Current through August 31, 2023
The person performing the tests shall perform the following:
(4-6-23)
01.
Remote Reference
Grounding Rod. (4-6-23)
a. Remote
reference grounding rod(s) shall be installed and penetrate moist soil to a
depth of thirty (30) inches. When practicable, remote reference rods shall be
installed at least twenty-five (25) feet away from the nearest underground
conductive electrical equipment of any type or at a distance equal to three (3)
to four (4) times the buried depth of any metallic structure connected to the
service entrance neutral. The reference ground rod shall be located not closer
than twenty-five (25) feet from the centerline of a primary electrical
conductor right-of-way. A reference rod shall be located not closer than one
hundred (100) feet from the edge of a transmission line right-of-way.
(4-6-23)
b. All remote reference
grounding rods shall be checked for "remoteness" prior to their use for tests
or measurements and if found to be insufficiently "remote," a new location for
that reference ground rod shall be found and retested for remoteness.
Remoteness of the reference ground shall be determined by measuring the voltage
from the transformer grounding electrode conductor to the remote reference
ground. The resistance-to-earth of the transformer grounding electrode shall be
measured. The grounding electrode current shall be measured. Remoteness is
considered adequate if the measured voltage (transformer grounding conductor to
reference ground, Vp) is within twenty percent (20%) of the voltage calculated
by multiplying the grounding electrode current by the grounding electrode
resistance-to-earth. (4-6-23)
c. If
the transformer grounding electrode is within twenty-five (25) feet of other
primary or secondary grounding electrodes, this remoteness test shall be
conducted at the first primary system grounding electrode upstream of the
transformer that is greater than twenty-five (25) feet from other primary or
secondary system grounding electrodes. (4-6-23)
02.
Inspecting the
Transformer(s). Prior to testing, the utility transformer shall be
inspected, grounding electrode resistance measured, and any repairs necessary
for safety be made and recorded. In the case of a customer-owned transformer,
qualified personnel shall inspect the installation, measure grounding electrode
resistance, and make and record any repairs necessary for safety. Measurements
that require contact with utility or customer-owned primary wires or equipment
shall be made by the utility or other qualified personnel. (4-6-23)
03.
In-Line Ammeters. If in-line
or series ammeters are used, they shall be installed under safe conditions in
accordance with the NESC and the NEC with the entire dairy system or the
specific circuit to be tested de-energized. (4-6-23)
04.
Pre-Test Documentation.
(4-6-23)
a. All pre-test calibration
requirements from Section
052 shall be completed and
documented. (4-6-23)
b. A sketch or
drawing of the dairy shall be prepared indicating: (4-6-23)
i. The location of the buildings;
(4-6-23)
ii. Secondary electrical
service panels and secondary feeder systems serving cow contact areas;
(4-6-23)
iii. Transformer(s) and
central distribution point; (4-6-23)
iv. Existing grounding electrodes (if known);
(4-6-23)
v. The location of all cow
contact points to be tested; (4-6-23)
vi. All remote reference grounding rods; and
(4-6-23)
vii. All primary and
secondary neutral test points used in conjunction with the remote reference
grounding rod(s). (4-6-23)
c. A listing of planned test points shall be
prepared using the applicable form prior to beginning each test. Each test
shall be listed separately and specific reference numbers shall be given to
each planned test point. (4-6-23)
05.
Safety. (4-6-23)
a. If the service provider reasonably
concludes that a dairy's noncompliance with the NEC poses a significant and
immediate safety hazard which prevents completion of any test or measurement
required by these rules, then the service provider's obligations to proceed
under these rules shall be suspended until the hazard is eliminated.
(4-6-23)
b. At the discretion of
the service provider conducting the test, livestock shall be removed from any
area where electrical equipment or wiring is examined or electrical
measurements are taken. Testing may be suspended if the presence of cows or
other animals creates a potential hazard to testing personnel. The locations of
electric fences and other electrified cow control devices shall be noted and
de-energized where practical. (4-6-23)
