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IS 6711 : 1972Code of practice for maintenance of wood poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines

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RUS Bulletin 1724E · AWPA M19 · ENA TS 43
CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeMEP · Timber and Timber Stores
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 6711:1972 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for maintenance of wood poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines. This standard provides guidelines for the maintenance of wood poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines. It covers the causes of deterioration, procedures for systematic inspection, and methods for remedial and preventive treatments to ensure structural integrity and extend service life.

Code of practice for maintenance of wood poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
MEP — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
RUS Bulletin 1724E-156 · Rural Utilities Service (RUS), USDA, USAAWPA M19-21 · American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), USAENA TS 43-10 · Energy Networks Association (ENA), UK
Typically used with
IS 401IS 210
Also on InfraLens for IS 6711
5Key values4FAQs
Practical Notes
! The ground-line section (approx. 300 mm above to 500 mm below ground) is the most critical area for decay and requires thorough inspection.
! Sounding the pole with a hammer is a quick, preliminary method to detect internal rot, but should be followed by boring for confirmation, especially if a dull or hollow sound is heard.
! Always de-energize power lines or maintain safe clearance as per regulations before commencing any maintenance work on poles.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Agencies Causing DeteriorationCl. 5InspectionCl. 6Remedial and Preventive MeasuresCl. 7Replacements
Pulled from IS 6711:1972. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
woodtimberwood preservatives

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
RUS Bulletin 1724E-156Rural Utilities Service (RUS), USDA, USA
HighCurrent
Guide for In-Plant and In-Service Inspection of Wood Poles
Provides detailed guidance on inspection procedures, decay detection, and record-keeping for wood utility poles.
AWPA M19-21American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for the Care of Preservative-Treated Wood Products
Covers inspection, remedial treatment, and repair of in-service preservative-treated wood, including utility poles.
ENA TS 43-10Energy Networks Association (ENA), UK
HighCurrent
Guidance on the Inspection and Maintenance of Wood Poles
Details a risk-based approach to the inspection and maintenance of wood poles for overhead lines in the UK.
Key Differences
≠IS 6711 relies on traditional inspection methods like sounding with a hammer and visual checks, while modern standards like RUS 1724E-156 and ENA TS 43-10 incorporate advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) such as resistance drilling, stress wave timers, and sonic tomography.
≠The Indian standard suggests a fixed 'annual patrol' schedule, whereas modern standards (e.g., ENA TS 43-10) advocate for a more sophisticated Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology, where inspection frequency is varied based on pole age, species, location, and condition.
≠IS 6711 recommends preservatives common in the 1970s, such as creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP). International standards like AWPA M19 list a broader range of modern, often more environmentally-regulated preservatives, including copper naphthenate, borate rods, and DCOI.
≠Modern international standards place a significantly higher emphasis on environmental protection and safety, with detailed protocols for handling chemical treatments, managing treated wood waste, and personnel PPE, which are only briefly mentioned in IS 6711.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally identify the ground-line area (from slightly above to below ground level) as the most critical inspection zone due to the optimal conditions for decay.
≈The foundational inspection techniques, including visual assessment for defects (lean, cracks, damage) and sounding the pole with a hammer to detect internal voids, remain a common practice across both IS 6711 and its international counterparts.
≈The concept of remedial actions is consistent, with all standards describing methods for in-situ application of preservative treatments to arrest decay and the use of reinforcement ('stubbing' or steel trussing) to extend the service life of a damaged pole.
≈A core principle in all referenced standards is the mandatory requirement for systematic and detailed record-keeping for each pole, documenting its history, inspection findings, treatments, and any repairs.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Ground-line Inspection Excavation DepthAbout 450 mm below ground level.18 to 24 inches (approx. 457 to 610 mm) below ground level.RUS Bulletin 1724E-156
Inspection Boring Auger DiameterNot exceeding 20 mm.Typically 3/8 to 1/2 inch (9.5 to 12.7 mm) to minimize damage.AWPA M19-21
Bore Hole PluggingPlug with creosoted wooden dowels.Plug with tight-fitting, preservative-treated plastic or wooden plugs/dowels.AWPA M19-21
Remedial Ground-line PreservativeCoal tar creosote or a 5% solution of pentachlorophenol.Copper naphthenate, DCOI, or sodium fluoride/borate based pastes and rods.AWPA M19-21
Rejection Criteria (Rule of Thumb)Strength calculation based on remaining sound wood moment of resistance.Pole may require remedial action or replacement if sound wood shell thickness is less than 2 inches (50 mm).RUS Bulletin 1724E-156
Initial Major Inspection CycleNot explicitly defined; 'annual patrol' from start.Typically 10-15 years after installation for the first detailed inspection.ENA TS 43-10
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Normal inspection cycle5 years
Inspection drilling depth below ground line500 mm
Inspection hole diameter15 to 20 mm
Pole sounding methodTapping with a hammer from ground level up to 2m
Re-treatment cycle10 to 15 years for poles in service

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Agencies Causing Deterioration
Clause 5 - Inspection
Clause 6 - Remedial and Preventive Measures
Clause 7 - Replacements

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 401:2001Code of Practice for Preservation of Timber
→
IS 210:2009Grey Iron Castings
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

How often should wood poles be inspected?+
A normal inspection cycle is 5 years, but this can be adjusted based on local conditions, climate, and age of the poles (Clause 5.2).
What are the main causes of wood pole deterioration?+
The primary causes are fungal decay (rot) and attack by termites or other insects, particularly at and below the ground line where moisture levels are favorable for them (Clause 4).
What is 'sounding' a pole?+
It involves tapping the pole surface with a hammer from the ground up to a height of about 2 meters to detect internal voids or decay, which produce a hollow sound compared to the solid ring of sound wood (Clause 5.4.2).
When should a pole be replaced?+
A pole should be considered for replacement when the remaining sound wood is insufficient to provide the required strength to withstand design loads. This is determined after a detailed inspection (Clause 7).

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