No.

17-D-202
NORTH AMERICAN WOOD POLE COUNCIL
TECHNICAL
BULLETIN

Wood Pole
Design
Considerations

Prepared by:

W. Richard Lovelace
Executive Consultant
Hi-Line Engineering
a GDS Company
About NAWPC
The North American Wood Pole Council (NAWPC) is a federation of three organizations representing the wood
preserving industry in the U.S. and Canada. These organizations provide a variety of services to support the use of
preservative-treated wood poles to carry power and communications to consumers.
The three organization are:

Western Wood Preservers Institute

With headquarters in Vancouver, Wash., WWPI is a non-profit trade association founded in 1947. WWPI serves the
interests of the preserved wood industry in the 17 western states, Alberta, British Columbia and Mexico so that
renewable resources exposed to the elements can maintain favorable use in aquatic, building, commercial and utility
applications. WWPI works with federal, state and local agencies, as well as designers, contractors, utilities and other
users over the entire preserved wood life cycle, ensuring that these products are used in a safe, responsible and
environmentally friendly manner.

Southern Pressure Treaters’ Association

SPTA was chartered in New Orleans in 1954 and its members supply vital wood components for America’s
infrastructure. These include pressure treated wood poles and wood crossarms, and pressure treated timber piles, which
continue to be the mainstay of foundation systems for manufacturing plants, airports, commercial buildings, processing
facilities, homes, piers, wharfs, bulkheads or simple boat docks. The membership of SPTA is composed of producers of
industrial treated wood products, suppliers of AWPA-approved industrial preservatives and preservative components,
distributors, engineers, manufacturers, academia, inspection agencies and producers of untreated wood products.

Wood Preservation Canada

WPC is the industry association that represents the treated wood industry in Canada. WPC operates under Federal
Charter and serves as a forum for those concerned with all phases of the pressure treated wood industry, including
research, production, handling, use and the environment. WPC is dedicated to promoting and supporting a stronger
Canadian wood treating industry; informing the public on the benefits to be gained from the use of quality wood
products; and preserving the integrity of the environment through the promotion of responsible stewardship of our
resources.
 Wood Pole
Design Considerations
Prepared by
W. Richard Lovelace
Executive Consultant
Hi-Line Engineering
a GDS Company

Introduction pole. It is abundant in nature, renewable, easy to

handle, an excellent insulator, cost effective and
Since the beginning of electrification more than
environmentally preferred.
a century ago, the wood pole has been at the heart
A finished wood utility pole can be made from
of providing electrical service to the people of North
several types of trees. Common species of wood
America. Transmission and distribution lines deliver
poles include Southern Pine, Douglas fir, Western
power to large cities, small towns and remote
Red Cedar and Red (Norway) Pine. The trees
outposts.
are harvested, milled to a length and class, and
Due to the continued advancements in wood
pressure treated with a preservative.
preserving and engineering technology combined
Utility engineers, staking technicians and linemen
with its natural benefits and economics, the wood
must select the correct length and class of poles
pole remains the foundation of power distribution in
to safely support the power line conductors and
the 21st century. With more than 130 million wood
equipment.
poles in service and millions of new wood poles
This bulletin will provide insight into the basics
installed each year, it is little wonder that wood
of choosing a pole that will provide adequate
remains the material of choice for poles used by the
strength to support the conductors used in
utility industry.
electrical distribution pole-line construction. All
Proper line design, pole selection and installation
rules, calculations and parameters are based on the
are the keys to the successful use of the wood pole.
2017 edition of the National Electrical Safety Code
As an electrical distribution design and professional
and the American National Standard for Wood Utility
training consulting firm, Hi-Line Engineering is
Products ANSI O5.1-2015.
pleased to provide its perspective on the design and
An electrical distribution pole must support
use of the wood pole.
conductor vertical, longitudinal and transverse
Basic Structure Design loads caused by weight, wind and wire tension
Application of Structure Loads under specified design loading conditions. Table 1
The fundamental building block in overhead defines the different type loads, the direction of the
electrical distribution line construction is the wood force and the causal agent.

Table 1
Physical loads affecting wood poles
Type Load Direction of Force Caused By
Vertical In line with the axis of the Weight of the attached equipment and ice loaded conductors plus
pole or column the vertical component of guy tension
Longitudinal Parallel to the direction or Tension in the wire dependent on the sag and tension values used
run of the line during installation
Transverse Perpendicular to the Wind blowing on the bare or ice laden conductors and pole plus the
direction or run of the line tension produced by line angles

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 3

 Usually, there is only one direction of loading that A tangent and small line angle (5º or less) wood
dictates the minimum class of a wood pole that will pole structure will be evaluated in this bulletin.
adequately support all the applicable loads. This is These two types of structures will comprise most of
called the direction of critical loading. the non-guyed poles for a typical distribution line.
For tangent poles and small line angle poles, For medium to large line angle or full tension dead-
the direction of critical loading for conductors is end wood poles, the conductors must be supported
transverse. The designer must resolve the critical with guy wires and anchors.
load, then calculate the pole strength needed to Selecting a Tangent Pole Class
support the application.
This bulletin will discuss transverse loading The first step in choosing a pole length and class
of conductors on tangent and small line angle to support a designated set of conductors for a
structures. tangent line section is to calculate the transverse ice
Ice and wind conditions vary depending on the and wind load on the wire. To determine the amount
area of the U.S. where the pole-line is located. The of transverse load on a span of conductor, the load
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) divides the is usually evaluated for 1-ft. of a specified conductor
U.S. into the three primary loading districts based and then applied to the total wind span length.
on the expected ice and wind conditions over time. Calculate the transverse load for 1-ft. of
They are heavy, medium and light, and are shown in conductor using the following procedure:
Figure 250-1 in the NESC. Figure 1
For each loading district, the NESC describes
specific wind and ice loads that distribution pole Diameter of Conductor (Dc)
lines must support. Table 2 summarizes these
values. A wood pole must have sufficient natural
fiber mass and strength to support the conductors
and equipment produced by the specified design
conditions. Wind (Wd)

4 lb (Medium
Table 2 12”
& Heavy)
NESC loading districts, conditions
Radial Horizontal 9 lb (Light)
Loading Temperature thickness of ice wind pressure
District (ºF) (in.) (lb/ft.2)
Heavy 0 0.50 4
Conductor
Medium 15 0.25 4
Light 30 0.00 9
Ice (Ir) 0.25” (Medium)
Based on Table 250-1 of the 2017 Edition of the National
Electrical Safety Code 0.50” (Heavy)

Transverse loads are caused by wind blowing on

the ice-laden conductors in the medium and heavy
loading districts and the bare conductors in the light
loading district. The first problem facing the line
designer is to select a pole class that will adequately Wd [Dc + 2 (Ir)]
Wc =
support tangent (straight line) spans of wire in a line 12
section for the applicable NESC loading district.
Wc = Tranverse wind load for 1-ft
Initially, the designer must understand how to of conductor in lbs/ft
select a pole length and class to support a given set
Wd = NESC district wind loading
of conditions. For designing large line sections, the in lbs/ft2
designer should determine the maximum wind span
Dc = Diameter of conductor in inches
that a given pole length and class will support.
Ir = Radial thickness of ice in inches

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 4

Table 3
Transverse wind load and tensile strength for specified conductors
Conductor Physical Data Transverse Wind Load (Wc)
Tensile Light Medium Heavy
Code Name Size & Strand Diameter Strength (lbs/ft.) (lbs/ft.) (lbs/ft.)
Sparrow 2 ACSR, 6/1 0.316 in. 2,850 lbs. 0.2370 0.2720 0.4387
Raven 1/0 ACSR 6/1 0.398 in. 4,380 lbs. 0.2985 0.2993 0.4660
Penguin 4/0 ACSR 6/1 0.563 in. 8,350 lbs. 0.4223 0.3543 0.5210
Merlin 336 ACSR 18/1 0.684 in. 8,680 lbs. 0.5130 0.3947 0.5613

Using the equation in Figure 1, transverse wind point of maximum stress. The 2017 NESC refers to
loads can be calculated for any series of conductors. the 2015 edition of ANSI O5.1 for resolution of the
Values for four typical distribution conductors are point of maxium stress along the pole column above
shown in Table 3. grade.
To choose a tangent pole to adequately support In the 2017 NESC, Rule 261A2a, EXCEPTION 1
a set of conductors, the designer must determine allows for non-guyed naturally grown wood poles
the resisting moment of a selected length and class 55-ft. or less in length for the point of maximum
pole. The resisting moment is the amount of force a stress to be evaluated at the ground-line. This
pole can withstand at the point of maximum stress bulletin will address distribution poles 55-ft. and less
before it breaks. in length only.
The resisting moment is calculated based on The fiber strength is dependent upon the tree
the fiber strength of the wood species and the species from which the pole is produced. Table 4
circumference of the pole at the ground-line and shows various tree species and the fiber strength of
the pole top. The pole classes in ANSI O5.1 are each.
determined from the circumference of the pole at the Table 4
ANSI classification point (6-ft. from the butt) and at
the pole top. Wood fiber strength
Species Fiber Strength
Figure 2 Top Southern Pine 8,000 psi
Circumference
Douglas fir 8,000 psi
Red (Norway) Pine 6,600 psi
Ponderosa Pine 6,000 psi
Western Red Cedar 6,000 psi
Northern White Cedar 4,000 psi
Ground-line
Ground-line The resisting moment of a wood pole is calculated
Circumference using the following equations. To fully understand
the process, an example problem will be worked
to develop the natural resisting moment for a 45-ft.
Class 4 Southern Pine pole.
The natural resisting moment (Mrn) is the resisting
moment of the wood pole as it comes from the pole
manufacturing company.
The 2017 NESC requires that wood structures be To develop the allowable construction resisting
designed to withstand the specified loads in Rule moment, the designer must apply strength factors
252 multiplied by the load factors in Table 253-1
without exceeding the permitted stress level at the

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 5

from NESC Table 261-1. This will be shown later in Step 2:
Example 4. Calculate the natural resisting moment (Mrn) using
Mrn =
(Kr)(Rt)(Cg³) the following equation. Use the above adjusted
Mrn =
Natural resisting moment (ft-lbs.) ground-line circumference (Cg) value.
Kr =
Calculation constant = 0.000264 Mrn = (Kr)(Rt)(Cg³)
Rt =
Designated pole fiber stress for wood Kr = 0.000264
species (psi) Rt = 8,000 psi (Table 4)
Cg = Pole circumference at ground-line (in.) Cg = 34.8205 in. (Calulated in Step 1)
Example 1: Mrn = (0.000264)(8,000)(34.82053) = 89,165.9
Calculate the pole natural resisting moment Mrn = 89,166 ft-lbs.
Examples of the natural resisting moments for
Pole length and class = 45’-4 Southern Pine different tree species are shown in Table 5.
The ANSI O5.1 wood pole classification point is Table 5 points out that even though all the poles
6-ft. from the butt. Standard setting depth is 10% of have approximately the same resisting moment,
the pole length plus 2-ft. A pole is a tapered cylinder they vary in size at the ground-line circumference. In
and since the 45’-4 setting depth is 6.5-ft., the other words, a 45’-4 Northern White Cedar pole is
ground-line circumference must be adjusted for the significantly larger in circumference at the ground-
additional 0.5-ft. of depth. line than a 45’-4 Southern Pine pole.
Due to the 45’-4 Northern White Cedar’s
Step 1: lower fiber strength, more wood mass (larger
Calculate the pole circumference at ground-line (Cg). circumference) is needed to provide approximately
(Dp - Dg)(Cb - Ct) the same overall strength, or natural resisting
Cg = + Ct
(Dp - Db) moment, as the 45’-4 Southern Pine.
The natural resisting moment values in Table 5
Cb = Pole circumference at 6-ft. from butt = also show the strength of a 45-ft. Class 4 wood pole
35-in. (ANSI O5.1) is essentially the same for the different tree species.
Ct = Circumference of pole at top = A portion of the pole’s inherent strength is needed
21-in. (ANSI O5.1) to support the pole when subjected to wind. This
Dp = Distance from butt of pole to top of pole = portion of strength is called the bending moment due
45-ft. to wind. Once this value is calculated, the remainder
Dg = Distance from pole butt to ground-line = of the pole strength can be used to support the
[10%(45’) + 2’] = [4.5 + 2] = 6.5-ft. conductors and equipment.
Db = Distance from pole butt to classification
point per ANSI O5.1 = 6-ft.
(45’ - 6.5’)(35” - 21”)
Cg = + 21” = 34.8205”
(45’ - 6’)
Table 5
Resisting moment of a 45-ft. Class 4 pole*
Fiber Circumference Resisting
Species Strength Moment
Pole Top 6-ft. from Butt Ground-line
Southern Pine 8,000 psi 21 in. 35.0 in. 34.8205 in. 89,166 ft-lbs.
Douglas-fir
Red Pine, Jack Pine 6,600 psi 21 in. 37.0 in. 36.7949 in. 86,798 ft-lbs.
Lodgepole Pine
Ponderosa Pine 6,000 psi 21 in. 38.5 in. 38.2756 in. 88,822 ft-lbs.
Western Red Cedar
Northern White Cedar 4,000 psi 21 in. 44.0 in. 43.7051 in. 88,158 ft-lbs.
* Pole set at 10% plus 2-ft. deep

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 6

 Figure 3 The designer’s next step is to calculate the forces
45-ft. Class 4 produced on a length and class pole for a set of
Southern Pine pole NESC ice and wind conditions acting on a selected
Heavy loading conductor wind span.
The wind span is the average of the lengths of the
Wind back span and the forward span of a given pole. Any
Bending moment pole in a line section must adequately support half of
due to wind the back-span and half of the forward span. Example
3 illustrates the wind span calculation.

Example 3:
Wind span calculation
Calculate the wind span supported by Pole #2 below:
Example 2:
Calculate the natural bending moment due to Figure 4
wind on the pole
Pole 1 Pole 2 Pole 3
Using the following equation, calculate the natural
Span A Span B
bending moment due to wind (Mbn).
Like the natural resisting moment, the natural
bending moment is for the pole as it arrives from
300’ 200’
the pole manufacturer. To develop the allowable
construction bending moment due to wind on the Span A + Span B 300+200 500
pole, the designer must apply load factors from Sw = = = = 250 ft.
NESC Table 253-1 to the natural bending moment. 2 2 2
This will be shown later in Example 4.
To determine the maximum transverse wind
Mbn = Wd
[ (2Ct + Cg)
Kc ] Hp2
span for a given pole length and class with a set
of specified conductors attached to a pole top
assembly, the designer must calculate and sum
Mbn = Natural bending moment due to wind the forces acting on the pole and wire with applied
blowing on the pole (ft-lbs.) NESC strength and load factors.
Wd = NESC loading district horizontal wind per Example 4 will work through the steps needed to
unit area of pole surface (lbs/ft.²) calculate the total transverse load on the pole and
Ct = Circumference of pole at top (in.) wire and from those values, the maximum transverse
Cg = Pole circumference at ground-line (in.) wind span.
Kc = Calculation constant = 72TT Table 6 lists the NESC load factors from NESC
Hp = Height of pole above ground (ft.) Table 253-1 and the strength factors from NESC
Table 261-1. These values will be used to determine
the maximum wind span for the 45’-4 Southern Pine.
Wd = 4 lbs/ft.² (Table 2, Heavy loading,
horizontal wind)
Ct = 21” (ANSI O5.1) Table 6
Cg = 34.8205” (calculated in Example 1) NESC load and strength factors for
Kc = 72TT = 226.19 non-guyed wood poles
Hp = 38.5’ (45’ pole - 6.5’ setting depth) Load Factors Grade B Grade C
Transverse wind at crossing 2.50 2.20
Mbn = 4
[ (2 • 21) + 34.8205
226.19 ] 38.52 = 2,014 ft-lbs. Transverse wind elsewhere
Transverse wire tension
2.50
1.65
1.75
1.30
Longitudinal at dead-ends 1.65 1.30
Strength Factors
Wood poles 0.65 0.85

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 7

Example 4: Step 2:
Evaluate the strength of 45’-4 wood pole for a Calculate the moment (Mb) due to wind on the pole
300-ft. wind span with the applied NESC load factor.
Figure 5 Mb = (Mbn)(Fw)
Mb = Moment due to wind blowing on the pole
with applied NESC load factor
Mbn = Natural (no load factor) bending moment
due to wind = 2,014 ft-lbs. (Example 2)
Fw = NESC load factor, transverse wind at
Wind crossing, Grade C = 2.20 (Table 6)
Mb = (2,014)(2.20) = 4,430.8 = 4,431 ft-lbs.
The bending moment due to wind with applied
load factor on the 45’-4 SP is 4,431 ft-lbs.

Ground line Step 3:

moment Calculate the moment (Mc) due to wind blowing on
the conductors.

Mc = ∑ Wc(Hc)(Fw) = Conductor wind moment

Wood pole = 45’-4 Southern Pine (SP) set with applied NESC load factor
6.5-ft. deep Wc = Transverse wind load per unit area of
Conductors = (3) 336 ACSR 18/1 (Merlin) primary conductor for heavy loading (Table 3)
with (1) 4/0 ACSR 6/1 (Penguin) neutral 336 ACSR = 0.5613 lbs/ft.
Wind span = 300-ft. 4/0 ACSR = 0.5210 lbs/ft.
Pole top assembly = RUS C1.11L Hc = Height of conductors above grade.
NESC construction grade = C Assume 38.5-ft. to pole top then calculate
distance above grade for conductor
NESC loading district = Heavy
based on C1.11L dimensions. Use 9-in.
The problem is to determine if the 45’-4 SP pole (0.75-ft.) for pin & insulator height.
will adequately support the 300’ wind span of the Aø & Cø = 37.75-ft., Bø = 39.25-ft.,
above conductors at NESC Grade C construction Neutral = 35-ft.
with the applied ice and wind conditions of the Fw = NESC load factor for transverse wind at
heavy loading district. The line will cross over a crossing, Grade C (Table 6) = 2.20
communications line.
Figure 6
Step 1: RUS C1.11L
Calculate the wood pole resisting moment.
Mr = Mrn(Fs)
Mr = Resisting moment with applied NESC
strength factor
Mrn = Natural resisting moment of a 45’-4
SP pole = 89,166 ft-lbs. (Table 5)
Fs = Strength factor for wood poles at
Grade C (Table 6) = 0.85
Mr = 89,166 (0.85) = 75,791 ft-lbs.
The reduced resisting moment (Mr) of the 45’-4
SP is 75,791 ft-lbs.

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 8

 Wire Wc (lbs/ft.) Hc (ft.) Fw Mc (ft-lbs.) length and class, then design each wind span in the
line section to be less than the calculated maximum
Aø 0.5613 x 37.75 x 2.20 = 46.62
wind span.
Bø 0.5613 x 39.25 x 2.20 = 48.47 Calculate the maximum wind span (Sm) for the
(3) 336 ACSR primary and (1) 4/0 conductors on a
Cø 0.5613 x 37.75 x 2.20 = 46.62
45’- 4 SP tangent pole in heavy loading built to Grade
N 0.5210 x 35.00 x 2.20 = 40.12 C construction at a crossing. Rewrite the ground-line
Mc (ft-lbs./ft.) = 181.83 moment equation to solve for Sm and use the values
for Mr, Mb, and Mc calculated in Example 4.
The moment due to wind blowing on the ice-
laden conductors is 181.83 ft-lbs./ft. for 1-ft. of each Mr - Mb
Sm =
conductor tied to the pole top assembly. Mc
Step 4:
Sm = Maximum wind span
Calculate the ground-line moment Mg.
Mr = Resisting moment of the pole =
Mg = (Mc • Sw) + Mb 75,791 ft-lbs.
Mg = Moment at ground-line produced by Mb = Bending moment due to wind with
forces acting on the pole and conductors applied load factor = 4,431 ft-lbs.
Mb = Moment due to wind on the pole = Mc = Moment due to wind on the conductors
4,431 ft-lbs. (Step 2) with load factor = 181.83 ft-lbs./ft.
Mc = Moment due to wind on the conductors =
181.83 ft-lbs/ft. (Step 3) 75,791 - 4,431
Sm = = 392.45
Sw = Wind span = 300’ (Given) 181.83
Mg = (181.83 • 300) + 4,431 = 58,980 ft-lbs. The 45-ft. Class 4 pole will support the (3) 336
Step 5: ACSR primary and (1) 4/0 neutral conductors in the
Analyze the pole. heavy loading district built to NESC Grade C at a
For a pole to adequately support the loads in the crossing over a communications line for a maximum
above example, it must have a resisting moment wind span of 392-ft. This is for a tangent only.
with applied NESC strength and load factors that In many cases, clearance above grade will control
exceeds the calculated ground-line moment of the span length and the actual wind span will be
58,980 ft-lbs. or Mr > Mg. much shorter than the calculated maximum.
The calculated reduced resisting moment of the Caution: When the structure is designed
45’-4 SP pole in Step 1 is 75,791 ft-lbs. Since to support a maximum wind span of specified
75,791 (Mr) is greater than 58,980 (Mg), the 45’-4 power conductors, no strength is left for future
SP pole will adequately support the (3) 336 ACSR communication cables or larger conductors.
and (1) 4/0 ACSR conductors at Grade C crossing Additional consideration must be given to the
over a communications line in the heavy loading P-effect.
district for a wind span of 300 feet. Selecting a Non-Guyed Small Line
In fact, if the ground-line moment is subtracted Angle Pole Class
from the ultimate resisting moment, the 45’-4 has
strength to spare. Occasionally, the line designer must select a pole
with adequate strength to support a small line angle
75,791 ft-lbs. minus 58,980 ft-lbs. equals 16,811 ft-lbs. without a down guy. Per RUS guidelines, non-guyed
A smaller class pole could possibly be used line angle poles can be up to and including 5°. The
to support the above conductors, or the spare direction of critical loading for a non-guyed line angle
strength may be needed to support future joint use pole is in the transverse direction.
communications cable. In addition to the moments of wind on the iced
Step 6: conductors and wind on the pole, the moment
Calculate the maximum wind span (Sm). caused by tension in the conductors must be
Since most line sections are composed of calculated and applied to the pole to calculate the
different length wind spans of the same type and total ground-line moment. The following example will
size of conductors, it is often more convenient to demonstrate how to select an adequate pole length
calculate the maximum wind span for a specific pole and class to support a specified set of conductors.

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 9

Example 5: Evaluate the strength of a Step 2:
non-guyed line angle pole Calculate the moment due to wind on the pole with
Figure 7 the applied NESC load factor.
Mb = (Mbn)(Fw)

Tension
Mb = Moment due to wind blowing on the pole
with applied NESC load factor
Mbn = Natural bending moment due to wind =
3,772 ft-lbs.
Fw = NESC load factor, transverse wind
Wind elsewhere, Grade C = 1.75 (Table 6)
Mb = (3,772)(1.75) = 6,601 ft-lbs.
The bending moment due to wind with applied
load factor on the 40’-3 SP pole is 6,601 ft-lbs.
Ground line Step 3:
moment Calculate the moment due to wind blowing on the
conductors.

Wood pole = 40’-3 Southern Pine (SP) set 6-ft. deep Mc = ∑ Wc(Hc)(Fw) = Conductor wind moment
Conductors = (3) 1/0 ACSR 6/1 (Raven) primary with with applied NESC load factor (ft-lbs/ft.)
(1) 1/0 ACSR 6/1 (Raven) neutral Wc = Transverse wind load for 1/0 ACSR,
light loading = 0.2985 lbs/ft. (Table 3)
Wind span = 200-ft.
Hc = Height of conductors above grade.
Line Angle = 4° (see RUS specification C2.21)
Pole top assembly = RUS C2.21 Assume 9-in. or 0.75-ft. for the
NESC construction grade = C height of the pin and insulator assembly
NESC loading district = Light RUS C2.21 framed on a 40-ft. pole set
6-ft. deep.
The problem is to determine if the 40’-3 Southern AØ & CØ = 33.25-ft., BØ = 34.75-ft.,
Pine pole will adequately support the 200’ wind Neutral = 30.5-ft.
span of the above conductors and the 4º line angle Fw = NESC load factor for transverse wind
at NESC Grade C construction with the applied ice elsewhere, Grade C (Table 6) = 1.75
and wind conditions of the light loading district.
The line is not crossing over another utility.
Figure 8
From ANSI 05.1, the 40’-3 Southern Pine pole top
RUS C2.21
circumference equals 23 in. and the circumference
6-ft. from butt equals 36 in. Using the equations
in Example 1 and 2, the natural resisting moment
(Mrn) equals 98,537 ft-lbs. and the natural bending
moment due to wind on the pole (Mbn) for light
loading equals 3,772 ft-lbs.
Step 1:
Calculate the wood pole resisting moment.
Mr = Mrn(Fs)
Mr = Resisting moment with applied NESC
strength factor
Mrn = Natural ultimate resisting moment of a
40’-3 SP pole = 98,537 ft-lbs.
Fs = Strength factor for wood poles at
Grade C (Table 6) = 0.85
Mr = 98,537 (0.85) = 83,756 ft-lbs.
Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 10
 Wire Wc (lbs/ft.) Hc (ft.) Fw Mc (ft-lbs/ft.) Step 5:
0.2985 x 33.25 x 1.75 = 17.37 Calculate the ground-line moment.
Aø
Mg = (Mc • Sw) + Mb + Mt
Bø 0.2985 x 34.75 x 1.75 = 18.15
Mg = Ground-line moment
Cø 0.2985 x 33.25 x 1.75 = 17.37 Mc = 68.82 ft-lbs/ft. (Step 3)
Sw = 200’ (Given)
N 0.2985 x 30.50 x 1.75 = 15.93
Mb = 6,601 ft-lbs. (Step 2)
Mc (ft-lbs/ft.) = 68.82 Mt = 26,181 ft-lbs. (Step 4)
The moment due to wind blowing on the Mg = (68.82 • 200) + 6,601 + 26,181 = 46,546 ft-lbs.
conductors is 68.82 ft-lbs/ft. for 1-ft. of each Mg = 46,546 ft-lbs.
conductor tied to the pole top assembly.
Step 6:
Step 4: Compensate for deflection.
Determine the moment due to tension in the A non-guyed line angle pole will deflect under the
conductors Mt. strain of the applied moments. To compensate for
The tension value used in this example is 50% of this deflection, it is recommended that the ground-
the rated tensile strength of 1/0 ACSR 6/1 conductor. line moment (Mg) be increased by a deflection factor
Tensile strength of 1/0 = 4,380 lbs. (Table 3). before evaluating the pole class.
50% = 0.5(4,380) = 2,190 lbs. The deflection factor is chosen by the designer
The designer can choose to use the initial loaded based on his or her experience. Twenty percent
tension value found in the company’s sag and tension will be used for this example. Some designers may
tables such as Sag10. This value may be significantly choose a higher value based on local conditions.
lower than the 50% of rated tensile strength Mg’ = Mg (1.20)
depending on the loading district. Mg’ = 46,546 (1.20) = 55,855 lbs.
Caution: The designer must be confident that the
construction crew is correctly tensioning the wire to Step 7:
the value shown in the sag and tension tables. Evaluate the strength of the 40-ft. Class 3 pole.

Mt = ∑ [Sine(θ/2) • DT • 2 • Hc • Ft] The calculated reduced ultimate resisting moment

Mt = Moment due to transverse of the 40’-3 SP in Step 1 is 83,756 ft-lbs. Since
wire tension (ft-lbs.) 83,756 (Mr) is greater than 55,855 (Mg’), the 40’-3
Sine(θ/2) = Sine(Line Angle/2) = (4°/2) = SP pole will adequately support the structure for the
Sine(2.0°) = 0.0349 specified loading conditions.
DT = Design tension (lbs.) = 2,190 lbs. for Like the tangent pole evaluation, it is often more
1/0 ACSR at 50% of rated tensile strength useful to calculate the maximum wind span for a
Hc = Height in feet of conductors above grade specific pole length and class and then design each
(C2.21 on 40’-3 set 6-ft. deep) wind span in the line section of non-guyed line angle
Ft = NESC load factor for transverse wire poles to be less than the calculated maximum wind
tension = 1.30 (Table 6) span. This can be done by rewriting the ground-
line equation in Step 5 including the deflection
compensation factor to solve for the wind span (Sm).

Wire Sine (θ/2) DT Hc Ft. Mt (ft-lbs.)

Aø 0.0349 x 2,190 x 2 x 33.25 x 1.30 = 6,607

Bø 0.0349 x 2,190 x 2 x 34.75 x 1.30 = 6,906
Cø 0.0349 x 2,190 x 2 x 33.25 x 1.30 = 6,607
N 0.0349 x 2,190 x 2 x 30.50 x 1.30 = 6,061
Mt (ft-lbs.) = 26,181

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 11

Step 8: Valuable Considerations for Using Wood Poles
Calculate the maximum wind span with
Basic Impulse Insulation Level (BIL)
compensation for deflection for the (4) 1/0 ACSR
conductors on the 40’-3 SP non-guyed line angle The Basic Impulse Insulation Level or BIL defines
pole in Example 5. the ability of a structure to withstand a lightning
impulse. A Basic Impulse Insulation Level of less
Mr

Sm =
( ) 1.20
- Mb - Mt than 300 kV can produce lightning flashovers when
lightning strikes near the electric distribution line.
Mc A BIL equal to or greater than 300 kV (dry
flashover) can be achieved on wood poles using
Sm = Maximum wind span standard pole-top assemblies rated for the operating
Mr = Resisting moment = 83,756 ft-lbs. (Step 1) voltage. The wood provides the additional insulation
Mb = Bending moment due to wind on pole = needed to achieve the required BIL.
6,601 ft-lbs. (Step 2) On metal or concrete poles, fiberglass links or
Mc = Moment due to wind on the conductors = higher voltage insulators must be added to standard
68.82 ft-lbs./ft. (Step 3) pole-top assembly hardware to achieve the same
Mt = Moment due to transverse wire tension = BIL as wood poles. The phase conductors, insulators
26,181.44 ft-lbs. (Step 4) and neutral conductor in a three-phase steel or
1.20 = Deflection factor concrete pole distribution line are all connected by a
conductor. In a wood pole distribution line, they are
83,756

Sm =
( 1.20 ) - 6,601 - 26,181
= 538 ft.
connected by a wood insulator.
For areas of high lightning incidence, lightning
arrestors should be installed approximately every
68.82 1,200-ft. along the line and at dead-ends. This will
The 40’-3 non-guyed line angle pole will augment the natural insulation of the wood and
adequately support a 538-ft. maximum wind span for minimize nuisance recloser operations and fuse
the specified design conditions. blowing. This is more important for steel or concrete
poles because of their essentially zero BIL.
Foundation
Raptor Protection
Proper embedment of the non-guyed pole is
extremely important for good construction. Backfill In many areas of the U.S., utilities must provide
the pole hole with good soil and tamp extra hard. raptor protection to comply with federal regulations.
The old rule of two men tamping and one man Wood pole and crossarm construction offers a
shoveling holds true. In poor soils, it may be distinct advantage because of the natural insulating
necessary to backfill the hole with gravel and set the properties of wood.
pole deeper at 10% of its length plus 4-ft. For most raptors, including eagles, electrocution
Deeper setting depths will change the ground-line can be effectively prevented using a 10-ft. wood
circumference and the height above grade of the crossarm mounted 12 to 18 in. below the pole top.
conductors. The ground-line moment must be This will provide the recommended 60-in. spacing
re-calculated and height of the conductors above required for raptor protection.
grade adjusted in the equations for the new values if Steel or concrete poles can act as a grounding
the pole is set deeper in the ground. conductor, thus decreasing the phase to ground
clearance for raptors.
It is recommended that 24-in. fiberglass pole-
top pins, vinyl pole wraps, perch guards and
wood or fiberglass crossarms be installed on steel
or concrete poles to achieve adequate raptor
protection.
As can be seen, standard wood pole crossarm
construction can reduce raptor electrocution without
addition of special assemblies or perch guards.
Wood provides a humane and economic advantage
in protecting raptors.

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 12

Installation Duty Cycle
Wood poles are easier to handle, store and work How long will wood poles last in service is a
with than alternative materials. They can be stacked common and important question. With a continuing
in bundles in the pole yard without cribbing. inspection and maintenance program, it has been
Wood poles can be loaded onto a bare steel pole shown that pole service life can reach 75 years or
trailer using metal cables and standard rigging. No beyond.
provision is needed to cushion the trailer rails or Steel and concrete claim life spans of 80 years,
protect the exterior pole from scratches or scrapes. but the products have not been used long enough in
Standard utility digger-derrick trucks are adequate direct burial installations to fully evaluate the impact
to handle and set most wood poles up to 70-ft. in of age and corrosion.
length. The duty cycle, or service life of a pole depends
In most cases, wood poles can be backfilled with largely on factors other than the condition of the
the same material that was excavated from the pole pole.
hole. For additional strength, gravel backfill may Often, a pole is replaced not because it has
be used to provide a more substantial foundation. deteriorated beyond its inherent strength to support
Tamping can be done with hydraulic or hand tamps the conductors, but because a line is upgraded,
without worry over damaging the exterior surface of roads are widened, or land is developed.
the pole. A significant number of poles are replaced due
The larger butt section and rougher texture to these factors rather than to deterioration. These
of wood provides substantial adhesion to the poles can be reused at other locations or recycled
embedment soil. The smaller diameter and slicker for non-utility applications.
surface of a directly embedded light steel pole offers In fast growth areas with short duty cycles
little resistance to leaning unless special care is caused by frequent upgrades, development or road
taken to adequately tamp the embedment material. widening, the lower cost of wood has a distinct
Holes are easily bored in wood poles with economic advantage over the alternatives.
conventional drills for any combination of For more information on wood pole service life,
assemblies. Newly bored holes can easily be field see the NAWPC Technical Bulletin Estimated
treated by swabbing with a preservative. Service Life of Wood Poles in the Online Technical
Standard guy attachment hardware using lag Library at www.woodpoles.org.
bolts or cleats to anchor the lower end of the Flexibility
attachment to provide strength and prevent guy
attachment rotation can be used on wood poles. Wood poles are very flexible and can survive
Steel or concrete poles require smooth sided guy many adverse conditions caused by nature. When
attachments with two machine bolts. No cleats can trees fall on conductors and guy wires, the wood
be present on the side of the pole eye plate next pole will deflect significantly before breaking. Many
to the pole face or a lag bolt used to anchor the times, the trees can be cut off the line and the pole
attachment to an alternative pole material. will spring back into position.
A significant number of poles on a utility’s system The wood pole is forgiving to the change in
can be worked more efficiently by a climbing lineman conductor tension between spans. On very rigid
than with a bucket truck. Wood poles are easily poles such as concrete, the change in conductor
climbed using traditional climbing tools. tension brought about by expansion and contraction
No special pole steps must be included in the due to temperature change can twist crossarms
design or purchase of a wood pole.This feature is and bend pins. The wood pole tends to flex with
not only beneficial for remote areas but also for the change in conductor tension and is not likely to
yards and back lot lines of subdivisions that are not damage the hardware.
readily accessible to standard aerial lifts.

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 13

Environmental Benefits Conclusion
One of the most overlooked advantages of Despite intense promotion by alternative materials
wood utility poles over other materials is its and developments in engineered products, the fact is
many environmental benefits. Utilities today are undisputable that now and for years to come, treated
considering their carbon footprint and the use of wood remains the best all-around product for most
wood poles offers great opportunities to reduce their utility applications.
overall environmental impact. It is raptor friendly, easy to install, naturally
Trees sequester carbon from the atmosphere as insulating and has a long duty cycle. These factors
they grow and, once harvested and converted into make the treated wood pole a leader in safety,
poles, they lock the carbon in place. In all, there are reliability and efficiency.
thousands of tons of carbon stored in the system The key is to understand the design and
of preserved wood poles across North America. No application of wood poles.
other material offers this environmental advantage. For more resources on wood poles, go to the
The longevity of preservative treated poles also NAWPC website at www.woodpoles.org.
contributes to wood’s green benefits. Over the For more on wood pole design and application,
course of the many decades a wood pole is in access the Hi-Line Engineering website at
service, a new tree easily can be grown to provide a www.hi-line-engineering.com for a schedule of
replacement. nationwide seminars.
Modern forestry practice and reforestation
activities have made American forests among the Reference
most sustainable in the world. Each year, some 1.6
billion trees are planted in the U.S., or about six National Electrical Safety Code, 2017 Edition.
trees for every one used. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 3
Compared to other materials, wood poles are Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5997 USA
much kinder to the planet when considering the
full impact of production and use. Independent, ANSI O5.1-2017. American National Standard for
science-based life cycle assessments, or LCAs, Wood Utility Products. American Wood Protection
conclude that preservative treated wood utility poles Association, PO Box 36174, Birmingham, AL 35236
use less energy and resources, offset fossil fuel use
and have a reduced environmental impact when ANSI O5.1-2015. American National Standard for
compared to concrete, steel and fiber-reinforced Wood Utility Products. American Wood Protection
composite utility poles. Association, PO Box 36174, Birmingham, AL 35236
For more information on the environmental
benefits of wood poles vs. alternative materials, see RUS Bulletin 1728F-804, Specifications and
the Summary Report on LCA of Utility Poles in Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction. United
the NAWPC Online Technical Library at States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities
www.woodpoles.org. Service

Disclaimer - The North American Wood Pole Council and its member organizations believe the information contained in this
document to be based on up-to-date scientific and economic information and is intended for general informational purposes. In
furnishing this information, NAWPC and GDS Associates DBA Hi-Line Engineering make no warranty or representation, either
expressed or implied, as to the reliability or accuracy of such information; nor does NAWPC and GDS Associates DBA Hi-Line
Engineering assume any liability resulting from use of or reliance upon the information by any party. This document should not
be construed as a specific endorsement or warranty, direct or implied, of treated wood products or preservatives, in terms of
performance, environmental impact or safety. The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation to
violate any federal, provincial, state or municipal law, rule or regulation, and any party using or producing pressure treated wood
products should review all such laws, rules or regulations prior to using or producing preservative treated wood products.

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 14

Wood Pole Design Considerations Page 15
 North American Wood Pole Council

NAWPC 17-D-202
© 2017 North American Wood Pole Council 07-2019