Utility pole codes. Tacoma Power’s Electrical Construction Standards are residential and commercial electrical construction and maintenance requirements. Description and Purpose: Wood Poles are branded with Species, treatment, Class, and length as in Figure 2-3. Wood Utility Poles are typically designed as single member cantilever structures. a. In 1915 the Legislature issued Chapter 600, which amended Chapter 499. SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION This informational booklet is issued by American Electric Power Company for the guidance of Customers, Engineers, Architects, Contractors and other interested parties planning electrical installations for residential buildings and small commercial establishments. The objective of this paper is to describe the standards forwood poles and otherwood products used in utility structures as well as the ongoing activities of ANSI Committee 05 in maintaining the three standards for wood products used in utility structures. 1) The fiber strength and MOE values in Table 1 apply to wood utility poles meeting this standard. Utility color codes are used to identify existing underground utilities in construction areas with the intent of protecting them from damage during excavation. Proper line design, pole selection and installation are the keys to the successful use of the wood pole. National Wood Pole Standards Overview The use of wood utility poles is guided by national standards, including ANSI 05. Home and landowners are often surprised to see colored flags in their yards. Birthmark location on the pole varies with length and type. Given their role in public safety and property rights, the state has established regulations to govern their installation, maintenance, and liability concerns. The poles described in the standard are to be, as stated in the standard, “simple cantilever members subject to transverse methods only”. (11) “Utility poles” or “poles” means poles that are used to support electrical, cable television, telephone, and broadband service. The following table for overhead conductors and sign clearances is extracted from Tables 1 and 2A of these rules: Wood poles are not strain poles, and class 3 concrete poles should also not be considered as strain poles. Please consult with your supervisor about the use of strain poles and the limitations that may apply to your situation. All equipment ground wires, neutral conductors, messenger wires, and surge-protection ground interconnected and attached to a common (pole) accordance with the requirements of, or exempted Electrical Safety Code. LINE CONSTRUCTION AND LOADING Prevailing laws and practice in most states in the United States require overhead lines be designed, at the very minimum, to meet the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). TARGET AUDIENCE This utility standard targets all employees who climb, maintain, or inspect wood distribution or transmission poles. Jun 17, 2023 · Deciphering the Language of Utility Markings: Understanding 811 Markings - Knowledge and Science Bulletin Board SystemDeciphering the Language of Utility Markings: Understanding 811 Markings Have you ever seen strange markings on the ground or sidewalk and wondered what they could possibly mean? Chances are, they’re utility markings, used to designate underground utility lines. While most of those poles have been removed since then due to line obsolescence or accidents, not a single one is known to have been removed due to biological degradation. Understanding Equipment installed on service poles as shown in this document will also meet the requirements of the California Building Standards Code - Electrical Regulations. The bulletin also contains information regarding standard RUS anchor and guying assemblies and their component parts to assist the user in the proper selection and installation of OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Electric Staff Division FILING INSTRUCTION: This bulletin replaces RUS Bulletin 1728F-806, Specifications and Drawing for Underground Electric Distribution, dated June 2000. Utilities must design to meet or exceed these standards. 01 mandates that New Hampshire utilities must use the requirements of the NESC to construct their facilities in accordance with good Oct 25, 2025 · (10) “Utility facility” means the same as that term is defined in §17-2A-17a of this code. Poles farmed for telephone poles, light poles, distribution Dec 22, 2018 · The National Electrical Code (NEC) has multiple different minimum standards, all of which depend on what is under the wires as they run from the utility pole to the service mast on your house. Introduction_ 1 Strength requirements for wood poles_ 2 Table 19. Non-SCE Antennas Placed on SCE Poles Manual (PDF) Non-SCE Communications Facilities Placed on SCE Poles Manual The Non-SCE Communications Facilities Placed on SCE Poles is a guide for use by entities seeking to license or lease space from SCE for the purpose of attaching communication facilities on solely owned or jointly owned SCE distribution poles supporting energized conductors (up to 33 Full Treatment Methodology Excavate 360 degrees around the pole to 20 inches in depth. Power lines are located at the top. The T-4 Committee A utility pole, commonly referred to as a transmission pole, telephone pole, telecommunication pole, power pole, hydro pole, telegraph pole, or telegraph post, is a column or post used to support overhead power lines and various other public utilities, such as electrical cable, fiber optic cable, and related equipment such as transformers and Feb 23, 2025 · What is a utility pole identification system? Learn about the benefits of implementing utility pole identification systems and best practices. Each pole serves as an engineered structure, supporting considerable weight from power lines, transformers, co-axial cable, fiber optic cable and other loads. Find out how these elements work together to deliver electricity to homes and buildings. By affixing robust QR codes to utility poles, we provide instant access to detailed pole information through a simple scan, enhancing safety, service efficiency, and reliability in field operations. Includes industry analysis, certification requirements, market outlook, tools, and detailed operational insights for marketers and industry professionals. com Aug 26, 2024 · LED Lighting Supply experts explain wood utility pole standards & selection. May 21, 2025 · When it comes to managing and maintaining utility infrastructure, accurate identification and tracking of utility poles is crucial. The polyethylene numbers and letters start in the UTILITY/DISTRIBUTION POLE CODE – STANDARD FORMAT NOTES: The Hampton (HA) series in a Plain Grey (PG), mold finish (1) is standard for all utility/distribution poles. The Commission would like a better understanding of the location, ownership, characteristics, cost structure, attachments, and management of these poles. 1 Pole Inspection, Handling, and Distribution 4. Mar 12, 2025 · Utility poles are a critical part of California’s infrastructure, supporting electrical lines, telecommunications, and other essential services. Electric Service Standards for Overhead, Underground and Residential Subdivision Areas Oct 27, 2025 · (e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the commission shall promulgate rules to govern the timely transfer of facilities from an old pole to a new pole and the removal of utility poles that have had electric facilities moved to new poles but continue to have other facilities attached in the telecommunications space on the old existing poles. 1991, c. Maintain safe clearance distances between structures, landscaping projects and any utility facilities or easements on or near your property. Standards that define the quality, dimensions and basic engineering data for preserved wood poles were first written in the Getting to know your poles The cooperative provides electric service to 5,862 accounts and maintains 1,375 miles of energized lines. How Does QR Poles Improve Field Technician Safety? American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Product Introduction Pressure treated wood utility poles are an essential part of Canada’s electrical and communication infrastructure. DCOI has been standardized as a wood preservative by the AWPA since 1989 and ground contact uses were added in 2017. 1-2022 provides minimum specifications for the quality and dimension of wood poles that will ultimately be used as single-pole utility structures. Jan 1, 2012 · 2024 California Code Public Utilities Code - PUC DIVISION 4. Access utility pole data and reports through this ArcGIS interactive application. 05 | Levy of public way fees by municipal corporation. Split the angle on curves. The stub pole plan, method of treatment, kind of preservative and general procedure applying to all stub poles must be in accordance with the latest RUS specifications in effect at the time the bids are received. However, you should understand that design criteria in PLS-CADD are generic and can be modified to fit almost any international Code or Standard. 1 New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Puc. The photos here show one of their tags that was recently produced and one that they just took off a Utility Pole after 14 years. 48:3-17a Public utility pole or underground facility placement; municipal consent required; procedures, enforcement. American Public Works Association color code for locator marks Underground utility lines are marked with flags and/or paint in accordance with the color code below. An 85-Year Past And Still Counting When the Bell Telephone System installed 18,000 CCA-treated southern pine poles in 1940 and 1941, it was the first large-scale use of CCA-treated wood poles by the utility industry. To this end, the bulletin contains data, equations, and sample calculations. Identity Pole Tag Easily locate your utility poles with reflective, bar coded labels from ACP International! UV-stabilized, digital print for maximum durability Can be printed and packaged with consecutive numbers Great for identifying pole locations and inventory Add reflective sheeting for low light conditions Optional: Includes Bar Code 39 Find out where PG&E poles are located The Joint Use Map Portal (JUMP) is used to access PG&E’s database to search for pole information. They are clamped onto the One-Piece Pole Tag during the production process. Where an existing or proposed utility facility is supported by "H" frames, the same type structures may be utilized for the crossing provided all other requirements of this subchapter are met. Specifications for Wood Utility Poles including manufacturing, class dimensions, quality of work and Many of the requirements of the Codes and Standards listed below are hard-coded in our software and can optionally be selected by name. 4. May 18, 2016 · When constructing aerial facilities, please refer to the governing codes, such as the National Electrical Safety Code, National Electric Code, Oregon Public Utility Commission Safety Rules, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration, State, County and Municipal codes, and all other applicable company standards, including contracts. Oct 15, 2016 · 1. A utility pole identification system in which alphanumeric symbols and a replaceable bar code insert are incorporated into a tag which is affixed to a pole, with the symbols and bar code used to display information concerning the pole and/or utility equipment supported thereon. The effects of conditioning on fiber strength and MOE have been accounted for . Learn 45-year service life benefits, national quality requirements & species comparison. Nails and other hard substances attached to utility poles Dec 4, 2019 · Why Are Utility Poles Different Heights? The height of power lines is determined by the lines connected to a pole and municipal codes governing line ground clearance. Understanding these standards and how they are applied in the design and construction of overhead systems using wood utility poles. g. The Barcode and QR Code tags will assist the utilities and other industries with asset identification and the logging of important information into their database. Crimes and Offenses § 6905. 2024 California Code Public Utilities Code - PUC DIVISION 4. McLean . Both ACZA and CCA are included in many product specifications for materials such as building foundations, building poles, utility poles, marine piles, and piles for land and fresh water use. With regard to clearances, an electric utility that is not a municipal electric utility shall construct, operate, and maintain its transmission lines and distribution lines along highways and at other places in accordance with the national electrical safety code. If pole cannot be excavated at this minimum, pole is an auto reject RAC 2 unless a higher priority is identified as a result of the internal inspection. Even in the technology dominated era, wood Apr 10, 2018 · The race to attach broadband equipment to utility poles is causing strain on the power and communication spaces, posing risks to workers and the public. They have been amazed at the longevity they’ve gotten out of their tags, especially since they are used outdoors. Thanks to Code Check, we have an excellent graphic to make things clear. To view or download a publication, click on the . Section 4939. Nearly 26,000 utility poles are used to support the overhead lines and other crucial infrastructure. Facilities = lines, equipment, and specified infrastructure (e. Preservative-treated wood utility poles are essential to the North American electricity distribution system. Learn the meaning behind utility marking colors and how they protect underground infrastructure. We can provide treatments in Creosote, CCA, Pentachlorophenol, and other EPA registered preservatives for your electric pole needs. Treated Wood Utility Poles Cobb Lumber Company has the ability to supply the wood pole to fit your needs. 2. Longitudinal lines on the right of way shall be limited to single pole construction on each side of the right of way, unless otherwise authorized by the district. In these situations, the utility equipment does not offer any worker protection. 48:3-17a), before a public utility places a pole, used for the supplying and distributing of electricity for light, heat or power, or for the furnishing of telegraph, telephone or other telecommunications service, on a public One of our long-time customers is in the utility pole/power industry and uses our UV Stable Black Aluminum material for their Utility Pole Tags. Attachments to utility poles; use of utility ducts, trenches and conduits Online Library for Wood Poles NAWPC is the recognized source for information on preservative-treated wood utility poles. These laws aim to balance utility providers’ needs with those of property owners and Introduction In the 2022 edition of ANSI O5. The T Committees are based upon commodity end use; poles are covered under the T-4 Poles and Posts Committee, which includes a number of utility members. 17 "Infrastructure" means NES distribution poles, transmission poles with distribution underbuild, ducts, conduit, vaults, anchors, fiber optic cable capacity and active communications capacity, facilities and all other utility infrastructure and associated materials and equipment on or connected to these structures which are owned by, or Product Introduction Pressure Treated Wood Utility Poles are used to support overhead power lines as well as various other public utilities such as fibre optic, television cables, transformers and street lights. Communication lines include television, broadband internet and telephone service and are located lowest in position on a utility pole. Sep 24, 2012 · Public and private utility companies follow a national council uniform color code. Transmission poles are available in Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar. Access to PG&E’s Joint Use Map Portal (JUMP) is limited to utility companies and communication infrastructure providers (CIPs) operating in PG&E’s service territory and who have Licensee shall bond to Utility pole ground wherever Utility has a down ground on the pole. These flags are utility marking symbols that help those who work in the adjacent area to know what kind of utilities exist under the ground before digging. 04 | Management, regulation, and administration of public ways by municipal corporations. 1 The contractor shall immediately notify the engineer of freight damage or misfabrication of poles. 1. Unless special circumstances prevail, always set every pole with the birthmark facing the street (roadside). 0329 | Construction, modification, or maintenance of oversized pole or wireless support structure under public way. They are not intended to mean that an electrical installation, made in accordance with such rules and regulations, is adequate for the customer’s present or future electric service. STANDARD UTILITY POLE ATTACHMENTS (Typical Pole Details, Not to Scale) Identification of attachments is necessary to assist in repair of third party or storm damage to cables, equipment cabinets, conduit and other pole attachments. Learn about the violations and consequences in this blog. L. If the ground is under the metal U-guard, contact Utility to make the ground connection. . Jan 1, 2022 · Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 Pa. C. The Camcode's Metalphoto® bar code pole tags are durable enough to withstand the harshest exterior environments while remaining readable for more than 20 years. Poles with obstructions must have a minimum 2/3 of the pole’s circumference excavated. The NESC applies to the utility infrastructure all the way to the point of service or meter on a National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Rules for Joint-Use Construction (OJUA NESC 201 – OJUA 2023 Spring Training) 2024 Texas Statutes Local Government Code Title 9 - Public Buildings and Grounds Subtitle A - Municipal Public Buildings and Grounds Chapter 284 - Deployment of Network Nodes in Public Right-of-Way Subchapter E. NAICS Code 237130-14 - Utility Contractors. Wood poles are typically used to support communication and electrical overhead power lines as well as other utilities including telephone cables, fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, transformers and streetlights. Pole Tags Pole tags are essential markers used to manage utility and telephone poles, ensuring proper identification, safety, and asset tracking. 1-2008, “Specifications and Dimensions for Wood Poles. Whenever you require excavation or digging for a project, it is necessary to use colored utility flags to identify utility lines below the surface. , poles, vaults…) The NESC covers similar systems under the exclusive control of the utility and being worked by qualified persons, such as (b) Vertical Clearances. This free, easy-to-use tool is available to authorized members anytime. Learn about the different components of a residential utility pole diagram, including power lines, transformers, meters, and more. All conductors of outside wiring shall comply with clearances specified in Rule 37, General Order No. Buy Business List by NAICS Code. Oct 21, 2024 · Explore the regulations, safety concerns, and enforcement measures surrounding public utility poles to ensure community safety and compliance. Protect the pole ground with a ground wire moulding. One essential tool in this process is a utility pole number lookup. Only those meeting national wood utility pole standards are manufactured, pressure treated and shipped to utilities throughout the continent. S. ”2F 3 This standard provides specifications for quality and dimensions of wood poles that are to be used in single-pole utility structures. A. 1 – Wood Poles, Specifications and Dimensions and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Jan 1, 2024 · New York Consolidated Laws, Public Service Law - PBS § 119-a. 1 - Wood Poles, Specifi cations and Dimensions, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) values were added to the table of fi ber strength values to provide a single source for such data for wood utility pole designers. WOOD POLES 4. If pole does not exhibit external decay, bore holes in accordance A. Caution: Doing live line work on the customer side of the service point can expose workers to electrical shock and the possibility of arc flash injuries and burns. This is done with either flags or Apr 25, 2001 · PURPOSE: This guide bulletin provides information needed to properly design guying for conductors attached to wood distribution poles. Larger poles may have two birthmarks -- if the pole is set extra deep, at least one birthmark will still be visible for identification. 306. DCOI is a thoroughly tested preservation system, offering a high performance, durable pole. 1 wood pole standard In order to comply with Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requirements, all poles shall have a pole number tag. This bulletin also references ANSI 05. PU Code Section 767 gives the Commission the authority to require that public utilities grant each other access to their utility poles, and to set rates, terms, and conditions4 for this access. These requirements have been established by the state of California in the interest of safety to the public and to workers and are applicable to all customer-owned service poles. Engineers and The premier product harvested from our forests, wood utility poles undergo constant quality analysis during the harvest, production and treatment process. The paper reviews other pole-related standards, but it places special emphasis on the role of the ANSI 05. Bate Assistant Administrator, Electric Program EFFECTIVE DATE: April 15, 2019 OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Engineering Standards DCOI is the newest oil-type preservative available for utility poles and crossarms. The information and recommendations set forth herein are, in general, sufficient to answer questions Jan 1, 2023 · (3) “ Pole attachment ” means any attachment to surplus space, or use of excess capacity, by a cable television corporation for a wire communication system on or in any support structure located on or in any right-of-way or easement owned, controlled, or used by a public utility. Access to Municipally Owned Utility Poles UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service BULLETIN l 728F-700 SUBJECT: · RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs and Anchor Logs Incorporated by reference in 7 CFR Parts 1728 and 1755 ·TO: All RUS Electric Borrowers Christopher A. This article will guide you through the basics of performing a utility pole number lookup, including why it is important, how it works, and the benefits it offers. The Wood Poles Technical Library offers a variety of publications detailing key information about preservative-treated wood utility poles and crossarms and their role in carrying electricity to communities across North America. NAICS Code 237130-07 - Pole Line Contractors. Key components in the preservative are also used in Ecolife treated decking and fencing. Find out what they mean. Red Electric power lines Pink Temporary survey markings The QR Poles platform is innovative, designed to revolutionize utility pole management. (b) Vertical Jan 2, 2024 · The good faith estimate of the unit owning or controlling the utility pole with respect to any make ready work necessary to enable the utility pole to support the requested placement must include pole replacement if necessary. If the information you are searching for regarding Codes and Standards is not included below it is because we do The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), the NEC and various Federal, State, County and Municipal Ordinances are based on the prevention of hazards to life and property. Discover the APWA color code, safety tips, and why calling 811 before digging is essential. On April 22, 1911, the State Legislature passed an act (Chapter 499, Statutes of 1911) which regulated the erection and maintenance of poles, wires, etc. The Statues of 1915 required the Railroad Commission to inspect all work affected by the provisions of the act, and to Nov 29, 2018 · (a) Type of construction. The information thus encoded in the tag can be read by utility inspection/maintenance personnel. 06 | Appeal of levy of public way Sep 19, 2023 · For work on existing services, upon request, Tacoma Power will disconnect power to enable you to work on a de-energized service. If no pole ground exists install a pole clown ground on the pole. 1 Wood Pole Brand/Birthmark Field Identification: Pole Brand or Birthmark is a tag that can be found on any side of a pole. The proponent provides the same performance data as well as data demonstrating that the preservative system can be delivered into the wood at the recommended retention. Even in the technology dominated era, wood Product Introduction Pressure treated wood utility poles are an essential part of Canada’s electrical and communication infrastructure. _ 22 Longitudinal Jan 3, 2025 · Section 4939. The framing, boring, and gaining, if required, must agree with the Pole Framing Details for the specific structures to be erected. , employed in overhead electric line construction. 8 - PUBLICLY OWNED UTILITIES PART 2 - Utility Poles and Support Structures Section 9511. Allowable fiber stresses for wood poles under ver¬ tical and transverse loading_ 4 Revised tables'for Appendix F of the National Electrical Safety Code—wood poles_ 5 Moments of resistance of poles_ 5 Transverse loads on poles_ 19 Vertical loads on poles. 95, 1981 Edition, Rules for Overhead Electric Line Construction of the California Public Utilities Commission, which is hereby incorporated by reference. After the effective date of P. Whether it’s a utility pole tag, telephone pole tag, or a pole marker, these tags serve a critical role in keeping inventory and maintenance schedules organized across utility infrastructures. Home Industries and Topics Electrical Energy Infrastructure Pole and Conduit Databases & Application Pole and Conduit Databases & Application California has estimated 4. Ultimate fiber stresses of wood poles_ 2 Table 20. NESC Utility Inspections The Oregon Administrative Rules and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) provides the standards for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric supply, telecommunication lines, and associated equipment. 2 million utility poles. 8 - PUBLICLY OWNED UTILITIES PART 2 - Utility Poles and Support Structures Apr 25, 2024 · Electrical Service Requirements (ESR - PDF) Note: The document is quite large (around 20 MB), so downloading or printing it might take a few minutes, depending on However, the utility shall review its plans with the county executive before locating the pole, facility, appliance, or fixture, and the county executive shall comply with IC 8-1-2-101. 1-2022? ANSI O5. The system’s integrity or dependability of electric Dec 2, 2022 · What Is ANSI O5. 1. See full list on camcode. With more than 130 million wood poles in service and millions of new wood poles installed each year, it is little wonder that wood remains the material of choice for poles used by the utility industry. Compliance to Codes The Company’s filed Terms and Conditions require that all electrical facilities, wiring, and equipment furnished by the Customer be and remain in compliance with the National Electrical Code. In addition to (a) (1) Permanent steps for poles and towers shall not unnecessarily obstruct the climbing space and shall have a minimum diameter of 5/8-inch and a minimum clear tread width of 4 1/2 inches. 366 (C. Utility poles play an important role because a distribution system is only as strong as its weakest link. Other local codes may apply, in which case the Customer’s facilities must comply with the most stringent applicable rules. Scope- covers supply and communication facilities and associated work practices employed by a electric supply, communications, or railway in the exercise of its functions as a utility. The pole number tag for each pole shall be made up using an aluminum mounting strip, 13” long for 12 characters (134-5767), 10” long strip holding 9 characters (134-5768) or an 8” long strip holding 7 characters (134-5769). tsnd6n 5v2p9 bibr o83s k0qua dhs lv vekpmgh 6gqidpk ffz