What is Electric Pole? Types, Applications, Advantages



electric pole types, applications


Electrical Pole is the structure or column used to support the overhead transmission line, electric cables, telecommunication cables, equipment such as a transformer, street light, etc. The electric pole used to support the transmission line is called a transmission pole. Same as there are telephone poles, street light poles, power poles, telegraph poles, etc available. In this article, we are going to know different types of electric pole and their function, applications, etc. Of course, we will discuss about the poles used for overhead power transmission system.


Electric Pole Types


Electrical poles are divided based on design structure, the material used for manufacturing, application areas, etc. Electric poles are designed along these important factors such as the mechanical strength of the pole must be able to withstand the weight of the conductor even in the heavy wind flow. Other factors such as low design cost, lightweight as much possible, low maintenance hazard, low maintenance, and handling cost, etc.

Different Types of Electric Poles are,
  1. Wooden Electric Pole
  2. PCC Electric Pole
  3. RCC Electric Pole
  4. Rail Electric Pole
  5. Steel Pole
  6. Lattice Steel Structure or Steel Tower

Remember that the above classification of electric pole is based on construction material. But the electric poles also be classified based on structure also such as,
  1. Single Pole Structure
  2. Double Pole Structure
  3. Four Pole Structure
  4. Six Pole Structure




Wooden Electric Pole


Used for Voltage: 230V, 440V

Application Area: Rural Area

The wooden electric pole is the most cost-effective and old infrastructure. Due to the low cost and easy installation, wooden electric poles are mostly used in rural areas. There are a lot of disadvantages of wooden electric poles such as it weaker than other pole types, cannot withstand long sag or span, less height, etc. The maintenance cost of the wooden pole is very high as they need to replace once damaged. But the wooden poles are very long-lasting. One important advantage of the wooden pole is, it provides more electrical isolation. Generally, shawl wood is commonly used for wooden poles. The life of wooden poles is mainly reduced by the rain, locusts, moisture weather, etc. Wooden poles are used for low tension lines only such as 230V or 440V. Wooden pole may create a very dangerous situation in rany days when it is wet by the rain water. Also, electrical sparking may cause to fire on the wooden pole.




PCC Electric Pole



Used for Voltage: 230V, 440V

Application Area: Rural Area, Villages, Lands

The full form of PCC is Plain Cement Concrete. This type of pole is generally designed with the height of 7 to 8 meters. PCC poles are used for 11KV, 440V, and 230V. The PCC poles are stronger than wooden poles. Of course, the cost of the PCC poles is more than wooden poles. The main primary material of the PCC pole is cement concrete. This type of pole can withstand more span and sag than a wooden pole. PCC poles are heavier than wooden poles. This type of pole are supported by an external conductor with a stray insulator.




RCC Electric Pole


Used for Voltage: 230V, 440V, 11KV

Application Area: Villages, Suburban areas, lands

RCC Full Form is Reinforced Cement Concrete. The main difference between PCC Pole and RCC Pole is, PCC pole is made with only cement concrete whereas the RCC pole is manufactured with cement concrete with inside iron rods. This increases the tensile strength and durability of the pole. In some RCC poles, a hollow pipe is placed for the laying of earthing wire. RCC poles are used up to 33KV.




Rail Electric Pole


Used for Voltage: 11KV, 33KV

Application Area: Railway Power Transmission


Rail electric pole is the heaviest electric pole than others. It is built with a rail line or rail path iron structure. The height of the rail pole is generally 9 meters to 13 meters. Rail pole is not used for low tension lines(230V or 400V), Rail Pole is mainly used for 11KV and 33KV lines. Rail electric pole is used in railway overhead transmission system. Rail electric poles are mainly designed for high mechanical strength, high tension, high vibration withstanding capability, etc. This because it continues getting the pressure from the rail pantograph. The manufacturing cost and installation cost of the Rail Pole are very high.




Steel Pole


Used for Voltage: 440V, 11KV, 33KV, 66KV

Application Area: Cities, Urban Areas, Near highway roads

Steel Poles are mainly structured as a rolled structure or tubular structure. Steel poles have high mechanical strength and are lightweight. Steel poles are mainly used for 33KV and above 33KV lines. Steel poles are mainly used in cities, urban areas, near highways, roads, etc. The installation and manufacturing costs of the steel poles are high. Steel poles are capable to withstand more load, span, and sag than Wooden, PCC, and RCC Poles. Steel tubular poles also have two types - Stepped Tubular Pole and Swaged Tubular Pole.




Lattice Steel Structure or Steel Tower


Used for Voltage: 33KV, 66KV, 132KV

Application Area: Electrical power transmission system through overhead line

Steel towers are used for very high power transmission for long-distance. Generally, steel towers are used for overhead electrical power transmission systems. Steel towers are manufactured by connecting no of metal rods, plates, angles, etc. The installation of steel towers takes a long time and high cost. Steel tower are having very high mechanical strength, tensile strength, capable of more load, sag, and span. 66KV, 132KV all are transmitted through overhead transmission lines with steel towers. The steel tower footings are generally grounded by driving rods into the earth.




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What is Electric Pole? Types, Applications, Advantages What is Electric Pole? Types, Applications, Advantages Reviewed by Author on August 05, 2021 Rating: 5
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