Powerco
Padmount Signage

New Zealand

U3 Signs
The Story Behind The Project

Project Overview

Owner: Powerco

Previously, Powerco had been using traditional screen-printed or digitally printed PVC signs and labels, which faded within six months.

This resulted in high replacement costs, significant administrative time, and inspection efforts. Faded signage also impacted their professional image, made assets look old and poorly maintained, and posed a public safety hazard.

Since implementing this standard change and adopting U3 material for core signage on groundmount assets like transformers, kiosks, and RMUs, Powerco has achieved a safer, more professional-looking asset fleet. The signage only needs to be installed once over the asset’s lifetime, leading to significant savings across their asset lifetime costs.

  • Improved Professional Image: Transitioning to U3 signage ensured a professional appearance of Powerco’s assets.
  • Extended Sign Lifespan: The new signs have a lifespan of 30+ years, far exceeding the previous 6-month lifespan.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Maintenance costs and time spent on padmount equipment have been significantly reduced.
  • Cost Savings: Significant reduction in asset lifetime costs due to durable U3 signage and faster installation with Natgum backing tape.
What Needed To Be Solved

Challenge

Powerco faced significant costs due to the premature fading of their PVC signs and labels, which lasted only six months. This issue resulted in high expenses for replacing signs, administrative efforts, and inspection time. Additionally, faded signage negatively impacted their professional image and posed a public safety hazard, as graffiti removal often removed the signage print as well.

The Solution We Provided

How We Helped

Identimark worked with Powerco's standards team to ensure their signage standards reflected their goals of reducing asset lifetime costs and improving safety.

Over a five-year period, we upgraded the lifespan of all outdoor signage and labeling to at least 20 years. Identimark supplied U3 signage with Natgum backing tape, further reducing lifetime costs due to its 30+ year lifespan and speeding up installation while ensuring correct placement.

We also reviewed and adjusted signage to comply with AS/NZS1319 standards, improving readability and compliance.

What We Provided

Products Supplied

  • U3 Signage with Natgum Backing Tape: Durable, compliant signage designed to AS/NZS1319:1994 standards, including danger signs (400V, 11000V, 33000V, underground cables), lightning bolt warning signs, and Powerco branded emergency contact signs.
  • Custom Signage Solutions: Tailored designs for various asset classes ensuring compliance and readability.
Products

Used In This Project

U3 products are designed to be fade-free and UV resistant, which means they need less frequent replacements, reducing the overall lifetime cost of the signs.
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U3 SIGNS - THE LONGEST LASTING SIGN