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Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Tuesday, December 5, 2017 -Utility Clearance Heights
1) It should be pointed out that the NESC Edition in force at the time that the crossing was made is still in force today. Additionally, some states are way behind with their adoption process (Indiana has only adopted the 2002 Edition of the NESC and the 2007, 2012, and 2017 have been issued). Due to the complexities of ice loading, wind, uses of the street, etc.; please contact the local utility for the specific answer to that type of question. Take care, Charlie Eldridge
2) Charlie, Regarding the answer from 12/5/17, yes, the NESC does apply but be careful. Just as the NEC is adopted, the NESC must also be adopted to apply. And also like the NEC, not all states adopt the latest version. Plus there can be local regulations that apply. For example, in Illinois, the minimum across many streets is 18 feet, not the 15.5 feet listed in Table 232-1 for communication cables. In addition to that, the NESC also applies conditions to that number that are not in the NEC. An example of that is the ice loading that applies in certain areas. With a coating of ice, the clearances remain the same as they do for fully loaded sags in the summer or the initial unloaded sags. I guess my point is that you need to be aware of all the factors before you decide where to attach or mount the conductors under either Code. This message is not intended to cover all the possibilities but to make your readers aware that they need to make sure they understand what is involved. Tom Adams
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Answer:
Charlie and Tom, thanks for your comments. You bring out some additional points and remind us that is always important to check for local rules besides knowing when the installation was done.