Maintenance Contractor Exam

CA D31 Pole Installation And Maintenance Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

What is the primary purpose of a utility pole?

• To support road signs
• To support overhead electrical and communication lines
• To support fencing
• To support water pipes

Rationale: Utility poles are designed to carry electrical and communication

lines safely above the ground.

• Which type of wood is most commonly used for treated utility poles?
• Oak
• Maple
• Southern Yellow Pine
• Birch

Rationale: Southern Yellow Pine is durable, strong, and suitable for

pressure treatment to resist decay.

• What is the minimum recommended depth for setting a pole in the

ground?

• 1/2 of the pole’s length
• 1/4 of the pole’s length
• 10% of the pole’s length plus 2 feet
• 2 feet regardless of pole size 1 / 3

Rationale: A pole should be buried to at least 10% of its length plus 2

feet to ensure stability.

• Which method is commonly used to treat wooden poles against decay

and insects?

• Boiling
• Painting
• Pressure treatment with preservatives
• Sanding

Rationale: Pressure treatment with preservatives like creosote or

pentachlorophenol increases the lifespan of wooden poles.

• What is the main hazard when digging for pole installation near

underground utilities?

• Dust
• Noise
• Striking underground electrical, gas, or water lines
• Rain

Rationale: Striking underground utilities can result in severe injury,

service interruption, or explosions.

• What is the purpose of guy wires on utility poles?
• To mark the pole’s location
• To insulate the pole
• To provide additional stability and support
• To carry electricity

Rationale: Guy wires counteract lateral forces and stabilize the pole

against wind and load.

• Which equipment is commonly used to dig holes for poles?
• Shovels only
• Jackhammers
• Augers
• Forklifts

Rationale: Augers efficiently drill holes of consistent diameter and

depth for poles.

• Before climbing a pole, what should a worker check?
• Weather forecast
• Type of tools used
• Pole integrity and presence of insects or rot
• Company logo visibility 2 / 3

Rationale: Inspecting for rot, cracks, or pest damage ensures worker

safety during climbing.

• What is the standard spacing between poles in a residential distribution

line?

• 25–35 feet
• 50–75 feet
• 125–150 feet
• 300–350 feet

Rationale: Residential power distribution lines typically use pole

spacing around 125–150 feet for efficiency and load support.

• Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory when

climbing poles?

• Gloves only
• Hard hat only
• Climbing belt, gloves, helmet, and safety boots
• Steel-toed shoes only

Rationale: Full PPE protects the worker from falls, electric shock,

and other injuries.

• What is the recommended slope for backfilling around a newly

installed pole?

• 0 degrees
• 45 degrees
• Sloped away from the pole at 1 inch per foot
• 90 degrees

Rationale: Proper slope ensures water drainage away from the pole

base, reducing rot and instability.

• What type of fastener is typically used to attach crossarms to

poles?

• Nails
• Staples
• Through-bolts or lag screws
• Glue

Rationale: Through-bolts and lag screws provide secure attachment

and can withstand high loads.

• Which test is commonly performed to assess the structural

integrity of a wooden pole?

• Tensile test
• / 3