Decorative pole tender specification checklist

Most disputes after delivery come from something the tender did not say. Use this list while drafting the specification or checking a bid. It suits gram panchayats, municipal bodies, contractors and private developers.

Written by the editorial desk · Updated 16 Oct 2026 · 8 min read

A. The pole

• Height above ground level (and embedded length, if any).
• Shaft section: round, tapered or stepped; bottom and top diameter; wall thickness in mm.
• Material grade and the Indian Standard (for example IS 1239 for tube, IS 2062 for structural steel).
• Base plate size and thickness, anchor bolt size, grade and quantity, and whether the template is supplied.
• Cable entry door: position, size, IP-rated gasket, lock.
• Arm or bracket: number, projection, tilt angle.
• Crown or finial: material (die-cast aluminium, steel), drawing reference.

B. Finish

• Hot-dip galvanising to IS 4759 with minimum coating thickness stated (85 microns is commonly quoted).
• Powder coat: type (polyester for outdoors), thickness in microns, RAL shade.
• Inside surface protection of the shaft.

C. Structural design

• Basic wind speed for the location from IS 875 Part 3.
• Total effective projected area including luminaire and any panel or banner.
• Design calculation signed by an engineer, if the pole is above about 8 m or in a high wind zone.
• Foundation drawing with soil assumption, concrete grade, pit size and anchor cage details.

D. Luminaire

• Delivered lumens and system wattage, with luminous efficacy in lm/W.
• Colour temperature (for example 3000 K or 4000 K) and CRI.
• IP rating (IP65 minimum for outdoors, IP66 near coasts) and IK impact rating.
• Driver: power factor, THD, surge protection level (commonly 4 kV to 10 kV), dimming option.
• Photometric file (IES or LDT) for the quoted luminaire.
• LED and driver warranty period, and what it covers.

E. Electrical

• Cable size and type from the junction box to the luminaire.
• Fuse or MCB at the pole base.
• Earthing: earth stud on pole, earth pit spec, target resistance, as per the earthing code (IS 3043).

F. Testing and acceptance

• Galvanising thickness report and wall thickness check on a sample.
• Load or deflection test, if required by the buyer.
• Luminaire test report from an accredited laboratory.
• Pre-dispatch inspection right for the buyer.

G. Commercial

• Delivery period and place (ex-factory or at site).
• Packing for long poles and crowns.
• Payment terms, tax treatment and price validity.
• Warranty period and response time for faults.
• Spare parts quantity (many buyers ask for a small percentage of luminaires and drivers).