Pole Signs

Pole Signs

Pole signs are freestanding advertising structures typically mounted on a tall pole or post. They are designed to provide visibility for businesses, institutions, or other organizations by displaying a sign at a height that makes it visible from a distance, often over traffic or obstacles. Pole signs are commonly used along highways, streets, or in large parking lots. They can be single or double-sided and are often illuminated for better visibility at night. The structure of pole signs typically includes a durable pole or mast, which supports the sign, and may feature a variety of materials and designs, such as metal, acrylic, or LED displays, to suit the intended branding and aesthetic.

Step 1:
(Should a pole already be in place and the installation be limited to the sign only, proceed to Step 2.)
Schedule a utility locate with Okie811 at https://geoappv3.okie811.org/ui/dashboard. DO NOT  proceed with digging until utilities have been properly located and marked. Hitting an underground utility can result in significant fines or, in the worst-case scenario, catastrophic consequences, including death.

The excavation will be scheduled and performed by a local contractor using an auger or excavator. Once the hole is prepared, we will lift the pole using a crane, place it in the hole, and ensure it is level. Typically, the hole will be 12-18” in diameter and 4-5 feet deep, though the size of the hole and pipe may vary based on the height and size of the sign.

We will then fill the hole with concrete, carefully checking to ensure the pole remains level on all sides throughout the process. Once the concrete is fully poured, the truck will remain connected to the pole to hold it in place until it is sufficiently secure, usually 1-2 hours, or occasionally overnight if necessary.

Step 2:
Once the concrete has cured and the pole is secure, use the crane to lift the sign and carefully lower it over the pole, guiding it through the pre-cut hole at the bottom.

Step 2B:
For plate-to-plate mounting, use the crane to lift the sign and gently lower it onto the pole, ensuring the plates are in direct contact. Secure the plates using four bolts. Insert the bolts, each accompanied by washers, upward from the underside through the pole’s plate. Apply a washer, lock washer, and nut on the upper interior of the sign to fasten securely.

Step 3:
Secure the sign by welding two pieces of 2” square tubing or 2” angle to the top and bottom of the sign, connecting the pole and sign frame on each side. (Refer to the provided image.) Ensure the sign is level. A second technician should observe from ground level to confirm the sign is precisely perpendicular to the road.

Step 4:
Once the sign is leveled, secured, and all welding is complete, disconnect it from the crane. Drill or cut a hole near the bottom of the pole inside the sign, large enough to route your Romex or MC cable to the pole’s base. Repeat this process near the ground, ensuring the hole is large enough to easily pull the wire through but small enough to be concealed by the electrical box. Once the holes are created, run the wiring from the top to the bottom hole. Connect the wire to the power supply inside the sign and test the connections using a generator at the base of the pole to confirm proper operation. Finally, take a photo of the sign’s lighting to verify that the wiring is functioning correctly. (If the external electrical wiring has already been installed by an electrician, make the necessary connections accordingly.)

Step 5
Install the sign faces. Remove the necessary trim and slide faces into frame. (Depending on size, you may use the crane and lifting bar if needed.) If sign is a flex face, remove all trim and attach faces using the flex face clamp system. See here (https://highwaymansigns.com/training/install-2/install-flex-face-installation/) for more info on flex faces. Once faces have been installed, installation is complete. Take photos and email them to info@highwaymansigns.com for our records.