IS 2203:1993 specifies the requirements for wooden cross arms used with poles in overhead power and telecommunication lines in India. It covers timber species classification, dimensions, permissible defects, preservative treatments, and quality testing to ensure durability and mechanical strength. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in the design, production, and installation of wooden cross arms for electrical and communication infrastructure.
Overview
IS 2203:1993 specifies the requirements for wooden cross arms used with poles in overhead power and telecommunication lines in India. It covers timber species classification, dimensions, permissible defects, preservative treatments, and quality testing to ensure durability and mechanical strength. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in the design, production, and installation of wooden cross arms for electrical and communication infrastructure.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
IS 2203 covers specifications for wooden cross arms used in overhead power lines, detailing dimensions, materials, and quality requirements.
| Particulars of Cross Arms | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Centre (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For span up to 106.7 mm | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305; B = 457 (each side) |
| For span 106.7 to 152.4 mm | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305; B = 610 (each side) |
| Dead end and guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A, B = 610; C = 762 (each side) |
| Guarding along the road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A, B = 610, 457; D = 762 (each side) |
Note: Holes accommodate fittings like insulators, clamps, and pins.
| Description | Diameter of Knots (mm) |
|---|---|
| Single knot in any hole zone | 7.5 (middle), 12.5-17.5 (end) |
| Single knot in any 100 mm length between hole zones | 12.5 (middle), 25-30 (end) |
| Sum of diameters in any hole zone | 25 (middle), 30 (end) |
| Sum of diameters in any 100 mm length | 50 (middle), 62.5-87.5 (end) |
IS 2203 Key References Summary
| Particulars | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span ≤ 1.07 | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=305, B=457 (either side) |
| Span 1.07-1.52 | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=305, B=610 |
| Dead end/guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=305, B=610, C=762 |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=610, B=457, D=762 |
| SAQ with guarding ≤0.76 | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=457, B=229 & 533, F=686 |
| SAQ with guarding 0.76-1.22 | 1.83 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=457, B=229 & 686, F=838 |
| SAQ 1.22-1.47 | 1.98 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=610, B=305 & 914, E=914 |
| Knot Location | Single Knot (mm) | Sum of Diameters (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Section (hole zone) | 7.5 | 25.0 |
| Middle Section (100 mm length) | 12.5 | 50.0 |
| End Section (hole zone) | 12.5 to 17.5 | 30.0 |
| End Section (100 mm length) |
IS 2203: Definitions & Key Specifications for Wooden Cross Arms
| Particulars | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Centre (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span up to 106.7 mm | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=305, B=457 |
| Span 106.7 to 152.4 mm | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=305, B=610 |
| Dead end/Guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=305, B=610, C=762 |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=610, B=457, D=762 |
| SAQ with guarding ≤0.76 m | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=457, B=229 & 533, F=686 |
| SAQ with guarding 0.76-1.22 m | 1.83 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=457, B=229 & 686, F=838 |
| SAQ 1.22 to 1.47 m | 1.98 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A=610, B=305 & 914, E=914 |
| Description | Middle Section (mm) | End Section (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single knot in hole zone | 7.5 (upper), 12.5-17.5 (lower) | 25.0 |
| Single knot in 100 mm length | 12.5 (upper), 25-30 (lower) | 37.5 |
| Sum diameters in hole zone | 25.0 (upper), 30.0 (lower) | 50.0 |
| Sum diameters in 100 mm length | 50.0 (upper), |
IS 2203: Material Selection & Timber Species for Wooden Cross Arms
| Group | MoR (N/mm²) | Representative Species | Strength Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | ≥ 85 | Sal (Shorea robusta) | Very Strong Timber |
| B | 65 to < 85 | Teak (Tectona grandis) | Strong Timber |
| C | 45 to < 65 | Chir (Pinus roxburghii) | Moderately Strong |
graph TD
A[Timber Species] -->|MoR ≥ 85| GroupA[Group A: Very Strong (Sal)]
A -->|65 ≤ MoR < 85| GroupB[Group B: Strong (Teak)]
A -->|45 ≤ MoR < 65| GroupC[Group C: Moderate (Chir)]
This classification guides engineers in selecting appropriate timber for cross arms per IS 2203.
IS 2203: Defects and Quality Requirements for Cross Arms
Cross arms must be free from:
Certain defects are allowed within limits specified, especially knots.
Defects measured as per IS 3364 (Part 2): 1976.
| Description | Middle Section (mm) | End Section (Upper & Lower Halves Together) (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single knot in any hole zone | Upper half: 7.5<br>Lower half: 12.5 to 17.5 | 25.0 |
| Single knot in any 100 mm length between hole zones | 12.5<br>25.0 to 30.0 | 37.5 |
| Sum of diameters in any hole zone | 25.0<br>30.0 | 50.0 |
| Sum of diameters in any 100 mm length between hole zones | 50.0<br>62.5 | 87.5 |
This ensures structural integrity and durability of wooden cross arms in transmission lines.
IS 2203: Manufacturing Details & Finishing of Wooden Cross Arms
| Particulars of Cross Arms | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For span up to 106.7 m | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305, B = 457 |
| For span 106.7 to 152.4 m | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305, B = 610 |
| Dead end & guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A = 610, B = 305, C = 762 |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A = 610, B = 457, D = 762 |
| SAQ with guarding ≤ 0.76m | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A = 457, B = 229 & 533, F = 686 |
| SAQ with guarding 0.76-1.22m | 1.83 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A = 457, B = 229 & 686, F = 838 |
| SAQ above 1.22 to 1.47 m | 1.98 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A = 610, B = 305 & 914, E = 914 |
| Description | Diameter of Knots (mm) |
|---|---|
| Middle Section | |
| Single knot in any hole zone | 7.5 |
IS 2203 - Dimensions and Tolerances for Wooden Cross Arms
Clause 6.2: Cross arms must have bevelled corners on the best edge to distinguish upper and lower halves.
Clause 7.1.1: Cross arm dimensions and drilling details must match purchaser's drawings.
Clause 7.1.2 (Table 2): Dimensions for 11 kV Wooden Cross Arms
| Span Type | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Central Hole (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 106.7 mm | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 305, B = 457 (both sides) |
| 106.7 to 152.4 mm | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 305, B = 610 (both sides) |
| Dead end/guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 610, B = 305, C = 762 (varied sides) |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 610, B = 457, D = 762 (both sides) |
| SAQ with guarding ≤ 0.76 m | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 457, B = 229 & 533, F = 686 (both sides) |
| SAQ with guarding 0.76–1.22 m | 1.83 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 457, B = 229 & 686, F = 838 (both sides) |
| SAQ with guarding 1.22–1.47 m | 1.98 | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 610, B = 305 & 914, E = 914 (varied sides) |
| Knot Location | Max Single Knot Diameter (mm) | Sum of Knot Diameters (mm
IS 2203: Preservative Treatment of Wooden Cross Arms
Clause 8.1:
Clause 8.2 (Preliminary Treatment):
Each cross arm must be clearly marked with:
| Treatment Type | Preservative Used | Retention (kg/m³) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creosote | Coal tar creosote | 6.0 - 8.0 | Insect & fungal control |
| Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) | CCA solution | 3.0 - 5.0 | Enhanced durability |
graph LR
A[Ground] --> B[Treated Crossers (creosoted)]
B --> C[Cross Arms stacked 150 mm above ground]
C --> D[Good air circulation]
C --> E[Protection from decay agents]
Summary: Use IS 401:1982 for preservative treatment methods; stack cross arms properly; mark all treated arms as per IS 2203 Clause 11.1.
IS 2203: Storage and Handling of Wooden Cross Arms
| Particulars of Cross Arms | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For span up to 106.7 mm | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305, B = 457 |
| For span 106.7 to 152.4 m | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | 12 | A = 305, B = 610 |
| Dead end and guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=610, B=305, C=762 |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=610, B=457, D=762 |
| SAQ with guarding ≤0.76 m | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=457, B=229 & 533, F=686 |
| SAQ with guarding 0.76-1.22 m | 1.83 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=457, B=229 & 686, F=838 |
| SAQ above 1.22 to 1.47 m | 1.98 | 100 x 76 | 12, 17.5 | A=610, B=305 & 914, E=914 |
IS 2203: Testing and Inspection Key Points
| Description | Middle Section (mm) | End Section (Upper & Lower Halves) (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single knot in any hole zone | Upper half: 7.5 | 25.0 |
| Lower half: 12.5–17.5 | ||
| Single knot in any 100 mm length between holes | 12.5 | 37.5 |
| Sum of diameters in any hole zone | 25.0 | 50.0 |
| Sum of diameters in any 100 mm length | 50.0 | 87.5 |
| Span Type | Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Hole Distances from Centre (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 106.7 m | 1.07 | 100 x 76 | A=305, B=457 |
| 106.7 to 152.4 m | 1.37 | 100 x 76 | A=305, B=610 |
| Dead end and guarding | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | A=305, B=610, C=762 |
| Guarding along the road | 1.68 | 100 x 76 | A=610, B=457, D=762 |
| With guarding up to 0.76 m | 1.52 | 100 x 76 | A=457, B=229 & 533, F=686 |
| With guarding 0.76 to 1.22 m |
IS 2203: Marking & Identification of Wooden Cross Arms
Each wooden cross arm must be marked legibly and indelibly with:
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Babul | Acacia arabica | BAB |
| Hopea | Hopea parviflora | HOP |
| Sianchor | Mesua assamica | SIA |
| Axlewood | Anogeissus latifolia | AXL |
| Ballagi | Poeciloneuron indicum | BAL |
| ... | ... | ... |
(Refer Annex A for full list)
| Description | Middle Section (mm) | End Section (Upper + Lower halves) (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single knot in any hole zone | Upper half: 7.5<br>Lower half: 12.5–17.5 | 25.0 |
| Single knot in any 100 mm length between hole zones | Upper half: 12.5<br>Lower half: 25.0–30.0 | 37.5 |
| Sum of diameters in any hole zone | 25.0 | 50.0 |
| Sum of diameters in any 100 mm length between hole zones | 50.0 | 87.5 |
| Cross Arm Length (m) | Cross Section (mm) | Central Hole Diameter (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.07 (Span ≤ 106.7m) | 100 x 76 | 17.5 | A = 305, B = 457 |
| 1.37 (Span 106.7–152 |
Frequently Asked
According to IS 2203 (Second Revision), timber species suitable for wooden cross arms are classified into three groups based on their modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending tested in green condition (>25% moisture):
| Group | Strength Category | MOR (N/mm²) | Representative Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Very Strong Timber | ≥ 85 | Sal (Shorea robusta) |
| B | Strong Timber | 65 to 85 | Teak (Tectona grandis) |
| C | Moderately Strong Timber | 45 to 65 | Chir (Pinus roxburghii) |
This grouping helps engineers select timber with appropriate bending strength for structural reliability.
Loading diagram...
According to IS 2203 (Second Revision), the permissible and prohibited defects in wooden cross arms are:
Summary Table:
| Defect Type | Allowed? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cross breaks | No | Prohibited |
| Reaction wood | No | Prohibited |
| Decayed/unsound knots | No | Prohibited |
| Knots > 50 mm | No | Prohibited |
| Splits (full length) | No | Prohibited |
| Pitch seams | No | Prohibited |
| Minor sound knots | Yes (if < 50 mm) | Permissible |
| Minor surface checks | Yes | Permissible if not structural |
This ensures cross arms maintain structural integrity and durability for overhead lines.
Preservative Treatment for Wooden Cross Arms as per IS 2203
Preliminary Treatment (Clause 8.2):
Untreated cross arms must receive a prophylactic treatment promptly following IS 401:1982 to prevent insect and fungal attack.
Treatment Requirement (Clause 8.1):
All cross arms made from non-durable species and the sapwood of durable species must be treated as per IS 401:1982, similar to wood poles.
Stacking (Clause 8.2):
Cross arms (treated or untreated) should be stacked on creosoted or treated crossers at least 150 mm above ground to ensure air circulation and prevent decay.
Marking (Clause 11.1):
Each cross arm must be marked with species, treatment year, and other details for traceability.
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Treatment Standard | IS 401:1982 (Creosote or equivalent) |
| Species Treated | Non-durable & sapwood of durable species |
| Stacking Height | ≥ 150 mm above ground on treated crossers |
| Marking Details | Species, group, manufacture & treatment year |
Loading diagram...
This ensures durability and protection from biological degradation during service life.
IS 2203 - Standard Dimensions & Tolerances for Wooden Cross Arms (11 kV Lines)
| Use Case | Length (m) | Hole Diameters (mm) | Hole Distances from Center (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Span up to 106.7 m | 1.07 | 12 | A = 305 (both sides), B = 457 (both sides) |
| Span 106.7 m to 152.4 m | 1.37 | 12 | A = 305, B = 610 (both sides) |
| Dead end & guarding | 1.68 | 12 | A=305, B=610, C=762 (all on either side) |
| Guarding along road | 1.68 | 12 | A=610, B=457, D=762 (all on either side) |
| SAG with guarding ≤ 0.76 m | 1.52 | 12 | A=457, B=229 & 533, F=686 (all sides) |
| SAG with guarding 0.76 to 1.22 m | 1.83 | 12 | A=457, B=229 & 686, F=838 |
| SAG above 1.22 to 1.47 m | 1.98 | 12 | A=610, B=305 & 914, E=914 |
Loading diagram...
As per IS 2203 (1993), the mechanical strength testing of wooden cross arms is specified in Clause 10.2:
| Group | Modulus of Rupture (N/mm²) | Example Timber |
|---|---|---|
| A | ≥ 85 | Sal (Shorea robusta) |
| B | 65 to 85 | Teak (Tectona grandis) |
| C | 45 to 65 | Chir (Pinus roxburghii) |
Loading diagram...
This ensures cross arms meet bending strength and durability requirements under load.
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 2203. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required