![Inner Pole Testing Picture of a man using a device to check for wood decay on a utility pole.](https://dawsonpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_7612-scaled.jpg)
As a not-for-profit utility, Dawson PPD focuses on cost-effectively extending the life of its existing facilities while maintaining adequate levels of safety and reliability. Testing wooden poles helps the District ensure reliability and long life of its equipment, saving customers money in the long run.
Traditionally, pole testing involved a hammer for sounding, a shovel for digging around the base and drilling holes to test for decay. Today, Dawson PPD hires a contractor that uses a scientifically-based system called POLUX as a less-invasive and more accurate form of testing.
POLUX works by sending two, three inch long probes the size of an eight-penny nail into the base of the utility pole. This is the most vulnerable point where decay is most likely to occur on a pole. The probes measure resistance and moisture content of the pole. This information, along with the type of wood the pole is made of and how it was treated are run through a computer program with the pole’s GPS location recorded.
Typically, Dawson PPD uses a Southern Yellow Pine tree for its poles, which should have a resistance of 8,000 pounds per square inch when new. If the measurement falls below 50 percent of the recommended resistance, in this case 4,000 PSI, the pole is marked for replacement.
All of Dawson PPD’s poles are tested every 10 years on a rotating schedule with 10,000-11,000 poles tested annually.
OTHER NEWS
Tankin’ down the Financial River
When I hear “only in Nebraska”, images of Runzas® and the sea of red at Memorial Stadium immediately pop into my head. But so does another uniquely Nebraska adventure – tanking! Where else would a group of friends or family – even complete strangers – jump into a...
The comfort of home, wherever you roam
Accommodations can quickly take up a large share of anyone’s travel budget, especially when traveling during holidays or attending popular local events. Rural areas present a unique challenge, too, as available lodging may be scarce. Enter Airbnb, the online lodging...
Between the lines: Your data is safe with us
By Gwen Kautz, General Manager gkautz at dawsonpower.com 308-324-2386 Data drives every business. Here at Dawson PPD, we use data for many things. We use data for system planning and to develop our construction plan. News about Facebook’s data gathering...