How long does a utility pole last?
Typical lifespan
25–60 yr
A treated timber or steel pole carrying overhead power and communication lines.
Typical service life before replacement.
How that compares
Utility pole against things of a similar time.
Utility pole 25–60 yr
Gorilla 35–55 yr
Bottlenose dolphin 30–60 yr
Ostrich 30–50 yr
Orangutan 35–58 yr
Black rhinoceros 35–45 yr
Dromedary camel 25–50 yr
Walrus 30–40 yr
What that means over time
| Period | How many you would buy |
|---|---|
| Per year | 0.025 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 1 of them |
Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.
More about a utility pole
- How much does a utility pole weigh? 200–1,200 kg
- How much does a utility pole cost? 300–2,000 $
- Utility pole vs Fire hydrant Side by side
Common questions
- How long does a utility pole last?
- A utility pole lasts 25–60 yr. Typical service life before replacement.
Related pages
- How much does a utility pole weigh? 200–1,200 kg
- How much does a utility pole cost? 300–2,000 $
- How long does a car battery last? 3–7 yr
- How long does a street light last? 12–25 yr
- Utility pole vs Fire hydrant Side by side
Sources
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place