrical pole you want to hide, your local home improvement or paint store should have an outdoor paint you can use. … For obvious safety reasons, do not paint poles that have exposed live wires.

How long does it take to grow a telephone pole?

Most pole classes have larger diameter and height requirements than sawtimber. Growing a larger tree for poles typically requires a longer rotation (10–15 years). Longer rotations increase the time a landowner must carry establishment costs and increase the risk of severe weather damage to standing timber.

Can a telephone pole shock you?

Dangerous Voltage: Even though the power lines in urban areas tend to run at lower voltages, it still has potential to cause injuries if you touch these lines. Electric shocks can lead to severe internal damage and even death. You don’t have to actually touch a wire to get an electric shock.

How can I disguise my telephone pole in my backyard?

How to Hide an Electric Pole in a Backyard
  1. Use a twining vine such as clematis to hide the pole. …
  2. Create a conifer garden in front of the electrical pole. …
  3. Plant a cluster of birch trees to disguise electrical poles. …
  4. Hemlocks are dense enough to make a good screen.

How far can you build from a power pole?

Where the vertical distance above ground of conductors of 7,500 volts or less is in excess of 35 feet, this horizontal clearance from buildings shall be permitted to be less than 6 feet, but shall be not less than 4 feet.
…
§ 2824. Overhead Lines.
Minimum Clearance
10. Horizontal clearance from signs 6 feet 6 feet

Can you hang something on a power pole?

For safety reasons, please do not attach anything to power poles. Nails and staples can increase injury among utility workers, especially since line crews climb power poles. … Foreign objects such as staples or nails embedded in the pole can lead to the utility worker snagging or getting a hole in their gloves.

How close to a telephone pole can you plant a tree?

Planting near utility posts also has its rules. Trees that mature to a height of 20 feet (6 m.) or less should be planted at least 10 feet (3 m.) away from telephone or utility posts. Trees that grow 20-40 feet (6-12 m.)

Will Morning glories grow up a telephone pole?

Morning glory vines can grow as much as 15 feet in a season, to blanket an ugly fence, wall, or telephone pole.

Can I plant near a telephone pole?

As a homeowner, you may be asking yourself what you can plant around power lines. Anything that reaches a max height of 15 feet is considered safe. Anything taller than that should not be planted under a power line. This generally means trees are a no-go, but shrubs and grasses are fine.