Wood Poles Information
Lithonia Lighting Wood Poles are designed and engineered using procedures from ANSI Standards. Using laminated lumber, wood pole structures have added strength and greater dimensional stability than solid sawn lumber. All laminated structures are APA-EWS certified. Wood light poles can be specified with Coastal Douglas fir, Port Orford cedar and Alaskan Yellowcedar.
FSC / LEED Potential Points
Wood poles are built from a variety of renewable wood species: Coastal Douglas fir, Port Orford cedar and Alaskan Yellow cedar. Poles can be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) specified if LEED points are required or preferred. Since the pole structures are manufactured in the USA with North American wood species, these poles may qualify for Buy-American Status.
Long-term Performance
Wood poles are pressure treated with Penta in light solvent for use in direct burial applications or where added protection is required against rot, decay or insect attack. When used in above ground applications, some species can provide a natural decay resistance where untreated Port Orford cedar or Alaskan Yellow cedar may be specified.
Handling & Storage
Wood poles will be individually wrapped from the factory for added protection during shipping. They should be kept in the original factory paper wrap, stored above ground and under cover prior to jobsite installation. Individual poles can be moved by hand, nylon sling or fork lift depending on the weight and length of pole.
Installation
For direct burial, pressure-treated wood poles may be directly embedded in ground depending upon load conditions. Poles can be buried in firm soil. Under heavy load or in poor soil conditions, concrete embedment may be required. For above ground applications, the wood poles may be placed into a metal base sized for the type pole specified. Concrete bases with anchor bolts are used. The metal base is bolted to the concrete base using anchor bolts.
Appearance & Maintenance
Wood poles can be ordered with a textured or hand-hewn appearance in addition to the standard surfaced finish. Polespressure treated with Pentachlorophenol will have a light cinnamon-brown color in appearance. Over time, the color slowly fades to a silvery-gray. If a certain color is required at the time of installation, they can be stained at the factory or at the jobsite.
When pressure-treated for long-term performance, maintenance to the light pole itself is really not an issue. Of course as with any structural product, an occasional on-site observation is recommended. The tightening of bolts or other hardware may become a part of normal maintenance. And, if desired, the color of the poles may be changed using a semi-transparent stain.
Wood Poles Installation Options
Note: Embedment must be designed according to local codes and/or local job site soil conditions by a competent designer. Details show suggested method only.
* Earth backfill may be from the hole or selected from another source. All backfill material must be compacted and well tamped uniformly from bottom to top.