Polygonal Lighting Poles in accordance with TEDAŞ Specifications: Technical and Administrative Guide

Turkey’s energy distribution and urban lighting infrastructure is built on specific standards and strict rules. For a contractor or project manager, failure to accept lighting poles arriving on site by TEDAŞ (Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation) or relevant EDAŞ officials means project stoppage and serious financial losses.

Therefore, the choice of lighting pole is not only an aesthetic choice, but a technical necessity.

As İES Galvaniz, we completely eliminate these risks with TEDAŞ Type Approved Polygonal Lighting Poles that we produce in our integrated facilities in Osmaniye. With an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons and a 14-meter galvanized pool, we manufacture all standard poles from 4 meters to 12 meters in 100% compliance with TEDAŞ-MYD specifications.

In this guide, we will examine in detail the technical specifications of TEDAŞ compliant poles, selection criteria, galvanized quality, and considerations in the acceptance process.

1. What are TEDAŞ Standards and the Concept of “Type Project”

The design, manufacture and installation of lighting poles cannot be left to arbitrary decisions. In Turkey, these standards are set by the MYD (Materials Management Department) Specifications (specifically MYD/2006-052) published by TEDAŞ.

Why Type Project Approval is Important

In an infrastructure tender, it can take months to re-do static calculations for each pole and get them approved. IES Galvaniz has already completed this process on behalf of its customers. The poles we produce are based on **”Type Projects “** whose static calculations, material details and drawings have been previously examined and approved by TEDAŞ.

• Advantage:When you buy a TEDAŞ type pole from IES Galvaniz, the project of the product is already approved. When the acceptance committee arrives, they only look at whether the product has been produced in accordance with this project. This speeds up the admission process tremendously.

Regional Wind and Ice Load Criteria

Turkey is divided into I., II. and III. Ice Load Zonesaccording to climatic conditions. The wind load in Antalya (Region I) is not the same as the ice load in Erzurum (Region III).

• Critical Failure:If a pole with Zone I standards (thinner sheet metal) is erected in a project designed for Zone III, the pole may topple in the first storm.
• Solution:In the order phase, it is enough to specify in which province the project is located. Our engineers select the pole with the wall thickness (3mm, 4mm, etc.) suitable for the map data of that region for you.

2. Technical and Structural Characteristics of TEDAŞ Type Poles

The main differences that distinguish a TEDAŞ type pole from an ordinary market pole are hidden in the engineering details.

Material Quality and Steel Grade

TEDAŞ specifications clearly define the mechanical properties of the steel to be used in poles. Generally, S355 MC quality steel sheets are used according to the pole length and load. İES Galvaniz uses raw materials obtained from certified producers such as Ereğli Demir Çelik, for which chemical analysis reports are available.

Polygon Cross-Section and 12-triangle Design

TEDAŞ poles are polygon (polygon)sectioned, not circular. It is usually produced as 12-pointed (dodecagonal).

• Why Polygon?The angular structure reduces the vibration of the pole by breaking the vortex shedding caused by the wind. In addition, the bend points increase the strength of the sheet, providing higher load carrying capacity with thinner wall thickness.

Dimensions and Tolerances

The peak diameter, base diameter and taper ratio of a TEDAŞ pole cannot be random.

• For example, the base diameter of a 10-meter TEDAŞ pole has a certain standard. If this dimension is not complied with, the pole will not sit on the anchor (foundation) bolts or the static calculation will not hold. IES Galvaniz produces in millimetric tolerances with CNC controlled production.

Base Plate (Flange) and Flags

The biggest stress point of the pole is the base plate where it is connected to the ground. The thickness of the flange used here, the bolt hole centers and the support “flags” (gussets) connecting the body to the flange must be exactly the same as the dimensions specified in TEDAŞ type projects.

3. IES Galvanizing Production Process: Sheet to Pole Conversion

Compliance with specifications starts on paper but ends in the factory. IES Galvaniz’s production line is optimized for error-free production.

CNC Cutting and Precision Bending

Steel sheets are cut on CNC plasma machines according to the projected angle (trapezoidal shape). It is then bent in high tonnage hydraulic press brakes, either in one piece or in two pieces, giving it a polygonal form. The precision of the bending angles is critical for the two ends of the pole to kiss exactly when they meet.

Automatic Longitudinal Welding Technology

The most critical point of polygonal poles is the weld seam that extends throughout. At IES Galvaniz, this process is performed by automatic gas or submerged arc welding robots.

• TEDAŞ Criteria: The penetration of the weld seam (penetration rate into the sheet metal) must be complete, there must be no pores or cracks on the surface. It is difficult to achieve this standard with manual welding, but our robotic lines ensure 100% continuity.

Fuse Cover and Electrical Safety

The pole body, at a certain height from the ground (usually 60-80 cm), has an intervention cover for fuse and terminal connections.

• Detail: The cover must be flush with the pole body and must not receive rainwater. Inside the cover, there is a grounding nut welded in place, which is vital against electrical leakage.

4. Indispensable Standard: Hot Dip Galvanized

The red line of TEDAŞ specifications is corrosion protection. Painted poles are absolutely not accepted in TEDAŞ infrastructure. Poles should be hot-dip galvanized in accordance with TS EN ISO 1461 standard.

14 Meter Boiler and Single Immersion Difference

Many manufacturers coat a 12-meter TEDAŞ pole in a 7-meter pool using the “double dip” method (first one half, then the other half). This creates an unsightly scar in the center of the pole and a difference in coating thickness.

• İES Galvanizing Advantage: Thanks to our 14 meter long galvanizing boiler, we can coat even the longest TEDAŞ poles at once (single dip). In this way, we obtain a homogeneous, smooth and standardized (min. 70-85 microns) coating thickness at every point of the pole.

Full Protection Inside and Out

Because the galvanizing process is done by dipping, not only the outside of the pole is coated, but also the inside surface. This prevents the pole from rotting from the inside. In addition, galvanized burrs (feathering) in the cable passageways are cleaned with special files, preventing damage to the electrical cables during installation.

5. Types of TEDAŞ Type Poles and Usage Areas According to Height

TEDAŞ type projects cover standardized sizes for different lighting needs.

4m to 6m Poles

• Use Area:Parks, gardens, residential walkways, narrow streets.
• Feature: They generally have a thinner body structure. Pedestrian safety and decorative lighting are at the forefront.

7m to 9m Poles

• Use Area:In-town side streets, industrial site roads, secondary roads.
• Feature:The most commonly used types. It is preferred as single or double console.

10m to 12m Poles

• Use Area:Main boulevards, wide streets, intersections, highway connection roads.
• Feature: Areas requiring high light power. Up to 4 console (intersection type) can be used. Body diameters and wall thicknesses are higher.

Console (Arm) Types

The brackets attached to the top of the pole and carrying the luminaire are also in TEDAŞ standards.

• Options:Single, Double (180° or 90° angle), Triple or Quadruple.
• Angle:The angle is usually between 5° and 15° to optimize the fall of light onto the road. The brackets are mounted to the top of the mast by slip-fit or flanged method and fixed with bolts.

6. Critical Process for Contractors: Acceptance and Assembly

As IES Galvaniz, we do not only sell the pole; we also facilitate the “acceptance process”.

Documents Required for TEDAŞ Acceptance

When the poles are on site, we prepare all the technical dossier you need to present to the acceptance committee:

1. Type Project File: Approved static project of the relevant pole.
2. Galvaniz Report: Coating thickness measurement report.
3. Material Certificates: Erdemir quality certificates of the sheet metal used.
4. Guarantee Certificate: IES Galvaniz corporate guarantee.

Anchoring (Foundation) Installation

The foundation must be poured before the pole arrives. IES Galvaniz sends anchoring (J-bolt)set and installation template with or before the poles. The use of a template ensures that the bolt spacing matches the base of the post exactly. Concrete quality must be at least C25/30.

Shipping and Stock Advantage

Since TEDAŞ type poles are standard products, they are usually found in IES Galvaniz stocks as semi-finished or finished products. With a capacity of 120,000 tons, we offer very fast deadlines, even for large projects, so that your construction site does not come to a standstill. The ability to nest polygonal poles (telescopic loading) reduces transportation costs.

7. Why IES Galvanized TEDAŞ Type Poles?

There are many workshops in the market that produce under the stairs. However, in TEDAŞ projects, the “cheap” pole is usually the one that is rejected and “expensive”.

• Integrated Plant Assurance: Production, welding and galvanizing are done under one roof. Quality control processes are not fragmented.
  
• 14 Meters One Piece Galvanized: Long-lasting and aesthetic coating without joint marks.
• Regional Expertise:Engineering support to help you choose the most suitable mast for the wind load of the province where your project is located.
• Reference Power:Thousands of pole references accepted in EDAŞ regions and municipalities all over Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a TEDAŞ type pole and a market pole?

TEDAŞ type poles must comply 100% with the safety coefficients, sheet thickness and galvanization standards (Type Project) set by the government. In market poles, thinner sheet metal or lower quality galvanized can be used to reduce cost, which poses a safety risk.

2. Are the poles sold including the armature?

Standardly pole body, bracket and anchor set are supplied as a set. Lighting fixture (LED or Sodium Vapor) is usually a separate item, but we can offer a full solution with our project partner companies upon your request.

3. Can the length and angle of the console be changed?

TEDAŞ standards specify the cantilever lengths (e.g. 50 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm). However, we can also produce non-standard cantilevers for your special projects or different road widths.

4. What should I specify when ordering?

It is enough to provide the desired height (e.g. 8 meters), the number of consoles (e.g. double consoles) and the province/district where the installation will be made. Our engineers will determine the most suitable TEDAS type.

Buy Quality, Not Risk

Infrastructure projects do not accept mistakes. İES Galvaniz guarantees the smooth progress of your projects with one-piece galvanized and engineering approved polygon poles in a 14-meter pool, fully compliant with TEDAŞ specifications. For peace of mind when signing the acceptance minutes, choose the leader of the sector.

Would you like to get a TEDAŞ approved pole price quote for your project?

Contact our technical team now and get stock availability and customized solutions.