CROSS ARMS – Hardwood Crossarms for Electricity Distribution Networks
DTM Timber is a major manufacturer and supplier of hardwood cross arms for electricity distribution networks. Our cross arms are supplied to domestic and international markets and are used extensively throughout Australian power networks.
DTM Timber is the principal supply contractor for major electricity authorities, including Ergon Energy and Powercor, and supplies cross arms to a wide range of other network operators across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Purpose and Use
Cross arms are a critical component of overhead electricity infrastructure. Installed horizontally on power poles, they support conductors and insulators while maintaining correct phase separation, alignment and electrical clearances.
Hardwood cross arms have been used in Australian distribution networks for decades and continue to be specified due to their proven in-service performance and compatibility with established line construction practices.
Material and Performance
DTM Timber cross arms are manufactured from selected Australian hardwood suitable for utility applications. Hardwood offers a strong balance of strength, durability and handling characteristics, making it well suited to overhead line hardware.
Timber cross arms provide a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for efficient installation and handling. As a non-conductive material, timber also supports safer work practices around live electrical infrastructure.
Features and Benefits
Features
- Manufactured from selected Australian hardwood
- Preservative treated for above-ground service conditions
- Consistent sizing and straightness for reliable installation
- Compatible with standard pole hardware, insulators and fittings
- Proven suitability for Australian electricity distribution networks
Benefits
- Long service life when correctly installed and maintained
- Reduced electrical risk due to timber’s non-conductive properties
- Efficient handling and installation due to favourable strength-to-weight ratio
- Reliable performance across a wide range of environmental conditions
- Established inspection, maintenance and replacement practices within networks
Treatment and Durability
All cross arms are preservative treated at DTM Timber’s modern, fully automated treatment facility. Treatment is carried out in accordance with Australian Standards and is suitable for above-ground service conditions.
Preservative treatment protects the timber against termite attack, fungal decay and weather exposure, significantly extending service life. Correctly treated hardwood cross arms provide reliable long-term performance in a wide range of environmental conditions.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
DTM Timber places strong emphasis on consistent manufacturing and quality control. Cross arms are processed to meet required dimensions and tolerances, ensuring compatibility with standard pole hardware and fittings.
Quality control processes are applied throughout production to ensure cross arms meet network specifications prior to supply.
Applications
DTM Timber hardwood cross arms are supplied for use in electricity distribution networks, including new line construction, network upgrades, strengthening works, and replacement and maintenance programs across rural, regional and urban installations.
Environmental Responsibility
DTM Timber’s environmental vision is to manage the business in a way that promotes sustainable forest management, increases the efficient use of resources and energy, and reduces negative environmental impacts.
Timber is a renewable resource and stores carbon for the duration of its service life. Compared with many alternative materials, hardwood products generally have lower embodied energy and can support more sustainable infrastructure outcomes when responsibly sourced and processed.
Where required, DTM Timber can support customer procurement requirements through Chain of Custody systems.
Supply and Support
DTM Timber works closely with electricity authorities, contractors and infrastructure managers to ensure reliable supply of hardwood cross arms for network programs. Product selection is guided by service environment, network standards and project requirements.
For further information on cross arm specifications, treatment details or availability, contact DTM Timber.
