Private Power Pole Installation Cost
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A private power pole is an excellent alternative to connecting your electricity to the main wires in your street.
Unsightly power cables have become an issue in many suburbs across Sydney, and private power poles are the solution.
So what is a private power pole, what are the different types, and how much does it cost?
Table of Contents
What is a Private Power Pole?
Power cables that connect a property to the stress mains can hang low over properties or even run through trees. Apart from the look, these can become safety hazards.
A private power pole connects the wires from the mainline to your switchboard. Two of the three types of poles actually store the cables internally, completely removing them from sight.
Private power poles range in height from 3m to 8m, and we’ll help you decide which is the best size for your property.
Types of Private Power Poles
Three options are available, each with its own pros and cons. At North Shore Electricals, we can advise you on the most suitable for your property. Here’s a look at the three:
Galvanised Steel Private Power Poles
The most popular and generally the most cost-effective option is the galvanised steel power pole.
As the name suggests, they’re made from galvanised steel which allows the poles to be slim and light and easy to install. They’re hollow, so the power cables are nestled inside, keeping them out of sight. You can paint them too so they can match the colour scheme of the house and yard.
The downside is that they’re not as durable as wood, the galvanised layer can peel off over time, and the pole can rust.
Galvanised steel private power poles are best used where there’s limited space, as they start at 3m high, or where budget is a deciding factor. They have an average life span of 10–15 years.
Hardwood Private Power Poles
A better option would be a hardwood power pole. It’s made from wood that’s been treated to make it waterproof and resistant to pests.
They are slightly taller, starting at 5m and aren’t as slim as the galvanised steel ones. From a safety aspect, hardwood is an excellent choice as it’s a poor electrical conductor, so there’s no concern about electric shocks.
Treated timber looks great and can blend into a yard with other trees. The cables are connected outside the pole.
The downsides are that even though they’re treated, termites can still get inside and eat the wood. They’re also not a wise choice in high bushfire areas.
Hardwood is an excellent option near the coast, where corrosive sea spray is an issue. These private power poles can last 15–30 years.
Titan Composite Private Power Poles
If you have the space, as these usually start at 8m high, the extra-durable titan composite power pole is a worthy consideration.
They have a composite cement look to them, and like the galvanised steel ones, the cables run inside the pole.
These last the longest, up to 40 years, so they need to be replaced less often. They’re ideal for providing power to taller structures.
The advantage titan composite private power poles have over the other two is that they’re fireproof, immune to rust, and don’t attract termites.
The only downside is that they’re more expensive initially. However, the longevity and minimal maintenance mean they save money long term.
30 years of experience
Qualified personnel
Work to fit your timetable
The Cost to Install a Private Power Pole
As a private power pole is a unique installation, there isn’t a ‘one price’ option. To begin with, each type of pole varies in price; the starting cost of each is:
- Galvanised steel – from $799
- Hardwood – from $999
- Titan composite – from $1,399
Then you have the labour costs. The type of installation takes time and may require the use of heavy machinery.
Labour costs can run anywhere from $2,500 for galvanised steel to $20,000+ for titan composite.
Your best option is to contact us and describe the location, or better yet, we’ll go out to you and we can provide you with an exact quote.
Private Power Pole Maintenance
Once it’s installed, maintenance of the private power pole is your responsibility. The main things to do is to ensure all trees and vegetation growing near the pole is trimmed and cut back as much as possible.
After that it’s vital to ensure the power pole is in working order, and not at any risk. Here are the things to inspect:
- Termite damage, rot or large cracks appearing, it it’s a wooden power pole
- Rust damage if it’s galvanised steel
- Any cracks appearing
- The pole has developed a lean
- Other visible damage
If you spot any of the above, immediately contact us and we’ll have someone out to inspect and repair it.
How Often Do I Need a Private Power Pole Inspection?
We recommend that at least once a year, you perform a private power pole inspection. Look for all the things mentioned in the maintenance section above.
Then every five years, have a professional come and inspect the power pole.
Who Can Install Private Power Poles?
Only a licensed and experienced technician can install a private power pole. It’s a complicated procedure that must be handled by an expert.
At North Shore Electricians we’ve installed thousands of power poles right across Sydney.
Who is Responsible for the Private Power Pole?
Unlike the power poles on the main road, which are owned, and maintained by the power company in the area, a private power pole on your property is your responsibility.
It’s up to you to ensure it’s fully functioning and maintained properly. That’s why we recommend you spend the time, at least once a year performing this task.