Wolmanized® ET® Poles
The Wolmanized ET utility pole combines the longevity and cleanliness of CCA-treated wood utility poles with the climbability of oil-impregnated utility poles.
The ET utility pole is treated with a refined hydrocarbon oil emulsion in the outer layer of the utility pole following treatment with CCA. The viscous oil additive serves as a lubricant, making the utility pole easier to climb and to work on without affecting the preservative properties of the CCA treatment.
ET poles offer these major benefits:
| • AWPA-listed and REA-approved. |
| • The longevity of CCA-treated wood--resistance to termites and fungal decay for decades. |
| • Excellent climbing characteristics confirmed by numerous field climbing trials on both new and aged utility poles. See report (157 KB PDF). |
| • No need for future groundline remedial treatment, since fixation of CCA virtually eliminates preservative migration. |
| • No need to rotate utility poles during storage because of the emulsion's high viscosity. |
| • Low corrosivity. |
| • Can be touched and handled without special safety precautions. |
| • Easier to saw, drill and nail into than regular CCA utility poles because the emulsion additive acts as a lubricating oil. |
| • Retention of oil can be readily verified by inspection agencies — a difficult task with wax additives. |
| • Available in clear emulsion or with a brown colorant. |
CCA Polymer Additive (PA) Process for Poles
Another option for improved climbability is the CCA-PA process. Developed by Arch Wood Protection in conjunction with Hydro-Québec, the patented CCA-PA process consists of injecting a polymer-based additive under pressure into the wood. The wood is then heated, which polymerizes the additive so that it forms a three-dimensional network that is water-insoluble. The result: the CCA-PA process keeps the outer shell of the pole softer for easier climability. For additional information, click here (476 KB PDF).
