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They are on just about every street corner. There’s probably one near your house that you pass every day
and don't particularly notice. If you look out your window right now, you’ll probably see one. They are
utility poles.
Of the 250,000 wood poles on Duquesne Light’s system, more than 200,000 are owned and maintained by
Duquesne Light. The remainder are mostly owned by telephone companies. Duquesne Light rents space on these
poles for electric lines.
Poles range in height from 30-feet to 85-feet with a diameter generally about 8-inches at the top and as large
as 24-inches at the bottom. The life expectancy of a wooden pole is between 25 and 50 years.
Although utility poles meet strict design standards, they are not indestructible. In 1999, more than 900 poles
fell victim to reckless drivers. That’s more than 2 poles hit per day. From data collected over the years,
we know most of these accidents happen between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
A: Distribution power lines - generally are 23,000 volts – carry electricity from substations -- are
located approximately 40 feet above ground.
B: Transformers – reduce high voltage to secondary voltage, are located approximately 35 feet from
the ground.
C: Secondary lines – generally are 120/240 volts – carry electricity to homes and businesses --
are located approximately 32 feet from the ground.
D: Telephone/Cable Television Wires – generally about 20 feet from the ground.
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