SECTION 4

CROSS-ARMS, PINS AND POLE LINE HARDWARE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE
Cross-arms 1

Wood Cross-arms , 2
Specifications for Untreated Cross-arms 3
Specifications for Creosoted Pine Cross-arms 4
Steel Cross-arms 5
Patent Cross-arms 6
Pins 7
Standard Pin Threading 8
Specification for Wood Insulator Pins 9
Combination Wood and Metal Pins 10
Metal Pins 11
Screw Type 12
Cemented Type 13
Attaching Pins to Cross-arms 14
Line Hardware 15
(a) Cross-arm Braces.
Specification for Cross-arm Braces.
(b) Cross-arm Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Lag Screw and Washers.
Specification for Cross-arm Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Lag
Screws and Washers.
(c) Pole Steps.
Specification for Pole Steps.
<d) Guy Rods.
Specification for Guy Rods.
(e) Patent Guy Anchors.

f 265 ]
 1. CROSS-ARMS are generally of wood or steel, although some
attempt has been made to manufacture concrete arms, but their
use has been so limited and the available data so meager that no
information on concrete cross-arms can be given.
2. WOOD CROSS-ARMS are usually of long leaf yellow pine,
Douglas fir, short leaf yellow pine or Norway pine, although other
woods such as oak, spruce, cedar, white pine, loblolly pine and cypress
have been used to some extent.
Standard specifications for wood cross-arms have been approved
by the National Electric Light Association covering two (2), four (4),

I/GH Bo^r #MC~~J^-

-n
*f
n
I i TT| -4 j

FIG. 88 Standard cross-arms

six (6)and eight (8) pin arms, (Fig. 88) made from Norway pine,
yellow pine, cypress or Douglas fir, and are as follows:

3. SPECIFICATION FOR UNTREATED CROSS-ARMS.*

These specifications cover two, four, six, and eight pin painted
cross-arms made of Norway pine, yellow pine, cypress or Douglas fir.
Norway pine is understood to cover what is also known as red
pine.
* Standard National Electric Light Association Specification.

[267]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
Yellow pine is understood to cover what is commonly known as
Longleaf pine. It is understood that the term is descriptive of
quality rather than of botanical species.
Douglas fir is understood to cover the timber known likewise as
yellow fir, red fir, western fir, Washington fir, Oregon or Puget
Sound fir or pine, Northwest and West Coast fir.
Cypress is understood to cover the timber known as red cypress.

GENERAL
The specifications and drawing Fig. 88 are intended to include
all instructions necessary for the manufacturer to guide him in his
work. Theyare intended to co-operate with and supplement each
other, so thatany details indicated in one and not in the other shall
be executed the same as if indicated in both.

WORKMANSHIP
All material and workmanship, unless otherwise specified, shall
be of the best commercial grade.

MATERIAL
Norway Pine Cross-arms. All Norway pine cross-arms shall be
made of thoroughly air-dried or kiln-dried, straight-grained Norway
pine.
Yellow Pine Cross-arms. All yellow pine cross-arms shall be made
of thoroughly air-dried, or kiln-dried, straight-grained long-leaf
yellow pine.
Cypress Cross-arms. All cypress cross-arms shall be made of
thoroughly air-dried or kiln-dried, straight-grained cypress.
Fir Cross-arms. All fir cross-arms shall be made of thoroughly
air-dried or kiln-dried, straight-grained Douglas fir.

DIMENSIONS
Cross-arms shall be of the style and dimensions shown in Fig. 88.
Figures upon the drawing shall be followed in preference to scale
measurements.
QUALITY
Pith Heart. Cypress cross-arms shall be free from pith heart.
Sapwood. Cypress cross-arms shall be free from sap wood.
Norway pine, yellow pine, and Douglas fir cross-arms may contain
sap wood, provided it is clear and does not form over fifteen (15)
percent of the cross-section of the cross-arm. Cross-arms shall be
shaped so that the sapwood shall be on the top or the sides of the
cross-arms.
Grain. All cross-arms shall be reasonably straight grained. The
grain shall not depart from parallelism to any edge of the cross-arm
by an amount greater than one (1) inch to three (3) feet length of
cross-arm. All cross-arms shall be out of wind.
[268 ]
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4
Pitch Pockets. All cross-arms shall be free from pitch pockets
exceeding five (5) inches in length and one-quarter (j) of an inch
in width, and from all pitch pockets which enter the pin or bolt
holes on the top or sides of the cross-arm.
Knots. All cross-arms shall be free from loose or unsound knots.
Eight (8) pin cross-arms shall be free from knots at the third,
fourth, fifth and sixth pin holes, and the bolt holes; six (6) pin
cross-arms shall be free from knots at the two middle pin holes and
the bolt holes.
Eight (8) pin cross-arms may have sound knots not over three-
quarter inch in diameter between the third and fourth pin holes,
the fourth pin hole and the middle bolt hole, the middle bolt hole
and the fifth pin hole, and the fifth and sixth pin holes; six (6) pin
cross-arms may have sound knots not over three-quarter inch in
diameter between the middle bolt hole and the middle pin holes.
Eight (8) pin cross-arms may contain sound knots, as specified
below, outside the third and sixth pin holes; and six pin arms out-
side of the middle pin holes. Such knots may gradually increase in
size from three-quarter inch near the above-mentioned pin holes to
one-half the cross-section of the arm at the ends.
Wane. All cross-arms shall be free from wane.
Shakes. All cross-arms shall be free from through shakes, and
from other shakes or checks exceeding three (3) inches in length.
Warp. A straight edge laid lengthwise on the concave side of
an eight (8) pin or a six (6) pin cross-arm shall not show an offset
greater than one (1) inch on the eight (8) pin cross-arm and greater
than three-quarters (%) of an inch on the six-pin cross-arm.
No cross-arm shall be twisted or bent in more than one direction or
bent in one direction on edge.
Loose Heart. All cross-arms shall be free from loose hearts.
Rot. All cross-arms shall be free from rot, dote or red heart.
Worm Holes. All cross-arms shall be free from worm holes.

INSPECTION

All cross-arms shall be inspected for dimensions and defects

outlined under "Quality" before painting.
The spacing of the pin and bolt holes shall be within the limits
shown in Fig. 88.
Pin and bolt holes shall be tested with steel gauges and shall take
gauges as follows:

Pin holes l>^-inch gauge without forcing but not a

1 ^-inch gauge.
Middle bolt hole %-inch gauge, without forcing
Brace bolt holes %-inch gauge, without forcing

All cross-arms not conforming to these requirements shall be

rejected.
[269]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC
The pin and bolt holes shall be smooth and the arms shall not be
badly splintered where the bits have broken through.
The brace bolt holes shall not be drilled through the pin holes.

STORAGE
After the cross-arms are shaped they shall be stacked in cross-
piles on skids in such a manner as to insure good ventilation. The
stacks shall be roofed to prevent the penetration of rain, or the
direct action of the sun,

4. SPECIFICATION FOR CREOSOTED PINE CROSS-ARMS.*

Material. All cross-arms shall be made from sound, straight-
grained, short leaf or loblolly pine.
Quality. All cross-arms shall be free from loose or unsound knots
over three-quarters (%) of an inch in diameter. They shall be free
from loose hearts, rot, dote, red heart, worm holes, shakes or ex-
cessive wane or pitch pockets.
Workmanship. All material and workmanship shall be of the
best commercial grade.
Storing. If the cross-arms are to be stored by the manufacturer,
they shall be so stacked in cross piles on skids as to insure good
ventilation and shall be roofed to exclude sun and rain.
Dimensions. All cross-arms shall be of the style and of the
dimensions shown in drawing (Fig. 88), which drawing forms a part
of this specification.
Creosoting shall comply with the specification for creosoting in
Section 9, article 14.
5. STEEL CROSS-ARMS are usually of angle or channel section.
Such arms have not been standardized. Their length, the location
of the pin holes and bolt holes are dependent upon the conductor
spacing, the conductor arrangement which it is proposed to use,
and upon the method by which the arm is to be attached to the pole.
6. SPECIAL CROSS-ARMS constructed of malleable iron, pipe
fittings and various steel sections are available, two of which are
illustrated in Figs. 89 and 90. Such cross-arms are manufactured
for different conductor separations.

7. PINS may be divided into three general classes:

(a) All wood pins;
(b) Combinations of steel, wood and porcelain pins;
(c) All metal pins.
Wood, as a structural material for use in supporting line insulators,
has for many years been regarded as desirable. It is cheap, easily
fabricated and in some slight degree adds to the insulator strength.

*From 1911 Report of the Committee for the Preservative Treatment of

Wood Poles and Cross-arms.
[ 270]
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

A properly impregnated pin of generous design is generally satis-

factory, except when Used on higher potential systems. Thte fault
with wood pins lies in the danger of burning or digesting of that
portion of the pin adjacent to the insulator. At the threaded per-

tion, the wood pin is of smallest cross-section, and being thoroughly

dry at this point, the resistance to leakage or capacity current flow
is greatest. Also the electrostatic flux density is greatest at the
[271]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
point of least cross-section, so that burning or digesting of the pin
may occur. Metal pins entirely relieve the burning and digesting
difficulty and also provide greater mechanical strength.
In general, wood pins used in connection with insulators of very
high factors of safety, in climates not affected by salt fogs or chemical
fumes are reasonably satisfactory.
Solid steel or iron pins are not as desirable as those pins which
include some form of separable thimble, that can be economically
and properly cemented into the insulator at the factory and in turn
screwed on to the pin body erected on the poles or towers. Probably
the greatest benefit of this iorm of construction is the ease with
which broken insulators can be replaced.
8. STANDARD PIN THREADING. The standard pitch for
pin and pinhole threading is 4 threads per inch and the standard
diameters are 1" (standard pinhole) and 1%" (large pinhole).
These diameters are the extreme diameters at the top of the pin
and at the bottom of the pinhole as illustrated (Fig. 91). The

FIG. 91. Standard pin threads.

" in-
standard taper for the diameters of pins and pinholes is ^
crease in diameter per 1" in length.
The National Electric Light Association standard wood pin is
illustrated in Fig. 92, specifications for which follow:

9. SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD INSULATOR PINS.*

The quality of the materials used and the methods of manufacture,
handling and shipment shall be such as to insure for the finished
pins the properties and finish called for in these specifications. The
manufacturer must make sure that all materials and work are in
accordance with the specifications before the pins are delivered.
The purchasing company is to have the right to make such inspections
and tests as it may desire, of the materials and of the pins at any
stage of the manufacture, such inspections not to include the in-
spection of the processes of manufacture. The inspector of the
* Standard National Electri Light Association Specification.
[272]
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

purchasing company shall have the power to reject any pin which
failsto satisfy the requirements of these specifications. Inspection
shall not, however, relieve the manufacturer from the obligation of
furnishing satisfactory material and sound, reliable work.
Any unfaithful work or failure to satisfy the requirements of these
specifications that may be discovered by the purchasing company
on or before the receipt of the finished pins shall be corrected

FIG. 92. Standard N. E. L. A. wood pin.

immediately upon the requirement of the purchasing company, not-

withstanding that it may have been overlooked by the inspector.
General. These specifications cover the manufacture of standard
locust pins as ordered.
The drawings and specifications are intended to include all in-
[273]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
structions necessary for the manufacturer to guide him in his work.
They are intended to co-operate with and supplement each other,
so that any details indicated in one and not in the other shall be
executed the same as if indicated in both.
Figures upon the drawing shall be followed in preference to scale
measurements.
All material and workmanship, unless otherwise specified herein,
shall be of the best grade.
Material. All pins shall be made of sound, straight grained
yellow or black locust, free from knots, checks, sapwood, worm
holes, brash wood, cracks or other defects, except as hereinafter
specified.
Knots. The pins shall be free from large, loose or unsound
knots. Small knots not over one-eighth (^g) of an inch in diameter
are allowable on the shoulder and on the lower half of the shank of
the pin.
Checks. Small season checks are allowable on the shoulder and
on the lower half of the shank of the pin. The number of such
pins shall not exceed five (5) percent of the number furnished.
Sapwood. Sapwood is allowable on the shoulder of the pin pro-
vided it does not extend to the shank
Worm Holes. If the wood is otherwise sound, worm holes are
allowable on the lower third of the shank. The number of such
pins shall not exceed five (5) percent of the number furnished.
Finish. The grain of the wood on all pins shall be reasonably
parallel to the axis of the pin. The grain through the center of the
bottom of the pin shall not run out below the bottom thread.
Seasoned Pins. All seasoned pins shall have four (4) threads to
the inch, and the dimensions shown on drawing, Fig. 92.
The threads shall be smooth and of uniform pitch, and such that
a standard insulator can be readily screwed on to a standard pin,
until the end of the pin touches the top of the insulator and, when in
this position, there shall be no perceptible rocking or play of the
insulator on the pin.
The pins shall be as nearly as possible of a circular cross-section.
Flat surfaces not over one-eighth (}/$) of an inch in depth are
allowable on the shoulders of the pins; the number of such pins
shall not exceed five (5) percent of the number furnished.
Unseasoned Pins. Pins manufactured from green or partially
seasoned wood shall, when seasoned, conform to the requirements
above specified for seasoned pins.
10. COMBINATION WOOD, PORCELAIN AND METAL PINS,
are usuallymade by using a wood top, a wood and porcelain top, or
a metal and porcelain top and a steel through bolt as illustrated in
Figs. 94-95.
11. METAL PINS. The construction of metal pins varies in
the manner in which the insulator is attached to the pin and the
manner in which the pin is attached to the crossarm. Insulators
may be attached to the pin by either of two methods:
[274]
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

FIQ. 93. Wood or solid FIG. 94. Wood, steel, Fia. 95. Porcelain base
metal pin. through bolt pin. wood top pin.

FIG. 96 Clamp pin, solid metal split FIG. 97 Wire screw thread,
head, with felt insertion. clamp pin.

F2751
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.

M,

[276]
CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

T 277 ]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
(a) The screw type in which the insulator is screwed on to the
pin. (Art. 12.)
(b) The cemented type in which the insulator is cemented to the
pin or a detachable portion of the pin. (Art. 13.)

12. SCREW TYPE. The designs of screw threads vary. A

number of types are as follows:
1st. The solid metal pin (Fig. 93) because of the unequal expansion
and contraction of the pin and the insulator, may cause failure of
the insulator. When such pins are used it is customary to wrap
the pin with a few layers of tape thus providing a cushion to relieve
the stresses.
2nd. The solid metal pin in which the head is split (Fig. 96) and
a piece of felt inserted, in order to relieve the unequal expansion and
contraction stresses.
3rd. The spiral spring (Fig. 97) in which the stresses, due to the
unequal expansion and contraction, are relieved by the lengthening
or shortening of the spring, which slowly twists around in the
insulator.
4th. The flexible stamped thread (Fig. 98) consisting of a solid
pin on which is riveted a steel saw tooth shaped flexible stamping,
which allows for the unequal expansion and contraction of the
insulator and pin. A flat spring over the top of the solid part of
the pin prevents breakage of the insulator when installing.

13. CEMENTED TYPE. Pins to which insulators are cemented

are of two general classes:
(a) Pins to which the insulator is directly cemented (Figs. 101
and 105.)
(b) Pins with separable thimbles, the thimble only being cemented
into the insulator. (Figs. 99, 100, 102, 103, 104.)
The latter are the types generally used, as the former necessitate
the removal of the pin when changing the insulator.

14. ATTACHING PINS TO CROSS-ARMS. Pins may be

attached to the cross-arms by three methods:
(a) A driving fit, (Fig. 93) in which the tapered pin shank is
driven into a hole in the cross-arm. This type is generally used in
connection with wood cross-arms and is usually confined to all wood
pins. Where so used, a nail is driven through the cross-arm and
the pin in order to secure the pin in position.
(b) Bolted type (Figs. 94, 95, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105) in which
the pin is fastened to the cross-arm by means of a through bolt.
(c) The clamp pin (Figs. 96, 97, 98, 101) in which the pin is so
constructed that the cross-arm is girdled and the pin clamped into
position.

15. LINE HARDWARE

(a) Cross-arm Bracesmay be either of flat bar or angle section.
For ordinary distribution work flat bar braces are generally used.
F 278 1
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4
The standard section of steel bar braces is \Y' x %"; the
length
from 20" to 32". Angle iron braces in one piece, as illustrated in
Fig. 106 have been used to some extent in wood pole work. The
standard National Electric Light Association 28" brace is illustrated
in Fig. 107, specification for which follow:

FIG. 106. Angle iron cross-arm brace.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR CROSS-ARM BRACES.*

Workmanship. All material and workmanship shall be of the
best grade.
Material. All braces shall be made of iron or mild steel, "Manu-
Standard," galvanized or ^sherardized, as provided in
facturers'
The National Electric Light Association standard specification for
galvanizing or sherardizing.
The holes in the braces shall be clear and free from superfluous
zinc.
Dimensions. All braces shall be made in accordance with the
dimensions shown in drawing, Fig. 107.

If

J)

FIG. 107. Standard N. E. L. A. Cross-arm brace.

(b) Cross-arm Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Lag Screws and Washers.

The National Electric Light Association standard cross-arm bolts,
carriage bolts, lag screws and washers are illustrated in Fig. 96,
specification for which follows:

SPECIFICATION FOR CROSS-ARM BOLTS, CARRIAGE BOLTS,

LAG SCREWS AND WASHERS.*
This specification covers bolts with cut thread only, which must
be furnished unless specific instructions are given otherwise. Lag
* Standard National Electric Light Association Specification.

[ 279 ]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

screws can be furnished with either fetter or twist threads, unless

either one
is particularly specified.
The materials and styles called for are intended to be stock
materials and sizes. Should the detail dimensions conflict with
standard sizes, the manufacturer should state wherein the differ-
ences exist, but in all cases the mechanical requirements must
conform.
Workmanship. All material and workmanship specified herein
shall be of the best grade.
Material. Cross-arm bolts, carriage bolts, lag screws and washers
shall be made of iron or mild steel, "Manufacturers' Standard,"
and shall be galvanized or sherardized in accordance with the
National Electric Light Association standard specification for
galvanizing or sherardizing.
Dimensions. The dimensions of this material shall be in accord-
ance with drawing, Fig. 108.
Finish. All bolts must be free from badly formed or otherwise
defective heads. The heads of the bolts must be rounded or
chamfered. The threads must be full and clean and concentric with
the axis of the bolts.
All nuts must be symmetrically formed and must have the hole
centrally located. The axis of the threads must be perpendicular
to the face of the nut. All nuts must be an easy fit for the bolt,
so that the nut can be run the entire length of the thread without
undue forcing with the fingers.
All washers must be symmetrically formed and have the holes
centrally located.
Bolt heads, nuts, etc., shall be of sufficient strength to develop
the ultimate strength of the bolt shank.
Galvanizing. All galvanizing or sherardizing shall be in accord-
ance with the National Electric Light Association standard specifica-
tion for galvanizing or sherardizing.
A coating of zinc shall be left on the threads of the bolts conform-
ing in all respects with the said specifications for galvanizing or
sherardizing.
The threads of the nuts need not be galvanized.
The holes in the washers shall be clean and free from superfluous
zinc.
The galvanizing shall not be chipped off when washers have stuck
together.

(c) Pole Steps. The standard National Electric Light Associa-

tion wood pole step is illustrated in Fig. 109, specifications for which
follow:
SPECIFICATION FOR POLE STEPS*
Workmanship. All material and workmanship shall be of the
best grade.
* Standard National Electric Light Association Specifications.

[ 281 1
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
Material. All pole steps shall be made of iron or mild steel,
"Manufacturers' Standard," galvanized or sherardized in accord-
ance with the National Electric Light Association standard specifica-
tion for galvanizing or sherardizing.
Dimensions. All pole steps shall be made in accordance with the
dimensions shown in drawing, Fig. 109.
Mechanical Requirements. When rigidly held by the head,
the pole step shall be capable of being bent through an angle of
90 degrees, about a diameter equal to the diameter of the pole step,
without breaking.

FIG. 109. Standard pole step.

(d) Guy Rods. The standard National ElectricLight Association

guy rods are illustrated in Fig. 110, specification for which follows:

SPECIFICATION FOR GUY RODS*

This specification covers the construction of a standard guy rod.
Workmanship. All material and workmanship shall be of the
best grade.
Material. All guys rods shall be made of iron or mild steel,
"Manufacturers' Standard," galvanized or sherardized.
Dimensions. All guy rods shall be made in accordance with the
drawing shown in Fig. 110.
Finish. The welded joints shall be of the best workmanship,
thoroughly welded without being overheated.
The threads on the bolts shall be full and clean and concentric
with the axis of the rod. The thread end of the rod shall be rounded
or chamfered.
All nuts shall be symmetrically formed and shall have holes
centrally located.
The axis of the threads shall be reasonably perpendicular to the
face of the nut. All nuts must be an easy fit for the bolt, so that
the nut can be run the entire length of the thread without undue
forcing with the fingers.

* Standard National Electric Light Association Specification.

[ 282 ]
CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC. Sec. 4

[ 283 ]
Sec. 4 CROSS-ARMS, PINS, ETC.
All washers must be symmetrically formed and have the holes
centrally located.
Mechanical Requirements. The strength of the eye, nut and
thread shall be sufficient to develop the ultimate strength of the rod.
Galvanizing. All galvanizing or sherardizing shall be done in
accordance with the National Electric Light Association standard
specification for galvanizing or sherardizing. A coating of zinc
shall be left on the threads of the rods. The threads of the nuts
need not be galvanized.

(e) Patent Guy Anchors. There are a number of different designs

on the market. Among them are the screw type, the scoop or flat
expanding plate type, the straight malleable-iron plate deadman and
various kinds of harpoon-like designs.
The screw type is set in the ground by means of a special wrench
and requires no digging in its installation.
The scoop and the expanding types of anchors require the digging
of holes of small diameter with an earth auger.
The expanding types are placed in straight auger holes and then
by hammering a shoulder or lug with a tamping bar, multiple discs
or arms are projected into the walls of the hole.
The value of a patent guy anchor in any particular soil is dependent
upon the effective bearing area that it possesses. Where guys
supporting excessive strains are used, the deadman or anchor log
type will usually prove the more satisfactory.
(f ) Pole Brackets. The number of designs of pole brackets are so
numerous and their selection is so dependent upon the type of con-
struction adopted, that illustrations or descriptions to be of any
value require considerable space. In general, such brackets should
be carefully selected with respect to strength and stability of con-
struction, and should be galvanized or sherardized in accordance
with the National Electric Light Association specification for
galvanizing or sherardizing.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
N. E. L. A. Overhead Line Construction Committee, 1911.
Publications of various manufacturers.

[2841