General Order 64

Detail Construction Requirements For Signal Lines – Class “S” Circuits

91    Poles.

(a)    Clearance:  The minimum clearance for poles or other supporting structures for signal lines shall be at the same as for supply lines.  (See Rule 61.)

(b)    Dimensions and Setting:  Wood poles for signal lines shall be of sound timber, free from defects which would materially reduce their strength or durability, and shall have top circumference not less than is given in the following table:

Note - For lines carrying cable, the number of open wires which shall be considered equivalent to a cable is determined by multiplying the diameter of the cable in inches by three.

Poles shall normally be set in the earth to depth not less than those shown in the following table:

When Poles are set in rock, the depth of setting may be decreased depending upon its character, but this depth shall not be less than 3 feet.

(c)    Poles used for signal lines only shall not be less than the minimum sizes given in (b) above and shall further be of such initial size and so guyed or braced where necessary as to safely withstand the vertical loads to which they may be subjected including lineman working on them.  Certain poles are subject to special stresses due to angles in the line, dead ending of conductors or other attachments, which they may be subjected including lineman working on them.  Certain poles are subject to special stresses due to angles in the line, dead ending of conductors or other attachments, which stresses must be included in the loading.  Where guys are necessary to meet these requirements, the pole shall be considered merely as a strut, the guy taking all lateral stresses.