Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1)
Design and
Construction. All electric supply and communication lines and
equipment shall be of suitable design and construction for the service and
conditions under which they are to be operated.
(2)
Installation and
Maintenance.
(a) All electric
supply and communication lines and equipment shall be installed in a manner
that will promote the purpose of
220 CMR 126.00 and shall be
maintained in such a manner as to preserve the safety of the
installation.
(b) Persons
responsible for underground facilities shall be in a position to indicate the
location of their facilities.
(c)
Reasonable advance notice should be given to owners or operators of other
proximate facilities which may be adversely affected by new construction or
changes in existing facilities.
(3)
Accessibility.
All parts which must be examined or adjusted during operation shall be arranged
so as to be readily accessible to authorized persons by the provision of
adequate working spaces, working facilities, and clearances.
(4)
Inspection and Tests of Lines
and Equipment.
(a)
When in Service.
1.
Initial Compliance with
220 CMR 126.00. Lines and equipment shall comply with this safety code upon
being placed in service.
2.
Inspection. Accessible lines and equipment shall be
inspected from time to time by the responsible party at such intervals as
experience has shown to be necessary.
3.
Tests. When
considered necessary, lines and equipment shall be subjected to practical tests
to determine required maintenance.
4.
Record of
Defects. Any defects affecting compliance with this code revealed
by inspection, if not promptly corrected, shall be recorded; such record shall
be maintained until the defects are corrected.
5.
Remedying
Defects. Lines and equipment found to be defective so as to
endanger life or property shall be promptly repaired, permanently disconnected
or isolated until repairs can be made.
(b)
When Out of
Service.
1.
Lines
Infrequently Used. Lines and equipment infrequently used shall be
inspected or tested as necessary to see that they are in safe condition prior
to being placed in service.
2.
Lines Temporarily Out of Service. Lines temporarily
out of service shall be maintained in a safe condition.
3.
Line Abandoned.
Lines abandoned shall be removed or abandoned in a manner which will not be
hazardous to workmen or to the public.
(5)
Grounding of Circuits and
Equipment.
(a)
Methods. The methods to be used for grounding of
circuits and equipment are given in Section 9 of the 2007 National Electrical
Safety Code.
(b)
Conductive Parts to Be Grounded. Cable sheaths and
shields, equipment frames and cases (including padmounted devices) and metal
lamp posts shall be effectively grounded. Ducts and riser guards of conductive
material which are exposed to possible contact with conductors of more than 300
volts to ground shall be effectively grounded.
Exception 1. 220 CMR 126.31(5) does
not apply to parts which are eight feet or more above readily accessible
surfaces or are otherwise isolated or guarded.
Exception 2. 220 CMR 126.31(5) does
not apply to ducts and riser guards which contain cables having effectively
grounded sheaths or shields in contact with the duct or guard.
(c)
Use of Earth as
Part of Circuit. Supply circuits shall not be designed to use the
earth normally as the sole conductor for any part of the circuit.
(6)
Communications
Protective Requirements.
(a)
Where Required. Where communications apparatus is
handled by other than qualified persons, it shall be protected by one or more
of the means listed in 220 CMR 126.31(5)(b) if such apparatus is permanently
connected to lines subject to any of the following:
1. Lightning.
2. Possible contact with supply conductors
whose voltage exceeds 300 volts.
3.
Transient rise in ground potential exceeding 300 volts.
4. Steady state induced voltage exceeding 50
volts to ground.
(b)
Means of Protection. Where communications apparatus is
required to be protected under 220 CMR 126.31, protective means adequate to
withstand the voltage expected to be impressed shall be provided by insulation
protected where necessary by arresters. Severe conditions may require the use
of additional devices such as auxiliary arresters, drainage coils, neutralizing
transformers or isolating devices.
(c)
In Vicinity of Supply
Stations. Before communications cables are placed in the vicinity
of supply stations where large ground currents may flow, the effect of these
currents on the communications circuits shall be evaluated.
(7)
Induced
Hazards. Rules covering electrical influence and susceptiveness
have not been detailed in
220 CMR 126.00. Induced
hazards from proximate facilities shall be eliminated. Cooperative procedures
are recommended.
