SWLCAT Distribution Basics 1 Practice Test

Angle-iron braces are placed on the bottom of the crossarm to provide a diagonal support that transfers the pull of the conductors into the pole. This bottom attachment creates a stable triangle with the pole, helping resist bending and tilting of the crossarm under tension, wind, and load changes so the insulators stay aligned. Placing the brace on the bottom avoids interference with the hardware on the top of the crossarm and gives the most effective direction to counteract the forces acting on the arm.