What are the components of a light pole?
There are two types of light poles, Anchor-based and Direct Burial. Anchor-based poles are attached to a concrete foundation with anchor bolts, nuts, and washers. Direct Burial or embedded poles get installed by inserting the shaft into the ground without a concrete base or anchor bolts. Most poles include a hand hole cover and a pole cap. The hand hole cover allows electricians to make connections, maintain internal wiring, and replace if damaged. Pole caps are also replaceable and are only necessary if the lights are on the side of the pole. A pole cap is unnecessary if you have a bull horn bracket mounted on top of the pole.
What Size Anchor Bolts Do You Need?
For a typical 20ft pole, your anchor bolts should be ¾ inch in diameter and 17 inches long with a 3-inch j-hook. Measurements for the anchor bolts can vary depending on the location, wind conditions, soil composition, weight on top of the pole, and pole height. For example, 30-inch long bolts are typically used if you are going above 20ft. If the pole is 30-40 feet high, anchor bolts 1-inch in diameter by 36 inches in length are recommended.
Additional Light Pole Components
Several other parts may be required, depending on the project. For example, if you intend to attach security cameras to the light pole, you may consider installing a vibration dampener to minimize shaking the camera. Some look like pole caps; others connect to the side of the pole; they are necessary because they absorb the harmonic cycles in the post. Vibration dampers are essential for poles installed in areas prone to constant breeze to minimize the harmful effects of vibrations and extend the pole’s lifespan.
Another component worth looking at is the pole side brackets. Side brackets are added to the side of light poles to add additional lights to light up different areas, such as the building facade.
If you are installing new light poles, there are two other optional components to consider. Electrical outlets and brackets to hang banners. Electrical outlets can serve many purposes; the primary use is powering Christmas lights and other holiday decorations while eliminating the need to run additional wires to and from the pole. Banner holders for vertical hanging banners allow you to advertise local events. Both the banner brackets and outlets are optional accessories to provide added value in municipal and commercial applications.
What is a light pole tenon?
A Light Pole Tenon is a cylindrical component attached to the top of the pole allowing a light or pole bracket to be easily installed. Most tenons are 2⅜ inches in diameter; larger diameter tenons, 3 and 4 inches are available depending on the application and load requirements. If the light pole does not have a tenon or its orientation needs to be changed, you will need to get an adaptor. Light pole adapters are used to add a tenon to a pole or change the tenon’s diameter, direction, and shape. There are different tenon adapters to choose from depending on the lights and attachment angles. For example, you may need a single tenon to add on top of a square or round pole, or you may already have an existing tenon but want to use an adaptor to attach horizontal lights. Most tenons are used to attach Bullhorn Brackets or Spoke Brackets.
