If a pole is framed while it is lying on the ground, the ? should not be installed if the pole is to be installed in an energized circuit.

If a pole is framed while it is lying on the ground, the ? should not be installed if the pole is to be installed in an energized circuit.

• A. Crossarm
• B. Crossarm braces
• C. Down-ground
• D. Pins and insulators

Answer: (C)

When a pole will carry an energized line, the safety issue is the grounding path. A down-ground conductor provides a direct path to earth. If the pole is still lying on the ground and the circuit is energized, installing this ground path can make the pole or surrounding metal become live and create a serious shock or arc-flash hazard for workers as the pole is moved into place. For that reason, the down-ground should not be installed until the pole is upright and the circuit has been de-energized or isolated as safe. Other mounting hardware like the crossarm, crossarm braces, and pins with insulators are mechanical supports and don’t create an immediate hazardous ground path in this situation, so they can be prepared without the same risk.

When a pole will carry an energized line, the safety issue is the grounding path. A down-ground conductor provides a direct path to earth. If the pole is still lying on the ground and the circuit is energized, installing this ground path can make the pole or surrounding metal become live and create a serious shock or arc-flash hazard for workers as the pole is moved into place. For that reason, the down-ground should not be installed until the pole is upright and the circuit has been de-energized or isolated as safe. Other mounting hardware like the crossarm, crossarm braces, and pins with insulators are mechanical supports and don’t create an immediate hazardous ground path in this situation, so they can be prepared without the same risk.