Pole grades are based on which criteria?

Pole grades are determined primarily by the importance of the services they provide. This criterion reflects the role that utility poles play in supporting critical infrastructure such as telecommunications networks, power lines, and public safety systems. The grading process considers various factors that assess the operational significance of the services offered by the pole, including reliability, accessibility, and the potential impact of failure on the community or business.

In cases where a pole supports essential services—like emergency communications or major power distribution—it typically receives a higher grade due to the critical nature of its function. This grading system helps guide utility companies in prioritizing maintenance, upgrades, and replacements, ensuring that the most vital infrastructure is adequately supported and safeguarded.

While the other factors like the length of cable, design color, and number of cables are important in their own right, they do not directly influence the grading system as much as the importance of services provided by the poles.