
4.6-33kV Steel Utility Pole: Core Specifications
Definition: Hot-dip galvanized steel structures engineered for medium-voltage distribution lines, transformer mounting, and rural/urban power networks.
Parameter | Specification | Standard/Grade |
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Voltage Class | 4.6kV / 11kV / 22kV / 33kV | IEC 60038 |
Height Range | 9–18m | Modular sections |
Material | ASTM A572 Gr.50 / S355JR | Yield: 345-355 MPa |
Coating | Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG) | Min. 610g/m² (ISO 1461) |
Top Diameter | 100-180mm | Taper: 1.2%/m |
Base Diameter | 220-450mm | |
Wind Resistance | 160 km/h (IEC 60826 Class 4) | 12.5mm radial ice load |
Bending Moment | 20-150 kN·m | At GL (ground line) |
Structural Design Features
1. Sectional Configuration
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Tapered Monopole: Conical design for optimal load distribution
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Joint Types:
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Flange-bolted (M24 bolts, 8.8 grade)
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Slip-fit with shear pins (for rapid assembly)
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Standard Heights:
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graph LR 33kV --> 15m/18m 22kV --> 12m/15m 11kV --> 9m/12m
2. Insulator & Hardware Mounting
Component | Specification |
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Crossarms | Hot-dip galvanized steel (1.5-3m length) |
Insulator Pins | 16-24mm Ø, spaced per phase clearance |
Phase Spacing | 11kV: 0.9m / 33kV: 1.8m (IEC 61936) |
Ground Clearance | ≥5.5m for 33kV (AS/NZS 7000) |
3. Foundation Systems
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Direct Burial:
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Depth = 10% pole height + 0.6m
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Backfill: 95% compacted granular soil
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Concrete Caisson:
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1.2m Ø × 2.5m deep (for soft soils)
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Rebar cage: 6×T16 verticals with T10 ties
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Electrical Safety Systems
Component | Function | Standard |
---|---|---|
Neutral Conductor | Top-mounted (ABC systems) / Crossarm-mounted | IEC 60502-2 |
Grounding | 50mm² Cu cable to 2×3m rods (≤10Ω) | IEEE 80 |
Surge Arresters | Polymer-housed (30kA, 36kV MCOV) | IEC 60099-4 |
Warning Signs | "DANGER 33kV" at 2.5m height | ISO 3864 |
Performance Comparison
Feature | Steel (33kV) | Concrete (33kV) | Wood (33kV) |
---|---|---|---|
Lifespan | 50+ years | 40 years | 20 years |
Failure Mode | Bend deformation | Brittle fracture | Rot at base |
Ice Load Capacity | 25mm radial | 20mm radial | 15mm radial |
Maintenance | Zero | Crack inspection | Pest control |
Recyclability | 100% | Limited | Low |
Corrosion Protection System
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HDG Process:
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Acid pickling (HCl, 10-15%)
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Fluxing (ZnNH₄Cl₂)
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450°C zinc bath immersion (6-10 min)
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Coating Thickness:
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Base: 85μm
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Weld zones: 70μm (minimum)
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Sacrificial Anodes: Optional for coastal/industrial zones
Typical Configurations
11kV Distribution Pole
Height: 12m
Crossarms: 2×2.4m (horizontal V-configuration)
Conductors: AAC 150mm² (3-phase + neutral)
Ground Clearance: 5.0m
33kV Sub-Transmission Pole
Height: 18m
Crossarms: 3×3.0m (delta formation)
Conductors: ACSR 240/40mm²
Ground Clearance: 6.5m
Installation Protocol
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Site Survey:
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Soil resistivity testing (Wenner 4-pin method)
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Overhead line scan (LiDAR clearance check)
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Erection:
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Crane lift with spreader bars
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Verticality tolerance: ≤1:500
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Commissioning:
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Insulator cleaning (silicone coating)
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Torque check: 90% yield strength of bolts
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Megger test: >500 MΩ (phase-to-ground)
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Cost Analysis
18m 33kV Pole | Cost (USD) |
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Pole + Hardware | $1,800–2,500 |
Foundation | $600–1,200 |
Installation | $1,000–1,500 |
Total | $3,400–5,200 |
Note: 40% lower lifecycle cost vs. concrete over 30 years |
Case Study: Desert Deployment
Project: Saudi Arabia 132/33kV Substation Feeder
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Challenge: Sand abrasion + 55°C temperatures
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Solution:
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Extra-thick HDG (100μm) + epoxy topcoat
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Concrete collars at ground line
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Results:
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Zero corrosion after 8 years
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Withstood 90km/h shamal winds
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Compliance & Certification
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Structural: EN 40-3-3 / ANSI O5.1
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Electrical: IEC 61936 / IEEE 1127
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Safety: OSHA 1910.269 (step bolts/D-rings)
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Quality: ISO 9001 + ISO 3834-2 welding
Engineering Tip: For 33kV lines, specify corona rings on insulators where altitude >1000m to reduce RF noise.
For custom designs: Provide soil class, wind/ice zone, and conductor tension for pole class selection (Class 1 to Class 5 per IEC 60826).
Learn more at www.alttower.com