Hello Pipe Enthusiasts!
In this edition of #BPIPipeInsights!, we will discuss one of the flagship products of Bakrie Pipe Industries, namely Steel Poles SUTR/JTR & SUTM/JTM (Utility Poles), their advantages, product types, how the fabrication process is carried out, and the testing process.
In the development of Indonesia’s electricity network, the presence of steel poles plays an important role as the main support for transmission and distribution cables. Two types of poles that are widely used are Steel Poles SUTR/JTR (Low Voltage Overhead Line / Low Voltage Network) and Steel Poles SUTM/JTM (Medium Voltage Overhead Line / Medium Voltage Network). Both are designed according to PLN standards to ensure reliable electricity supply from power plants to customers.
What Are Steel Poles SUTR/JTR & SUTM/JTM (Utility Poles)?
- Steel Poles SUTR/JTR: used for low voltage networks (220/380 V), usually serving electricity distribution to households, public facilities, and small businesses, with heights ranging from 9 meters to 11 meters.
- Steel Poles SUTM/JTM: used for medium voltage networks (6–20 kV), functioning to transmit electricity from substations to distribution substations or directly to industrial customers, with heights ranging from 12 meters to 15 meters.
Advantages of Steel Poles
- Structural strength: steel has high resistance to cable tensile loads and environmental conditions.
- Long service life: with galvanizing or painting protection, steel poles are resistant to corrosion and extreme weather.
- National standards: produced according to SPLN (PLN Standards) to meet technical and safety requirements.
- Design flexibility: available in various heights, thicknesses, and load capacities, adjusted to network needs.
Steel Pole Products SUTR/JTR & SUTM/JTM (Utility Poles)
There are various types of poles, including:
Steel Poles SUTR/JTR:
- 9/200
- 9/350
- 11/200
- 11/350
Steel Poles SUTM/JTM:
- 12/200
- 12/350
- 12/500
- 13/350
- 13/500
- 14/350
- 14/500
- 15/350
- 15/500
How Is the Fabrication Process of Steel Poles (Utility Poles)?
In brief, here is the fabrication process of steel poles carried out at BPI:
- Steel pipes are produced according to the type of pole to be fabricated.
- One steel pole consists of 3 pipe segments (A, B, and C): Segment A (bottom) consists of 3 components: steel pipe, sleeve, and bottom cover. Segment B (middle) consists of a steel pipe smaller than segment A, with a socket-pen between segment A and segment C. Segment C (top) consists of a steel pipe smaller than segment B, with a top cover.
- The connection between parts is done by welding using welding wire that meets the requirements of SNI 07-0075-2006.
- After all parts are connected, fabrication inspection is carried out, then coating protection with red oxide paint or galvanizing, followed by marking that indicates pole length, working load, factory code, year of production, and production serial number.
Testing Process of Steel Pole Fabrication (Utility Poles)
After the steel pole is fully fabricated with its protection, several final testing stages are carried out, namely:
- Visual inspection of pipes, construction, and dimensions, including measurement of length, diameter, and thickness of each segment. Weight measurement and coating thickness testing of paint or galvanizing are also carried out.
- Straightness deviation testing, using a waterpass, deviation pointer, and string tension on the side of the pole after receiving load. The pole’s axis line must be straight, with a maximum deviation of 0.2% of the pole length.
- Bending test, applying load to the utility pole as required by SPLN to determine strength when receiving external pressure.
- Measurement of pole planting depth, to ensure planting depth complies with standards.
Closing
Since 2017 until today, Bakrie Pipe Industries has had extensive experience in the supply and distribution of Steel Poles SUTR/JTR & SUTM/JTM (Utility Poles) to support the development of Indonesia’s electricity network. All products produced are available with TKDN certification and comply with the Quality Control System of PT PLN (Persero) – Certification Center, providing assurance of quality, reliability, and compliance with national regulations.
With this track record, BPI is ready to continue being a strategic partner in providing strong, efficient, and reliable steel pole solutions for energy and infrastructure projects in Indonesia. If you need welded steel pipe solutions (ERW/HFW, LSAW, HSAW) or steel poles for energy and infrastructure projects, trust Bakrie Pipe Industries.
