Utility poles are structures which are secured into the ground and offers overhead support for public utility equipment such as telephone wires, power lines, and other kinds of communication cable, streetlights and traffic related equipment. These poles tend to vary in height and material and they are anchored and installed into the ground by various means. In many situations, a single pole is designed to support many kinds of public utility equipment. This article focuses on types of utility poles.
- Transmission poles
Transmission utility poles tend to bear and carry high voltage electricity from a source. For instance, from a power plant to a substation, then the voltage is reduced and distributed to the customers via lower voltage lines. These lines are assisted by distribution poles, usually standing from 60 to 140 feet tall. Transmission utility poles are composed of wood or metal and usually need a concrete foundation for support. And for looking after the operation and maintenance of these poles, x-poles are embedded on almost every new transmission pole.
- Distribution pole
There are three types of distribution poles: tangent, guyed, and self-supporting. The tangent utility poles are organized in straight line with other poles. They don’t have any external support and usually made of wood. Guyed poles are made with an angled support attached to the poled and then anchored into the ground. This cable is referred to as guy wire which offers resistance from extra weight forces acting on the pole. A self-supporting pole is used why guy wires aren’t enough to bear the extra load. This pole is common when overhead lines create a corner or an extra part such as a transformer installed on the pole. Self-supporting poles are usually made of concrete or steel.
- Light and traffic poles
These poles support streetlights, traffic signals and other parts for helping transportation and other self-supporting structures. In many cases, a pole may support a horizontal mast which bears traffic lights and signs attached or a streetlight. Utility poles can also be installed on each of a roadway with a cross section installed to each pole which stretches across the road to assist an overhead message sign. Moreover, utility poles assist many types of security equipment like CCTV cameras etc. These poles have large anchor bolts which are secured to a concrete foundation installed into the ground.
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