Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

In newer subdivisions, power lines are often supported on what type of treated poles?

1. Plastic

2. Concrete

3. Cypress

4. Creosote

The correct answer is: Creosote

The correct answer is that newer subdivisions often utilize creosote-treated poles to support power lines. Creosote is a wood preservative that protects against decay and insect damage, making it particularly suited for outdoor applications like power poles. These poles are designed to offer stability and longevity, which is essential for supporting the heavy infrastructure of electrical distribution. While plastic, concrete, and cypress may have applications in various construction contexts, they do not provide the same combination of durability, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to environmental factors as creosote-treated wood. Concrete poles, for instance, are heavy and expensive, making them less favored for certain applications despite their longevity. Plastic materials may not hold up as well structurally for tall poles supporting power lines. Cypress is a naturally rot-resistant wood, but it is typically not treated in the same way that creosote wood is for electrical applications, leading to fewer uses in power line support in comparison to creosote-treated poles.