The Ultimate Guide to Choosing cross arm electrical pole

Author: Liang

May. 20, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Electrical Cross Arms for Power

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Electrical Cross Arms, Cross Arms in Transmission Lines

Electrical Cross Arm: The Complete Guide

You definitely need an electrical cross arm for your transmission and distribution lines. In this guide, I will show you how to choose a suitable electrical cross arm.

Whenever you buy this accessory, consider technical specifications, design, and the installation process, among other aspects. The good news is, you'll learn about all those here. Let’s dive right in.

What is an Electrical Cross Arm?

An electrical cross arm is an engineered piece of composite equipment used in pole line technology to hold power lines and other electric equipment.

Cross Arm in Power Transmission

For an electrical cross arm to be reliable, it must be efficient in both dead-end and tangent applications. To meet the needs of distribution and transmission, you need to choose a strong cross arm engineered for maximum performance.

Electrical cross arms are also known as telephone pole cross arms, light pole cross arms, or power pole cross arms. For example, power pole cross arms are usually connected to an insulator using an insulator pin. The insulation is then attached to the wires on the power line to complete the power connection.

Why You Need Electrical Cross Arms in Transmission and Distribution Lines

Electrical cross arms serve various purposes depending on the application. They are integral infrastructure components for railroads, telephone companies, electrical utility companies, cable companies, and refineries. These applications require electrical cross arms that can improve system resilience and efficiency under different weather conditions.

Support in Light Poles

In light poles, the electrical cross arm supports street light power lines. It also supports and anchors conductors along distribution and transmission lines, holding cables and insulators to the main body, usually the tower. The cross arm keeps the conductor at a certain height above the ground. In electricity transmission, cross arms are spaced evenly to provide enough distance between lines, preventing them from coming into contact with each other.

Classification of Electrical Cross Arms

When buying electrical cross arms, you can choose from a range of designs available in the market. In most cases, the classification depends on the application nature.

1) Power Pole Cross Arms

These cross arms are used on power poles to connect conductors and insulators. They ensure efficient electricity transmission and have holes for tightening insulators and conductors using bolts.

2) Line-Cross Arms

Line arms are part of the cross arm found on both sides of the pole and used for short and long transmissions. The connection is generally in a straight line with extra support at the base of the cross arm.

3) Side Arms

Also known as braced horizontal arms, these single-size arms are fastened to the pole line with minimal support underneath. They can be seen on different pole levels for single circuit transmissions.

4) Telephone Pole Cross Arms

Known for allowing multiple connections, telephone cross arms are among the longest cross arms. They accommodate more than two links on each side and can have multiple cross arms on one pole depending on the connection.

5) Light Pole Cross Arms

Light pole cross arms support street and traffic lights. Their length varies based on the number of bulbs they need to hold. Most are made of steel and hang at different pole levels.

Pole Line Hardware to Use with Electrical Cross Arms

Anytime you use an electrical cross arm, you may need the following accessories:

Pigtail Bolts

Also known as pigtail hooks, eye bolts, screws, or fasteners, pigtail bolts are used on poles to hang suspension clamps, dead-end clamps, and electrical cross arms. They have a helical end on one side and threads on the other.

U Bolts

U bolts are shaped like the letter U and have threads on each end. They fasten various components to the electrical cross arm.

Double Arming Bolts

These bolts have threads all over them without heads or tails. They have nuts used to fasten connections on the electrical cross arms from both ends.

Electrical Cross Arm Manufacturing Process

The process of manufacturing electrical cross arms depends on the material used. Steel cross arms require straightforward technology:

  • Gather all required materials and cut them according to the specified measurements.
  • Drill holes on the steel bars per customer specifications.
  • Dip the steel in hot molten zinc to acquire corrosion resistance properties.

At this point, the cross arm is ready for sale.

How to Specify Electrical Cross Arm

Specifying electrical cross arms involves several critical aspects.

1. Type of Material

The material varies depending on the manufacturer. Most companies prefer timber for its durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Other materials include hot-dip galvanized steel and composites.

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2. Shape and Design

The most common shape is the straight bar design, which is easy to make and install, requiring no extra support. Another shape is the V-shaped cross arm, which requires extra support and does not allow multiple connections of conductors and insulators.

3. Holes

The holes on the cross arm must match the size of the components to be attached. The number of holes should correspond to the number of utilities it will support.

4. Bolts and Nuts

Bolt types like pigtail bolts, U bolts, and double arming bolts are used to hold utilities to the cross arm and to secure the cross arm to the pole.

5. Finishing – Hot Dip Galvanized

Hot dip galvanization provides extra properties like corrosion resistance to steel electrical cross arms by dipping them in liquid zinc to prevent rusting.

6. Dimension

Customers need to specify top face width, side face depth, and overall length. Additionally, specifications for pinhole number and diameter, brace bolt spacing, through-bolt hole, and other required holes are needed.

7. Weight

The weight of electrical cross arms varies depending on the material used. Different types of wood or steel will affect the overall weight.

8. Tensile Strength

Electrical cross arms must have high tensile strength to withstand weather conditions and added weight from connections. The strength should be adequate to avoid any problems caused by excess weight.

Electrical Cross Arm Installation Process

Installing an electrical cross arm is a complex, dangerous task that requires expert assistance and protective gear. Here are the steps:

  • Gather all relevant materials and bring them to the site.
  • Make holes in the pole and raise it.
  • Connect conductors and insulators to the cross arm using specified bolts, ensuring they are secure.
  • Use an elevator to lift and fasten the cross arm to the pole.
  • Connect other components either on the ground before raising or once the cross arm is in place.
  • Ensure all measurements are accurate before making cuts to avoid material waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an electrical cross arm?

An electrical cross arm is an engineered piece of composite equipment used in pole line technology to support power lines and other electric equipment. It is also known as a telephone pole cross arm, light pole cross arm, or power pole cross arm.

What is the application of the electrical cross arm?

The electrical cross arm is used on transmission or overhead lines.

What are the types of electrical cross arms?

The classification of electrical cross arms depends on the application.

  • Power pole cross arms
  • Line-cross arms
  • Side arms
  • Telephone pole cross arms
  • Light pole cross arms
How to manufacture an electrical cross arm?

The manufacturing process depends on the material used:

  • Gather required materials and cut them to specified measurements.
  • Drill holes per customer specifications.
  • Dip the steel in hot molten zinc for corrosion resistance.
  • The cross arm is now ready for sale.
How to specify electrical cross arms?

There are several aspects to specifying electrical cross arms:

  • Type of Material
  • Shape and Design
  • Holes
  • Bolts and Nuts
  • Finishing – Hot Dip Galvanized
  • Dimension
  • Weight
  • Tensile Strength

Conclusion

In pole line technology, electrical cross arms must withstand harsh weather conditions and ensure safety during replacements, repairs, and installations. They need to be specially engineered to meet customer requirements and perform exceptionally well. At Rax Industry, designing and manufacturing electrical cross arms is what we do best. Talk to us today, and our technical experts will help you choose a suitable electrical cross arm.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for Power Line Distribution Hardware Fitting. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the best options for your needs.

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