Page 108 - McWane Poles Sales Manual 2024
P. 108
108
McWane Poles, A Division of McWane Inc.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Fire Performance
Summary
Brush fires are not expected to significantly affect the structural properties of ductile iron utility poles.
Cosmetic damage could result in coated poles, but this would not affect pole performance or longevity in
most instances.
Western Fire Lab Testing
McWane Poles were testing by Brent Pickett, Ph.D. at West Fire Center, Inc. to Standard test method for
fire resistance of wood utility poles (a proposed ASTM standard). “The purpose of the test was to evaluate
the effectiveness of the pole by measuring the exposure to radioactive heating, convective flames, and
wind effects. Radiant heaters, a convective fire ring, and a fan were used to simulate the effects of wild fire.
The pole sample reached 460 degrees over the 10-minute test. No significant damage was observed.
Structural Testing
Physical properties of the pole sample were tested to obtain a baseline for measuring the impact of the
wild fire simulation.
