Brackets used for lightweight crossarms such as those made of reinforced fiberglass have become a preferred solution for utility companies. Although lightweight crossarms were implemented in response to concerns regarding the extremely heavy weight of timber crossarms, their reduced weight and increased flexibility create new problems. Over extended periods of time, the combined weight of the crossarm's distal ends, insulators, and long spans of heavy cable load, can become too heavy for light weight crossarms. In particular, a light weight crossarm which is supported substantially at its midsection has a tendency to bow as a result of the combined weight. The prior art brackets are not designed to conform to this curvature and as a result stress fractures develop which substantially weaken the crossarm. Accordingly, the aforementioned excessive pressure exerted at the midpoint of a crossarm results in a shortened lifespan for the crossarm. |
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