There are basically seven features that distinguish any given flagpole.

• Material (aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood)
• Height
• Butt diameter
• Wall thickness
• Finish (brushed aluminum, anodized, powder painted)
• Halyard system (internal or external)
• Installation type (ground set, shoe base or wall mount)

All hardware is included, as well as a ground sleeve, in the flagpole package.

*Nothing extra needs to be purchased by a customer.

However, there are installation materials(concrete, wood wedges and sand) that are not included.

A flagpole is designated by the above ground height.

The actual length includes the portion of the pole that goes in the ground. (Ground set only.)

The rule of thumb is that 10% of the above ground height of a pole is underground.

For example, a 20' pole is actually 22' long because 2' (10%) is undergound.

Typically, 15', 20', and 25' poles come in one section.

30' and 35' poles come in either one or two sections.

40' and 45' poles are two sections.

50' and higher are three to five sections.

Flash collars are needed when there will be a concrete pad around the base of a pole.

The purpose of the flash collar is to hide the top of the ground sleeve, or to anchor bolts and nuts to give a pleasing look to the installation.

Some installations will be in flowerbeds or in lawn areas.

It is okay not to use a collar in these situations.

Dirt, rocks, bark or grass can be pulled up to the pole to make the collar unneccessary.

Yes, the ground sleeve must be sealed to keep out water.

If the sand in the sleeve gets wet, the pole will most likely shift.

We suggest the top 2" of the ground sleeve be filled with a waterproof compound.

The wooden wedges should be removed after the pole is set in the sand.

This allows for the natural movement of the pole as it vibrates in the wind.

Also, removal of the wedges provides a more even stress point for the pole.

The paper that the poles are wrapped in contains a chemical that is released when wet that stains the satin finish poles.

If a pole needs to be stored outside in the weather, unwrap it first and block it up off of the ground.

When wrapping is left on a pole that is damp, unevaproated moisture can create a stain on the satin finish, also.

On occasion there will be stains on a satin finish pole.

The best way to remove the stains is warm, soapy water, aluminum alloy cleaners, or a medium grit sandpaper.

If sand paper is used, always rub in the same direction as the original grain. This is for satin finish pole only.

For painted or anodized poles, NO caustic cleaners should be used. Instead use liquid soap and water.

**First spot test on the metal for possible damage to the finish.**

The size of flag that will be flown determines the distance. Allow at least one foot more than the length of the flag.

If possible, allow extra distance so that your customer will have the option to fly a larger flag in the future if they choose.

A distance of one and a half times the flag's length will allow one size larger flag to be flown.

**NOTE: Be very cautious when working around power lines. If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur to anyone standing nearby.**

Coat both joint surfaces with liquid soap, along with water to dilute the soap. This cuts friction and allows for easy clean-up.

Don't use any kind of oil.

It is difficult to clean the oil off of the pole after connecting the joints.

Warm temperatures cause the aluminum to expand making the joint tight.

Put a bag of ice on the male section of the joint for a few minutes to cool the pole. This will cause the aluminum to contract so the joint will fit together better.

The tapered flagpoles have a portion of the pole at the base that is not tapered.

Usually you will be safe using the bottom five exposed feet for the level.

The rule of thumb is that concrete should be allowed to set at a rate of 24 hours for each yard of concrete.

It is customary to light the flag when being flown 24 hours.

We suggest our own "Flagpole Beacon^TM" system that is mounted at the top of the pole and is both highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly since the light is directed at the flag from the top and does not cause "light pollution", unlike most canister and cylinder light systems.

Yes

The purpose of the Flagpole Beacon is to reduce light pollution and light tresspass while illuminating the flag according to flag regulations.

Around 75% of the flag when flying. Around 25% of the flag when draped.

A lumens is a measurement of how bright the light is at 1 square yard area at a certain distance.

Yes, the cam system also requires an adaptor.

No - just the 12 volt bulb system.

Yes - the 12 volt Flagpole Beacon will withstand more vibration than the 110 volt.

Temperature will not affect the Flagpole Beacon.

We attempt to keep a good supply of Flagpole Beacons in stock.

In the event that demand exceeds supply, the turn around time should be no more that a few days.

The life expectancy is approximately 25,000 hours (12 volt only).

The casing is a sealed all weather plastic casing that can be buried directly.

Yes.

Yes, the Flagpole Beacon does meet Dark Skies requirements for down lighting and energy efficiency.

An estimated 15 hours from empty to 100% charge.

To replenish the battery after a 10 hour night, the Beacon needs approximately 5 hours of full sun.

If the bulbs burn longer, the days are cloudy, or the panel is shaded, charge times will increase