What’s On A Power Pole?

This illustration shows common equipment found on electric power distribution poles. Not every pole contains all of this equipment—configurations vary based on location and the type of service provided.

• Primary wires – Run across the top and typically carry around 7,200 volts of electricity from a substation.
• Insulators – Made of porcelain or composite material; prevent energized wires from touching each other or the pole.
• Crossarms – Hold the power lines in place, ensuring proper clearance between them.
• Neutral wire – Acts as a return path to the substation and is connected to ground to balance the system.
• Surge arresters – Protect transformers and other equipment from lightning and voltage spikes.
• Transformers – Step down high-voltage electricity to a level safe for home and business use.
• Secondary service drop – Delivers 120/240 volts of electricity to end users via two insulated “hot” wires and a bare neutral wire connected to the ground.
• Guy wires – Help stabilize the pole and are connected to the grounding system.
• Telephone, fiber, and cable TV lines – Usually run lowest on the pole.
• Pole ground wire – Runs the length of the pole, connects to the neutral wire, and safely diverts lightning into the earth.
• Pole “birthmark” – Found at head height; includes pole size, manufacturer, and date of production.

Electric co-ops and utility companies are responsible for trimming vegetation around poles to prevent interference with the electrical system.

Standard 40-foot poles are typically buried about six feet into the ground.

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