1. Presented by Leighton Porter, EIT Monte R. Lee & Company
NESC code Revisions
Presented by Leighton Porter, EIT
Monte R. Lee & Company

2. Interpreting the National Electric Safety Code
Who has the final say?
NESC Committee’s
P.E.’s and Lawyers
Previous interpretations can be found online at
/interps.html

3. Clearance Review 15’6”: 9’6”:
Roads, driveways, parking lots, alleys, etc.
9’6”:
Restricted to pedestrian traffic, either by terrain or regulations.
County roads may have higher clearance requirements, depending on county.

4. Clearance Review Transformers: 40” Below Loop 30” Below transformer
Source: NESC 2007 Handbook, David J Marne, P.E.

5. Major Changes Added definitions for communications and supply space.
Exceptions for underground cable grounding requirements.
Revised/Reorganized the guy insulator placement rules.
Part 4 is revised to align with current OSHA standards.

6. NESC Section 1: General Information
Purpose rule re-organized to clarify about the application of the rules.
Rule 13B3 clarification on installations on older supporting structure.
Rule 13B4 on putting an additional attachment next to an existing violation.

7. New Definitions Communications Space: Communication Equipment:
“The space on joint use structures where communication facilities are separated from the supply space by the communication worker safety zone.”
Communication Equipment:
“Equipment that produces, modifies, regulates, or controls communication signals.
Supply Space:
“The space on joint use structures where supply facilities are separated from the communications space, separated by the communication worker safety zone.
Full list of definitions added in the new edition:
Communication Equipment, Communication Space, Electric Supply Equipment, Insulator, Limited Access Highways, Supply Space, Wind Span, and Weight Span
Source: 2017 NESC C2-2017

8. Communication Worker Safety Zone
The clearances 235C and 238 create the CWSZ.
235C has vertical clearances for poles.
238 contains vertical clearance between communications and supply facilities.

9. Grounding Revisions Rule 92C: Rule 94B:
Grounding Rule Exception to 4 grounds per mile:
“Where terrain being crossed limits the installation of supporting structures every .25 mi or less, … not less than four grounds does not apply if the messenger is of sufficient size and ampacity for the duty involved.”
Rule 94B:
Stainless steel is included in list of nonferrous metals.

10. NESC Section 2: Aerial Construction
Clearance over above ground pools included in Rule 234E1.
Antenna clearances in Rule 235I.
Rule 238E now Requires 40” between luminaires not effectively grounded and communications equipment/cables.

11. Electric Provider (municipality/COOP) FTTH
Ability to build in the power space.
Reduced clearance to 16” from power neutral when building on strand.
How does this affect the communications space?

12. Climbing Space 24” box on the face of the pole.
Offset riser guards considered an obstruction.
Rule 362B:
“The number, size, and location of riser ducts or guards shall be limited to allow adequate access for climbing.”
Source: 2017 NESC C2-2017

13. Abandoned poles/Cables
Who owns the pole?
Can I move the abandoned cable?

14. Thank You! Leighton Porter, EIT
Phone: (405)