Key Features
- Non-Conductive: The inert nature of FRP means the pole does not carry electrical current, improving safety during installation and operation.
- Corrosion-Resistant: FRP is immune to rot, rust, salt, chemicals, termites, and UV damage.
- High Strength-to-Weight: Despite being up to 50% lighter than wood or steel poles, FRP poles meet stiffness and wind-load requirements.
- Environmentally Friendly: Manufactured with lower embodied energy and often qualifying as low-carbon alternatives to steel/concrete.
- Modular Design: Many poles come in telescoping or sectional designs for easy transport and customization.
Benefits
- Improved Safety: Non-conductive poles eliminate electrocution risk from stray lines; perfect for mounting cables and small cells near power lines.
- Ease of Installation: Lighter weight reduces crane size and installation time. One crew can set an FRP pole that would require more effort for a heavier counterpart.
- Long-Term Savings: Virtually maintenance-free (no painting, no rot repair). Over decades, total cost of ownership is lower than wood or steel.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Poles can be colored or clad; their smooth finish resists graffiti and dirt.
Applications
- Urban “smart pole” deployments combining street lighting, CCTV, public Wi-Fi, and 5G small cells
- Rural/remote communication towers where corrosion would shorten pole life
- Substation and utility areas needing non-metallic poles (e.g. near high-voltage equipment)
Technical Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass/epoxy or polyester resin with continuous E-glass fiber
- Height and Loads: Range from ~6 m street pole to 30+ m telecom tower sections. Pultruded poles come in constant-taper or step-taper profiles
- Wind Ratings: Designed per local codes (e.g. ASCE 7-10 hurricane speeds for fiber poles)
- Finishes: UV-stable polyester gelcoats; optional fire-retardant coatings for safety
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Extreme Durability: FRP poles outlast wood (termite-free) and steel (rust-proof), with documented 80-year lifespans.
- Lightweight and Strong: Up to half the weight of steel, yet engineered for equivalent strength and stiffness.
- Non-Leaching: FRP does not release harmful chemicals, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.