Times Observer photo by Josh CottonDozens of utility poles in the area are painted with “OUS.” The designation is part of a Penelec project to inspect the poles in its network. The ones that are painted are slated for reinforcement.
“OUS” has been spray-painted on dozens of utility poles in and around the City of Warren.
But rather than being graffiti, a gang message or a misspelled reference to The Ohio State University, the marks are actually part of a Penelec maintenance project.
And “OUS” is the initials for the Penelec contractor completing the work — Osmose Utility Services.
Todd Myers, senior communications representative with First Energy Corp. told the Times Observer that the painted polls “are marked for reinforcement.”
City of Warren Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz said the city has received calls asking what the paint means, with two of three of those callers specifically asking if the symbol was gang-related.
Times Observer photo by Josh CottonThis utility pole near McDonalds on Market St. has been reinforced.
“(There are) hundreds of thousands of utility poles throughout (the Penelec) service area,” Myers said. “We inspect the poles in Pennsylvania every 12 years.”
The poles themselves are designed to last 50 years or more and Myers described them as the “workhorses of the system.”
Mostly yellow pine, Myers explained there are “lots of things that are out there that can compromise the vitality of these poles.” Some are as obvious — weather and traffic accidents — while some are not — namely, insects.
Examining the poles will include a visual inspection, an auditory one — striking the poles with hammers to determine condition on the interior and, in some instances, test drilling.
The result of that exam will determine whether the pole is fine, in need of reinforcement or in need of replacement.
For the poles here that are set to be reinforced, a steel C-truss is driven into the ground adjacent to the pole, which is then strapped to the brace. The metal is often painted brown to match the pole.
If a pole needs replaced, Myers explained, an outage will be required as well as a host of other work for the other utilities that may utilize the same pole.
Information from Penelec indicates that reinforcement is the cheaper option as well.
“If you have to replace the pole, (we are) going to have to get all of these attachments moved. That can be a bit of a job.”
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FAQs
Painting with full strength paint will cover the wood grain and make the poles look "plastic". You can also adjust the number of paint drops up or down to get a darker or lighter stain. Varying the stain this way makes for more realistic variation between the poles.
Why are poles painted? ›
Steel poles: For low and medium voltage tubular steel poles are used. Longer spans are possible with steel poles. These poles need to be galvanised or painted periodically to prevent them from corrosion.
What are utility poles coated with? ›
Pentachlorophenol, often referred to as penta, is an industrial strength preservative used in wood pole treating since the 1930s. Used extensively in treating Douglas fir poles, penta has achieved a long record of service performance and safe use.
Are old telephone poles safe? ›
Wooden utility poles are often treated with pentachlorophenol or PCP to protect them against fungi and termites. Exposure to PCP can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, and even cancer.
What kind of paint do you use on a metal pole? ›
As a starting point, you need to use paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. This might be labeled as multi-surface paint or metal paint. If you don't use this paint, it will peel, blister or flake, completely ruining your finish.
What is the best paint for metal poles? ›
Rust-Oleum, Krylon color master, Behr pro-E600, and Rexpro metal sealers are the best paints and protectants for metal surfaces. You can use them both indoors and outdoors and they have better drying time and longevity. The painted surface can even withstand minor external abrasion.
How do you paint outdoor Poles? ›
How to Spray Paint Metal
- Step 1: Prepare to Paint. Even if you're painting something that stays indoors, you'll want to paint it outside because the outdoors is well-ventilated. ...
- Step 2: Clean the Metal. ...
- Step 3: Remove Flaking Paint and Rust. ...
- Step 4: Decide on a Finish. ...
- Step 5: Apply Primer. ...
- Step 6: Apply Topcoat.
Re: Black paint round the bottom of poles
You're spot on - it's to stop corrosion from acids like dog and cat pee.
Why are electric Poles black? ›
According to Matthew Cullen, spokesperson for Wisconsin Public Service, the black, fiberglass poles are used to minimize the space needed for the pole and to minimize its impact on nearby property owners.
What is the best material for utility poles? ›
From Lower Life Cycle Cost to Ease of Installation: Steel Utility Poles Provide a Vast Number of Benefits. In addition to the environmental benefits, steel utility poles also exhibit: More uniform dimensions. No need for treatment with harsh chemicals (that eventually end up in landfills)
Today, creosote is still an environmentally sound and effective preservative for wood products in long-term infrastructure-type uses, such as utility poles. Preservative treatment standards of the AWPA continue to assure that products will be properly treated and provide performance over many decades.
What happens to old utility poles? ›
Disposal - landfills
Disposal of old poles in a landfill is still the most common method, although there are regulations based on material type. In general, most states accept treated wood as solid waste into landfills.
Do termites eat telephone poles? ›
However, even railroad ties, telephone poles, and pressure-treated wood can be subject to termite attacks over time.
How much is a telephone pole worth? ›
Telephone pole cost
A telephone pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 with installation or $100 to $900 for materials alone. A telephone pole is also called a utility pole, power pole, or electric pole.
How long do utility poles last? ›
Moisture from driving rain, whipping winds, and flash floods are capable of doing a number on material left to the elements. It's quite a feat that the average lifespan of a utility pole is 30 to 40 years.
How do you paint outdoor poles? ›
How to Spray Paint Metal
- Step 1: Prepare to Paint. Even if you're painting something that stays indoors, you'll want to paint it outside because the outdoors is well-ventilated. ...
- Step 2: Clean the Metal. ...
- Step 3: Remove Flaking Paint and Rust. ...
- Step 4: Decide on a Finish. ...
- Step 5: Apply Primer. ...
- Step 6: Apply Topcoat.
I then clean the blank, and apply a coat of primer (white or off white), once dry I then spray the top colour. I use the car paint spray cans. I then let this dry for about a week or two depending on the season I paint the blank, and then put several coats of Permagloss.
What do you paint outside light poles with? ›
One of the easiest ways to paint the lighting pole is to use the painting spray can designed for metal surfaces. Otherwise, you can also use a brush or spraying gun optional. We recommend you should choose the painting which provide the anti-rust protection, hence you will no need to worry when placing it outside.
Can you paint a metal pole building? ›
With the right amount of preparation and quality products, painting your metal building can be a great way to make it look new with a bit of time and effort.
