![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
Thinking of going green? Learn more at this free session.
Tuesday, September 27 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Central Community College Opportunity Center 1501 Plum Creek Parkway Lexington, NE FREE seminar Are wind or solar energy in your future? The possibility of generating power with your own solar panels or a wind...
Between the lines: Rates and affordability
By Gwen Kautz, Dawson PPD General Manager gkautz (at) dawsonpower.com 308-324-2386 The question I get asked most often is whether or not Dawson PPD will have a rate increase. More often than not, I can’t give a black and white answer until our year is coming to a...
The most energy efficient home in Nebraska
When you see the word, ENERGY STAR, you may think of appliances, insulation and light bulbs. But what about a house as a whole? ENERGY STAR Certified Homes are an innovative way to look at new home construction. For one Kearney family, the long-term cost savings was...