Patterns of Resistance to a Pulsed Electric Current in Sound and Decayed Utility Poles

Patterns of electrical resistance measured at groundline were determined for 174 utility poles representing combinations of 7 species and 5 preservative treatments. Criteria developed from these patterns correctly indicated the internal condition of wood in 161 of 174 (93 percent) poles. Internal voids were detected during drilling prior to taking electrical measurements in 7 poles. A decrease of one or more readings to 75 percent of the highest reading generally indicated decayed wood. Sometimes no decayed wood was found when this criterion was applied, but no decayed wood escaped detection within the limits of our ability to see symptoms of decay. A problem in distinguishing between sound and decayed wood in some poles was caused by off-scale readings.

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