Selection of Poles and Pole Tops For MV Line Design

 Selection of Poles and Pole Tops

Typical pole sizes are presented in when selecting poles, potential future sub-circuits and streetlight mounting must be considered, if these are identified / known during the design phase.

Apart from spanning and angular limitations, selecting a suitable pole top configuration should take in to account:

1) Life cycle suitability;

2) Reliability;

3) Suitability for the environment (vegetation, wild life, salt and/or industrial pollution levels); and

4) Ease of construction and maintenance.

Horizontal (flat) construction has the advantage of reduced pole height at the expense of a wider line and corresponding broader easement width.

Flat configurations are preferred in areas frequented by birds. For higher risk spans increasing conductor separation can reduce conductor flash-over due to bird impact. Attaching bird diverts on conductors is also effective as a visual warning to birds.

Delta pin configuration provides for both horizontal and vertical separation and helps reduce conductor clashing.

Overall, more compact pole top configurations are less visually obstructive. It is best to keep to reasonably consistent configurations to maintain visual amenity as well as maintain spanning capability and ease of conductor phasing.