Why should you choose to use a Telescopic Security Parking Post ?, they have four main features & benefits
- They are by far the strongest type of Security Post.
- When not in use, no obstacles or trip hazards are left on the ground, very important in locations with pedestrian & vehicle access !!
Telescopic Post
- When not in use, the post slides back down into the ground, no need to store it in another location.
- There is a choice of sizes, colours & locking mechanisms.
How do they work?
They are supplied with a steel ground spigot sleeve together with an internal sliding post, the spigot sleeve is normally about 200 – 300 mm longer than the internal post. The ground spigot sleeve is fitted into the ground at a height resulting in the top plate being just proud of the surface. This principle of having more material under ground than showing above ground (similar to an Iceberg) is exactly what gives this type of Security Post the strength.
The posts are lifted and easily latched into the upright position, leaving both hands free to then lock the post into position. There are various types of locking mechanisms, which can vary from padlocks to integral locks, depending on the chosen model.
To lower the posts, they are simply unlocked and lowered into the ground spigot resulting in a flush to the ground finish, ideal for locations subject to pedestrian & vehicle access.
How do I fit them?
- Ensure no underground services are present in the location of the proposed post installation.
- Dig a hole at least 200 mm deeper than the outer ground spigot sleeve supplied (which are normally at least 700 mm deep).
- The hole would be approximately 250 – 400 mm wide, the loser the ground the wider the hole.
One type of Locking Mechanism
- Spread a layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole, these will act as a soak away for debris and rain water together with helping the installation.
- In ground prone to flooding or in high water table locations, this gravel base should be as deep as possible, for locations with regular flood problems or constant high water tables these posts may not be suitable.
- Place the ground spigot centrally into the hole ( including the small spigot supplied with each post) ensuring the top plate of the internal post is just proud of the surface when lowered, this height can be adjusted by adding & removing gravel.
- The small spigot is included to give the ground spigot some bite in the concrete, it stops the post being easily lifted out of the ground. These spigots may be attached to the ground sleeve or loose and need fitting.
- Raise the internal post and use a spirit level to position the post, then using some large stones or rocks that were taken out of the hole when digging, place them firmly around the bottom third of the post whilst ensuring the post is still level. These will help keep the post firmly in place for the next stage.
- Mix up adequate cement or post mix (which can be purchased from most builders merchants) to a firm (non runny) consistency.
- Fill the hole with the cement mix, ensuring to push it down and around the stones & rocks. Some customers will completely fill the hole, others will stop at about 100 mm from the surface allowing them to use a tarmac repairing finish.
- Let the cement or post mix go solid, which can vary from an hour in the height of summer to a day or two in winter, always follow the guide lines on the cement bag regarding mixing in particularly cold weather (normally a problem below 1 to 2 degrees).
- This process would take approximately 1 – 3 hours dependant on the type of ground and provided you have the correct tool.
Telescopic Security Post Installation Diagram
FAQ:
Q: What ground can I fit them into?
A: These posts are suitable for most types of ground, provided you have the tools to dig the required hole, but avoid locations prone to regular flooding or constant high water tables.
Q: How do they lock?
A: Either padlock or integral locks, depending on which model is chosen.
Flush Fitting Top Plate
Q: Can we have them keyed alike?
A: Yes
Q: I have a sloping ground, can they still be used?
A: Yes, but they would need to be installed level, which would result in a small ridge on one side of the top plate.
Summary:
So if you need the strongest type of Security Post or you need the post to be fully flush to the ground when not in operation, we would strongly recommend considering one of these, Ultra Secure Direct have a wide selection of these Telescopic Security Posts available, together with multiple videos to help you make an informed decision and Free Advice via telephone, email or live chat.