Subscriber Discussion

Using Power From Utility Pole On Private Property?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 24, 2018

I walked a site today and noticed several cameras/boxes were tied directly to the utility company's lines with a disconnect on the pole. But no meter.

 

This is in Atlanta

 

The cameras do tie into the local police department (or some do).

 

Anyone have experience on this? Do the utility companies allow this for cameras? Is it possible they just charge a flat rate?

CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 25, 2018

Utility poles are private property, so unless they have permission to mount equipment on the pole, it's not legal to trespass on that property.

So, I would say if they are tied directly into the lines, they have permission.  :-)

 

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Brian Karas
Feb 25, 2018
Pelican Zero

Sounds like it could be related to the Georgia Power surveillance offering.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 25, 2018

No, I do not think it was under the Georgia Power program. I think the GP program runs under Genetec and this program runs under Onssi. Also the GP program seems to be a monthly lease and the customer says they own the equipment, there is no lease payment.

 

Plus the whole install looks like crap IMO

 

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U
Undisclosed #3
Feb 25, 2018

Yes that is crap.

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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Feb 25, 2018

In our area in the south sometimes the pole is privately owned and sometimes it's the utility's pole. If the pole is privately owned, they can put whatever they want on it. If it's the utility's, sometimes you can get permission.

But also dont underestimate some installers taking the tact "easier to ask forgiveness that permission".

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Michael Silva
Feb 25, 2018
Silva Consultants

Looks like cable company work to me.

Most utility poles are shared jointly by multiple users. The poles are divided up into vertical zones based on their height above ground. The top zone on the power is used for high-voltage transmission lines, the next section for transformers and medium-voltage distribution lines, the next lower section is for telephone, the next for cable TV and broadband, etc. There is usually a gap between the power lines and the communications cables for safety reasons.

In my part of the world, cable companies have the right to directly tie into the power lines in order to power their distribution amplifiers and other equipment. I believe that they register each connection and pay a flat-rate monthly fee for the power.

Many of the state licensing laws that apply to electrical contractors and security/surveillance integrators provide a specific exemption for telephone and cable companies. This sometimes allows them to get away with some pretty shoddy workmanship.  

 

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Joseph Parker
Feb 26, 2018

I am aware of a similar situation where a private company ran lines/cameras on a string of poles on private property.  No power tie in though.  When they found it the literally just hammered or cut everything off and threw it on the ground.  

UE
Undisclosed End User #4
Feb 26, 2018

Definitely you need permission and most likely pay some sort of fee.  Several years ago did consulting work for a metro ATL city and found out Georgia Power will take down the cameras tied into their power lines if the proper paperwork isn't filed.  The power company considers it theft.  Even temporary covert cameras for law enforcement need permission from the power company in ATL. 

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 27, 2018

I have some inquiries to some folks to see what we can do.

 

How do I take this over? The client just needs someone to maintain it and add a couple cameras. They have lots of other work that we will do from the ground up such as gates, access control, etc.

 

I don't even understand why everything was mounted so far from the pole.They did this on every pole.

I just hate to have my company name associated with this type of work....

 

Just venting out loud...

 

 

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Feb 27, 2018

Price it only so that it is worth it and comfortable to you. Figure in maybe 50% at least of the cost to redo it all if you had too if you don't plan on changing it much but are covering under a service plan. Or you can price in what it would cost to redo it what you think would be the right way. Price in the value at 50% or more what you will reuse or leave in place if you are covering it under a service plan. Disclaimer the heck out of it that you are not liable or responsible if the electric company comes by later and removes it all. Do do any more work on it or add things unless you check with the electric company, but first you have to ascertain who really owns the or has rights to the poles.

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Mark Jones
Feb 27, 2018

We have done it before, but we had Duke Power's permission.  The CEO of Duke lived in that neigborhood and was on their board.

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