To take advantage of the wood's natural strength, where should framing and equipment be placed on a wooden utility pole?

• A. The face of the pole
• B. The back of the pole
• C. The convex side of the pole
• D. Both A and C

Answer: (A)

Placing framing and equipment on the face of the pole uses the wood’s natural strength most effectively. The face provides a flat, wide surface where fasteners can bite into solid wood along the grain, giving better bearing and resistance to pull-out and splitting. The back or the curved (convex) side is less ideal because mounting there concentrates stress on thinner, curved surfaces and can weaken grip, making fasteners more prone to loosening or tearing the wood under load. With a flush, stable mounting on the face, loads from framing are better distributed and the hardware remains securely attached in normal wind and ice conditions.