FAQS: Multipole Multi Function Poles

Multipole™ is specifically designed to carry a suite of technologies using an integrated coupling to integrate your range of items to the pole rather than steel strapping or other such method. Multipoles™ are designed to host future undefined loads as Smart City technologies attached to the poles are changed or relocated over time.

Our poles are constructed from Marine Grade Series 6000 structural aluminium. This is the same alloy as yacht masts are generally made from and has similar strength to mild steel. Advanced design and extrusion profiles add to the strength.

Being a modular system, should our poles be located in high wind environments, additional strengthening sleeves can be included within the individual designs.

All Multipole™ light poles are independently certified by qualified engineers and best electricians.

A major issue with steel poles is the risk of corrosion (rusting) especially in a marine environment. Poles corrode from the inside out so often this is not identified until pole failure. Aluminium is corrosion resistant in marine environments and will not rust. An aluminium pole’s lifespan is significantly longer than a galvanised steel pole as galvanising depletes over time.

It should be noted however that aluminium is not recommended if located in a heavily alkaline environment as alkaline chemicals can cause aluminium to corrode.

Aluminium poles can be provided with a mill finish (i.e. no finish), anodised or powder coated.

Our poles are generally provided with a 20 – 25uM clear anodised finish which is extremely robust. Coloured anodising is available in a limited range of colours. Powder coated finishes are available in a large range of colours.

Aluminium poles, especially if anodised, have minimal maintenance requirements. As the anodised finish is extremely smooth and slippery the poles will essentially self-clean in rain. Poles in a more hostile environment may require cleaning from time to time by hosing or steam cleaning.

Graffiti or stubborn marks can generally be removed with the use of solvents. Most hydrocarbon solvents such as methylated spirits or acetone can be used. Poles can also be blasted with high-pressure water or steam cleaned.

No form of alkaline cleaner should be used, as aluminium is dissolved by alkalis.

Abrasive cleaners are not recommended as they may scratch the anodising.

Powder coat paint finished poles should be cleaned with soap and water only.

Aluminium light poles have a carbon footprint considerably less than that of a steel equivalent especially when looked at on a whole of life basis.

With the ability to be recycled, and being one third the weight of steel, transport and installation requirements are reduced.

For projects in Australia the bulk of the alloy used in our Multipoles™ is sourced from Northern Queensland and extruded in Melbourne. We then fabricate the extrusions at our facility in Sydney. We do extrude some of our larger profiles overseas where Australian mills are unable to extrude these diameters.

We also export Australian extrusions to overseas projects as well as produce extrusions in overseas markets.

Yes. Multipole are designers as well as manufacturers. With a modular system of tubular extrusions, poles can be custom designed to a client’s requirement.

All Multipole poles can be modified to provide a customised look for a client.

Generally our poles are placed on reinforced concrete piers that are up to 600mm diameter. Depth will depend on pole height, loading and soil conditions at the location.

It is generally more cost effective to mount aluminium poles as they are one third the weight of steel but this will depend on the relevant loads to be applied to the poles.

In areas where shallow footings are required a pad or cantilevered configuration may be used.

We can provide generic footing details for background information but specific footing designs should be sourced from qualified engineers.