Your online resource for preservative-treated wood utility poles in North America

Timely and top-drawer presentations on critical issues facing utilities are on tap for the Powerline 2023 Overhead Conference on Oct. 11 in Overland Park, Kan.

This is the second year the North American Wood Pole Council is partnering with Endeavor Business Media to host the conference the day before the International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo Oct. 12-14. Endeavor manages the lineman event and publishes T&D World magazine and website.

The conference program includes presentations on all aspects of overhead systems, from structural design and infrastructure funding to managing and safeguarding line crews in the 21st century. Attendees also will learn about sustainable overhead design, today's modern wood crossarms, the effectiveness of pole inspection techniques and new ways to extend pole service life. Click here to see the full speaker program and descriptions.

The conference is intended for utility personnel who are involved with design, purchasing, installation, management and maintenance of the electrical distribution and transmission systems. Registration for Powerline 2023 is now open. Sponsorship opportunities for the conference also are available on the site.

Explore how to protect wood poles against wildfires

Today's wildfires can have devastating impacts for both communities and infrastructure such as utility poles. New technologies are available to utilities that can protect wood poles from the ravages of fire and keep power on.

A new Fire Protection section dispels myths that other materials are impervious to fire and are better than wood. It details technologies now in use that protect poles effectively, proven by both laboratory tests and real world experience. This protection is available for new poles and can be applied to existing poles in service as well.

Also, review fire tests of both wood and composite fiberglass crossarms that show significant differences in performance under fire conditions

See more in the new Wood Pole Fire Protection section.

New guides available on today's wood pole preservatives

With the retirement of a preservative used for wood utility poles, there are two new guides available to help utilities review and select other preservatives used to protect poles from decay fungi and insects.

The new Technical Bulletin Preservative Options for Wood Utility Poles reviews the six commonly available preservatives used today. It further details the process each preservative must go through to be approved for use in making durable, long-lasting utility poles.

A shorter, two-page guide Pole Principles - Preservatives for Wood Utility Poles offers an overview of the pole preservatives. Under each preservative is the species commonly treated and the companies that manufacturer the preservatives, including links to the manufacturer's website for additional information.

Check out the new guides in the WoodPoles.org Technical Library.

Updated ANSI standard for wood poles published

The national guide for specifying wood poles has been updated and is now available from ANSI. Standard O5.1-2022 includes numerous updates,improvements and clarifications to the standard used by electric and telecommunications utilities, engineers and wood pole manufacturers.

A key addition to the standard is the Photographic Manual of Wood Pole Characteristics, which was previously a separate publciation. The manual will help users identify permitted, limited or prohibited pole characteristics.

ANSI Standard O5.1-2022 can be purchased on ANSI WebStore for $60 and it is available as a printed guide or downloadable PDF file. Other O5 standards and packages are also available.

Energize your community outreach with customized coloring book

Utilities can get an assist in expanding their community affairs activities and communicating important safety information on overhead lines with a special low-cost, customized coloring book.

The 16-page book Electricity from Tree to Me is designed for children from kindergarten through elementary school. It explains how wood utility poles are made from sustainable and renewable trees and includes important safety messages for about overhead lines, including what to do if lines are on the ground.

The book is designed to be customized with utility information on the inside cover page and the back cover. The pages can feature colored artwork, such as a utility or company logo, so it can be integrated into utility community affairs programs.

Utility specific coloring books can be ordered for about $1 each for 1,000 copies or more. Quantities of 500 and 750 are also available at a discounted price.

Click here to learn more about the coloring book.