Page | 11
3.8
Likely Indications
1.
Corrosion zones on lighting columns are large, typically 50mm or more vertically and
extending one quarter of the way round the circumference. In looking for significant
defects you are not looking for single pinholes.
2.
Most columns that have been many years in service will show some corrosion at
ground level.
3.
What determines
significant wall loss
depends on the following factors.
a)
The age of the column relative to the wall loss (rate of corrosion)
b)
The position of the column and its exposure to high winds.
c)
Potential for additional loads to be put on the column such as festive lights, advertising
banners, hanging flower baskets, etc. All the above should be taken in to account when
deciding if a column is fit for purpose or not rather than deciding purely on a ColcheK
2™ reading alone.
NB: Follow the requirements and specifications of the lighting authority.
4.
All columns have a cable access hole. With the usually specified planting depth, the
cable access hole is approx. 300mm below ground and will show on the ColcheK
2™
as a point of 100% wall loss. Beware of columns that are not planted deeply.
4.0
Frequently Asked Questionns
Do the electrical cables and switch gear have any effect on the equipment performance?
No. Trials have proved they have no influence on the equipment readings.
Does it matter if the power is on?
Not as far as the ColcheK
2™ is concerned, however health and safety precautions should
be observed.
Does it matter if the column is full of water?
No. The ColcheK
2™ probe is sealed against the ingress of water.
Is the system affected by rubbish in the column?
No, however tin cans and general rubbish should be carefully removed to allow full access
for the ColcheK
2™ probe.
If the column is beside a wall and the drive coil cannot be fully closed, will this affect the
readings?
No. Position the drive coil as far round the column as possible. Readings will be unaffected
even on the far side of the column.
What do I do if the column has been planted to deep and the access door interferes with the
drive coil position?
Do not attempt to set up the ColcheK
2™ on this column. Use the set up from a previous
column. While this may not be ideal, significant areas of corrosion will still be indicated.
Will the system work on non-round columns?
Yes. Hexagonal and similar shaped columns can still be inspected using the ColcheK
2™.
