PRODUCT

ROT-METER™

Shell Rot Measuring Device for Utility Pole Inspection

Portable & 
Easy To Carry
Dual-Layer Technology
On The Spot
Readings
Guaranteed Protection
Consistent
Measurements
IBC & IRC Code Approved
ROT-METER
The Polesaver Rot-Meter is a portable, hand-held shell rot measuring device designed specifically for utility engineers and linesmen.

It enables fast, on-site assessment of external pole decay, helping crews to make informed decisions about residual pole strength and climb safety without the need for complex or time-consuming testing equipment.

Built for field conditions, the Rot-Meter provides a simple, repeatable method for measuring shell rot depth, supporting safer, more efficient utility pole inspection programmes.

Why Shell Rot Measurement
Matters

Wooden utility poles are strongest at their outer fibres, where bending stresses are highest. When decay occurs in this outer shell, structural strength can reduce significantly, even when the internal core appears intact.

For utilities managing large networks, understanding remaining shell thickness is critical for:


  • Climbing safety decisions
  • Asset life extension strategies
  • Maintenance prioritisation
  • Network reliability planning

The Rot-Meter provides a fast, practical way to measure this risk in the field.

WHY ROT-METER?

Key Benefits for Utility Crews & Linesmen
Portable hand-held device
Lightweight and easy to carry in the field
Fast on-the-spot readings
Immediate indication of pole condition
Non-destructive assessment
No drilling so no structural damage
Affordable for large-scale roll out
Suitable for entire inspection teams
Consistent, repeatable measurements
Improves inspection standards
Trackable data for asset management
Supports network benchmarking

Field Data that Drives Decisions

The Rot-Meter is designed to support real-world decision making in utility operations, helping crews determine whether a pole is safe to climb or whether further testing or reinforcement or replacement work is required. With accuracy of measurement, it can also help with benchmarking poles against those in the wider network.

By standardising shell rot measurement, utilities can build consistent condition datasets that improve long-term asset management strategies.

When used across a network, the Rot-Meter enables utilities to:

  • Build standardised decay measurement records
  • Identify high-risk pole populations
  • Track degradation trends over time
  • Improve replacement planning and budgeting
  • Reduce unnecessary pole replacements by improving confidence in assessments

It is particularly effective as part of routine pole inspection cycles, where speed and repeatability are essential.

How To Use Rot-Meter

The Rot-Meter uses controlled applied force and penetration resistance to estimate the depth of wood decay in the outer shell of a utility pole. It provides quantifiable, recordable measurements that can be used to consistently assess pole condition across inspection intervals.
1
Ensure the ‘O-Ring’ is positioned at the tip of the pin
2
Push the pin into the pole until it reaches resistance
3
Measure the distance between the pin tip and the O-Ring
4
Record the measurement
5
Repeat measurements around the pole at defined intervals
6
Measure the circumference of the pole
7
Use the included reference chart to determine average decay
8
Assess results to estimate residual pole strength and safety

Designed for Linesmen and Field Engineers

The Rot-Meter is built with field usability in mind:

  • Quick to deploy during routine inspections
  • Requires minimal training
  • Suitable for use alongside existing inspection methods (sounding, visual checks, etc.)
  • Robust, suitable for all-weather field conditions
  • Affordable enough to roll out to inspection teams

It is particularly effective as part of routine pole inspection cycles, where speed and repeatability are essential.

Used & Trusted By
Newfoundland Power Logo
Eneo Logo - A Polesaver Customer & User
Polesaver User - Western Power
Botswana Power Corporation - Polesaver user Logo
Rovakaira Logo
UMEME Logo - Polesaver Sleeve Case Studies
Newfoundland Power Logo
Rovakaira Logo
Eneo Logo - A Polesaver Customer & User
UMEME Logo - Polesaver Sleeve Case Studies
Polesaver User - Western Power
Botswana Power Corporation - Polesaver user Logo

Connect With Us

To learn more about how Rot-Meter can benefit your business get in touch with us today
POLESAVER
REGIONAL AGENT

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Polesaver manufactures and supplies guaranteed products that are proven to maximise utility pole lifespan. With millions of Rot-Guard sleeves supplied to date, our patented ground-line barrier sleeves have been proven in volume use since 1994.
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*Polesaver uses long term independent test data on the effectiveness of barrier sleeves and fire protection fabric to reach all the conclusions given on this website (test data available on request). Based on this data, Polesaver believes longer life, maintenance of strength over time, improved safety and reliability, extended inspection periods and reduced maintenance requirements are reasonable claims. This is subject to Polesaver products being correctly applied as per our instructions and used on correctly preservative treated (for long term in-ground use - Use Class 4 or higher) wooden utility poles that are free of decay at the time of sleeve application. The claims made, real or implied are not warranties. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate and satisfy themselves that the performance of the product meets their specific safety, reliability, extended inspection, repair and any other performance or cost-benefit criteria before using Polesaver sleeves or fire protection fabric.

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