PROBLEMATIC POLES
How To Identify Rusted and Damaged Light Poles Before It’s Too Late
P R O B L E M AT I C P O L E S / / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / / L M & M
By Kurtis Magargee
COO, Light Pole Systems, Inc.
Light Pole Systems, Inc. was founded in 2014 with the goal of making problem solving products for the exterior lighting maintenance industry. Taking the problems we experienced replacing stolen wire and repairing/replacing rusted poles, we started with our Universal Locking Hand Hole Cover and Pole Repair Kit. The following information came from our time repairing and replacing poles, inspecting poles for customers like CBRE, LAUSD, and IHG, and what we hear from our customers in the field today. Light poles are commonly overlooked when upgrading or repairing parking lot fixtures. Many technicians are focused on their task working to finish the job as efficiently as possible, or contractors don’t have their own crane, so the poles are not top of mind. This is a disservice to their customers and opens the contractor to the liability of a rusted pole. Whether or not the damage or rust had anything to do with the new fixture or lamp, if a pole falls, the last contractor on site is going to be held accountable. The simple solution it to at least take a look at the condition of the pole and report it to the property manager or owner. Here, we will discuss the common indicators of a rusted pole and how to identify potential problems. There are many common indicators to look for when identifying a potential rusted pole. Only steel poles rust. The
Poles located in shrubbery are susceptible to rusting. This pole was stabilized using a pole repair kit.
same logic applies to aluminum and fiberglass poles; however, they corrode and deteriorate much more slowly, so most of our focus will be on steel poles. Look for poles in locations that can be impacted by irrigation, like along walkways, near grass, or surrounded by bushes in planters. City parks with a lot of dog traffic will see higher rates of rust due the acidic properties of dog urine or reclaimed water used for irrigation.
The location of a pole can accelerate rusting. A rusted pole needs to be tested to determine if it is still structurally sound.
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Poles set in planters and low footings can have dirt build up around the base, which will cause early rusting. Look for poles moving in the wind, either due to vibration or from loose or missing hardware. Some vibration is normal, but excessive vibrations will cause cracks at the base.
