Bollard Considerations for Electrical and High Voltage Equipment Protection

Protecting high voltage equipment like transformers, generators, switchgear, and utility pedestals is a critical safety and compliance requirement. Bollards play a central role in this protection—serving as physical barriers that prevent accidental vehicle strikes, unauthorized access, and catastrophic equipment damage. Whether in substations, pad-mounted transformer sites, or commercial and industrial facilities, the proper installation of bollards ensures personnel safety, system uptime, and regulatory approval.

Utility Companies with Bollard Protection Requirements

Many utility companies have strict standards for the installation of protective bollards around electrical infrastructure. These specifications are typically detailed in their construction manuals and must be followed precisely to pass site inspections. While not an exhaustive list, utilities with well-known and enforced bollard protection requirements include:

Each of these utility providers publishes its own set of requirements for clearances, bollard quantity and spacing, height, diameter, access and locking mechanisms, material specification, finish, and embedment depth.

Removable vs. Inground Bollards

Most utilities require removable bollards in front of transformers and high voltage equipment. This allows crews to gain full access during service or equipment replacement. These removable bollards often lock into a concrete sleeve or a receiver base and must meet the same structural requirements as fixed bollards when installed.

However, inground (fixed) bollards are still commonly used around equipment perimeters, access lanes, and in places where permanent protection is needed. Some utilities allow for a mix of fixed and removable bollards depending on the configuration and access needs.

Common Utility Bollard Requirements

Utility company bollard specifications typically include the following:

Minimum Size: 4", 6", or 8" schedule 40 or schedule 80 steel
Height Above Grade: 36" to 48"
Embedment Depth: 36" to 48" below grade, filled with concrete
Cap Style: Wet-set, Welded domed cap, press-on steel dome, sometimes flat
Finish: Painted safety yellow or galvanized depending on utility preferences
Removability: Required in access pathways, with locking mechanisms or sleeve designs
Clearance and Spacing: Specific distances from equipment and between bollards, per utility specs
Installation Timing: Bollards must be installed prior to utility inspection and equipment energization. Failing to meet this requirement often results in inspection failure and project delays.
Installation Procedures: An often overlooked aspect of installing removable utility bollards is the typical requirement for the posts to be filled with concrete. That’s why we seal our utility bollards, allowing our contractors to fill without worrying about accidentally concreting the post to the sleeve.

Customized Bollard Solutions for Utility Projects

Many utility-grade bollards require custom fabrication to meet project-specific plans. This can include:

Pre-drilled lifting holes
Locking sleeves or pad-eye features for removable units
Utility-standard finishes like powder coat, galvanizing, or industrial paint
Just-in-time fabrication to meet utility scheduling

Why Proper Bollard Installation Matters

Failing to follow utility bollard requirements can result in:

Failed inspections delaying project timelines and costing thousands in rework
Safety hazards for both utility workers and the public
Void insurance coverage in the event of equipment damage
Increased liability for property owners, contractors, and project managers
Inaccessibility for equipment shutdown, maintenance and replacement.

Installing bollards to utility standards protects critical electrical infrastructure, complies with national electric safety codes, and ensures smooth project approval.

Final Word

When working with utilities such as CenterPoint, TEP, PG&E, or SCE, the key is compliance and precision. Partnering with a manufacturer who understands these standards—and can deliver bollards that meet exacting utility specifications—will save time, ensure safety, and help projects pass inspection on the first attempt.

If you’re looking for utility-compliant bollards—removable or fixed—our team fabricates and delivers custom solutions built to your utility’s exact specifications, with short lead times and zero order minimums. Reach out today to ensure your site is protected and inspection-ready.

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