Research Result Summaries

Evaluation of Wildfire Protection Methods for Composite Utility Structure Materials
Utilities in high wildfire threat areas are exploring technologies to reduce the susceptibility of power lines to being damaged by the fire, or alternatively, a risk of causing fires. Composite structures have inherent resistance to damage from wildfires as the material is self-extinguishing. Additional protection may be added via the use of fire protection sleeves placed around the lower portion of the poles, or via intumescent coatings. Testing was performed by EPRI to evaluate the comparative performances of these techniques.

Effects of Environmental Aging on Composite Poles
Composite poles as well as crossarms are manufactured using polymers that degrade when exposed to environmental stresses. The objective of this research is to determine the differences between the mechanical performances as well as comparative degradation effects on the composite structures resulting from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, heat and humidity; thereby assisting utilities in their selection of suitable poles for their specific application.

Recommendations for Grounding of Composite Utility Poles
Impulse testing was performed to determine optimum spacings for insulators when utilizing composite poles and crossarms. During testing, several grounding options and their effects on the composite structure were evaluated.

Effects of Wildfire Exposure on Small-Scale Composite Pole Samples
Utilities in high wildfire threat areas are exploring technologies to reduce the susceptibility of power lines to being damaged by the fire, or alternatively, a risk of causing fires. Testing was performed by EPRI to evaluate the comparative resistance to damage from wildfire conditions of composite pole samples from each manufacturer.