The Importance of Lighting Poles and Their Regular Maintenance
07 Oct
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The Importance of Lighting Poles and Their Regular Maintenance
Lighting poles play an important role in lighting and securing everything from residential streets and alleys to parking lots, restaurants, shopping malls and industrial facilities. With the effects of wind, vibration and corrosion in a typical outdoor environment, frequent checks and maintenance are necessary to ensure a lighting pole is safe and structurally sound.
Why are Lighting Poles Important for Businesses?
Lighting poles help prevent accidents and injuries by making it easier to navigate dark roads, walkways and parking lots. They also deter crimes such as vandalism and theft and provide the extra security and peace of mind businesses need to welcome their customers after dark. Given the choice between a bright, well-lit business and one with poor lighting and burned out or flashing bulbs, most customers will choose a brightly lit business simply because it feels safer and shows the owners care and pride in their business.
Proper Lighting Pole Maintenance
Over many years, winds, vibration, metal fatigue, and corrosion affect the structural integrity of a lighting pole, making it more likely to topple over in inclement weather or as a result of accidental impact. With its constant stretching, it can also damage wires, causing electrical hazards, while normal wear and tear can cause light bulbs, photosensor or timers to fail. Routine inspections and maintenance are critical to prevent injuries, property damage and operational failures. This usually includes:
Inspecting the base of the light pole – The base is the most critical part of a light pole. Winds and vibrations can degrade the welds between the baseplate and the mast. Welds should be inspected for cracks, flaking or other damage and repaired as necessary.
Checking for corrosion damage – The entire post should be checked for rust and corrosion that can degrade the metal and make it prone to cracking or breaking. If corrosion is found, a hammer and punch can be used to determine its extent with any indentation, flaking or deformation that indicates serious damage. If available, ultrasonic equipment can be used for a more thorough examination. Any corrosion should be repaired by removing the affected sections and welding new panels or replacing the entire pole.
Inspecting fasteners – Bolts, nuts and screws can loosen over time. Each fastener should be checked for tightness and nut caps replaced, if any, to prevent tampering.
Inspect handles and fixtures – Arms, brackets, light fixtures, and other attachments should be checked for looseness, missing fasteners, and metal fatigue. Any problem should be repaired.
Inspecting Covers – Handhole and base covers should be checked and replaced if missing or damaged.
Electrical system - The light pole should be tested for leakage current, defective grounding, short circuits or other electrical problems to avoid shock hazards and injury.
Replacing Bulbs - Bulbs and ballasts should be checked for proper operation, and any burned or damaged ones should be replaced.
Testing control systems – Photosensors, timers, and other controls should be tested for proper operation and repaired or replaced if necessary.
Lighting poles should also be checked regularly by a professional, although periodically a basic visual inspection can be done by yourself.
Lighting Pole Maintenance in Africa, Middle East, Europe, America and Asia
As Depar Energy, we can ensure that the lighting poles in your facility are safe and structurally sound. We have advanced diagnostic equipment to provide complete inspection and maintenance services, as well as experienced electricians to fix any electrical issues we find. We undertake very comprehensive international projects ranging from lighting pole production, maintenance and repairs. You can also contact us for the production and installation of lighting poles in options suitable for your project.
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