A venerable old PG&E pole still stands in beautiful "downtown" Orick, CA. That town is in the most northwestern corner of Pacific Gas & Electric's vast territory. This pole and the others nearby are a classic example of last real style of line build, before the sky-yuk devices came along, i.e. side brackets, extension posts, fiberglass or steel, poly-wolly rubbachickens. etc. and any other 'modern' power line device that has spoiled the look of this classic constructiion style. And which PG&E is now in the process of using.

Here are some questions that would relate to this PG&E spec., as then used in their coastal service areas:

1. Q. Does it have oversize insulators on the 12 kV. delta primary? A. Yes, ANSI class 56-2 and 56-3 multiparts are used . They are rated for 35 to 45 kV but are insulating 12 kV. Conversely, in non coastal areas, ANSI class 55 porcelain insulators are used.

2. Q. Are the fuse cutouts, arrestors and transformer bushings oversized as well? A. Yes, the cutouts are generally rated at a minimum of 15kV and many are of special design for higher ratings. The transformer bushings are oversized with a few exceptions daringly in service anyway. Arrestors on transformer poles are seldom used in this climate.

3. Q. Is open wire 120/240 secondary crossarm construction used in this spec.? A....YUP! You betcha! Good old glass CD 162 and 164's on wooden pins or small porcelains (like this pole). Three wire drops to the house knobs and meter! PG&E has no qualms about running open 3 wire secondary for quite a ways from the transformer.

To see a photo of this pole (and what happened to it), and another classic nearby, click NEXT