Three things electric utilities should consider when selecting pole loading analysis software

Performing loading calculations, determining pole utilization, and complying with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) safety requirements – these are complex tasks for electric utility professionals that require industry and technical expertise.

Pole loading analysis (PLA) software was designed to help reduce the tedious, error-prone, manual effort involved and help ensure accuracy and consistency. There are a number of software options designed with these goals in mind, but they are not all created equal.

There are three important factors electric utilities should consider when selecting a PLA solution to help maintain the integrity of the grid:

1) Built on a foundation of line design and utility standards

Line design concepts and standards are the foundation of structural analysis. They have been developed over time to serve a critical purpose: Ensuring safe and reliable operation of the electrical grid.

Selecting PLA software that has this strong foundation in line design helps drive adherence to standards, simplify change management, and streamline collaboration with third parties (e.g. engineering firms and joint-use attachers). A common pain point for electric utilities when it comes to using PLA software is preventing outdated or unapproved versions of material libraries and analysis settings from circulating.

IKE PoleForeman was created by Malcolm Young, a structural analysis expert and former power delivery distribution design engineer, who knew these pain points well. He designed the software with an intense focus on the concepts of line design and a goal to minimize the change management burden on utilities while driving compliance to the NESC and organizational standards. IKE PoleForeman boasts easy-to-use templates and framings, based on utility standards, to help achieve these goals. Coupled with a user-friendly web portal to manage and distribute material libraries (conductors, equipment, etc.) and engineering standards, IKE PoleForeman makes it seamless to standardize PLA operations across your organization and drive consistency with third parties.

2) Advanced modeling and visualization

3D visualization is becoming the standard for modeling overhead infrastructure. PLA solutions with advanced visualization capabilities enable your team to design new infrastructure efficiently, including constructing detailed as-built and make-ready models. Having a detailed view of pole structures and their surroundings streamlines clearance checks, aids in quality control, and helps ensure you maintain reliable structural models.

IKE PoleForeman features advanced 3D modeling, presenting users with both single-pole and full-span views. With seamless navigation, users can identify potential clearance issues at the pole, along the span, or in reference to foreign structures. Users can quickly alter attachment heights, line angles, and model new equipment additions that are reflected in the real-time 3D model, giving users confidence that their model is constructed correctly.

3) User-friendly interface

PLA software that is intuitive and consistent creates a seamless user experience and promotes efficient use for both new and experienced users. Choosing a user-friendly solution will allow your team to focus on design and structural analysis rather than struggling with complex interfaces.

IKE PoleForeman requires minimal training and provides easy-to-use templates and framings based on your organization’s standards. It is also designed to optimize workflows – enabling data to be used by other departments, stored, and disseminated seamlessly.

Conclusion

When selecting a PLA solution, electric utilities should consider not only the capabilities and ease of use but also whether it helps you conform to internal standards and comply with safety codes, while reducing the impact of change management across your organization. Top-performing utilities recognize these factors, which is why IKE PoleForeman is the PLA standard for eight out of the 10 largest IOU’s.

Learn why IKE PoleForeman is the most trusted pole loading analysis software

Matt Cain is a Director of Product Management for ikeGPS. Matt has spent more than 17 years in the utility and software industries with experience in field data collection, training, software implementation, and product management. He holds a BA in Integrated Social Studies from The Ohio State University.