UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Electrification Administration

BULLETIN 1728H-701

SUBJECT: REA Specification for Wood Crossarms (Solid and

 Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys

TO: All Electric Borrowers

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2, 1993.

EXPIRATION DATE: Date of change of §1728.201 by rulemaking.

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Transmission Branch, Electric

Staff Division.

PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS: This Bulletin replaces REA Bulletin

50-17, REA Specification for Wood Crossarms (Solid and

Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys, issued

June 2, 1987.

FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Discard REA Bulletin 50-17 dated June 2,

1987, and replace with this bulletin. File with 7 CFR part 1728

and on REANET.

PURPOSE: This bulletin describes the minimum acceptable quality

of wood crossarms permitted to be purchased by or for REA

borrowers and the plans of procurement under which they may be

purchased.

This bulletin is a "user friendly" reformat of the text

codified in 7 CFR 1728.201 published at 58 FR 41394, dated

August 3, 1993. Every effort has been made to ensure the

accuracy of this document. However, in case of

discrepancies, the regulation at 7 CFR 1728 section 1728.201

is the authorized source.

John H. Arnesen 08/13/93

____________________________ _____________

Administrator Date
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 2

Instructions When Using REA Specification for Wood Crossarms

(Solid and Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys

 i. Purpose : The intent of this specification is to provide a

basis for procuring adequate crossarms. The borrower is

responsible for completeness of an order.

 ii. Scope : This specification establishes the minimum

acceptable quality of wood crossarms, transmission timbers

and pole keys to be used on distribution and transmission

lines. The specification covers quality control, reserve

treated stock inspection, material requirements,

preservative treatment and related specifications.

iii. Information to be Completed by the Borrower : When using

this specification the borrower or borrower's

representative should enter into a writing agreement with a

material supplier by way of contract or purchase order.

This agreement should state that all crossarms shall be

manufactured in strict accordance with this specification.

 This agreement shall also contain a provision that

specifically requires the producers to make the treating

plant and storage areas available during normal business

hours, in order for representatives of either the purchaser

or REA to inspect such facilities to determine compliance

with the standards and specifications.

a. The following information shall be provided on the

purchase order or contract:

1. Quantity of material

2. Species

3. Preservative type and retention

4. Framing requirements or special drawings

5. Inspection method and inspection agency

 when desired.

b. This specification is written as the minimum acceptable

requirements for material. This specification may be

altered to increase the minimum requirements when

borrowers so desire. Any alteration should be

highlighted in the purchase order.
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scope

2. Related Specifications and Standards

3. General Stipulations

4. Material Requirements

5. Manufacture

6. Preservatives

7. Conditioning Prior to Treatment

8. Preservative Treatment

9. Results of Treatments

10. Marking

11. Storage

12. Drawings

13. Destination Inspection

14. Purchase of Related Specifications and Standards

Exhibit A: Crossarm Drawings (Available in Hard Copy Only)

Exhibit B: Crossarm Drilling Guide (Available in Hard Copy

Only)

Exhibit C: Metric Conversion Factors

INDEX:

 Crossarms, Specifications

 Specifications and Standards, Crossarms (Solid and

 Laminated)

 Timber Products, Specifications

ABBREVIATIONS

ACA Ammoniacal Copper Arsenate

ACZA Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate

AITC American Institute of Timber Construction

ANSI American National Standards Institute

APA American Plywood Association

AWPA American Wood-Preservers' Association

CCA Chromated Copper Arsenate

CuN Copper Naphthenate

WCLIB West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 4

DEFINITIONS

Arm refers to structural wood member used to support electrical

conductors.

Certificate of Compliance shall consist of a certification over

the signature of an authorized employee of the producer that the

material shipped meets the requirements of this specification and

any supplementary requirements cited in a contract or order under

which it was purchased.

Crossarm is a term used interchangeably with arm.

Independent Inspection relates to examination of material by an

independent inspector employed by a commercial agency.

Inspection means an examination of material in sufficient detail

to insure conformity to all phases of the specification under

which it was purchased.

Lot is a quantity of crossarms of like size, conditioning

and fabrication usually making up one treating charge.

Producer is used to describe the party who manufacturers and

treats crossarms.

Purchaser refers to either the REA borrower or contractors acting

as the borrower's agent, except where a part of the specification

specifically refers to only the borrower or the contractor.

Quality control designee refers to an individual designated by

the producer to be responsible for quality control.

Reserve treated stock consists of timber products treated in

accordance with this specification, prior to and in anticipation

of the receipt of specific orders, and held in storage ready for

immediate shipment.

Supplier is a term used interchangeably with producer or in

some cases, may be distributor selling crossarms to the

borrower.

Treating Plant is the organization that applies the

preservative treatment to the crossarms.
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 5

Bulletin 1728H-701 to 7 CFR 1728.201 CROSS-REFERENCE

Bulletin 7 CFR Bulletin 7 CFR

1728H-701 1728.201 1728H-701 1728.201

Definitions (b) 5.2 (g)(2)

1. (a)(3) 5.3 (g)(3)

2. (c) 5.4 (g)(4)

3. (a) 5.5 (g)(5)

3.1 (a)(4) 5.6 (g)(6)

3.2 (a)(5) 6. (i)

3.3 (a)(4),(d)(3) 6.1 (i)(i)

3.3.1 (d) 6.2 (i)(ii)

3.3.1.1 (d)(1) 6.3 (i)(iii)

3.3.1.2 (d)(2) 6.3.1 (i)(iii)(A)

3.3.2 (e) 6.3.2 (i)(iii)(B)

3.4 (a)(6) 6.3.3 (i)(iii)(B)(1)

3.5 (a)(7) 6.3.4 (i)(iii)(B)(2)

3.6 (a)(8) 6.3.5 (i)(iii)(B)(3)

3.7 (a)(9) 6.3.6 (i)(iii)(B)(4)

3.8 (a)(10) 6.4 (i)(iv)

3.9 (a)(11) 7. (h)

3.10 (a)(12) 7.1 (h)(1)

4. (f) 7.2 (h)(2)

4.1 (f)(1) 7.3 (h)(3)

4.1.1 (f)(1)(i) 7.4 (h)(4)

4.1.2 (f)(1)(ii) 8. (j)

4.1.3 (f)(1)(iii) 8.1 (j)(1)

4.1.4 (f)(2) 8.2 (j)(2)

4.2 (f)(3),(3)(i) 8.3 (j)(3)

 & (3)(ii) 9. (k)

4.2.1 (f)(3) 9.1 (k)(1)

4.2.1.1 (f)(3)(iii) 9.2 (k)(2)

4.2.1.2 (f)(3)(iv) 9.3 (k)(3)

4.2.1.3 (f)(3)(v) 9.4 (k)(4)

4.2.1.4 (f)(3)(vi) 9.5 (k)(5)

4.2.1.5 (f)(3)(vii) 9.6 (k)(6)

4.2.1.6 (f)(3)(viii) 10. (l)

4.2.1.7 (f)(3)(ix) 10.1 (l)(1),(2),(3)

 & (4)

4.2.1.8 (f)(3)(x) 10.2 (l)(5) & (6)

4.3 (f)(4) 11. (m)

4.3.1 (f)(4)(i) 11.1 (m)(1),(2) & (3)

4.3.2 (f)(4)(ii) 11.1.1 (m)(4)(i)

4.3.3 (f)(4)(iii) 11.1.2 (m)(4)(ii),(iii)

 & (iv)

4.3.4 (f)(4)(iv) 11.2 (m)(5)

4.3.5 (f)(4)(v) 11.3 (m)(6)

4.3.6 (f)(4)(vi) 11.4 (m)(7)

4.3.7 (f)(4)(vii) 12. (n)(1),(2),(3),(4)

 & (5)

5. (g) 13. (o)(i),(2) & (3)
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 6

5.1 (g)(1) 14. (p)(1),(2),(3),(4)

 & (5)
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 7

1. SCOPE: This specification describes the minimum acceptable

quality of wood distribution crossarms and transmission crossarms

(hereinafter called crossarms) that are purchased by or for REA

borrowers. Where there is conflict between this specification

and any other specification referred to herein, this

specification shall govern.

2. RELATED SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS: The following listed

specifications and standards are pertinent to this specification

subject to the restriction in the Scope. All AWPA references are

those in effect in AWPA Book of Standards 1991.

a. Standard No. 17 Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber,

West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, 1991.

b. Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber,

Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, 1991.

c. AWPA P1-91, Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and

Fresh Water Use and Marine (Coastal Water Use)

d. AWPA P5-91, Standards for Waterborne Preservatives

e. AWPA P8-91, Standards for Oil-borne Preservatives

f. AWPA P9-91, Standard for Solvents and Formulations

for Organic Preservative Systems

g. AWPA A1-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of

Creosote and Oil-Type Preservatives

h. AWPA A2-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Waterborne Preservatives and Fire-Retardant Formulations

i. AWPA A3-91, Standard Methods for Determining

Penetration of Preservatives and Fire Retardants

j. AWPA A5-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Oilborne Preservatives

k. AWPA A6-89, Methods for Determination of Oil-Type

Preservatives and Water in Wood

l. AWPA A7-75, Standard Wet Ashing Procedure for

Preparing Wood for Chemical Analysis

m. AWPA A9-90, Standard Method for Analysis of Treated

Wood and Treating Solutions by X-Ray Spectroscopy

n. AWPA A11-83, Standard Method for Analysis of

Treated Wood and Treating Solutions by Atomic

Absorption Spectroscopy
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 8

o. AWPA C1-91, All Timber Products - Preservative

Treatment by Pressure Processes

p. AWPA C2-91, Lumber, Timber, Bridge Ties and Mine

Ties - Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes

q. AWPA C25-89, Sawn Crossarms - Preservative

Treatment by Pressure Process

r. AWPA C26-57, Standard for the Preservative

Treatment of Crossarms by Nonpressure Processes,

Douglas Fir, Western Larch, and Western Hemlock

s. AWPA C28-91, Standard for Preservative Treatment of

Structural Glued Laminated Members and Laminations

before Gluing of Southern Pine, Pacific Coast

Douglas-Fir, Hemfir, and Western Hemlock by

Pressure Process

t. AWPA M1-90, Standard for the Purchase of Treated

Wood Products

u. AWPA M2-91, Standard for Inspection of Treated

Timber Products

v. AWPA M3-81, Standard Quality Control Procedures for

Wood Preserving Plants

w. AWPA M4-91, Standard for the Care of Preservative

Treated Wood Products

x. Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber and

Special Products Rules for Structural, Industrial,

and Railroad Freight Car Lumber, Southern Pine

Inspection Bureau, 1991

3. GENERAL STIPULATIONS

3.1 Various requirements relating to quality control and

inspection are to be found in REA Bulletin 1728H-702, "REA

Specification for Quality Control and Inspection of Timber

Products." These requirements shall be followed. Provisions of

this bulletin and American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

05.2, 1983, "American National Standard for Wood Products -

Structural Glued Laminated Timber for Utility Structures," which

are positive in their wording shall not be interpreted or

subjected to judgment by the quality control person or an

independent inspector. Judgment, although used by quality

control personnel and independent inspectors, shall not be the

basis for acceptance of material which does not conform to the

minimum requirements of this specification .
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 9
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 10

3.2 It is the responsibility of the producer to furnish material

in accordance with this specification. Acceptance of an order

under this specification constitutes acceptance of this

responsibility. This responsibility remains notwithstanding any

certificate (report) of inspection issued by an inspection agency

or others. Acceptance of an order for material under this

specification shall also constitute evidence of the producer's

acceptance of this responsibility.

3.3 The methods of inspection described herein and in REA

Bulletin 1728H-702, "REA Specification for Quality Control and

Inspection of Timber Products," shall be used no matter which

plan crossarms are produced under, i.e., Independent Inspection

Plan, or Quality Assurance Plans. The number of crossarms

actually inspected by monitors of quality control under a Quality

Assurance Plan may vary from the number of crossarms inspected

under the Independent Inspection Plan. Plans which are

acceptable for supplying crossarms are described below.

3.3.1 Independent Inspection Plan : Under this plan, all

crossarms supplied for use on an REA-financed system shall be

inspected. The inspection shall be made by a qualified

independent inspector in accordance with REA Bulletin 1728H-702,

"REA Specification for Quality Control and Inspection of Timber

Products."

3.3.1.1 The borrower has the prerogative to contract directly

with the agency for the inspection service. The borrower should,

where practical, select the inspection agency so that the

inspector's continual employment is dependent only on performance

acceptable to the borrower. The borrower shall be responsible

for assuring that the independent inspection is properly

performed. The selected agency shall not subcontract the service

to any other agency without prior written consent by the

borrower.

3.3.1.2 The producer shall not be a party to the selection of

the agency by the borrower and shall not interfere with the work

of the inspector except to provide notification of the readiness

of material for inspection. When circumstances warrant, the

producer may deal directly with the agency and with the

purchaser. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the producer

shall not treat material before it has been properly inspected in

the white, as evidenced by the inspector's hammer mark.

3.3.2 Quality Assurance Plans: The producer shall furnish

crossarms conforming to this specification as monitored by a

Quality Assurance Plan acceptable to REA. REA borrower groups or

agents for borrower groups endeavoring to operate Quality

Assurance Plans shall submit their plan for assuring quality

control to the Director, Electric Staff Division, Rural

Electrification Administration, Washington, D.C. 20250-1500, for
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 11

specific approval prior to contracting with REA borrowers under

such plans.

3.4 The producer shall provide the inspectors with full

information (drawings, etc.) relating to the requirements

contained in a contract or order which is supplementary to the

requirements of this specification.

3.5 The borrower shall insure that the producer maintains or has

access to adequate laboratory facilities at or very near the

treating plant. All chemical tests, assays or analyses

associated with the treatment shall be independently performed in

this laboratory by both the quality control designee and the

borrower's inspector. If acceptable to REA on a case-by-case

basis, the producer may use a central laboratory.

3.6 Inspection and treatment of all timber products produced

under this specification should be performed after receipt of the

order from the purchaser, except as provided for in

paragraph 11.1 (reserve treated stock).

3.7 The borrower shall insure that each inspection agency

maintains its own central laboratory(ies) with a qualified staff

capable of completely analyzing the preservative and treatments

for which they are inspecting. If acceptable to REA, this

central laboratory may be used for the independent inspector's

routine assays with results made available the next working day.

3.8 The testing and inspection of the lamination process shall

be in accordance with American Institute of Timber Construction

(AITC) 200-83, Inspection Manual.

3.9 With the exception of reserve treated stock, all invoices

for treated timber products shall be accompanied, in duplicate,

by a copy of the producer's Certificate of Compliance and either

a copy of the Independent Inspection Report, or a Quality

Assurance Plan Certificate. The certificate shall be presented

to the purchaser with the invoice. For reserve treated stock,

inspection reports shall be available from the inspection

agencies. When shipped from reserve stock, the invoice shall

bear an endorsement of this and a further certification by the

shipper that the material meets the requirements of this

specification and any supplementary requirements cited in the

contract or order under which it is purchased.

3.10 Crossarms shall be warranted to conform to this

specification. If any crossarm shall be found defective or

nonconforming under this specification within one year after

shipment to the borrower, it shall be replaced as promptly as

possible by the producer. In the event of failure to do so, the

purchaser may make such replacement and the cost of the crossarm,

at destination, recoverable from the producer.
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 12
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 13

4. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Material and grade: All crossarms furnished under this

specification shall be free of brashy wood, decay, and insect

holes larger than 3/32 of an inch, shall meet additional

requirements as shown on specific drawings, and shall be made of

the following:

4.1.1 Douglas-fir - conforming to the applicable crossarm

provisions of paragraphs 170 and 170a or the applicable

transmission arm provisions of paragraphs 169 and 169a of the

1991 Standard Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber No. 17 . All

references to Douglas-fir shall be that of coastal origin .

4.1.2 Southern Yellow Pine - conforming to the provisions of

Dense Industrial Crossarm 65, as described in paragraph 31.2 in

Southern Pine Inspection Bureau 1991 Special Product Rules for

Southern Pine.

4.1.3 Laminated wood crossarms shall conform to ANSI 05.2-1983.

Laminated arms shall have at least the same load carrying

capacity as the solid sawn arm it replaces. The load carrying

capacity of the laminated arms shall be determined by one of the

procedures outlined in ANSI 05.2.

4.1.4 Borrowers may use alternative wood crossarms that are

listed in REA Bulletin 1728C-100, "List of Materials Acceptable

for Use on Systems of REA Electrification Borrowers."

4.2 Knots - Only sound, firm and tight knots are allowed if well

spaced. Slightly decayed knots are permitted, except on the top

face, provided the decay extends no more than 3/4 inch into the

knot and if the cavities will drain water when the arm is

installed, if well spaced. Well spaced knots means that the sum

of the sizes of all knots in any 6 inch of length of a piece must

not exceed twice the size of the largest knot permitted. More

than one knot of maximum permissible size must not be in the same

6 inch of length. Slightly decayed, firm or sound "Pin knots"

(3/8 inch or less) are not considered in size, spacing or zone

consideration. Knots are subject to the following limits on size

and location:
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 14

KNOT LIMITS FOR DISTRIBUTION ARMS

DRAWING M-19 (SEE FIGURE 1, EXHIBIT A)

All Dimensions in Inches

________________________________________________________________

 MAXIMUM KNOT DIAMETER

Class of Knot and Location CLOSE GRAIN DENSE GRAIN

___________________________________________________________

Round Knots

 Single Knot: Maximum Diameter

 Center Section*

 Upper Half 3/4 1

 Lower Half 1 1-1/4

 Elsewhere 1-1/4 1-1/2

Sum of Diameters in a

 6 Inch Length, Max.

 Center Section

 Upper Half 1-1/2 2

 Lower Half 2 2-1/2

 Elsewhere 2-1/2 3

___________________________________________________________

KNOT LIMITS FOR TRANSMISSION ARMS

(SEE FIGURE 2, EXHIBIT A)

All Dimensions in Inches

 MAXIMUM DIAMETER FOR

 SINGLE KNOT

POLE MOUNTING HOLE ZONE*

 UPPER HALF (inner zone) 3/4

 UPPER HALF (outer zone) 1 for close grain

 1-1/4 dense grain

OTHER LOCATIONS WIDE FACE

TRANSMISSION ARM SIZE ** NARROW FACE (TWO SIDES)

 ALONG

 EDGE CENTERLINE

4-5/8 x 5-5/8 or less 1 1-1/4 1-1/4

5-5/8 x 7-3/8 1-1/4 1-3/8 1-7/8

3-5/8 x 9-3/8 3/4 1-3/4 2-1/4

____________________________________________________________

*No knot shall be closer than its diameter to the pole

mounting hole.

**For cross sections not shown, refer to grading rules.
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 15

4.2.1 Supplementary Limitations on Knots in Crossarms :

4.2.1.1 Knot clusters are prohibited unless the entire cluster,

measured on the worst face is equal or less than the round knot

allowed at the specific location.

4.2.1.2 Spike knots are prohibited in deadend (DE) arms. Any

spike knot across the top face are limited to the equivalent

displacement of a knot 3/8 inch deep on one face and the maximum

round knots for its particular location on the worst face with a

maximum width of 1 inch measured at the midpoint of the spiked

section. Elsewhere across the bottom or side faces, spike knots

shall not exceed 1/2 the equivalent displacement of a round knot

permitted at that location provided that the depth of the knot on

the worst face shall not exceed the maximum round knot allowed at

that location.

4.2.1.3 Loose knots and knot holes shall drain water when the

arm is normally installed. In the center section, upper half,

they shall not be greater than 1/2 the dimensions of round knots.

Elsewhere, they shall not be greater than the round knot

dimension. They are prohibited in DE arms.

4.2.1.4 All knots except those "spike" knots intersecting a

corner are to be measured on the least diameter of the knot.

4.2.1.5 A knot shall be considered to occupy a specific zone or

section if the center of the knot (i.e., pith of knot) is within

the zone or on the zone's boundary.

4.2.1.6 If a round or oval knot appears on two faces and is in

two zones, each face shall be judged independently. When this

does occur, average the least dimension showing on both faces.

In Free of Heart Center (FOHC) arms, if a knot occurs on only one

face, it is allowed to be 25 percent larger than its stated size.

4.2.1.7 Knot spacing: Two or more knots opposite each

other on any face are limited by a sum not to exceed the

size of a maximum single knot permitted for the location.

On all four faces, all knots shall be well spaced.

4.2.1.8 Knots, a maximum of 5/8 inch in diameter may

intersect pin holes in the center section. One inch

diameter knots may intersect pin hole elsewhere.

4.3 Miscellaneous Characteristics, Features and Requirements :

4.3.1 Pitch and Bark Pockets: For distribution crossarms, on

the top face, pockets are limited to 4 medium pockets in 8 foot

arms and not more than 5 in 10 foot arms. Elsewhere a maximum of

6 medium pockets in 8 foot arms and 8 in 10 foot arms shall be

permitted. Equivalent smaller pockets are permissible. An

occasional large pocket is permissible.
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 16

4.3.2 Shakes: Prohibited

4.3.3 Checks: Prior to treatment on properly seasoned

arms, single face checks shall not exceed an average

penetration of 1/4 the depth from any face and are limited

to 10 inches long on the top face, and 1/3 the arm length on

the other faces. Checks shall not be repeated in the same

line of grain in adjacent pin holes. The sum of the average

depths of checks occurring in the same plane on opposite

faces shall be limited to 1/4 the face depth.

4.3.4 Compression wood is prohibited on any face. It is

permitted if wholly enclosed in the arm, more than 6 annual

rings from the surface and not over 3/8 inch in width.

4.3.5 Insect holes larger than 3/32 inch are prohibited.

Pin holes (i.e., not over 1/16 inch diameter) are allowed if

scattered and not exceeding 10 percent of the arm girth.

4.3.6 Wane is allowed on one edge, limited to approximately

1 inch, measured across the corner. Outside of the top

center section, an aggregate length not to exceed 2 feet may

have wane up to 1-1/2 inches on an occasional piece on one

or both edges. Bark is to be removed.

4.3.7 Prior to preservative treatment, crook, bow, or

twist shall not exceed 1/2 inch in 8 foot arms and 5/8 inch

in 10 foot arms.

5. MANUFACTURE

5.1 All dimensions and tolerances shall conform to those shown

on the drawings in this bulletin or supplied with the order.

Cross-sectional dimensions shall be measured and judged at about

1/4 the arm length, except when the defects of "skip dressing" or

"machine bite or offset" are involved. Drawings supplied shall

not exceed minimum dimensions and tolerances shown on the

drawings in this specification.

5.2 The lamination techniques shall be as defined in

ANSI 05.2-1983.

5.3 Pin and bolt holes: Holes shall be smoothly bored without

undue splintering where bits break through the surface. The

center of any hole shall be within 1/8 inch of the center-line

locations on the face in which it appears. The holes shall be

perpendicular to the starting and finishing faces.

5.4 Shape: The shape of the arms at any cross section

except for permissible wane shall be as shown on the

respective drawings. The two top edges may be chamfered or
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 17

rounded 3/8 inch radius. The bottom edges may be slightly

eased the entire length, 1/8 inch radius.

5.5 Incising: The lengthwise surfaces of Douglas-fir crossarms

shall be incised. The incisions shall be approximately 1/4 inch

deep, shall be reasonably clean cut and their spacing pattern

shall insure uniform penetration of preservative.

5.6 Workmanship: All crossarms shall be first quality

workmanship. Crossarms shall be dressed on four sides, although

"hit and miss skips" may occur on two adjacent faces on

occasional pieces. Five (5) percent of a lot or shipment may be

1/8 inch scant in thickness or width at the ends for a length not

exceeding 6 inches, or may have 1/8 inch machine bite on offset.

6. PRESERVATIVES: The preservative shall be one of the

following, whichever is specified in the purchase order.

Substitution of one of these preservatives for the one ordered

shall not be made except by authorization from the purchaser.

6.1 Creosote shall conform to requirements of AWPA Standard P1

when analyzed in accordance with the methods in AWPA Standard A1,

sections 2, 3, 4, either 5 or 9, and 6.

6.2 Pentachlorophenol shall contain not less than 95 percent

chlorinated phenols and shall conform to AWPA Standard P8 when

analyzed in accordance with AWPA Standard A5 or A9. The

hydrocarbon solvents for introducing the preservative into the

wood shall meet the requirements of AWPA Standard P9 Type A,

determined in accordance with reference ASTM standards for

physical properties.

6.3 Waterborne Preservatives:

6.3.1 Ammoniacal Copper Arsenates (ACA) and Ammoniacal Copper

Zinc Arsenate (ACZA) shall meet the requirements of AWPA

Standard P5, when analyzed in accordance with methods in AWPA

Standards A2, A9, or A11.

6.3.2 Chromated Copper Arsenates (CCA) shall meet the

requirements of the one of the formulations given in

AWPA Standard P5, sections 4, 5 or 6, and 10. Tests to

establish conformity shall be made in accordance with AWPA

Standards A2, A9, or A11.

6.3.3 Determinations of the required pH of treating solutions

of the waterborne preservatives shown in AWPA Standard P5,

section 10, shall be determined in accordance with AWPA

Standard A2, section 8.

6.3.4 Waterborne preservatives are available either as oxides,

which form non-ionizing chemical compounds in the wood, or as

salts, which leave ionizing compounds as well as non-ionizing
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 18

compounds in the wood. Salt formulations of a waterborne

preservative are more corrosive to metal than the oxide

formulation and may cause surface deposits. Unless otherwise

specified in the purchase order, the oxide formulations of

waterborne preservatives shall be supplied. If visible surface

deposits appear on the wood within the 1-year guarantee period,

it shall not be in compliance with the specification and shall be

replaced by the producer. See paragraphs 3.10 and 6.3.6.

6.3.5 Douglas-fir crossarms shall not be treated with CCA

preservatives.

6.3.6 Treated materials with waterborne preservatives shall be

free of visible surface deposits.

6.4 Copper Naphthenate (CuN) concentrate used to prepare wood

preserving solutions shall contain not less than 6 percent nor

more than 8 percent copper in the form of Copper Naphthenate and

shall conform to AWPA Standard P8 when analyzed in accordance

with AWPA Standard A5. The hydrocarbon solvents for introducing

the preservative into the wood shall meet the requirements of

AWPA Standard P9 Type A, determined in accordance with reference

ASTM standards for physical properties.

7. CONDITIONING PRIOR TO TREATMENT

7.1 Unless ordered to a lower moisture content average, all

solid sawn crossarms shall be made of lumber which has been

kiln-dried. Douglas-Fir arms shall have an average moisture

content of 19 percent or less, with a maximum not to exceed

22 percent in a single arm. Southern Yellow Pine arms shall

have an average moisture content of 22 percent or less, with

a maximum not to exceed 30 percent in a single arm.

7.2 The above moisture content levels to be measured at about

1/4 the length and at a depth of about 1/5 the crossarm's

thickness. Additionally, the moisture content gradient between

the shell (i.e., 1/4 inch deep) and the core (i.e., about 1 inch

deep) shall not exceed five percentage points.

7.3 A minimum of at least 20 solid sawn crossarms per treating

charge shall be measured to verify moisture content and duly

recorded by the quality control designee and independent

inspector.

7.4 The moisture content of lumber used in laminating shall, at

the time of gluing, be within the range of 8 to 12 percent,

inclusive.

8. PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 19

8.1 All timber products treated under this specification shall

be treated by either a pressure or a thermal (nonpressure)

process and with the preservative specified in the order or

contract.

8.2 These materials may be further conditioned by steaming, or

by heating in hot oil (Douglas-fir), within the following limits:

 Time Temperature

 Hours (max.) Deg.F (max.)

Steam 3 220

Heating in Preservative 3 210

8.3 A final steam or hot oil bath may be used only to meet

cleanliness requirements of paragraph 9.5. Total duration of the

steam bath shall not exceed 2 hours and the temperature shall not

exceed 240°F.

9. RESULTS OF TREATMENTS

9.1 The quality control designee shall test or supervise

the testing of each treated charge for penetration and

retention, independent of any other sampling being

performed.

9.2 Method of Sampling: When testing penetration and retention,

a borer core shall be taken from not less than 20 crossarms in

each treating charge. The borings shall be taken from any face

except the top face at a location as close to the end as possible

being at least 3 inches from the end of the arm and no closer

than 3 inches from the edge of holes. The bored holes shall be

plugged with preservative-treated plugs driven into the arm.

Borings from laminated arms shall not be taken from the same

laminate unless there is an end joint separation.

9.3 Penetration by the preservative, as determined in accordance

with AWPA Standard A3, shall be 100 percent of the sapwood in

crossarms. In the heartwood of Douglas-fir crossarms, the

penetration shall be not less than 3 inches longitudinally from

the edge of holes and ends, and at least 3/16 inch from the

surface of any face.

9.4 Retention of Preservative requires minimum retention in the

outer 6/10 of an inch assay zone for acceptance at the treating

plant shall be not less than:

 Retention AWPA Analysis

Preservative (pcf) Method

Creosote 8 A6

Pentachlorophenol 0.4* A5

ACA, ACZA or CCA 0.4 A2, A7,
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 20

 A9, or A11

Copper Naphthenate 0.04 A5, A9, or A11

*This retention is for the lime ignition method. The copper

pyridine method, retention 0.36 pcf, is required when timbers may

have been in contact with salt water, and for all species native

to the Pacific Coast region. It is not required when it

specifically states on the rough sawn material invoice that this

material has not been in contact with salt water or is shown by

analysis that there are no additional chlorides present in the

wood before treating.

9.5 Cleanliness of lengthwise surfaces of all crossarms shall be

free from tarry, greasy, or sticky material and from oil

exudation and pentachlorophenol crystallization (blooming).

9.6 Retreatment of materials which do not meet the penetration

and retention requirements of this specification may be done only

twice. Initial treatment steaming time plus retreatment steaming

time, combined, shall not exceed time allowed in section 8.

10. MARKING

10.1 All crossarms shall be branded (hot brand) or die-stamped

legibly and to a depth of approximately 1/16 of an inch before

treatment. The letters and figures shall be not less than

1/2 inch in height. The top of the brand shall be oriented to

the top of the arm. The brand or die-stamp shall include:

a. The manufacturer's identifying symbol.

b. Month and year of manufacture.

c. Species of timber:

 DF for Douglas-fir

 SP for Southern Yellow Pine

d. Preservative:

 C for Creosote

 P for Penta

 S for Salts

 N for Copper Naphthenate

e. Example:

 M-6-72 Manufacturer - Month - Year

 DF-P Douglas-fir - penta treated

10.2 The brand or stamp shall be placed on either of the wide

surfaces of the arms, oriented with letters right side up towards

the top of the arm and preferably about 1 foot from the midpoint

of the arm. The mark should be approximately the same location

on all arms of the same type as produced by each producer.

11. STORAGE
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 21

11.1 Producers may treat material for reserve treated stock

under any of the REA-approved plans cited in paragraph 3.3, but

they must notify REA in advance of their intention to treat

material for reserve treated stock. The notification must be

submitted prior to initially treating material for reserve stock,

and annually thereafter prior to the beginning of each calendar

year. The notification shall be addressed to the Director,

Electric Staff Division, Rural Electrification Administration,

Washington, D.C. 20250-1500.

REA will acknowledge each notification of intent to treat

material for reserve treated stock under the REA specification.

Borrowers or their contractors shall not purchase for borrower

use reserve treated stock from plants that fail to comply with

the above notification requirements. REA acknowledgement of the

plant's advance notice of intention to treat material for reserve

treated stock for the calendar year in question shall be evidence

of compliance with the notification requirements. Producers

shall inform REA of:

11.1.1 The locations of all storage or distribution yards where

reserve treated stock will be maintained.

11.1.2 The designation of the REA-approved plan and the name of

the selected inspection agency, where applicable, which is to be

used to provide reserve stock. The producer shall notify REA

promptly of any change in the plan or inspection agency.

11.2 Crossarms treated with oil borne preservatives which have

been held in storage for more than 1 year, shall be reassayed

before shipment to the borrower and shall be retreated if found

nonconforming for retention (paragraph 9.4) on orders placed in

accordance with this specification.

11.3 The crossarms shall meet the assay after retreatment in

accordance with section 9.

11.4 Crossarms which are to be held in storage after final

acceptance, shall be stacked in piles or on skids in such a

manner as to assure good ventilation. The stacks shall be

covered or stored indoors for protection from the sun and weather

to reduce checking, bending, and loss of preservative.

12. DRAWINGS: The drawings, in Exhibit B for distribution

crossarms have a type designation and show in detail the size,

shape, and pattern of boring desired for crossarms ordered under

this specification. Orders shall indicate the type desired.

Crossarms shall be furnished in accordance with the details of

these drawings or in accordance with drawings attached to

purchase order or contract.

Drawing: Distribution Crossarms - M-19, Exhibit B, Pg. 22
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 22

Technical drawings for transmission crossarms are published in

REA Bulletin 1728F-T805B (formerly 50-1), Electric Transmission

Specifications and Drawings, 115kV through 230kv, and REA

Bulletin 1728F-T805A (formerly 50-2), Electric Transmission

Specification and Drawings, 34kV through 69kV. Appropriate

drawings for transmission arms are to be specified and included

with purchase orders.

13. DESTINATION INSPECTION: When cross sectional tolerances are

measured at destination, normal shrinkage allowance shall be

considered using the arm's current moisture content and actual

size. Using the average shrinkage allowances for Douglas-fir and

Southern Yellow Pine as one percent size change for each four

point moisture content change below the fiber saturation point,

calculations can be made to determine if the arm met the minimum

size at time of manufacture, when the arm was to meet the average

moisture content.

14. PURCHASE OF RELATED SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

All AWPA standards may be purchased from:

American Wood-Preservers' Association (AWPA)

P. 0. Box 2 86

Woodstock, Maryland 21163-0286

Telephone (410) 465-3169

ANSI 05.2-1983, American National Standard for Wood

Products - Structural Glued Laminated Timber for

Utility Structures, may be purchased from:

American National Standards Institute

1430 Broadway

New York, New York 10018

Telephone (212) 642-4900

Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber - 1991,

and Special Products Rules for Structural, Industrial,

and Railroad Freight Car Lumber, 1991, may be

purchased from:

Southern Pin e Inspection Bureau

4709 Scenic Highway

Pensacola, Florida 32502

Telephone (904) 434-2611

Standard Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber No. 17 -

1991, may be purchased from:
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 23

West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau

P.0. Box 23145

Portland, Oregon 97223

Telephone (503) 639-0651

Fax (503) 684-8928
Bulletin 1728H-701

Page 24

AITC 200-83 may be purchased from:

American Institute of Timber Construction

333 West Hampden Avenue

Englewood, Colorado 80110

Telephone (303) 761-3212
Bulletin 1728H-701

Exhibit A

Page 21

Bulletin 1728H-701

Exhibit B

Page 22
Bulletin 1728H-701

Exhibit C

Page 23

FIGURES 1 AND 2 (EXHIBIT A)

DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION ARMS

AVAILABLE IN HARD COPY ONLY
Bulletin 1728H-701

Exhibit C

Page 23

EXHIBIT B

CROSSARM DRILLING GUIDE

AVAILABLE IN HARD COPY ONLY
Bulletin 1728H-701

Exhibit C

Page 23

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

TO CONVERT FROM TO

MULTIPLY BY

____________________________________________________________

_____

foot (ft) meter (m)

0.3048

inch (in) centimeter 2.54

pound per cubic foot (pcf) kilogram per cubic

1.601846

 (lb/ft 3) meter (kg/m 3)

pound per square inch (psi) kilogram per square

703.0696

 (lb/in 2) meter (kg/m 2)

degrees Fahrenheit degrees Celsius

5/9(X°-32)

 (X°F) (°C)