What is the purpose of the Drop Test?

To ensure the pole does not suffer any structural damage, weld failure, or significant distortion when dropped from a specified height (usually 2 meters) during handling.

What does the Deflection Test measure?

It verifies that the pole's temporary deflection under a specified working load remains within acceptable limits without permanent deformation.

What is the permissible tolerance for pole straightness?

The deviation from straightness should not exceed 1/600 of the total length of the pole.

What steel grade is typically used for these poles?

Poles are generally manufactured from steel tubes conforming to IS 1161 or structural steel conforming to IS 2062.

IS 2713

: 2000

Tubular Steel Poles for Overhead Power Lines

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationStructural Engineering · Structural Engineering and Structural Sections

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This standard specifies the requirements for stepped and swaged tubular steel poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines. It details the dimensions, weight tolerances, load capacities, and mandatory physical tests such as the drop, deflection, and permanent set tests.

Tubular Steel Poles for Overhead Power Lines

Quick Reference Values

tolerance on overall length± 40 mm

tolerance on outside diameter± 1%

tolerance on thickness± 10%

tolerance on weight single pole-7.5% to +10%

straightness toleranceNot exceeding 1/600 of length

typical planting depth1/6th of the overall length

Practical Notes

Poles are designated by an 'SP' (Swaged Pole) prefix followed by a specific number (e.g., SP-43), which correlates to exact dimensional and load-bearing profiles in the standard's tables.

Corrosion at the ground-air interface is a primary cause of failure; ensure thorough anti-corrosive treatments like bituminous painting or galvanizing are applied up to the specified height above ground level.

The planting depth should strictly follow design recommendations, usually taken as roughly 1/6th of the pole's total length for standard soil conditions.