Sometimes there are products that have so many advantages, you wonder why they haven’t been around since the dawn of time. Take the iPad, for instance. Or solar calculators. Or The Price is Right.
Like the combination of ductile iron and ceramic epoxy paint coatings for the electrical transmission and distribution industry. Let me explain.
Since Benjamin Franklin famously flew his kite connected to a key with shocking results, man has improved upon electricity and its efficiency in getting from Point A to Point B. And now, Induron is part of a T&D electricity team that is going to save you money AND make your power grid greener.
Traditionally, distribution and utility power poles have been made of wood. And while wood is great for grandma’s cedar chest and keepsake boxes, it leaves a lot to be desired in a power pole. It’s heavy, susceptible to harsh weather and critters (Woody Woodpecker comes to mind) and difficult to install. A car accident where someone runs into a wooden pole can take out an entire power grid. Often, especially in storm-ravaged areas, they need to be replaced every 5-10 years. That gets expensive.
But now, distribution and utility power poles can be made out of ductile iron, and the benefits can’t be overstated. Ductile iron poles are lighter than wood, easier to install, much stronger and last 75 years or more. All of this comes at a cost less than concrete and steel and competitive with wood.
Plus, Induron has been coating ductile iron pipes in water and sewer infrastructure systems for more than 30 years, so we’ve learned a thing or two about how to make it last. We apply our ceramic epoxy coating at the base of each pole, protecting it from water and stray electric currents. We can also apply a barrier coating to the entire pole, making it even stronger and more durable. This is a great solution for areas in aggressive environments like salt water.
Consider the advantages of poles that are this strong. If a tornado or hurricane comes through your area, the entire line of wooden power poles are gone. Not necessarily so with ductile iron poles, due to their increased strength.
Additionally, ductile iron poles are one of the greenest products on the market. They’re made from recycled scrap metal – so when your Ford starts to rust, it may start carrying power to homes in another life. Plus, each ductile iron pole used saves one tree from being cut down. That’s a real, tangible environmental impact.
Induron is proud to be a part of this growing, green industry. If you have questions about ductile iron poles, feel free to contact me.
Founded in 1947, Induron manufactures high performance coatings that serve a range of industrial applications, including the wastewater, transmission and distribution and groundwater storage industries. Learn more about us at Induron.com.