Non-compliant modifications of private GI poles

There has been an increase of non-compliant holes being drilled into private GI poles, generally for the purpose of mounting the switchboard onto the pole and allowing the cables to be run down the inside of the pole and out through a hole.

Please be aware that this modifies the pole from the manufacture’s requirements and compromises the galvanised sealing and integrity of the pole. This may also impact on the strength rating of the pole.

TasNetworks will not connect to a modified pole that does not meet the requirements of the Service and Installation Rules.

Section 4.3.6 - (please read the SIR in its entirety)

• c) No holes greater than 4mm diameter on steel poles, no more than two holes in the same plane, and no holes left unsealed
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• Note: The customer mains can be run down the outside of the pole or if run down the inside of the pole, use the manufactures hole in the bottom part of the pole (approximately 500mm below the ground).

The above clause refers to TasNetworks poles in the Service and Installation Rules but the 1st private pole that is connected to the distribution network must also comply with this clause.