Electrical FAQs
ELECTRICAL ANCHOR FAQ
ELECTRICAL ANCHOR FAQ
IS INSTALLATION EASY FOR THE NATIONAL FOUNDRY CONCAVE DISH ELECTRIC ANCHOR?
Most utility poles are installed after a 16” hole has been “augered”, after which another hole can be conveniently “augered” for our drop-in anchor, thus eliminating extra time and expense.
IS THE DROP-IN ANCHOR CHEAPER?
Typically the drop-in anchor is slightly higher in price, but generally lasts three (3) times as long. It eliminates the reinstallation costs ($200.00+) of other anchors that are not insulated for long life, which our drop-in anchors.
IS OUR ANCHOR CATHODICALLY PROTECTED? SHOULD IT BE?
Yes. Our drop-in anchor, when properly installed at a 90 degree vertical angle, eliminates scraping and scouring of the metal. The cathodic protection retards/eliminates corrosion, electrolysis, and rust, which is the main cause for anchor failure. These measures will ensure the long life of the anchor, as well as reduce the chance for costly repairs at a later date.
WILL YOU NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO INSTALL DROP-IN ANCHORS?
Generally, the installation crews have the necessary equipment needed and are already equipped with an auger. However, several have been installed with anything from bulldozers to backhoes.
IS THE PLASTIC COATING BETTER THAN GALVANIZED STEEL?
Simply put, yes. Most U.S. based soil is acidic, which is a good conductor of electrolysis, rust, and corrosion. Our plastic coating provides a protective barrier between the metal and soil. By insulating the anchor with cathodic protection, we isolate the anchor from all of these corrosive elements.
IS 90 DEGREE VERTICAL INSTALLATION NECESSARY?
The weakest area on any anchor rod is the threads, or where the plate connects to the rod. It is our recommendation to install all anchors straight up and down at a 90 degree angle. This allows for more of the tension to be placed on the rod rather than the threads. The maximum advantage of installing the anchor at a 90 degree vertical angle is that you get a cylindrical effect where you have more compressed soil weight per cubic inch from the plate to the top of the soil. This results in maximum holding power.
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY A DROP-IN ANCHOR?
National Foundry installed concave dish electrical anchors have not had a failure in over twenty-five (25) years. This eliminates the constant cost of replacement. We believe that insulating our anchors with time tested protective measures, along with our commitment to safety and reliability, is the reason for our continued and future success.
WHY ARE NATIONAL FOUNDRY ANCHORS SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OUR FOREIGN COMPETITORS?
In the rush to cut prices, quality typically diminishes as well. Other manufacturers purchase uncertified steel from Mexico and mix this inferior steel with low quality additives. Some companies just buy anchors from producers in China, passing these anchors off as American-made. National Foundry has always and will continue to produce only the highest quality products with effective coatings from the eye to the cap nut to inhibit deterioration of the anchor, thus ensuring users long life and reliability.
HOW CAN YOU BE ASSURED OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCT AVAILABLE?
National Foundry utilizes in-house spectrography by qualified technicians to analyze all steel products produced within our facility. This is just another measure we utilize to maintain standards set by us, as well as our customers. All raw stock is certified steel and meets, or exceeds American Steel Standards.
WHAT DELIVERY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
By keeping an adequate level of inventory, we are able to fulfill your order quickly and to your satisfaction. We package the product in the most efficient manner with regards to safety, yet maintain cost efficiency. The order is then sent via an independent trucking company, or the least expensive mode available. Pickup from our manufacturing facility in Crane, Texas is also available to save on delivery charges.
It is because of these reasons we contend to have the highest quality product on the market today.
Eye:
Produced for single, double, or triple strand cable. It is either welded-on or screwed-on to the rod as per customer request. It has an epoxy paint coating to prevent corrosion.
Bottom:
The different sizes are 15”, 20”, 24”, 30”, and 36” O.D., with center I.D. to rod size used. Pipe sleeve is welded in the center to facilitate the rod to penetrate the bottom. There is a black mastic coating paint to prevent corrosion.
Cap Nut:
The cap nut prevents corrosion to threads, and they are epoxy coated.
Rod:
The different rod lengths available are 6-15’. The diameter of the rod is 3/4”, 1”, 1 1/4”, and 1 1/2”. A plastic sleeve is placed over the rod to prevent cathodic corrosion.
Washer:
A plastic washer isolates and grounds the bottom from the cap nut and rod.