Steel Cross Arm

Steel Cross Arm: The Ultimate Guide

In nearly all telecommunication and electricity transmission, you need a steel cross arm.

But more importantly, you need high quality, durable and robust steel cross arm.

One that can support all transmission wires and other pole line hardware.

The good news?

In this guide, I am going to help you choose a suitable steel cross arm.

I will take you through basic features, and designs and even recommend a few you can consider for your installations.

And, by the end of this guide, you will be an expert in steel cross arms.

Let’s dive right in.

What is Steel Cross Arm?

If you’re purchasing this pole cable hardware for the first time then evidently, this is a question that’s crossing your mind right now.

Electricity transmission line

Well, a steel cross arm refers to a metallic component that you use for providing a rugged attachment point for securing various peripherals.

In most cases, this accessory helps to underpin different components on various overhead structures.

But majorly, the function of steel cross arm is to support different overhead line equipment including distribution transformers and fuses.

Technical drawing of a steel cross arm

Incidentally, the design of most of the steel cross arms available is to place the particular elements horizontally.

Installation of steel cross arm

They come in several options, especially regarding size, shape, and overall design.

This is generally important because it increases your chances of getting the most suitable option.

Who Needs Steel Cross Arms?

Incidentally, cross arms are widely used in different applications.

It thus implies that several companies would indeed need this particular overhead line construction component.

The demand for more extensive electrical coverage continues to rise.

It is thus an indication that there’s also a need for more efficient and stronger installation and manufacturing of more reliable equipment.

 

Electrical cross arm

Municipal, rural and electrical utility companies, cable companies, as well as telephone companies all need this equipment.

So most of these companies depend significantly on the vital function of cross arm products.

But here’s the truth;

The essentiality of a robust cross arm product isn’t limited merely to utilities.

As you can see, the steel cross arms play a vital role in various applications mentioned above.

And the most fundamental aspect is that it increases the efficiency and performance of such infrastructure.

Electricity Cross Arm Material

There is an important aspect that you need to understand with this particular pole line hardware; it’s manufactured using steel material.

You see, steel comes in different types, which implies that the types of steel cross arms would also vary in terms of material.

Stainless steel alley arm

Some of the common forms of steel material for manufacturing cross arms include carbon, alloy, and stainless steel.

Of course, there is a difference among all these available options specifically regarding the overall quality and finish.

Let’s have a quick overview of some common materials:

a) Carbon Steel Materials for Cross Arms

For instance, carbon steel cross arms tend to be relatively dull and matte in appearance.

It can contain different types of alloys such as copper, silicon, and manganese among others.

The only shortcoming of carbon steel in manufacturing cross arms is that it is somewhat comparatively vulnerable to corrosion.

b) Alloy Steel Material for Cross Arms

Alloy steel is also an ideal material for manufacturing cross bars.

It is reasonably affordable, but its strength and property are dependent on the concentration of elements it contains.

On the other hand, stainless steel is corrosion resistant, shiny and can withstand high temperatures.

It is the most versatile material for producing cross arms, and you can as well customize it to suit the particular needs.

Types of Steel Cross Arms

Normally, you’ll find several kinds of cross arms in the market.

The specific type which you choose depends on the application.

In that regard, let me describe a few types of pole line accessories that are often common in different applications.

a) Alley Arm

It is commonly known as an alley arm brace.

It is a type of cross arm used in overhead lines, light poles, utility poles, and transmission poles.

Angle steel is the main raw material for manufacturing this type of cross arm, which explains the reason it’s quite versatile.

Alley arm

And in most cases, the selection of the raw materials is often by the stipulated standards.

On the same note though, all the raw materials for this component before and even after fabrication are free from blisters and any defects.

One fundamental aspect regarding an alley arm is that you can install it both at the right and left side of an overhead cross arm.

Nonetheless, you should also know that the use of this type of steel cross arm is common in different specific markets.

b) Cross Arm Braces

This type of steel cross arm component is more or less similar to the alley arm.

The only major difference is the construction.

Additionally, the cross arm braces use flat steel as the main raw material.

The lengths and thickness of this component vary, and in most cases, they have a rounded end.

 

Cross arm braces

When using this type of accessory of pole line hardware, you’ll secure it on the overhead line structure using bolts and nuts.

Ideally, the purpose of this hardware is to support the electrical cross arm as well as reinforce the overhead cross arm.

And for that reason, it’s always fundamental to make sure that you select sturdy cross arm braces specifically from particular manufacturers.

c) Electrical Cross Arm

As the name suggests, this is a type of steel cross arm that you specifically use in various electrical overhead line structures.

However, you can still use it in other different applications including a telephone line, utility pole, and light pole among others.

 

Electrical cross arm

The fact nonetheless is that you tend to use electrical cross arms in different configurations depending on the application’s setups.

For example, in power poles, the connection of cross arms to the insulator is made by using an insulator pin.

Typically, you can secure an electrical cross arm to the overhead line structure using U-bolt, pigtail bolt, or double arming bolt.

And the matching holes for bolts also tend to be compatible which is vital because it enhances the tight fitting on the pole line.

Nevertheless, there are also other cross arm braces that you’ll require to support the electrical cross arm to prevent the line from dropping off.

Features of a Suitable Steel Cross Arm

Now, you ought to know that choosing a proper steel cross arm can as well be a more daunting task than you can imagine.

Often, it’s the types of material, design, and size of this component that make it difficult to pick the most preferable.

And in this case, I want to take you through a few features that you should consider when selecting a suitable one.

Cross arm in power transmission

§  Durability of Steel Cross Arm

It ensures that the steel cross arm offers a long service lifespan.

In as much as the nature of the material for manufacturing this pole line hardware tends to vary, you have to go for a durable one.

By the way, an ordinary steel cross arm should last for at least 50 years.

Consider anything less than that as an inferior quality regardless of the environmental conditions you subject it into.

Ideally, a durable one should never rust, splinter, or even rot like wood.

The specific strength elements should remain intact over the product lifespan.

§  Go for Lightweight Steel Cross Arm

This is also another fundamental factor that you must consider regarding a steel cross arm.

You see, there is a dire need of ensuring that you transport this component to your destination, lift and install it easily.

And obviously, this can only be possible if the weight is relatively light.

In fact, for a steel cross arm, you should hand-carry it into hard-to-reach locations.

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§  Consider Quality but Don’t Forget the Appearance of the Steel Cross Arm

In as much, as you will install this particular type of hardware on an exposed overhead line system, it still needs to be attractive.

The steel cross arm comes in different shades.

And so you can select a particular shade that you feel appeals to you.

It is significant because at the end of the day it also enhances the aesthetic value of the overall structure in one way or the other.

§  Steel Cross Arm Must Guarantee Safety

This is arguably the most fundamental feature that you must ever consider in any steel cross arm you’re buying.

Safety undoubtedly comes from different perspectives.

The first one is by ensuring that the product meets all the standard specifications that the regulator has put in place.

This is vital since it enables you to have peace of mind given that it won’t necessarily affect your well-being and that of other users.

The other perspective of safety is by making sure that the component has all the right accessories.

You must be able to install it tightly on the pole line structure.

It should also be able to hold the respective components of the structure appropriately.

§  Steel Cross Arm Must have Low Deflection

In as much as the cross arm is to hold loads of different weights, it’s also important that it mitigates deflection effects.

Therefore, always ensure that you go for a component that has engineered defection characteristics.

Such characteristics yield desirable side benefits given that the cross arms are always crafted to be stronger to address deflection issues.

§  Ease of Installation

Again, this is an important feature of an ideal steel cross arm which you must always look into.

Usually, you should go for a type that you can easily field drill along the entire cross arm’s length using standard installation equipment.

Additionally, it would be ideal if you buy one from a reputable manufacturer that can offer pre-drilling services to required settings.

Conclusion

As you can see, a steel cross arm plays an important role in communication and electricity transmission systems.

But more importantly, you need to consider the type of material, design and key features when buying a steel cross arm.

As a rule of thumb, always buy steel cross arms from reliable manufacturers who know how to control quality.

And, that’s what we do here at Rax Industry.

You can contact us today for all your pole line hardware needs.

FAQ

What is a steel cross arm?

Steel cross arm is a metallic component that provides a rugged attachment point for securing various peripherals. It can be made of angel steel, steel brace, and U channel.

What is the application of steel cross arms?

Steel cross arms of different configurations are used on overhead lines, transmission towers, transmission lines, wood poles, utility pole, and so on.

• Steel cross arms in overhead lines are mainly supporting the overhead line and the many holes on the steel cross arm are used to connect the other pole hardware fittings.
• The cross arms in the transmission line are used to support the transformer.
• The cross arms on the power pole or on the light pole are used to support the insulator by double arming bolt or u bolt.

What are the types of steel cross arms?

Types are not the same in different countries, according to the application it can be classified as the following:

• alley arm
• cross arm braces
• cross arm bracket
• electrical cross arm
• power pole cross arm
• v cross arm

What are the features of a suitable steel cross arm?

Here are some features you should consider when selecting a suitable steel cross arm.

• The Durability
• Go for lightweight steel cross arm
• Consider both quality and appearance
• Guarantee safety
• Low deflection
• Ease of installation