What is a utility pole?
Q: What is a utility pole?
A: A utility pole is a post or pole on which telephone network equipment is situated.
Q: What are some other names for a utility pole?
A: Some other names for a utility pole include telegraph pole, telephone pole, power pole, or telegraph post.
Q: When did telegraph poles first become commonplace?
A: Telegraph poles first became commonplace in the middle 19th century.
Q: What materials are utility poles commonly made of?
A: Utility poles are usually wooden, but vary greatly from nation to nation. Other common utility pole materials are steel and concrete, with composites (fiberglass) becoming used more often.
Q: Are power and communication lines usually installed on the same pole?
A: Yes, frequently a pole will share both power and communications lines.
Q: What are the sets of brackets on some poles used for?
A: In some countries, poles have sets of brackets arranged in a standard pattern up the pole to act as hand and foot holds for those working on the equipment or connections atop the pole.
Q: What are utility poles referred to as in Canada, and why?
A: In Canada, the poles are commonly referred to as hydro poles, as the electric companies commonly have "Hydro" in their name.
