A man has claimed to reveal what the letters engraved on a telephone pole actually mean – and how one in particular could save your life.
Previously a contractor for a national telecommunications provider, the worker explained the difference between the ‘D’ and ‘DP’ symbols on wooden poles.
The majority of utility poles are made from wood or aluminum allowing either telephone or electrical power links between several locations.
They are often used in rural areas instead of burying the cables, which is more costly.
However, knowing the difference between the ‘DP’ abbreviation – ‘Distribution Pole’ – and the striking red square could save you your life.
If you spot one of these towering structures with a red ‘D’ then you should avoid it at all costs as it means ‘Do Not Climb’, the former contractor on the Dull Men’s Club account on X.
The letter ‘D’ inside a red square means the pole may be defective or is decaying, according to the Telegraph Pole Appreciation Society.
There are several reasons why a pole may be defective, from rotting to not being planted deep enough into the ground or it may not have enough wires to balance.
Delving further into the strange etchings, the man shared random letters such as ‘PO’ or ‘BT’ to indicate its owner such as the Post Office.
The ex-contractor explained the first set of letters stands for the metres or feet of the pole – depending on its age.
He said if a pole has ‘8L’ on it, this means its lightweight and eight metres tall.
Newer poles also have some additional features, such as a three-metre line to indicate to the public that the wooden beam is deeply and firmly enough in the ground.
Many were left mesmerised by the informative post, with one writing: ‘So dull, I found it fascinating!! Off to check my local poles now!’
‘Sorry, that was really interesting. I’m going to be looking at the local telegraph poles now,’ a second chimed.
‘Henceforth every journey I make on foot will take that much longer. Fascinating read, another said.
One added: ‘I have a pole in my garden. I shall photograph its markings for you.’
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
