FibreformX

• 40+ Years Life Expectancy
• Light Weight And Easy To Handle
• Self Drying
• Fire & Corrosion Resistant
• UV Resistant
• Water Shedding
• Crush Resistant

The Problem

In the near future, good quality timber cross arms will be increasingly difficult to source at economical prices. Hardwood supplies are diminishing and thus timber cross arms are becoming ever more costly. Wood is susceptible to water ingress, rotting,  attack by termites and borers, can be flammable in dry conditions and conductive in wet salty conditions. Furthermore, expansion and contraction of timber adds to the material’s unpredictability. These many disadvantages of timber cross arms in the power distribution industry point towards a new direction in conductor stringing.

The Solution

PLP composite cross arms, FibreformX, are the solution to all the major problems associated with timber and provide added benefits. Through choice of material and maximum UV protection,  PLP  FibreformX composite cross arms have a minimum life expectancy of 40 years. Super-light weight designs allow for ease of installation while the materials multidirectional internal layers still provide outstanding strength. The 100mm x 100mm square design, combined with extremely high crush resistant properties makes the PLP FibreformX cross arm an ideal substitute for timber.

FibreformX properties

FibreformX cross arms can be drilled, tapped, cut and fundamentally treated the same way as any existing timber cross arm. Their flexural strength exceeds the requirement of Item 1, (Attachment 3) of the Energex Standard Technical Specification for Composite Fibre Cross Arms TS426B. Power assisted hydraulic impact wrench may be used on the cross arms because of their extremely high crush resistance. The PLP cross arm is non-conductive and will not support a flame. This is achieved through the material properties of the vinyl ester in conjunction with fire retardant additives.  PLP’s composite cross arms are significantly less in weight than traditional timber products and thus handling and installation is more cost effective.

Environmental properties

In the event that water enters the cross arm through drilled holes, the ‘self venting and draining’ end cap design will clear water through evaporation and drainage. This is made possible due to the cross arms completely hollow design.  In addition, the cross arm is manufactured from a vinyl material which is entirely resistant to hydrolysis and will not expand like timber, these design features completely eliminate water as being a cause for concern. FibreformX cross arms are designed with Australia’s harshest climates in mind, elevated and reduced temperatures will not affect the resin material whatsoever.

Hardwood is susceptible to termites and borers which are major problems in some geographical regions.  PLP FibreformX composite fibre cross arms are the solution to insect attack as well as eliminating the fungal decay associated with wet timber.

Technical Specifications

Test Results

2700mm –100mm x 100mm  (Based on Energex Standard TS426)

• Passes the Energex TS426 flexural strength testt
• 36.4kN flexural rating without permanent deformation
   (Double the required flexural strength)
• 85.9kN insulator pin pull out test
• Greater than 100Nm crush resistance (20mm bolt & 60mm round
   washer)
 

The FibreformX cross arm has been vigorously tested against a variety of strength parameters. Its flexural strength can be seen as a plot of Deflection V’s Force and has been graphed against the Energex Standard TS426, Item 1. PLP’s FibreformX cross arms exceed the flexural requirements, falling well below the maximum allowable deflection.

FibreformX cross arms exceed the required 17.2kN at 5% deflection required by the Energex Standard. Upon testing, a 36.4kN load was applied to the cross arm and its bending amplitude recorded. 

The plot illustrates that the cross arm had not yet exceeded its elastic limit as the Deflection V’s Force is still linear.  Furthermore the cross arm returned to its original shape with no permanent  distortion. 

Click here - FibreformX Brochure