Pole Cross Arms | Wood Cross Arms | Fiberglass Cross Arms

Crossarms, often called bullhorns, serve as horizontal support structures that secure light fixtures, power lines, and communication equipment to utility poles. After 17 years in commercial lighting and utility infrastructure, we've seen how quality crossarms form the backbone of reliable electrical networks across diverse environments.

What Are Utility Pole Crossarms?

LED Lighting Supply's utility pole crossarms function as horizontal mounting beams that attach perpendicular to utility poles. Beyond simple support, they establish crucial clearance distances between electrical conductors to prevent dangerous arcing. Most installations require crossarms ranging from 4 feet to 12 feet in length, depending on voltage requirements and conductor spacing. Primary distribution lines typically need wider spacing than secondary service drops, making crossarm selection critical for both safety and code compliance.

Types of LED Lighting Supply Crossarm Materials

Wood Crossarms

Southern yellow pine crossarms dominate utility installations because they balance performance with affordability. We typically recommend pressure-treated wood crossarms rated for Class 1 or Class 2 loading, which handle most residential and light commercial applications. The pressure treatment process forces preservatives deep into the wood fiber, creating a barrier against moisture, insects, and fungal decay that can extend service life to 25-40 years. Standard dimensions like 3¼ inches x 4¼ inches provide adequate strength for typical secondary voltage applications while remaining cost-effective for large utility deployments.

Fiberglass Crossarms

Fiberglass construction delivers exceptional longevity in challenging environments where wood struggles. Salt air, industrial chemicals, and extreme temperature cycling that would degrade wood have minimal impact on fiberglass crossarms. We've installed fiberglass units in coastal regions that show virtually no degradation after decades of service. The material's non-conductive properties also provide an additional safety margin during maintenance operations. With service lives exceeding 80 years, fiberglass crossarms justify their higher initial cost through reduced replacement frequency and virtually eliminated maintenance requirements.

Pole Cross Arm Benefits

Choosing appropriate crossarms impacts both immediate installation success and long-term system reliability.

• Enhanced Durability: Premium materials withstand decades of weather exposure while maintaining structural integrity under ice loading and wind stress
• Improved Safety: Engineered spacing prevents conductor contact during wind sway and thermal expansion cycles
• Cost-Effective: Extended service life reduces replacement labor and material costs over the system lifecycle
• Reliability: Robust construction minimizes service interruptions from crossarm failure during storms
• Regulatory Compliance: All units meet ANSI C136.20 and relevant electrical safety standards

Selecting the Proper Crossarm Solution

Material selection depends on several project-specific factors. Coastal installations benefit from fiberglass's corrosion resistance, while inland utilities often choose pressure-treated wood for its proven track record. Load calculations determine whether standard single crossarms suffice or if double configurations are necessary. We generally recommend fiberglass for 69kV and above applications, while wood crossarms work well for distribution voltages up to 35kV.

Common Crossarm Configurations

Different electrical configurations require specific crossarm arrangements:

• Standard Single Crossarm: Handles typical three-phase distribution with 6-8 foot lengths most common
• Double Crossarm: Stacked configuration supports transmission circuits requiring 12-15 foot conductor spacing
• Braced Crossarms: Diagonal bracing handles heavy conductor loads and ice accumulation in northern climates
• Custom Configurations: Specialized angles accommodate unique right-of-way constraints or equipment requirements

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

Installation Best Practices

Successful crossarm installation starts with proper hardware selection and mounting techniques. Galvanized bolts rated for the expected load prevent premature failure, while stainless steel hardware provides maximum corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. Pre-drilling prevents wood splitting and ensures accurate pin hole alignment. Double-nutted connections with lock washers maintain tight joints despite thermal cycling. Diagonal braces should be installed at 45-degree angles for optimal load distribution and structural stability.

Ready to Enhance Your Utility Infrastructure?

Speak with a Product Specialist to discuss your project requirements. Whether upgrading existing infrastructure or planning new installations, our team will help you select the optimal solution for your utility pole system. Request a free pole quote here.