Pole Cross Arms for Utility, Power and Electrical Distribution
- ANSI C136.20 compliant crossarms ensure regulatory safety standards
- Premium materials deliver 25-80 year service life reducing replacements
- Engineered designs prevent dangerous arcing and electrical failures
Our Utility Pole Cross Arms include wood and fiberglass mounting beams for light fixtures, power lines, and communication equipment on utility poles. Available products include pressure-treated Southern yellow pine crossarms and fiberglass crossarms. Wood models are offered in Class 1 or Class 2 loading, with standard dimensions including 3 1/4 inches x 4 1/4 inches. Crossarm lengths typically range from 4 to 12 feet, while available arrangements include standard single, double, braced, and custom configurations. Single crossarms commonly measure 6 to 8 feet, and transmission configurations may use lengths of 12 feet or longer.
These utility pole crossarms are used for residential and light commercial distribution lines, secondary service drops, transmission circuits, utility lighting, and communications infrastructure. Distribution circuits commonly use 8-foot crossarms, while double crossarms provide 12- to 15-foot conductor spacing for transmission circuits. Braced configurations include diagonal supports for installations exposed to heavy loads and ice. Fiberglass crossarms are used in coastal locations and environments involving salt air, chemicals, or temperature extremes. Available crossarm installations may also incorporate galvanized bolts, stainless steel hardware, lock washers, diagonal braces, and cross arm brackets.
Crossarms, also called bullhorns, are horizontal supports that secure light fixtures, power lines, and communication equipment to utility poles. With 15+ years in commercial lighting and utility infrastructure, we know quality crossarms are essential for reliable electrical networks in varied environments. Our pole cross arm solutions are designed for durability and performance in demanding applications.
What Are Utility Pole Crossarms?
LED Lighting Supply’s utility poles crossarms are horizontal mounting beams attached perpendicular to utility poles. They provide critical clearance between electrical conductors to prevent arcing. Most installations use crossarms from 4 feet to 12 feet long, depending on voltage and conductor spacing. Primary distribution lines need wider spacing than secondary service drops, so proper crossarm selection is vital for safety and code compliance. If you need a cross arm for pole installations, our team can help you select the right size and material.
Types of LED Lighting Supply Crossarm Materials
Wood Crossarms
Southern yellow pine crossarms are common in utility work for their balance of performance and cost. We recommend pressure-treated wood crossarms rated for Class 1 or Class 2 loading, suitable for most residential and light commercial uses. For added versatility, consider a cross arm bracket to support various mounting needs.
The pressure treatment drives preservatives deep into the wood, protecting against moisture, insects, and decay, and can extend service life to 25-40 years depending on conditions. Standard sizes like 3 1/4 inches x 4 1/4 inches offer strength for typical secondary voltage applications and are cost-effective for large projects. Our cross arm pole products are engineered for both strength and longevity.
Fiberglass Crossarms
Fiberglass crossarms offer long service life in harsh environments where wood may fail. Salt air, chemicals, and temperature extremes have little effect on fiberglass. We have seen fiberglass units in coastal areas remain intact after decades.
Fiberglass is non-conductive, adding a safety margin during maintenance. With service lives over 80 years, depending on conditions, fiberglass crossarms offset higher upfront costs by reducing replacements and maintenance.
Selecting the Proper Crossarm Solution
Material choice depends on project needs. Coastal sites benefit from fiberglass’s corrosion resistance, while inland utilities often use pressure-treated wood. Load calculations determine if single or double crossarms are needed. For traditional installations, cross arm wood remains a popular and reliable choice.
We generally recommend fiberglass for 69kV and above, and wood for distribution voltages up to 35kV – always verify voltage ratings on product spec sheets.
Common Crossarm Configurations
Different electrical setups require specific crossarm arrangements:
- Standard Single Crossarm: For typical three-phase distribution, 6-8 foot lengths are most common
- Double Crossarm: Stacked for transmission circuits needing 12-15 foot conductor spacing
- Braced Crossarms: Diagonal bracing supports heavy loads and ice in northern climates
- Custom Configurations: Special angles for unique right-of-way or equipment needs
Crossarm length is based on conductor voltage and phase spacing. Distribution circuits often use 8-foot crossarms, while transmission may require 12-foot or longer for proper clearances.
Installation Best Practices
Proper installation starts with the right pole accessories, hardware, and mounting. Use galvanized bolts rated for the load to prevent failure, and stainless steel hardware for maximum corrosion resistance. Pre-drill to avoid wood splitting and ensure pin hole alignment.
Double-nut connections with lock washers keep joints tight through temperature changes. Install diagonal braces at 45-degree angles for best load distribution and stability. Always consult a licensed professional for installation requirements and local code compliance.
Pole Cross Arm Benefits
Choosing the right crossarms affects both installation and long-term reliability.
- Enhanced Durability: Quality materials withstand decades of weather, ice, and wind
- Improved Safety: Engineered spacing prevents conductor contact during wind or thermal expansion
- Cost-Effective: Long service life lowers replacement and labor costs
- Reliability: Strong construction reduces outages from crossarm failure
- Regulatory Compliance: All units meet ANSI C136.20 and relevant electrical safety standards when specified correctly
Ready to Enhance Your Utility Infrastructure?
Speak with a Product Specialist about your project. Whether upgrading or planning new installations, our team can help you choose the best solution for your utility pole system. Request a free pole quote here.
Pole Cross Arms for Utility, Power and Electrical Distribution FAQs
How Do I Choose Between Wood And Fiberglass Pole Crossarms?
Choose pressure-treated wood for many inland distribution projects and fiberglass for harsh coastal, chemical, or extreme-temperature environments. The page generally recommends fiberglass for 69kV and above and wood for distribution voltages up to 35kV, with product voltage ratings verified on spec sheets.
What Crossarm Length Is Needed For A Utility Pole?
Crossarm length should be based on conductor voltage and required phase spacing. Installations commonly use 4-foot to 12-foot crossarms, while typical three-phase distribution often uses 6-foot to 8-foot lengths and transmission may require 12-foot or longer arms.
When Is A Double Crossarm Needed?
A double crossarm is used when load calculations or transmission-circuit spacing require more support than a single arm. Stacked double crossarms are identified for transmission circuits needing 12-foot to 15-foot conductor spacing.
How Long Do Wood And Fiberglass Crossarms Last?
Pressure-treated wood crossarms can last 25 to 40 years depending on conditions, while fiberglass crossarms can have service lives over 80 years depending on conditions. Material selection should account for exposure, since fiberglass is presented for environments where salt air, chemicals, and temperature extremes may affect wood.