A SMARTER HIGH MAST SOLUTION FROM CU PHOSCO
When it comes to high mast lighting, long-term performance is defined not by initial installation alone, but by how safely, reliably, and cost-effectively the system operates over decades. This is where CU Phosco’s self-sustaining winch technology delivers a clear advantage.
Developed, patented, and proven through more than 30 years of real-world use, CU Phosco self-sustaining winches are engineered to remove complexity, eliminate common failure points, and significantly reduce lifetime costs.
BUILT-IN SAFETY THROUGH INTELLIGENT DESIGN
At the heart of the CU Phosco system is a 53:1 gear ratio winch, allowing the lantern carriage ring to be raised and lowered smoothly and safely using a simple manual winch handle. The operation requires minimal effort, making routine maintenance quick and controlled.
More importantly, the system is inherently secure. Even under full load (with up to half a tonne acting on each 8 mm wire rope) the load cannot overcome the friction within the winch gearing. The lantern carriage therefore remains firmly held in position at all times.
This mechanical principle makes the winch self-sustaining, removing the need for secondary brakes, locks, or latching systems.
REMOVING THE MOST COMMON POINT OF FAILURE
Conventional high mast systems rely on latching mechanisms at the top of the mast to support the lantern carriage when not in operation. These components are widely recognised as the weakest point in high mast installations.
Access is difficult, inspection is challenging, and maintenance at height is costly and risky. Over time, corrosion and dirt ingress can cause latching mechanisms to seize, often resulting in lantern carriages becoming stuck at the mast head.
CU Phosco self-sustaining winches eliminate this risk entirely by removing the need for mast-head latching equipment.
CONTINUOUS TENSION MEANS LONGER SERVICE LIFE
Another key advantage lies in how CU Phosco systems manage wire ropes. Unlike latching systems, which allow wire ropes to go slack, CU Phosco winches keep the ropes permanently in tension.
This prevents strand relaxation, reduces moisture and dirt ingress, and significantly slows corrosion and abrasion. The result is longer wire rope life, fewer inspections, and reduced replacement frequency, all contributing to lower maintenance costs and improved system reliability.
LOWER COSTS. LESS RISK. BETTER PERFORMANCE.
By removing complex components and designing safety directly into the winch, CU Phosco delivers tangible benefits to asset owners and operators:
- Significantly reduced working at height
- Ground-level maintenance operations
- Faster, simpler lantern servicing
- Lower access equipment hire costs
- Fewer component failures
- Longer maintenance intervals
- Lantern carriages that cannot become stuck at height
PROVEN ENGINEERING WITH A COMMERCIAL PAYBACK
Self-sustaining winches are more than a technical feature; they are a long-term investment. For infrastructure owners, local authorities, and operators, the benefits are clear: safer maintenance, predictable operation, and lower whole-life costs.
With CU Phosco, high mast lighting isn’t just about illumination; it’s about intelligent design, operational reliability, and real-world savings that continue year after year.
Find out more about CU Phosco High Masts and the In-Tension Raise and Lower System.