Upgrading local power poles might not seem like all that much work. It’s something that electric companies do on a regular basis anyway. That being said, it can go a long way toward ensuring that the power grid can weather summer storms.
According to one study, more than 80% of all outages are caused by foul weather. Storms have a tendency to knock over poles that are already compromised in some way. If there are cracks or fissures in them, then they’re going to fall down during the next storm. Organizations that didn’t have the luxury of swapping their utility poles out before the storm can take advantage of the aftermath to prevent future problems. This article will explore how upgrading power poles can reduce outages after a summer storm.
Replacing Poles After a Storm
Cracked poles have to be replaced, whether or not they were slated for it originally. Utility companies have a chance to replace their old poles with something more modern as a result. All wooden ones should be treated to help prevent weather-related damage. Few people would think of clear and sunny days as potentially harmful, but ultraviolet light from the sun and atmospheric humidity can still eventually eat away at utility poles until they start to lean.
Power company managers should work with a professional utility pole supplier to ensure that they’re getting the best equipment possible. Whether they opt to work with conventional wooden ones or decide to upgrade to concrete models, buying utility poles from an experienced supplier will help companies get exactly the kind of hardware they need. Firms that have questionable power stands will want them replaced as soon as possible. Assuming a storm had already blown through, they can take a count of their current roster and see if any poles were made before they started adhering to modern electrical engineering standards.
Depending on their budget, power company managers might also want to look into choosing stronger materials the next time they plant poles after a storm.
Benefits Of Different Materials
Metallic poles are often the strongest, which is why they’re often seen coming out of power substations in storm-prone areas. Utility companies that provide power in areas that regularly receive hurricane-force winds will normally gravitate toward metallic poles, since they’re often the only things that can withstand that kind of destructive force. Those who instead have to deal with geological instability may decide that concrete poles are the best, since these can resist earthquakes better than most other materials.
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Engineers will sometimes mix these solutions together in the same stretch of power lines to take advantage of all their unique benefits. Poor soil can sometimes force technicians to constantly alternate between wood, metal and concrete models. While budget constraints are always going to be an issue, investing in bigger and better utility poles can actually save money in the long run. By installing strong poles that won’t give out during the next summer storm season, even the smallest local electric companies can avoid having to shell out more money for replacements in the future.
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