Figure 2-13.—Push brace.
Laying Out of Pole Lines
Pole lines are designed based on materials and
construction methods specified in Overhead Electrical
Work, NAVFAC NFGS-16302. The following
paragraphs briefly describe some of the things that are
considered when designing and constructing a pole line.
As an EA preparing construction drawings or
performing surveying operations, you may be directly
involved in some of them. The following discussion is
intended as familiarization so you will understand why
the engineer plans a line the way he does:
1. Use the shortest possible route. Most of the
time the shortest route is the least expensive. The pole
line should be run as straight as possible from one point
to another.
2. Follow highways and roadways as much as
possible. This makes it easy to build the line and to
inspect and maintain it. As much as possible, the pole
line should be located on the same side of the road, and
on the side that is most free of other lines and trees.
When trees line the road, it might be better to locate the
line a short distance away from the road. That way the
trees are preserved, tree trimming is eliminated, there
are no outages caused by trees falling into the line, and
maintenance of the line is simplified.
3. Follow the farmer’s property or section lines.
This is normally not a major concern in the military.
However, the engineer may have to consider bomb
ranges and other such areas. If railroad tracks run
through the area, it is best to follow them since the path
has already been cut.
4. Route in the direction of possible future loads.
The route of the pole line should go as close to new load
centers as possible.
5. Avoid going over hills, ridges, swamps, and
bottom lands. Hills and ridges are subject to lightning
storms. Swamps and bottom lands are subject to
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