Visual indicators
Tiger tails & rota markers
What are tiger tails?
Tiger tails, also called torapoli pipes, are bright yellow and black plastic covers. They make overhead low voltage (LV) powerlines easier to see when people are working nearby.
They are a temporary visual warning for workers and the public during construction, maintenance and other activities near live powerlines.
SafeWork NSW covers their use in the Work Near Overhead Power Lines Code of Practice.
- Tiger tails can only be installed on low voltage mains and services.
- They are not suitable for high voltage mains or transmission lines.
Tiger tails are not insulation,  they do not insulate live wires or protect you from electric shock. They also do not reduce the safe clearances you must keep from overhead powerlines. They are a visual warning only.
When are tiger tails beneficial?
Tiger tails can help make low voltage powerlines easier to see where work is happening nearby. This may include:
- Construction sites.
- Sites with scaffolding.
- Sites using a tower crane.
- Areas with moving plant or vehicles.
- Excavation below or near power poles.
- Public events or other areas that need temporary risk controls near low voltage powerlines.
Lead Time
Allow about 2 to 3 weeks for tiger tail installation. It may take longer if crews are unavailable or your site has special requirements.
What are rota markers?
Rota markers are bright red and white spinning devices installed on overhead powerlines. They make powerlines easier to see and provide an ongoing visual warning.
Unlike tiger tails, rota markers may be suitable for some high voltage (HV) powerlines. We assess every site to confirm whether they can be used.
Important Notes:
- Rota markers may be installed on high voltage powerlines up to 33 kilovolts (kV).
- We assess each site before confirming whether rota markers are suitable.
- Rota markers are generally placed about 5 metres apart.
When are Rota-Markers beneficial
Rota markers may help where overhead powerlines need to be more visible. This may include:
- Sites using large equipment or tall moving objects, including tower cranes.
- Areas near major roads or intersections.
- Construction sites.
- Areas with moving plant or vehicles.
- Excavation below or near power poles.
Lead Time
Allow about 3 to 5 weeks for rota marker installation. It may take longer if crews are unavailable or your site has special requirements.
Pricing on Tiger Tails and Rota-Markers:
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) regulates pricing for tiger tails and rota markers. Each job is different, so we provide a quote after assessing your request.
You can find the price components in our Network Price List under Ancillary Network Services. Unless we tell you otherwise, your quote includes installation and later removal.
The final cost depends on:
- How many tiger tails or rota markers are needed.
- How long they are needed.
- Travel time and the time needed to install and remove them.
- Whether traffic control is required.
- Other site conditions.
