Pole Wind Load Calculator

This pole wind load (PWL) calculator determines the wind load and Effective Projected Area (EPA) of a pole.

Selecting a light pole with the proper EPA rating and wind loads for the installed region helps ensure safe installation, fixture longevity, durability, and structural stability. A high-performance light pole is engineered to withstand high wind speeds and potential ailments in a given location without fail.

How to calculate wind load on a pole with this calculator:

1. Enter the Frontal Project Area (FPA)
2. Enter the Drag Coefficient (Cd)
3. Enter the region's average wind speed (V). Find the installed region's average wind speed here.
4. Click calculate to get the estimated pole's wind load calculation and EPA.

Why To Use This Tool:

• Calculating wind load on poles to ensure structural stability and safety.
• Factor in air density to accurately determine wind force impact.
• Use basic wind speed to assess the potential forces acting on the pole.
• Convert wind speed into applicable values for load calculations.
• Account for negative internal pressure coefficient to better predict wind effects on enclosed structures.

Light Pole Wind Load Calculations:

PWL = 0.613 * A * Cd * V²

*The 0.613 variable converts the units to the standard Newtons (N) unit.

Projected Area (A):

The projected area (A) refers to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fixture and its mounting components installed as seen by the wind. It can also be defined as the exposed area to high wind velocities. The assumed drag coefficient (Cd) is 1.20 for flat plate bodies, 0.85 for spherical bodies, and 1.00 for angled bodies.

Drag Coefficient (Cd):

Each component of a light, utility, or telecom pole, including the mounting brackets and light fixture, has a dedicated drag profile. A drag profile describes the amount of wind force or pressure the pole and each of its components can withstand. The drag coefficient (Cd) refers to the amount of wind that drags against the fixture and measures the fixture's resistance to wind forces. Square-engineered poles create more drag than round poles, indicating a higher drag profile while lower drag coefficients indicate less resistance to wind pressures.

Wind Speed (V):

Wind zones vary by region and environmental factors, requiring light, utility, or telecom poles to be engineered to withstand worst-case weather events. High-elevation areas, hurricane-prone coastal areas, and regions with large bodies of water are considered intense environmental regions with high wind speeds.

Wind speed rating refers to the maximum wind speed a light, utility, or telecom pole can withstand without creating structural damage or potential safety hazards to the public. Use a wind speed map to define the installed area's wind speed (V).