National Wood Pole

Standards
• Nelson G. Bingel III
• ASC O5 Chairman
• NESC Chairman

President
(678) 850-1461
nbingel@nelsonresearch.net 1
 Benefits of Wood as a Utility Pole Material

• Long-Life Span
• ~45 years national average without remedial treatment

• Lowest cost
• Both initial and full life-cycle costs

• Proven Performance
• “Go to” overhead line construction material since the
early 1900’s

• Climb-ability
• Ability to service attachments without heavy equipment

2
 Benefits of Wood as a Utility Pole Material

• Supply Chain is Proven

• Even in natural disaster events where demand is high, the wood
pole industry has provided poles in required timeline.

• Beneficial Physical Properties

• Good insulator, resilience to wind and mechanical impacts

• Easy Maintenance and Modification in service

• “Green”
• a treated wood pole has a reduced environmental impact when
compared to other utility pole materials.
• A renewable and plentiful resource

“10 Features Often Overlooked About the Extraordinary Wood Pole.”  North American Wood Pole Council. www.woodpoles.org 

3
 ANSI

American National Standards Institute

4
 ANSI

American National Standards Institute

ANSI accredits the procedures of standards developing organizations

5
 ANSI

American National Standards Institute

ANSI accredits the procedures of standards developing organizations

National consensus standards

6
 ANSI

American National Standards Institute

ANSI accredits the procedures of standards developing organizations

National consensus standards

Openness, balance, consensus and due process

7
American Standards Committee O5 – ASC O5

American National Standards Institute

American Standards Committee O5

USERS

PRODUCERS

GENERAL INTEREST

8
 National Wood Pole Standards

ASC O5 NESC
Accredited Standards 
Committee O5:

Standards for Wood Utility 
Structures

• Secretariat: AWPA

• Revised: 5 year cycle

• Founded in 1924

9
 ASC O5 Standards

Poles Glu-Lam Crossarms

O5.4 - 2009 Naturally Durable Hardwood Poles

O5.5 - 2010 Wood Ground Wire Moulding
O5.6 - 2010 Solid Sawn Naturally Durable Hardwood Crossarms & Braces
O5.TR.01-2004 Photographic Manual of Wood Pole Characteristics

10
http://asco5.org/standards/

11
http://asco5.org/standards/

12
Scope

Single Pole

13
 Scope

Simple Cantilever

Single Pole

14
 Scope

Simple Cantilever

Transverse

Single Pole

15
 Scope

Simple Cantilever

Transverse

Single Pole

Groundline

16
 Maximum Stress Point
Solid, Round, Tapered, Cantilever

Load
(Wind Force on Wires, Equip., etc.)

17
 Maximum Stress Point
Solid, Round, Tapered, Cantilever

Load
(Wind Force on Wires, Equip., etc.)

Max Stress @ 1.5 Diameter Load Point

18
 Maximum Stress Point
Solid, Round, Tapered, Cantilever

Load
(Wind Force on Wires, Equip., etc.)

Max Stress @ 1.5 Diameter Load Point

Distribution Usually Groundline

19
 Maximum Stress Point
Solid, Round, Tapered, Cantilever

Load
(Wind Force on Wires, Equip., etc.)

Max Stress @ 1.5 Diameter Load Point

Distribution Usually Groundline

20
ANSI O5.1 – Wood Poles

Wood
Quality

21
 ANSI O5.1 – Wood Poles

Wood
Quality

Class Fiber Pole

Loads Strength Dimensions

22
 Wood Quality

• Allowable knots

23
 Wood Quality

• Sweep

24
 Wood Quality

• Growth Rings

25
Pole Marking & Code Letters

26
Pole Marking & Code Letters

27
Transverse Wind Loads

Ice

28
 Class Loads
Horizontal
2 ft Class Load (lb)
Lc 10 370
9 740
7 1,200
6 1,500
5 1,900
4 2,400
3 3,000
2 3,700
1 4,500
H1 5,400
H2 6,400
H3 7,500
H4 8,700
H5 10,000
H6 11,400
29
 General Class Load Applications
Horizontal General
2 ft Class Load (lb) Industry Use
Lc 10 370
9 740 Telecom Only Poles
7 1,200
6 1,500
5 1,900
4 2,400 Distribution
3 3,000
2 3,700
1 4,500
H1 5,400
H2 6,400 Transmission
H3 7,500
H4 8,700
H5 10,000
H6 11,400
30
Strengths are Average Values

31
 Wood vs. Steel Variability
ASCE Manual and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 141

32
 Applied Bending Load

2 ft
Lc

Class 1 4,500 lb
Class 2 3,700 lb
Class 3 3,000 lb
Class 4 2,400 lb
Class 5 1,900 lb

33
 Applied Bending Load

2 ft
Lc

D Class 1 4,500 lb
Class 2 3,700 lb
Class 3 3,000 lb
Class 4 2,400 lb
Class 5 1,900 lb

34
 Applied Bending Load

2 ft
Lc

Applied Bending Load =

Lc x D (ft-lb)
D Class 1 4,500 lb
Class 2 3,700 lb
Class 3 3,000 lb
Class 4 2,400 lb
Class 5 1,900 lb

35
 L x D = Bending Moment (ft-lb)

40 ft Class 4

2400 lb

32 ft

76,800 ft-lb

36
 L x D = Bending Moment (ft-lb)

50 ft Class 4

40 ft Class 4 2400 lb

2400 lb

41 ft

32 ft

76,800 ft-lb 98,400 ft-lb

37
Fiber Strength

Lc

38
 Fiber Strength

Lc

Tension Compression
(psi) (psi)
39
 Fiber Strength

Lc

Tension Compression
(psi) (psi)
Fiber Strength
40
 Fiber Strength

Lc

Bending Capacity =
k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)

Tension Compression
(psi) (psi)
Fiber Strength
41
 Circumference3 Effect

MG/L = .000264 x Fiber Stress x Circumference 3

34”
26”

37,120 ft-lb
83,010 ft-lb

Circumference Increase - 30%

Bending Capacity Increase - 123%

42
 Circumference3 Effect

MG/L = .000264 x Fiber Strength x Circumference 3

34”
26”

37,120 ft-lb
83,010 ft-lb

Circumference Increase - 30%

Bending Capacity Increase - 123%

43
 Circumference3 Effect

MG/L = .000264 x Fiber Strength x Circumference 3

34”
26”
80-90%
Pole’s Bending Strength
In The Outer 2-3” Of Shell!
37,120 ft-lb
83,010 ft-lb

Circumference Increase - 30%

Bending Capacity Increase - 123%

44
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

45
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

Group A
Air Seasoning

46
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

Group A
Air Seasoning

Group B
Boulton Drying

47
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

Group A
Air Seasoning

Group B
Boulton Drying

Group C
Steam Conditioning

48
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

Group A
Air Seasoning

Group B
Boulton Drying

Group C
Steam Conditioning

Group D
Kiln Drying

49
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

Southern Yellow Pine 8,000 psi

Douglas fir 8,000 psi

Western red cedar 6,000 psi

50
Pole Species

51
Pole Species

52
Pole Species

Distribution:
Southern Yellow Pine

Transmission:
Douglas fir
Western red cedar
Southern Pine

53
 Pole Species

Distribution:
Douglas fir
Distribution:
Southern Yellow Pine
Transmission
Douglas fir
Western red cedar
Transmission:
Douglas fir
Western red cedar
Southern Pine

54
Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

55
 Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

1) The effects of conditioning on fiber strength have been accounted for in the Table 1
values provided that conditioning was performed within the limits herein prescribed.

56
 Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

1) The effects of conditioning on fiber strength have been accounted for in the Table 1
values provided that conditioning was performed within the limits herein prescribed.

4) The designated fiber strength represents a mean, groundline, fiber strength value
with a coefficient of variation equal to 0.20.

57
Through-boring

58
Oregon State University
-Through-Boring Project-

59
60
61
Through-boring

62
 Table 1 – Designated Fiber Strength

1) The effects of conditioning on fiber strength have been accounted for in the Table 1
values provided that conditioning was performed within the limits herein prescribed.

4) The designated fiber strength represents a mean, groundline, fiber strength value
with a coefficient of variation equal to 0.20.

5) Where Douglas-fir (coastal or Interior North) are through-bored prior to treatment, to

account for the process, the designated fiber strength shall be reduced 5% to 7600 psi.

63
2017 Table 1 added MOE

64
2017 Table 1 added MOE

65
 2017 Table 1 added MOE

1) The fiber strength and MOE values in Table 1 apply to wood utility poles meeting this
standard. The effects of conditioning on fiber strength and MOE have been accounted for
……..

66
 2017 Table 1 added MOE

1) The fiber strength and MOE values in Table 1 apply to wood utility poles meeting this
standard. The effects of conditioning on fiber strength and MOE have been accounted for
……..

7) The Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) represents a mean value.

67
 Circumference Dimensions

6ft

G/L TIP

68
 Circumference Dimensions

6ft

G/L TIP

Bending Capacity =
k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)

69
Circumference Dimension Tables

70
Circumference Dimension Tables

71
 Circumference Dimension Tables

1) The figures in this column are not recommended embedment depths; rather,
these values are intended for use only when a definition of groundline is necessary
in order to apply requirements relating to scars, straightness, etc.

72
Circumference Dimension Tables

73
Annex B: Groundline Stresses

74
Annex B: Groundline Stresses

Minimum circumferences specified at 6 feet from the butt

Were calculated so each species in a given class

Can support the class horizontal load applied 2 ft from the tip

75
Annex B: Groundline Stresses

Minimum circumferences specified at 6 feet from the butt

Were calculated so each species in a given class

Can support the class horizontal load applied 2 ft from the tip

Applied Bending Load =

Lc x D (ft-lb)

76
Annex B: Groundline Stresses

Minimum circumferences specified at 6 feet from the butt

Were calculated so each species in a given class

Can support the class horizontal load applied 2 ft from the tip

Applied Bending Load = Bending Capacity =

Lc x D (ft-lb) k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)

77
Pole Dimension Table
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir

(in)

78

78
Pole Dimension Table
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir

(in)

79

79
Pole Dimension Table
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir

(in)

80

80
Pole Dimension Table
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir
Applied Bending Load=
Class Load * Distance

76,800 ft-lbs=
2,400 lbs* 32ft

(in)

81

81
Pole Dimension Table
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir
Applied Bending Load=
Class Load * Distance

76,800 ft-lbs=
2,400 lbs* 32ft

(in) Bending Capacity =

k x fiber strength x C3

79,401 ft-lbs=
.000264 x 8000x 33.53

82

82
 40 ft Class 4 Poles

Douglas fir Western Red Cedar

(8000 psi) (6000 psi)

83
 40 ft Class 4 Poles

2400 lb

Douglas fir Western Red Cedar

(8000 psi) (6000 psi)

84
 40 ft Class 4 Poles

2400 lb

Douglas fir Western Red Cedar

(8000 psi) (6000 psi)

33 1/2” 36 1/2”
85
 Annex B: Groundline Stresses

Note 7

86
 Annex B: Groundline Stresses

Note 7

Average circumference tapers

in the groundline zone of a pole

87
 ANSI O5.1 Summary

2 ft
Lc

Bending
Capacity = k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)
88
 ANSI O5.1 Summary

2 ft
Lc

Bending
Capacity = k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)
89
 ANSI O5.1 Summary

2 ft
Lc

All Species
Same Length & Class
Similar Load Capacity

Bending
Capacity = k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)
90
 ANSI O5.1 Summary

2 ft
Lc

All Species
Same Length & Class
Similar Load Capacity

Bending
Capacity = k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)
91
 ANSI O5.1 Summary

2 ft
Lc

All Species
Same Length & Class
Similar Load Capacity

Bending
Capacity = k x fiber strength x C3 (ft-lb)
92
Fiber Strength Values

Forest Products Lab

1965 Publication

Fiber Strength
Derivation

93
FPL 39 Table 4
Final Adopted Fiber Strengths

94
FPL 39 Table 4
Final Adopted Fiber Strengths

Near 5% Lower Exclusion Limit

Of Actual Average Bending Strength
Of Three Pole Groups

95
Newer Test Data That Was Adjusted
to Align with FPL 39
Annex C – Poles <50 ft

96
Newer Test Data That Was Adjusted
to Align with FPL 39
Annex C – Poles 50 ft and longer

97
All Adjusted Full Scale Break Tests

ASTM

EPRI

98
All Adjusted Full Scale Break Tests

ASTM
No Change
to
Previous Fiber Strengths
EPRI

99
 Annex A
Fiber Stress Height Effect

100
 Annex A
Fiber Stress Height Effect

Round timbers are known to

decrease in ultimate unit strength
with height above ground.

101
 Actual Pole Dimensions


 

 
 WA 

  MT ME
ND
 OR MN

 ID
VT NH
 WI MI
SD
 NY MA
RI
WY CT

IA PA NJ
NE
NV OH
UT IL IN MCD DE
D
CA CO WV
KS MO VA
KY

NC
TN
AZ
NM
OK
AR 
SC

 GA

MS  AL


TX
 LA 
 Sample Locations
FL  Coastal Douglas Fir (8)

 Coastal DF & Western Red (3)

 Northern Red Pine (3)
 Southern Yellow Pine (16)
 Western Red Cedar (5)

102
 Pole Circumference Data

• Coastal Douglas fir 6,997 poles

9 Producers; 11 Locations

• Southern Yellow Pine 6,634 poles

11 Producers; 16 Locations

• Western Red Cedar 6,982 poles

5 Producers; 9 Locations

• Northern Red Pine 2,266 poles

2 Producers; 4 Locations

103
 Pole Circumference Data

• Coastal Douglas fir 6,997 poles

9 Producers; 11 Locations

• Southern Yellow Pine 6,634 poles

11 Producers; 16 Locations

• Western Red Cedar 6,982 poles

5 Producers; 9 Locations

• Northern Red Pine 2,266 poles

2 Producers; 4 Locations
Grand Total 22,859 poles
104
 Fiber Stress Height Effect (FSHE)

• Tips average 1.5 to 2 classes larger

• Poles 55 ft and shorter

• Maximum stress is usually at G/L
– FSHE not applied
• Maximum stress for guyed poles may be above G/L
– Oversize offsets fiber stress height effect

• Poles 60 ft and taller

• If maximum stress is at the G/L, no FSHE
• If maximum stress is above ground, tables for
reduction

105
ASC O5 Standards http://asco5.org/standards/

Poles Glu-Lam Crossarms

O5.4 - 2009 Naturally Durable Hardwood Poles

O5.5 - 2010 Wood Ground Wire Moulding
O5.6 - 2010 Solid Sawn Naturally Durable Hardwood Crossarms & Braces
O5.TR.01-2004 Photographic Manual of Wood Pole Characteristics

106
 National Wood Pole Standards

ASC O5 NESC
Accredited Standards 
Committee O5:

Standards for Wood Utility 
Structures

• Secretariat: AWPA

• Revised: 5 year cycle

• Founded in 1924

107
National Overhead Line Standard

NESC
ANSI C2:

National Electrical
Safety Code

• Secretariat: IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers)

• Revised: 5 year cycle

• Established in 1915

108
 NESC Committee Structure

Main Chairman Vice Chair Secretary-IEEE

Committee 25 – 35 Members

Executive Chairman Secretary

Subcommittee 6 - 10 Members

Chairman Secretary
Technical
Subcommittees SC 1 – Coordination; Sections 1,2,3
SC 2 – Grounding
SC 3 – Substations
SC 4 – Overhead Lines – Clearances
SC 5 – Overhead Lines – Strength & Loading
SC 7 – Underground Lines
SC 8 – Work Rules

109
Purpose of the NESC

110
 Purpose of the NESC

B. NESC rules contain the basic provisions, under

specified conditions, that are considered necessary for
the safeguarding of:
1. The Public
2. Utility workers (employees and contractors), and
3. Utility facilities
C. This code is not intended as a design specification or as
an instruction manual.

111
 NESC Committee Structure

Main Chairman Vice Chair Secretary-IEEE

Committee 25 – 35 Members

Executive Chairman Secretary

Subcommittee 6 - 10 Members

Chairman Secretary
Technical
Subcommittees SC 1 – Coordination; Sections 1,2,3
SC 2 – Grounding
SC 3 – Substations
SC 4 – Overhead Lines – Clearances
SC 5 – Overhead Lines – Strength & Loading
SC 7 – Underground Lines
SC 8 – Work Rules

112
 Overhead Lines Subcommittee 5

Section 24 Section 25 Section 26

Grades of Construction Loading for Grade B&C Strength requirements

• Grades B, C & N • Load Factors • Strength Factors

(B is the highest)
• Rule 250B:
Combined Ice and Wind
District Loading

• Rule 250C:
Extreme Wind Loading

• Rule 250D:
Extreme Ice with Concurrent
Wind Loading

113
 Overhead Lines Subcommittee 5

Section 24 Section 25 Section 26

Grades of Construction Loading for Grade B&C Strength requirements

• Grades B, C & N • Load Factors • Strength Factors

(B is the highest)
• Rule 250B:
Combined Ice and Wind
District Loading

• Rule 250C: Section 27

Extreme Wind Loading Insulators
• Rule 250D:
Extreme Ice with Concurrent • Electrical Strength
Wind Loading • Mechanical Strength

114
 Section 24: Grades of Construction

• Grade B: (3.85 SF)

• Crossing Limited Access Highways
• Crossing Railways
• Crossing Navigable Waterways

• Grade C: (2.06 SF)

• All other standard construction

• Grade N: (Strength shall exceed expected loads)

• Mainly used for temporary and emergency construction

115
 Section 25 – Loadings for Grade B & C

TRANSVERSE
V
E
R
T
I
C
A
L

116
 Transverse Loading Usually Governs

TRANSVERSE
V
E
R
T
I
C
A
L

117
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

118
118
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

Wires
Ice

119
119
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

Wires
Ice
Pole

120
120
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

Wires
Ice
Pole
Equipment

121
121
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

Wires
Ice
Pole
Equipment

Offset Bending Loads

122
122
Calculating Transverse Loads

Wind Bending Loads On:

Wires
Ice
Pole
Equipment

Offset Bending Loads

Wire Tension
123
123
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading

Combined Ice and Wind

• Rule 250C: Extreme Wind Loading

(60ft Exemption)

• Rule 250D: Extreme Ice

With Concurrent Wind Loading
(60ft Exemption)

124
NESC District Loading
Winter Storm

125
NESC District Loading
Winter Storm

½” Ice – 40 mph

¼” Ice – 40 mph

0” Ice – 60 mph

126
 NESC District Loading
Winter Storm

½” Ice – 40 mph

¼” Ice – 40 mph

40 mph = 4 lbs/sqft
0” Ice – 60 mph
60 mph = 9 lbs/sqft

127
 Medium Loading District

40 mph

¼” Ice

128

128
 Wind Load Increase per Wire Sizes

0.75” 2x 1.50” 2x 3.00”

+100% +200%

Double wire diameter = Double the load

129
Wind Load Increase With 0.25” Radial Ice

0.75” 1.50” 3.00”

.25” Ice

1.25” 2.00” 3.50”

+67% +33% +17%

130
 District Loads vs. Wire Size

6
NESC-L
5 No ICE
RELATIVE LOAD

4 NESC-M
1/4” ICE
3
NESC-H
2 1/2” ICE
1

0
4ACSR 1/0 336 556
CONDUCTOR (SMALLEST TO LARGEST)

131
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading

Combined Ice and Wind

132
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading Deterministic

Combined Ice and Wind

133
 Extreme Wind– Rule 250C
(60 ft. Exclusion)

Summer Storm

85 mph = 18.5 lbs/sqft

90 mph = 21 lbs/sqft
130 mph = 43 lbs/sqft
150 mph = 58 lbs/sqft 134
Extreme Ice with Concurrent Wind –Rule 250D
(60 ft. Exclusion)

Winter Storm

Radial
Ice
0” Wind Speeds
0.25” 30 mph
0.5” 40 mph
0.75” 50 mph
1.0” 60 mph
135
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading Deterministic

Combined Ice and Wind

• Rule 250C: Extreme Wind Loading

(60ft Exemption)

• Rule 250D: Extreme Ice

With Concurrent Wind Loading
(60ft Exemption)

136
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading Deterministic

Combined Ice and Wind

• Rule 250C: Extreme Wind Loading Probabilistic

(60ft Exemption)

• Rule 250D: Extreme Ice

With Concurrent Wind Loading
(60ft Exemption)

137
 Section 25: Loading for Grade B & C

• Rule 250B: District Loading Deterministic

Combined Ice and Wind

• Rule 250C: Extreme Wind Loading Probabilistic

(60ft Exemption)

• Rule 250D: Extreme Ice Probabilistic

With Concurrent Wind Loading
(60ft Exemption)

138
 Section 25 Load Cases

• Rule 250 B - Combined Ice & Wind

– Light 0” Ice 60 mph
– Medium ¼” Ice 40 mph
– Heavy ½” Ice 40 mph
– Loads to be Factored

• Rule 250 C – Extreme Wind

– Poles Taller than 60 feet Above Ground
– Wind only (no ice)
– Ultimate Load with probability of occurrence

• Rule 250 D – Extreme Ice with Wind

– Poles Taller than 60 feet Above Ground
– Ice Thickness with Concurrent Wind
– Ultimate Load with probability of occurrence

139
 Load

Strength

Alternate Method
Pole Strength Storm Load 4 (B)
> x

Pole Strength > Storm Load x 2 (C)

140
 Load

Strength

Strength
Pole Strength x SF >
Pole Strength x SF >
Alternate Method
Pole Strength Storm Load 4 (B)
> x

Pole Strength > Storm Load x 2 (C)

141
 Load

Strength

Strength Load
Pole Strength x SF > Storm Load x LF (B)
Pole Strength x SF > Storm Load x LF (C)
Alternate Method
Pole Strength Storm Load 4 (B)
> x

Pole Strength > Storm Load x 2 (C)

142
Section 25: Table 253.1-Load Factors

Grade B Grade Cx Grade C

Vertical Loads 1.50 1.90 1.90

Rule 250B

Transverse Loads
(wind) 2.50 2.20 1.75

Longitudinal
Loads 1.10 No Req. No Req.
250C

Wind Loads 1.00 1.00 1.00

Ice and Wind

250D

loads
1.00 1.00 1.00

143
Section 25: Table 253.1-Load Factors

Grade B Grade Cx Grade C

Vertical Loads 1.50 1.90 1.90

Rule 250B

Transverse Loads
(wind) 2.50 2.20 1.75

Longitudinal
Loads 1.10 No Req. No Req.
250C

Wind Loads 1.00 1.00 1.00

Ice and Wind

250D

loads
1.00 1.00 1.00

144
 Section 26: Strength Factors

Table 261‐1 Grade B Grade C

Metal Structures 1.0 1.0

Rule 250B

Wood Structures 0.65 0.85

250C & 250D

Metal Structures 1.00 1.00

Wood Structures 0.75 0.75

145
 Section 26: Strength Factors

Table 261‐1 Grade B Grade C

Metal Structures 1.0 1.0

Rule 250B

Fiber Strength (ANSI)

Wood Structures 0.65 0.85 × Strength Factor (NESC)=
Allowable Stress of Pole
250C & 250D

Metal Structures 1.00 1.00

Wood Structures 0.75 0.75

146
 Section 26: Strength Factors

Table 261‐1 Grade B Grade C

Metal Structures 1.0 1.0

Rule 250B

Fiber Strength (ANSI)

Wood Structures 0.65 0.85 × Strength Factor (NESC)=
Allowable Stress of Pole
250C & 250D

Metal Structures 1.00 1.00

Wood Structures 0.75 0.75

147
 Load

Strength

Strength Load
Pole Strength x SF > Storm Load x LF (B)
Pole Strength x SF > Storm Load x LF (C)
Alternate Method
Pole Strength Storm Load 4 (B)
> x

Pole Strength > Storm Load x 2 (C)

148
 Load

Strength

Strength Load
Pole Strength x .65 > Storm Load x 2.5 (B)
Pole Strength x .85 > Storm Load x 1.75 (C)
Alternate Method
Pole Strength Storm Load 4 (B)
> x

Pole Strength > Storm Load x 2 (C)

149
 Load

Strength

Strength Load
Pole Strength x .65 > Storm Load x 2.5 (B)
Pole Strength x .85 > Storm Load x 1.75 (C)
Alternate Method
Pole Strength 3.85 x 4 (B)
Storm Load
>
Pole Strength > 2.06 x 2 (C)
Storm Load
150
 Section 24: Grades of Construction

• Grade B: (3.85 SF)

• Crossing Limited Access Highways
• Crossing Railways
• Crossing Navigable Waterways

• Grade C: (2.06 SF)

• All other standard construction

• Grade N: (Strength shall exceed expected loads)

• Mainly used for temporary and emergency construction

151
 900 lb

Equate the 
Total Storm Load 
to a 
Single Horizontal Load 
applied 
2 feet from the tip. 
Load < Strength

NESC ANSI O5.1

Grade B

900 lb Storm Load Class 1 4500 lb

x 3.85 (Grade B) Class 2 3700 lb
Class 3 3000 lb
= 3465 lb Class 4 2400 lb
Class 5 1900 lb
Load < Strength

NESC ANSI O5.1

Grade C

900 lb Storm Load Class 1 4500 lb

x 2.06 (Grade C) Class 2 3700 lb
Class 3 3000 lb
= 1854 lb Class 4 2400 lb
Class 5 1900 lb

155
156
Length

157
Length Clearance

158
Length Clearance

Class

159
Length Clearance

Class Capacity

160
Length Clearance

Class Capacity
Class 1 4,500 lb
Class 2 3,700 lb
Class 3 3,000 lb
Class 4 2,400 lb
Class 5 1,900 lb 161
 Online Courses – MOOC’s

MOOC #1 NESC Overview

MOOC #2 2017 Changes

162
 Technical Subcommittees

SC1 - Coordination between technical subcommittees

Sections 1, 2 and 3

 SC2 - Grounding Methods - Section 9

 SC3 - Electric Supply Stations - Sections 10-19

 SC4 - Overhead Lines - Clearances - Section 20-23

 SC5 - Overhead Lines - Strength and Loading -

Sections 24-27
 SC7 - Underground Lines - Sections 30-39

 SC8 - Work Rules - Sections 40-43

163
 Online Courses – MOOC’s
MOOC #1 NESC Overview

MOOC #2 2017 Changes

MOOC #3 Grounding Methods

MOOC #4 Electric Supply Stations

MOOC #5 Overhead Lines – Clearances and S&L

MOOC #6 Underground Lines

MOOC #7 Work Rules

164
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165
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166
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167
National Wood Pole
Standards
• Nelson G. Bingel III
• ASC O5 Chairman
• NESC Chairman

President
(678) 850-1461
nbingel@nelsonresearch.net 168