How to Set Telephone Poles
- 1). Lay out where the poles will run and the distance needed between poles. Most telephone poles are spaced between 100 feet and 150 feet apart when wiring is being run. Planning ahead and selecting pole positions in advance will make for an efficient system of setting up multiple poles.
- 2). Use an auger to drill a hole to set the pole into. This hole should be 10 percent of the pole's length plus 4 feet. Usually a standard public utility pole stands about 40 feet from the top to the ground. The pole size originally purchased is actually 50 feet long with 9 to 10 feet of the pole below ground.
- 3). Move the pole into position over the hole and then place the pole in the hole. This is done with a crane truck that will allow the pole to be placed into the hole and held into position while being secured. However, any 4-wheel-drive truck can pull the pole into position with guidance and manpower.
- 4). Fill the hole in with cement and dirt to secure the pole in place. The pole also should be filled to straighten the pole and make it level. Leaning poles in a line where wire is going to be run could present problems when the time comes to attach wires to the pole.
- 5). Cut the 8-foot 2-by-4 in half and use the two pieces of wood to stabilize the pole while the cement dries. This will help the pole to remain straight and not cause it to lean from the effects imposed on the pole by gravity or the elements.
- 6). Remove the wood stabilizers after allowing enough time for the cement to dry and the ground around the pole to settle and begin to support the pole. This will vary based on the temperature, moisture in the ground, type of soil and type of concrete used.
