Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite distribution poles are nothing new to electric utilities. However, 70- to 80-ft (21- to 24-m) pultruded FRP transmission poles are a different story.

At one-third the weight of a wood pole, half the weight of a steel pole, and only one-tenth the weight of a concrete pole, the FRP pole has become an attractive choice for some utilities.

Bristol Tennessee Electric System (BTES) in northeastern Tennessee recently installed 144 FRP poles on two transmission line projects using only a utility line truck to set the poles.

Strongwell Corp. (Bristol, Virginia, U.S.) manufactured these SE28 pultruded FRP poles with a high groundline moment capacity structure designed as a direct replacement for wood, steel and concrete poles in transmission applications.

Utilities are discovering that the SE28 pole has some distinct advantages over poles made of traditional materials. Strongwell's SE28 pole is lightweight, strong and has low conductivity properties. The FRP pole also resists corrosion, rot, UV rays, water absorption, insects and woodpeckers.

Officials at BTES have been impressed with the performance of the SE28 poles. “Unlike wood poles, the SE28 composite poles will not start losing strength as they age and maintenance on them will be almost nothing,” states Dr. R. Michael Browder, P.E., the general manager of BTES and past chairman of the American Public Power Association. Browder also likes the electrical properties of the FRP poles and their ability to withstand heavy wind loads and impacts.

Utilities considering Strongwell's SE28 poles include: Tennessee Valley Authority, Bristol Virginia Utility Board, Southern California Edison, Allegheny Power, and Dominion Virginia Power. Newmark International Inc. (Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.) has signed on as Strongwell's sales and marketing partner for the SE28.
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