When you install tags on power poles, readability and tag location are likely the big issues that you're concentrating on. You want people to find the tag and see who installed the pole. One other characteristic of these tags, however, plays a bigger role than many realize: the color of the tag. You can have plain metal tags (in a range of metallic grays, depending on the metal and protective coatings used) or colored tags in several hues. Both options have advantages, but the circumstances that the tag will be placed in often influence which option is better.

Brighter Colors and Easier Identification

A brightly colored tag, such as a red or orange tag, makes it much easier to spot the tag when you really need to know who installed the pole. If there is damage to the pole and the utility company needs to find the company name quickly, a brightly colored tag is valuable. Plus, getting people's attention with a flaming red or sunny yellow tag is a great way to get your name noticed.

Paint Coatings and Weathering

If you do opt for a painted or color-coated tag, however, you have to be aware of how weathering and physical damage can make the tag look. A painted or coated tag that also has a protective sealant on it is necessary because otherwise, harsh weather conditions could cause the color to fade or wear away, making the tag look old and possibly unreadable. Impact damage from rocks thrown up by tires of passing cars, or by things like skateboard wheels hitting the pole, could cause the color coating to chip. That isn't an issue for plain metal tags, although they too can lose protective coatings through impact damage.

Visibility vs. Visual Noise

One more thing to remember about using power pole tags in bright colors is that the color can sometimes become visual noise. If you have a power pole that is hidden among other fixtures or that is nestled among many other power poles, a bright color for the tag helps yours stand out. But if the tag on the pole is not hidden in any way, the color could seem like visual noise and stand out too much. Tags are small, but they can still have an impact.

Take a look at the area where your company will be installing power poles and where you plan to place each tag. That information will help you decide whether the tags need to be plain gray metal or another color. 

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