PHI Wood Pole Inspection / Treatment Program
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Osmose Utility Service,Inc. (Osmose) has been contracted by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI) to perform routine inspections of the wood pole facilities on the PHI service territory.
Wood poles must routinely be inspected above and below ground to extend the service life of the pole. This will ensure safe and reliable service to our customers.
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) mandates that utilities maintain their wood poles so that they retain 2/3 of their original required design strength. In order to meet this requirement, utilities must establish some regular program of inspection and maintenance. PHI inspects its poles on a 10 year cycle, which are an industry standard, using intrusive procedures that include boring into the pole at or below ground line and, for some species, excavating around the pole and examining the surface for external decay. There is compelling evidence to show that these procedures, coupled with application of remedial treatments and the use of reinforcements, markedly extend the pole service life. These inspections will be performed by our contractor Osmose. Should you have any questions or concerns about the pole inspection program or about Osmose please contact:
Paul Burchell, ( Osmose ) 443-271-0217.
