5.2 Definitions
In this section, the terms used shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them by the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB) and unless the contrary intention appears, the following definitions apply.
pole – an overhead line or street light support structure, excluding attachments eg x-arms.
fully supported pole – a pole in which resultant pole-top forces are countered by changed tensions in conductors or stay wires or both (other than service lines). This support ensures little or no bending moment at ground line.
serviceable pole – a pole in service which, at the time of inspection and assessment, is considered capable of bearing its design load with the relevant Factor of Safety (FOS). The FOS for wood poles is equal to or greater than 2. The FOS for other structures as per C(b)1.
suspect pole – a pole in service which, at the time of inspection, is considered to require further assessment to determine whether or not it is serviceable.
unserviceable pole – a pole in service which, at the time of inspection and assessment, is considered incapable of bearing its design load with the relevant Factor of Safety (FOS). The FOS for wood poles is equal to or greater than 2. The FOS for other structures as per C(b)1.
failed pole – a pole which, due to loss of strength has broken off or become incapable of standing without mechanical means of support other than permanent reinstatement. The following exclusions apply:
- weather more severe than design conditions allowed for at that location e.g. lightning, severe storms and so on;
- impact loads contacting poles or their attachments, e.g. vehicles, falling trees or wind borne objects;
- unforeseeable changes in ground conditions eg flooding or earthworks;
- bush fires and grassfires; and
- vandalism.
reinstated pole – a pole in which the original foundation has been supplemented or replaced by a structurally effective support system.
proof testing – an assessment in which the strength of a pole is verified by validated application of a mechanical load to simulate the design load multiplied by the factor of safety.
non-destructive evaluation – an assessment in which the strength of a pole is verified by validated non-destructive techniques.
factor of safety – the ratio of assessed pole bending strength to its design bending strength.
design load – the calculated load imposed upon a pole under the loading conditions (calculated maximum service load) adopted by the electricity entity.
Refer to this section for the reliability objective applying to pole failure.
Last updated June 30, 2005
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