Pole Cross Arms | Wood Cross Arms | Fiberglass Cross Arms

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.

What Are Utility Pole Crossarms?

LED Lighting Supply's utility pole 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.

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.

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.

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've 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 | Wood Cross Arms | Fiberglass Cross Arms Frequently Asked Questions

What are utility pole crossarms and what do they do?

Crossarms are horizontal mounting beams that attach perpendicular to utility poles, securing light fixtures, power lines, and communication equipment. They establish clearance distances between electrical conductors to prevent dangerous arcing, with most installations requiring lengths from 4 feet to 12 feet depending on voltage requirements and conductor spacing.

What crossarm materials are available?

Wood crossarms use pressure-treated southern yellow pine rated for Class 1 or Class 2 loading with service life of 25-40 years depending on conditions. Fiberglass crossarms offer non-conductive properties and service lives exceeding 80 years depending on conditions, with minimal degradation from salt air, industrial chemicals, and extreme temperature cycling.

When should I choose fiberglass crossarms over wood?

Fiberglass is recommended for 69kV and above applications and coastal or chemically aggressive environments where wood would degrade. Wood crossarms work well for distribution voltages up to 35kV - verify specific voltage ratings on product spec sheets.

What crossarm configurations are available?

Configurations include standard single crossarms in 6-8 foot lengths for three-phase distribution, double crossarms for transmission circuits requiring 12-15 foot conductor spacing, and braced crossarms with diagonal bracing for heavy conductor loads and ice accumulation in northern climates.

How do I select the correct crossarm length?

Length selection follows conductor voltage and phase spacing requirements. Distribution circuits use 8-foot crossarms for standard spacing, while transmission applications may require 12-foot or longer configurations to maintain adequate clearances.

What standards do these crossarms meet?

All units meet ANSI C136.20 and relevant electrical safety standards when properly specified. Consult with a licensed professional for specific installation requirements and local code compliance.