[cibula11]

We just purchased an acreage and the area light that is attached to a telephone pole is not working. We bought a new one and I have disconnected the old light. Herein lies the issue.

The light is about 20 ft or so above the ground. I can reach the light and pole that extends off the pole, but I cannot nor do not feel comfortable letting go of the ladder at that height in order to connect the neutral and hot wires.

Is there an easier way, something else I can try or consider? Maybe just a taller ladder?

I've thought about renting a towable lift, but given the cost, I'd have a good $200 wrapped up in a simple fixture replacement. I think I'm making this too hard.

IDeas?

 

[Dierte]

A lift would be my choice

 

[jbfan]

Pole spikes will get you there and allow you to use both hands!

 

[cibula11]

Pole spikes will get you there and allow you to use both hands!

where do I get pole spikes? Are they safe?

 

[jbfan]

You know, the kind the power company uses to climb poles.
You should be able to rent them.

I'm sorta kidding, because if you are afraid to take your hands off the ladder, you will not like have spikes strapped to your legs and hanging by a belt.

 

[zappa]

Silly question.....did you check to see if the power company maintains the light?

 

[cibula11]

Silly question.....did you check to see if the power company maintains the light?

No I haven't...I assumed it's ours because it the electrical comes in and then the light is fed off our breaker box....in other words, we're paying for it's electrical consumption....so I just assumed they wouldn't

I guess it wouldn't hurt to call.

I also wondered about "tree steps" Deer hunters use them to climb trees. I could get a couple to get me high enough to use both hands???

 

[bobelectric]

Look for a guy with a 20' stepladder or a bucket truck.

 

[Oso954]

$200 to rent the lift.
Sounds pretty cheap when you figure what a fall from that height might cost you.
Another alternative, hire an electrician.

 

[cibula11]

$200 to rent the lift.
Sounds pretty cheap when you figure what a fall from that height might cost you.
Another alternative, hire an electrician.

uh, yeah. I was out there last night and the wind started gusting at 20 mph or so and it was not pleasant. I'm not afraid of heights and have done some stupid stuff, but hanging by one hand, 25 ft off the ground in the wind and dark is not something I enjoy

 

[Cklost]

Light

If it is the stability of the ladder when you are using both hands to connect the wires. What I have found is very helpful are those 15' rachet straps.
On projects that I am working by myself high in the air, I have taken a rachet strap up the ladder with me and wrapped it around the pole and one of the rung's of the ladder then pull tight and rachet it unitl it becomes very stable. It allows me to work hands free without worry of the ladder shifting.

Just a thought.

 

[bcgfdc3]

Are you served by a volunteer fire department? Do they have a ladder truck that they might bring up for you to use? You would be surprised what they will do for a couple bucks.

 

[Rochsolid]

Tie off your ladder at the bottom and the top, you should be tying off your ladder regardless (if it's an extension ladder) of what you are doing. Makes the ladder more stable and easier to work off.

 

[cibula11]

The straps are a good idea. I actually think if I get a longer ladder...maybe 22' or so and add some tree steps, like the screw in kind. I can get to the light a little better. Maybe I can get a hold of a harness just to be extra safe.