Frequently Asked Question

Anchor bolts for light poles are configured in several ways. Ordering them can often be confusing and this FAQ will attempt to simplify that process.

Light poles each have specific designs and the anchor bolts are designed to the exact specifications of each light pole to match the strength properties and pullout resistance needed to keep the pole standing.

Light Pole Bases      

Light pole bases are most commonly designed with a 4-anchor bolt pattern, however, that is not always the case. Bases also often consist of a 3-anchor bolt or 8-anchor bolt pattern.

The anchor bolts typically come with steel templates that match the bolt circle pattern of the light pole base which ensures the pole will fit perfectly over the anchor bolts for installation. If a steel template is not required for the pole, contractors will often create templates on the construction site using wood.

Anchor Bolt Style

The anchor bolts for street light poles vary depending on the pole requirements. The two most common light pole anchor bolts are straight rods with threads on each end or “L” shaped bent anchor bolts.

Other styles consist of fully threaded rods and on very rare occasions, headed anchor bolts. Each of these styles offers different types of pull-out resistance from concrete so pole manufacturers design the anchor bolts specifically to each pole type’s specific needs.

Typically, thread-each-end rods and fully threaded rods require 6 nuts and 6 washers per rod. This allows for a nut and washer to sandwich the base plate and two templates embedded in the concrete. Bent anchor bolts and headed anchor bolts require 2 nuts and 2 washers each to sandwich the base plate, with one nut installed under the base plate for leveling purposes.

Plates

Every light pole anchor rod requires some form of nut-plate or template combination on the embedded end. If a steel template is not being used, a nut-plate combo is required to provide pull-out resistance.

The plates are most commonly square or rectangular but they can also be round. These plates are manufactured to the exact specifications of the pole and can be made in any size.

The plates are attached to the nut by tack welding or sandwiching the plate between two nuts.

Templates

Templates are often used with light pole anchor rods to ensure correct alignment with the light pole base after the anchor rods are poured into the concrete. Assuming the anchor bolts have been set properly, once the concrete has been set, the base of the pole will perfectly fit over the bolt pattern due to the template alignment.

Templates usually are made in three distinct patterns: round, square, or rectangular. The rectangular plates are used in a triangular pattern to create the 3-anchor bolt pattern.

The position of the holes in the anchor bolt templates is determined by the bolt circle diameter. The term “bolt circle diameter” or “BC” refers to the measurement based on an imaginary circle that passes through the center of the bolts in a circular pattern.

The bolt circle, like everything else associated with light pole anchor bolts, is determined by the light pole type being used. The pole base plate and the template will have matching bolt circle diameters to ensure proper alignment.

Galvanizing

Light pole anchor bolts are almost always exposed to natural elements so a corrosion-resistant coating is required. This is why almost all light pole anchor bolts are required to be hot-dip galvanized. This coating style offers superior corrosion resistance compared to other types of coatings. Hot-dip galvanizing provides durability and longevity for the anchor bolts when they are exposed to natural elements.

Sets vs. Each

One of the most confusing things that come up when ordering light pole epoxy anchor bolts is the quantity. Often light pole anchors are designated as sets. One set is equivalent to the total number of anchor bolts required for a single light pole base.

For example, if the light pole bolt base requires 4 anchor rods, one set would equal 4 anchor rods so if you needed 8 total pole bases, you could order 8 sets of 4 anchor rods. The other way to designate the light pole anchors is by total quantity so using the same example if you had 8 total light poles, you would need 32 anchor rods.

Either form of quantity is perfectly acceptable to designate. The most important factor is to clearly state whether you need “sets” or “total” anchor rods.

Stock

Portland Bolt carries a wide variety of light pole anchor bolts in stock. Different light pole manufacturers require different sizes, grades, and configurations for their anchor rods.

For state department of transportation projects, the light pole anchor rod requirements may vary by state. The tables below give an idea of what sizes and configurations of light pole anchor bolts are commonly available at Portland Bolt.

Nonstandard anchor bolts can easily be manufactured in any size, ASTM grade, and configuration.

Anchor Rods (thread each end)

All Thread Rods

Bent Anchor Bolts

F1554 Grade 36 & Grade 55

Click table to show drawing

In conclusion, light pole anchor bolts can be confusing to order but Portland Bolt can make it easy for you. We have experts standing by who can help with any light pole anchor bolt needs you may have. Give us a call and we will be happy to help you with your next lighting project!