Utility pole

A tall structure that carries overhead electrical, telephone, or cable lines. Its crossarms, insulators, and attached equipment keep conductors elevated and separated from people and obstacles.

Crossarm: A horizontal structural member attached to a pole to support wires or other equipment. Crossarms carry insulators and maintain spacing between overhead conductors.
Overhead power line: An electrical transmission or distribution line whose conductors are suspended above the ground. Utility poles provide the supports that keep distribution conductors aloft.
Telephone line: A communication line that carries voice or data signals between telephone network locations. Telephone wires historically shared utility poles with electrical distribution lines.
Undergrounding: The placement of utility cables below ground rather than on overhead structures. Undergrounding avoids visible poles but requires excavation and different repair methods.
Electrical insulator: A material or device that resists electric current and separates energized conductors from supporting structures. Insulators prevent pole hardware from conducting electricity from the wires.
Electric power distribution: The delivery of electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and other users. Distribution networks use poles to route electricity through streets and rural areas.
Cable television: A television distribution system that delivers programming through coaxial or fiber-optic networks. Cable operators often attach their lines to utility poles along public routes.
Transmission tower: A tall lattice or tubular structure that supports high-voltage electric transmission conductors. Transmission towers carry larger, higher-voltage lines than ordinary distribution poles.
Pole-mounted transformer: A transformer installed on a utility pole to change voltage in an electrical distribution system. It is one of the largest pieces of equipment commonly attached to distribution poles.
Electrical clearance: The required separation between energized electrical parts and people, structures, or other conductors. Pole layouts maintain safe distances among wires, buildings, roads, and ground.

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