Timber Pole Treatments: Copper Chrome Arsenic

Posted: 27 May, 2021

How Does CCA Pole Treatment Work?

With CCA treatment of power poles, the timber is impregnated with the solution using controlled
vacuum/pressure method.

The ingredients are:

  • copper
  • arsenic
  • chromium
The function of copper is to control fungi, arsenic is to control termites and the chromium is to help bind the chemicals to the wood. The fixation process ensures that nearly all the solution chemically bonds to the timber. 

CCA solution is orange, but turns green on fixation to give treated timber its familiar light green colour.

How to Inspect CCA Power Poles?

CCA Pole need to be inspected with care since the solution has toxic chemicals which can be hazardous. Hence, PPE should always be used. The inspection of the asset needs to be conducted both above ground, below ground and at times intrusively. To identify internal defects specialized training and experience are very important. 

The pole needs to be sounded at specific points to verify the soundness of the asset. Sounding can also identify internal defects which are otherwise unknown from the surface. Internal inspection is also at times warranted since it can ascertain internal piping and rot.

Aerial inspection above ground should not be forgotten since pole top failures can be common and very dangerous.

CCA impregnants only the sapwood layer of the power pole. Overtime a pole can have loose sapwood which can open the door to pest infestation and fungal infection.

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Get In touch

02 4308 9548

available from 7:00 – 5:00

Head Office 70 Toomeys Road, Mount Elliot NSW

Email ohms@electricalpoles.com.au

There is a range of reasons why you may have been issued a defect notice:

  • Bushfire hazards such as trees encroaching your overhead power lines
  • Damaged electrical wires 
  • Unsafe private electrical poles
  • Broken electrical equipment