Composite Crossarms

FRP crossarms are structural electrical crossarms manufactured from fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. Installed on utility poles, they support conductors, power lines and associated hardware across overhead distribution networks. Wagners CFT composite crossarms are designed to provide consistent structural and electrical performance while offering a durable alternative to traditional wood crossarms in new construction, replacement and grid hardening applications.

In many utility contexts, the term fiberglass crossarm is used to describe FRP or fiber reinforced polymer crossarms. Wagners CFT composite crossarms are manufactured using engineered composite materials, including electrical grade glass fiber reinforcement and resin systems designed for utility infrastructure applications. While “fiberglass” is a common market term, FRP is the more accurate technical description for these composite crossarms.

Utilities are replacing wood crossarms with composite crossarms to reduce common risks associated with traditional materials, including rot, moisture ingress, termites, wood-boring insects, woodpeckers and corrosion around connected hardware. Because composite crossarms are engineered rather than cut from natural timber, there are a number of inherent advantages. They provide more consistent material properties from one crossarm to the next. This helps utilities improve grid reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and support longer-term network planning.

Wagners’ technical guide notes a typical design life of 40 years for most locations and environments. Actual design life may change depending on durability parameters specific to the installed location and should be confirmed before final design. Wagners composite crossarms are designed for low-maintenance service, with resistance to corrosion, physical attack, dimensional instability and fire damage among the durability factors considered in the technical guide.

Yes. FRP crossarms are not susceptible to termites, wood-boring insects, fungal decay, or other forms of biological attack that commonly affect timber crossarms. This makes them particularly attractive in regions where insect damage is a concern.

Yes. Composite crossarms are well suited to demanding climates where wood crossarms and other traditional materials can be affected by salt air, humidity, acid rain, desert heat, moisture, insects and airborne contaminants. Wagners CFT crossarms are manufactured with a co-extruded coating tested against electrical tracking and UV protection. The technical guide also references environmental testing for UV resistance, chemical attack, moisture ingress, fire damage and extreme temperature performance.

Yes. FRP crossarms are naturally non-conductive and offer excellent electrical insulation properties. This characteristic contributes to their widespread use in overhead distribution networks and utility infrastructure applications.

Yes, Wagners CFT composite crossarms can be drilled or cut on-site where required, provided the correct process is followed. Wagners’ technical guide notes that on-site drilling requires anti-crush inserts at hole locations, with design checks completed by Wagners to confirm whether the additional hole is acceptable. Freshly drilled holes and on-site cuts must also be properly sealed using approved resin.

We encourage utilities to specify composite crossarms based on project requirements, pole configuration, loading, hardware, installation method, environmental exposure and applicable utility standards. For US projects, this may include assessment against relevant requirements under the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), where applicable. Wagners CFT provides technical information to support utility review, including profile sizing, material details, mechanical testing, electrical testing, environmental testing and in-field workability guidance. The technical guide includes ASTM, ISO, IEC and other test references, so engineering teams can review the data before final selection.

While the initial purchase price may differ from traditional materials, FRP crossarms can deliver significant lifecycle cost savings through reduced maintenance, fewer replacements, improved durability, and longer service life. Many utilities evaluate FRP crossarms based on total cost of ownership rather than upfront cost alone.