Preface:This is the fourth edition of CSA O15,Wood utility poles and reinforcing stubs. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2005, 1990, and 1983.Major changes in this edition include the method of measurement of sweep in poles and the reference to the ANSI photographic manual.Introduction:This Standard covers all commercial pole species used in Canada. Since there is an exchange of poles between Canada, Europe, and the United States, this Standard also includes the imported species of Scots pine and southern yellow pine and harmonizes some of the physical attributes with other countries' standards.During the development of the 2015 edition of this Standard, the Subcommittee agreed that published pole test data sets that are not included in Table A.1 of this Standard will be analyzed and, if deemed appropriate, the fibre stress and stiffness of the species in Table 3 will be updated accordingly in the next edition.Scope:1.1This Standard covers material, manufacturing, and class dimensional requirements for seasoned wood poles and reinforcing stubs that are primarily intended for the support of electrical power or communication lines.1.2This Standard does not cover requirements for wood poles intended for use in structures such as bridges and buildings.1.3This Standard does not cover requirements for the preservative treatment of poles or the conditioning of poles prior to treatment. Such requirements are detailed in the CAN/CSA-O80 Series of Standards unless otherwise specified.1.4The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only. Tables 1 to 23 are written in yard/pound units and equivalent SI (metric) versions are provided in Annex E.1.5In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.