Utility poles can be made of wood, metal, concrete, or composites like fiberglass. They are used for two different types of power lines: subtransmission lines, which carry higher voltage power between substations, and distribution lines, which distribute lower voltage power to customers.
What are the big electric poles called?
Lattice towers are used for power lines of all voltages, and are the most common type for high-voltage transmission lines. Lattice towers are usually made of galvanized steel.
What is wooden electric pole?
A utility pole, alternately referred to as a power pole, telephone pole, telegraph pole or telegraph post, is a (usually wooden) pole used to support overhead wire, cable, fiber optic cable, transformers, street lights and other overhead lighting, and related and unrelated equipment including signage.Feb 24, 2009
What is another name for a utility pole?
Noun. Post that holds utility lines. telegraph pole. telephone pole.
Why are electric posts made of wood?
Once deeply impregnated with the chemicals they use wood telephone poles are as durable as anything presently manmade. They are resistant to rot, insects and they don't conduct electricity. So they continue to be the most economical, practical material for telephone poles.
Do wooden poles conduct electricity?
At several of the occasions when measurements were done the resistance of the poles were high enough for the pole to be considered an insulator. However, large variations were observed and it is concluded that at under some conditions the wooden pole can conduct currents.
Why do we use wood poles over metal poles?
These coatings, which can be applied over both galvanizing and weathering steel, provide a non-leaching, sustainable corrosion barrier that can last as long as the poles – even in harsh soil conditions. Traditionally, utilities have used wood poles to carry electric wires and cables from point to point.
How long do wood electric poles last?
Wood poles offer an opportunity for atmospheric carbon sequestration not provided by other materials. An Electric Power Research Institute study suggested that wood poles lasted 50 years. Most utilities assume that their poles provide 30 to 40 years of service life.
How often should utility poles be replaced?
Typically, a standard wooden distribution pole is expected to last more than 50 years. Occasionally, poles need to be replaced for other reasons besides decay and old age. Weather disasters, power line relocation, or upgrades and car crashes are potential causes for immediate replacement.Oct 22, 2015
What are the disadvantages of wooden poles?
For wood, the major disadvantage is the areas of low humidity and increased risk of fires or areas of high concentration of bugs, which decrease the durability of the material.Oct 16, 2018
How long do Poles last?
An Electric Power Research Institute study suggested that wood poles lasted 50 years. Most utilities assume that their poles provide 30 to 40 years of service life.
Do wooden rods conduct electricity?
Metals are generally very good conductors, meaning they let current flow easily. Materials that do not let current flow easily are called insulators. Most nonmetal materials such as plastic, wood and rubber are insulators. ... Electricity requires a complete "loop" for current to flow.Jun 16, 2016
Is a wooden pole a conductor or insulator?
Wood, especially dry wood, is an insulator. An insulator prevents the flow of electricity while conductors allow electricity flow.Jan 5, 2019