Collection of SANS standards in electronic format (PDF)

1. Copyright

This standard is available to staff members of companies that have subscribed to the
complete collection of SANS standards in accordance with a formal copyright
agreement. This document may reside on a CENTRAL FILE SERVER or INTRANET
SYSTEM only. Unless specific permission has been granted, this document MAY NOT
be sent or given to staff members from other companies or organizations. Doing so
would constitute a VIOLATION of SABS copyright rules.

2. Indemnity

The South African Bureau of Standards accepts no liability for any damage whatsoever
than may result from the use of this material or the information contain therein,
irrespective of the cause and quantum thereof.

I agree with the above

This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

ICS 29.060.20;29.240.01 NRS 034-2-3:1997

ISBN 0-626-11280-X First edition

Rationalized User Specification

ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION —
GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF
ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
NETWORKS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Part 2-3: Preferred methods and

materials for the installation of
overhead power lines

Preferred requirements for applications in

the Electricity Supply Industry

N R S
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

This Rationalized User Specification is

issued by the NRS Project
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword
and is not a standard as contemplated in the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993).

Rationalized user specifications allow user

organizations to define the performance and quality
requirements of relevant equipment.

Rationalized user specifications may, after a certain

application period, be introduced as national standards.

Amendments issued since publication

Amdt No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

South African Bureau of Standards South African Bureau of Standards

(Electrotechnical Standards) Private Bag X191
Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Pretoria 0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed on behalf of the NRS Project in the Republic of South Africa

by the South African Bureau of Standards
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

1 NRS 034-2-3:1997

Contents
Page

Foreword ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Key words .......................................................................................................................................... 2

1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 3

2 Normative references ................................................................................................................... 3

3 Abbreviation .................................................................................................................................. 4

4 Preferred materials ....................................................................................................................... 4

5 Pre-installation activities ............................................................................................................... 4

5.1 Planning ................................................................................................................................ 4

5.2 Safety precautions ................................................................................................................ 5
5.3 Site clearance ....................................................................................................................... 5

6 Materials delivery, handling, storage and assembly .................................................................... 6

6.1 General guidelines ................................................................................................................ 6

6.2 Delivery and handling of material ......................................................................................... 6
6.3 Storage of poles and cross-arms ......................................................................................... 7
6.4 Storage of conductors and fittings ........................................................................................ 8
6.5 Assembly and dressing of poles ........................................................................................... 8

7 Installation of poles and stays ....................................................................................................... 8

7.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 8

7.2 Excavation of holes for poles ................................................................................................ 8
7.3 Erection of poles and structures ........................................................................................... 10
7.4 Additional structural requirements during erection .............................................................. 11
7.5 Backfilling .............................................................................................................................. 11
7.6 Stay installation ..................................................................................................................... 11
7.7 Installation of pole baulks ..................................................................................................... 12
7.8 Soil classification (if applicable) ............................................................................................ 12

8 Installation of conductors .............................................................................................................. 14

8.1 Running out of conductors .................................................................................................... 14

8.2 Regulation/tensioning ........................................................................................................... 14

9 Earthing of poles and pole-mounted equipment .......................................................................... 15

Foreword
This section of NRS 034-2 is intended to be one of several sections of NRS 034-2 that will cover
preferred installation practices. Some of the information has been adapted from SABS 1500-SD:1983,
Standard specification for electrical engineering works, which has been withdrawn.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 2

This section of NRS 034-2 has been approved by the Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee for use
by all supply authorities in South Africa. It was prepared by a working group comprising the following
members:
W Barnard Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs
F Bradshaw Pietermaritzburg Municipality
A J Claasen SABS
R W Curtis Chamber of Mines/JCI
M Dekenah Marcus Dekenah Consulting cc
A H L Fortmann City Council of Boksburg
C T Gaunt Gibb Africa (Cape Town)
A H G Gower Durban Metropolitan Electricity
M J Hyde Cape Town Municipality
N M Ijumba Durban Westville University
A P Jessen Pretoria Municipality
P A Johnson NRS Project
J Levin Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Electricity
J G Malan Kempton Park Municipality
D M Michie Port Elizabeth Municipality
J Ross Durban Metropolitan Electricity
R G Stephen Eskom (Distribution Technology)
A J van der Merwe Bloemfontein Municipality
The working group was appointed by the ESLC, which, at the time of approval of this edition,
comprised the following members:

R Wienand (Chairman) Director, Technical Services, Durban Electricity, AMEU

B F Berwyn-Taylor City Electrical Engineer, Cape Town, AMEU
A J Claasen Manager, Electrical Engineering Standards, SABS
F H D Conradie Senior Manager (Transmission), Eskom
P Crowdy Design Manager, Distribution Technology, Eskom
R W Curtis JCI, for Chamber of Mines of South Africa
J A Ehrich City Electrical Engineer, Pretoria, AMEU
A H L Fortmann City Electrical Engineer, Boksburg, AMEU
B Gwilt City Electrical Engineer, Port Elizabeth, AMEU
D F Hunt Technology Standardization Manager, Eskom
I P Kruger Director, Department of Electrical Engineering, SABS
A R Lock Executive Officer, Metropolitan Electricity, Greater Jhb. TMC, AMEU
J G Malan City Electrical Engineer, Kempton Park, AMEU
J Maroga Distribution Technology Manager, Eskom
A J van der Merwe City Electrical Engineer, Bloemfontein, AMEU
H R Whitehead Executive Director, Durban Electricity, AMEU

Recommendations for correction, additions or deletions should be addressed to the NRS Project
Manager, c/o SABS, Private Bag X191, Pretoria, 0001.

Key words
Electrical distribution; Overhead power lines, Preferred methods and materials.

ISBN 0-626-11280-X
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

3 NRS 034-2-3:1997

GUIDELINE

Electricity distribution — Guidelines for the provision of electrical

distribution networks in residential areas

Part 2-3: Preferred methods and materials for the installation of overhead
power lines

Preferred requirements for applications in the Electricity Supply Industry

1 Scope
This section of NRS 034-2 covers preferred methods and materials used for the installation of low-
voltage and medium-voltage overhead power lines in residential areas, and should be read in
conjunction with NRS 033, which is referred to extensively.

2 Normative references
The following statutes and standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of these guidelines. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid.
All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this section of NRS 034-2
are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards
listed below. Information on currently valid national and international standards can be obtained from
the South African Bureau of Standards.

2.1 Statutes
Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act 45 of 1965).

Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act 73 of 1989).

Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956).

Land Survey Act, 1927 (Act 9 of 1927).

Mines and Works Act, 1956 (Act 27 of 1956).

Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993).

2.2 Standards
SABS 1200-A:1986, Standardized specification for civil engineering construction: General.

SABS 1200-C:1980, Standardized specification for civil engineering construction: Site clearance.

SABS 1200-DA:1988, Standardized specification for civil engineering construction: Earthworks (small
works).

SABS 0198-14:1988, The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of rating not
exceeding 33 kV — Part 14: Installation of aerial bundled conductor (ABC) cables.

NRS 016:1995, Electricity distribution — Code of practice for the earthing of low-voltage distribution
systems.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 4

NRS 033:1996, Electricity distribution — Guidelines for the application design, planning and
construction of medium voltage overhead power lines up to and including 22 kV, using wooden pole
structures and bare conductors.

NRS 034-3:1995, Electricity distribution — Guidelines for the provision of electrical distribution
networks in residential areas — Part 3: Overhead distribution in low and moderate consumption areas.

NRS 038-1:1997, Electricity distribution — Concrete poles — Part 1: Concrete poles LV and MV
overhead distribution systems.

NRS 041:1995, Electricity transmission and distribution — Code of practice for overhead power lines
for conditions prevailing in South Africa.

NRS 043:1997, Code of practice for the joint use of structures for power and telecommunication lines.

3 Abbreviation
OHS Act: The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993).

4 Preferred materials
The preferred materials for medium-voltage overhead lines that use wooden poles are given in
NRS 033. Where concrete poles are used, these should comply with NRS 038-1. The preferred
materials for low-voltage and medium-voltage overhead lines in low consumption and moderate
consumption areas are given in NRS 034-3.

5 Pre-installation activities

5.1 Planning
NOTE — It is assumed that a survey will have been completed and route spanning plans prepared, where applicable
(see 5.2.1 of NRS 033).

5.1.1 An experienced person shall be appointed in terms of General Safety Regulation 11 of the OHS
Act, as a construction supervisor in charge of construction work.

5.1.2 In addition to the general duties relating to the construction of overhead lines, as set out in 5.2.4
of NRS 033, the construction supervisor should:

a) carry out field inspection of the overhead line route to verify the type of structures required, taking
into account topographical aspects and the crossing of other services, and local conditions;

b) ensure that all wayleave agreements and approvals are available (see 5.2.1.3 and 5.2.1.4 of
NRS 033). See clause 9 and annex A of NRS 041 for the principal Acts, ordinances and
regulations relevant to overhead power lines;

c) ensure that all relevant construction drawings are available for field personnel, and that field
personnel are familiar with the conductor, components and structures to be used;

d) provide the relevant regional director of the Department of Labour, in writing, with the required
information regarding the construction work (see General Administrative Regulation 15c of the
OHS Act); and
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

5 NRS 034-2-3:1997

NOTE — The addresses of the regional directors are given in the regulation referenced above.

e) where practicable, carry out joint planning with providers of other services and relevant
authorities, taking into consideration the requirements given in NRS 043 for the joint use of poles
with Telkom, and in clause 9 of NRS 041 regarding procedures to be adopted prior to the
construction of power lines.

5.2 Safety precautions

5.2.1 The General Safety Regulations of the OHS Act are applicable to personnel, safety equipment
and facilities. In particular, General Safety Regulation 13 of the OHS Act specifies the minimum
requirements for excavations.

5.2.2 Where road crossings are involved, the national, provincial or local authority regulations are
applicable.

5.2.3 In areas where the existing reticulation is being extended, those poles that carry live conductors
and that could pose a safety hazard to construction personnel, should be marked as “live”.
Construction personnel should be made aware of the potential safety hazard.

5.2.4 In the case of lines under construction, safety earthing shall be provided against induced
lightning surges and against induced power frequency voltages for lines that are near, or parallel to,
existing live power lines. For further information on the protection of personnel where poles are being
erected in a route parallel to existing live power lines, see 4.4.3 of NRS 041.

5.3 Site clearance

5.3.1 The clearance of the route to enable construction work to start should be carried out in
accordance with SABS 1200-C. The relevant requirements of the Environment Conservation Act,
1989, and the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965, are applicable. In particular, prior written
approval for site clearance shall have been obtained from the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism.

5.3.2 Where practicable, vegetation should be so cleared that it does not encroach within a radius of
4 m of any line conductor.

5.3.3 In cases where mechanical excavating equipment is being used (which is preferred) and poles
are being erected by vehicle mounted cranes, temporary access routes to various pole positions might
be required. In such cases, care should be exercised regarding landscape preservation and the
conservation of flora (see SABS 1200-C).

5.3.4 Where applicable, for example where the line route traverses private property or where mid-
boundary reticulation is being provided, land owners should be notified of the intended date of
construction, and prior agreement should be obtained if site clearing or tree cutting is required.

5.3.5 In cases where trees have had to be felled or lopped, the timber should be cut to reasonable
lengths and neatly stacked or removed in accordance with the land owner’s instructions or in
accordance with the wayleave agreement, where applicable.

6 Materials delivery, handling, storage and assembly

6.1 General guidelines

 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 6

Equipment and accessories used for the handling of materials shall be maintained in a safe working
condition and this should be ensured by regular inspections.

6.2 Delivery and handling of material

6.2.1 Poles

Once the line has been pegged (see NRS 033), the delivery of poles can start.

The delivery of the poles can proceed in parallel with the excavating activity. The planting of the poles
should immediately follow the excavation of the holes.

Care should be exercised in the loading and off-loading of poles. Concrete poles may only be lifted at
the designated lifting positions, using lifting gear that will not damage the surface of the pole. Padding
should be used under the holding down chains, to protect poles during transportation.

Poles should never be thrown off the vehicle because this could cause hidden damage which could
lead to failure in service.

Off-loading ramps should be used for the manual handling of all poles. The use of cranes for the
handling of concrete poles is recommended.

Poles should not be dragged along on their butt ends.

The delivery of the poles should be properly planned, to ensure that poles of the correct length and
correct strength (diameter) are delivered to each peg position. The way in which poles are laid out
upon delivery is dependent on the methods of excavation, dressing and erection.

If holes are to be manually excavated and the poles erected manually, the pole should be laid out in
line with the longitudinal axis of the excavation, with the butt end ready to enter the lead into the hole
(see figure C.22 of NRS 033).

If poles are to be erected by crane, as is usually the case for concrete poles, the pole should be laid
out sufficiently clear of the peg to allow for crane access, but no further from the peg than is
necessary.

6.2.2 Stay assemblies

Stay assemblies and other pole hardware required to dress the structures should be delivered at the
same time as the poles, provided that there is no risk of theft.

6.2.3 Conductors

As considerable activity occurs around a drum site, care should be taken in the selection of the site
position, in order to avoid unnecessary damage to valuable land. The importance of this site position
increases in the case of longer lines; in the case of short lines, delivery may be combined with the
running out of conductors.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

7 NRS 034-2-3:1997

6.3 Storage of poles and cross-arms

6.3.1 Wooden poles and cross-arms

Wooden poles and cross-arms will generally only give the projected service life if a long period of
storage before installation is avoided.

Wooden poles and cross-arms should be allowed adequate time to attain the equilibrium moisture of
the area where they are to be used.

Wooden poles should be cross-stacked at least 300 mm above the ground and for a maximum period
of six months. If they have to be stacked for longer, they should be close-stacked, under cover, in a
north-south direction, and, after six months, rotated 180°. The area underneath the stack should be
clear of grass and debris, to reduce the risk of fire.

Handling equipment should be used in such a way that the surface of the pole or cross-arm is not
damaged. Damaged poles and cross-arms should not be used, since their service life will be reduced.

6.3.2 Concrete poles

Concrete poles should be stacked on firm, level supports with adequate clearance to allow for any
settlement of the bottom bearers. Wooden bearers are preferred. Rectangular concrete poles should
be stacked with the narrow faces up. The stacked poles should be separated by wooden bearers
placed in a vertical line. Figure 1 and table 1 indicate the recommended support positions for the
wooden bearers for concrete pole stacks.

As poles have pronounced tapered profiles, the orientation of the succeeding layers should be
alternated, a top end being positioned above a butt end (see figure 1). Only those poles that are of the
same length should be stacked together and, in the case of concrete poles, not more than four layers
should be stacked.

A B C D

Figure 1 — Stacking of concrete poles

Table 1 — Dimensions relating to figure 1

1 2 3 4 5
Pole length/ Overhang (A) Butt length (B) Stack centres (C) Tip overhang (D)
strength mm mm mm mm
9 m / 4 kN 1070 1500 4930 2570
9 m / 7 kN 1010 1500 4990 2510
9,3 m / 17,5 kN 500 1800 5200 2300
10 m / 8 kN 650 1800 5750 2450
11 m / 8 kN 1225 1800 6175 3025
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 8

6.4 Storage of conductors and fittings

All conductors and fittings should be stored in an appropriate way that both minimizes the potential for
damage to these items, and takes the safety of personnel into consideration. Storage areas should be
secure; in particular, the value of the conductor at the drum site(s) should be taken into consideration.
In cases where delays to the line construction might occur, appropriate measures should be taken to
prevent the conductor from being stolen.

6.5 Assembly and dressing of poles

The dressing of poles should precede their erection. Any holes that have been drilled in wooden poles
on site should be treated by being painted with the same type of preservative that was used for the
pole itself (for example, creosote).

Unused holes in wooden poles should be plugged. When a pole is being dressed, care should be
taken to ensure that the dressed structure presents a neat appearance.

The stay assembly should be assembled in accordance with figure C.25 of annex C of NRS 033. Stay
wire lengths are determined on site. Allowance for sloping ground is made on site. In cases where
stay wires cannot be made off immediately, the stay wires should be tied to the pole at a position
above normal reach, to prevent injury to persons and livestock.

7 Installation of poles and stays

7.1 General
NOTE — Excavation is preferably carried out after the dressed structures are in position and ready for erection, since
excavations present a hazard to persons and livestock.

7.1.1 The contractor should install additional pegs in relation to the pole peg and the line (direction)
peg(s) to define the pole peg position adequately before excavation is started.

7.1.2 In cases where mechanical equipment that could cause a noise level exceeding 85 dB(A) has
to be used to excavate in built-up areas, the requirements of both the Noise Control Regulations of the
OHS Act and the Environment Conservation Act, 1989, are applicable.

7.1.3 Should blasting be necessary, precautions shall be taken to protect the works, persons, animals
and property in the vicinity of the site (see 5.1.1.3 of SABS 1200-DA). The requirements of the
Explosives Act, 1956, or of chapter 9 of the regulations published in terms of the Mines and Works Act,
1956, or both, are applicable.

7.1.4 The requirements of the OHS Act are applicable in respect of the depth of excavation in which a
person may work without the excavation’s being shored, and the requirements of the Mines and Works
Act are applicable in respect of the protection of structures.

NOTE — The step method of excavation in figure C.22A of NRS 033 complies with the OHS Act.

7.1.5 Overhead and underground services should be protected in accordance with SABS 1200-A.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

9 NRS 034-2-3:1997

7.2 Excavation of holes for poles

7.2.1 The use of mechanical pole hole boring equipment has the advantage that it results in very little
disturbance of the natural compacted soil. In cases where excavation is undertaken by hand, as little
as possible of the surrounding ground should be disturbed.

7.2.2 General information on the types and design of foundations for poles is given in 6.5 of
NRS 041. Pole foundation arrangements are shown in figure C.22 of NRS 033. Foundations for stays
are shown in figure C.23 of NRS 033. A recommended type of pole hole excavation and the
recommended dimensions of excavation for preferred sizes of poles are given in figure 2 and table 2
of these guidelines.

B E
C

Section

Direction
D
A

of line

Pole peg
position

Plan

Figure 2 — Recommended type of pole hole excavation

7.2.3 Material that is excavated should be classified and handled in accordance with SABS 1200-DA.
It is important to separate the excavated soil into top soil and other soil, in order to allow for the
reinstatement of the excavation with the top soil in place at ground level.

7.2.4 Preservation and replacement of any survey beacons and pegs are subject to the provisions of
sections 35 and 36 of the Land Survey Act, 1927 (see 5.1.2 of SABS 1200-A).
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 10

Table 2 — Dimensions of pole hole excavations

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Type of pole Dimension/ A B C D E F
Strength
Baulked pole 9m / 4 kN 0,6 0,7 0,75 0,7 1,5 1,5
9m / 7 kN
9,3 m / 17,5 kN
10 m / 8 kN 0,6 0,7 1,0 0,8 1,5 1,8
11 m / 8 kN
Unbaulked pole 9m / 4 kN 0,6 0,7 0,75 0,6 0,5 1,5
9m / 7 kN
9,3 m / 17,5 kN
10 m / 8 kN 0,6 0,7 1,0 0,7 0,6 1,8
11 m / 8 kN

7.3 Erection of poles and structures

7.3.1 General

Various methods are available for the erection of poles and this activity should immediately follow the
excavation activity (see 6.4 of NRS 033). If unattended, excavations shall be barricaded.

7.3.2 Mechanical erection

Erection by crane requires observance of all safety aspects relating to equipment ratings, equipment
stability, and the positioning of personnel. The most suitable method of lifting a concrete pole is to use
a steel sling wrapped around the pole, 0,5 m from the centre of gravity towards the top of the pole. Any
lintels should by now also have been clamped in position. Chains and fabric slings shall not be used
to lift concrete poles, since they can cause localized damage.

7.3.3 Manual erection

The equipment needed for the manual erection of steel and wooden poles includes pole pikes (see
figure 1 of NRS 033) for wooden poles, or ladders with reinforced top rungs, or another form of
adaptation that consists of a special attachment to engage and support the pole during the raising
operation.

CAUTION — Under no circumstances should a normal ladder be subjected to the loads imposed by the lifting of
poles.

The construction supervisor shall ensure that no support is released until the load has been taken up
by another support.

Stayed poles should be so erected that, upon completion of the backfill operation, the pole is leaning
away from the stay position by at least half a pole thickness at the top. This will ensure correct
alignment when the stay is made off correctly.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

11 NRS 034-2-3:1997

7.4 Additional structural requirements during erection

Where so required, pole bases, kickplates and lateral blocks should be installed (see annex C of
NRS 033 for drawings of various terminal structures and poles on which equipment is installed).

7.5 Backfilling

7.5.1 Backfilling is an extremely important part of structure erection, and it is essential that it be
carried out correctly — for both pole and stay installations. The backfill should be introduced into the
excavation in small quantities and thoroughly rammed to ensure maximum compaction and bearing
pressure. A layer of backfill not exceeding 200 mm at a time should be rammed as solidly as possible
before the next layer is added. To achieve this objective, typically there should be twice as many
workmen ramming as shovelling.

In the case of an unstayed concrete pole, the pole should be inclined, before backfilling, along the line
of the conductors but in the opposite direction to the one in which the conductors will be tensioned.
The pole should be inclined by about half a pole thickness at the top, to allow for eventual
consolidation of the backfill when the conductors are tensioned.

Where the backfill material is such that it will not consolidate, i.e. is non-cohesive, it is necessary to
add cement in the ratio of 1 unit of cement to 8 units of soil (a unit could be a shovel full).

The soil and cement should be thoroughly mixed before being returned to the excavation as backfill. It
is preferable to moisten the soil/cement mix slightly by adding a little water to the mixture. (Not too
much water should be added, since the mix will be weakened and will not consolidate when rammed.)
The moistened mix should be returned to the excavation in small quantities and should be thoroughly
rammed.

7.5.2 Upon completion of backfilling, there should be very little surplus soil, and this should be
mounted around the pole and compacted to ensure that water will run off.

7.6 Stay installation

Temporary stays may be used if the soil conditions where work is being carried out are unusual, but
the stays should be removed when no longer required.

The stays should be installed in accordance with figure C.23 of NRS 033, and should be carefully
backfilled.

When a stay has been installed, the stay wire should be made off in accordance with figure C.25 of
NRS 033.

Stayed poles should be so erected that they lean away from the stay before tensioning starts (see
6.4.2 of NRS 033). When the stay wire is tensioned using the correct tensioning equipment such as a
pull-lift and come-along clamps, the stay should be tensioned until the pole leans towards the stay by
about half a pole thickness at the top.

No off-cuts of stay wire should be left on site, because these are dangerous to livestock.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 12

7.7 Installation of pole baulks

7.7.1 General

Where poles are installed as unstayed structures (free-standing), and depending on the soil
classification (see 7.8), it may be necessary to provide baulks attached near the base of the poles,
below ground level. The baulks reduce the bearing pressure and spread the lateral forces over a
larger area on the sides of the hole, thereby increasing the stability of the poles.

7.7.2 Baulks for wooden poles

Where the soil is non-cohesive and loose, or cohesive and soft, pole baulks should be provided as
shown in figure 3.

7.7.3 Baulks for concrete poles

The number of lintels to be installed depends on the load on the pole and the soil properties, as shown
in table 4. The dimensions of a lintel are 100 mm × 70 mm × 1 200 mm. The lintels are fastened to the
narrow face(s) of the concrete pole, using steel brackets.

The lintels are positioned near the top and near the bottom of the hole and on the front and on the rear
of the pole and are alternated as indicated in figure 4.

7.8 Soil classification (if applicable)

NOTE — The soil classification method should be applied in the case of any unstayed structure where the soil conditions
are uncertain.

The soil is classified according to its cohesiveness and its consistency (see table 3). To determine
cohesiveness, the soil is wet and an attempt made to knead it into a pat. A cohesive soil can be
kneaded into a pat, whereas a non-cohesive soil cannot.

A dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) test and standard apparatus are used to measure the
consistency.

The consistency of the soil is determined from table 3, depending on the number of blows needed to
drive a standard cone 100 mm into the test soil. The blows are delivered by a hammer of mass
7,315 kg that falls through a height of 575 mm.

Carry out three penetrometer measurements during the excavation, one each at three depth levels, i.e.
at 25 %, at 50 % and at 75 % of the depth of the excavation. Calculate the average of the number of
blows and read off the soil consistency, depending on whether the soil is cohesive or non-cohesive.

Table 3 — Soil consistency according to soil type and number of penetrometer blows

1 2 3
Soil type Consistency Number of blows
Non-cohesive Loose 1 or 2
Medium dense 3 to 10
Dense 11 or more
Cohesive Soft 1
Firm 2 to 7
Stiff 8 or more
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

13 NRS 034-2-3:1997

Table 4 — Number of lintels required for concrete poles for soil type and consistency
according to pole length and strength

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of lintels required
Soil Consis- Pole length/ strength
type tency 9m/ 9m/ 9,3 m / 10 m / 11 m /
4 kN 7 kN 17,5 kN 8 kN 8 kN
Non-cohesive Loose 2 3 6 4 5
Medium dense 1 3 7 2 3
Dense 1 2 4 1 2
Cohesive Soft 2 2 5 2 2
Firm 1 2 3 1 2
Stiff 0 0 0 0 0

500
mm

(See table 2)
F

1250
mm Pole baulk
160 mm ∅

Figure 3 — Location of baulk on wooden poles

 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 034-2-3:1997 14

Concrete pole
Bracket for Narrow face
two lintels

Wide face
Bolt through top
blank hole

200
mm
Ground level
1

(See table 2)
3
Positions of up to seven lintels
5
on the narrow faces of the pole,

F
2 7
alternating from the upper to the
lower positions on the pole, and 4
from the front to the rear 6

Figure 4 — Location of lintels for baulked concrete poles

8 Installation of conductors

8.1 Running out of conductors

The guidelines given in 6.5.2 of NRS 033 should be applied.

8.2 Regulating/tensioning
The guidelines given in 6.5.3 of NRS 033 should be applied.

Information on the installation of aerial bundled conductor (ABC) cables is given in SABS 0198-14.

Specific information for the tensioning of preferred sizes of low-voltage bare conductors and low-
voltage aerial bundled conductors is given in NRS 034-3.

Specific information for the tensioning of preferred sizes of medium-voltage bare conductors is given in
NRS 033.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

15 NRS 034-2-3:1997

9 Earthing of poles and pole-mounted equipment

9.1 Metal poles shall be bonded to the earth conductor of the distribution system (see NRS 016).

9.2 Where luminaires are attached to poles, all accessible metal parts of the luminaire, including any
parts that could be accessible to maintenance personnel, shall be bonded to the earth of the
distribution system, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 13 of the OHS Act.

9.3 Where so required, earth connections for the earthing of pole-mounted equipment, or earth wires
provided as part of the distribution system earth, should be installed on poles in accordance with the
applicable guidelines or code of practice (see NRS 033 and NRS 016).

sabs pta