Inspiring the Future
"This original test transmission pole has proven throughout the years that it has out-performed its round, painted predecessors by its continuous steady service, but more importantly by simply possessing a superior octagonal design fortified by the application of hot-dip galvanizing, it continues to serve its community."
Dan Jackman
Round painted utility poles were proving they could not hold up to Nebraska’s beautiful, but often harsh, season changes. Therefore, a newly designed, steel octagon trial pole was designed and specified to be hot-dip galvanized. The goal was to compare both the shape and corrosion protection method to the previously used round, painted design.
OPPD erected the 120-foot tall galvanized octagonal electric transmission pole in 1971. It was designed to handle 161 kilovolt conductor cables, plus one half inch of ice, and to withstand punishing winds of 40 pounds per square foot on the cables and pole. The pole’s vintage silhouette remains the only one of its kind in the area and after almost five decades of service, it stands as strong today as when it was commissioned into service. This giant of the plains will faithfully continue to support Metro Omaha’s energy needs well into the future.
Hot-dip galvanizing plays a vital role in this longevity due to the metallurgical bond of the coating. Galvanized steel also requires little to no maintenance meaning contractors no longer need to scale these tall poles for touch-up and repair. Finally, the entire utility pole is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life making the structure an extremely sustainable choice.
The manufacturer is satisfied to know this pole played an important role in the evolution of utility pole design. As a major player in the global utility market, the manufacturer agrees that hot-dip galvanizing was and continues to be the supreme choice for long lasting corrosion protection and service life of its steel transmission towers, as well as the many other metal products the company manufactures around the world.
OPPD was the first customer to purchase octagonal poles manufactured and galvanized from this location. As a result of this pole’s superior design legacy and proven corrosion protection, the utility industry as a whole now commonly uses 12 and 16 sided hot-dip galvanized utility poles as their standard.