29 C.F.R. Subpart S—Electrical


Title 29 - Labor


Title 29: Labor
PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

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Subpart S—Electrical

Authority:  Secs. 4, 6, 8, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 8–76 (41 FR 25059) or 1–90 (55 FR 9033), as applicable; 29 CFR part 1911.

Source:  46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981, unless otherwise noted.

General

§ 1910.301   Introduction.

This subpart addresses electrical safety requirements that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees in their workplaces and is divided into four major divisions as follows:

(a) Design safety standards for electrical systems. These regulations are contained in §§1910.302 through 1910.330. Sections 1910.302 through 1910.308 contain design safety standards for electric utilization systems. Included in this category are all electric equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light for employee workplaces. Sections 1910.309 through 1910.330 are reserved for possible future design safety standards for other electrical systems.

(b) Safety-related work practices. These regulations will be contained in §§1910.331 through 1910.360.

(c) Safety-related maintenance requirements. These regulations will be contained in §§1910.361 through 1910.380.

(d) Safety requirements for special equipment. These regulations will be contained in §§1910.381 through 1910.398.

(e) Definitions. Definitions applicable to each division are contained in §1910.399.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1982; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

Design Safety Standards for Electrical Systems

§ 1910.302   Electric utilization systems.

Sections 1910.302 through 1910.308 contain design safety standards for electric utilization systems.

(a) Scope—(1) Covered. The provisions of §§1910.302 through 1910.308 of this subpart cover electrical installations and utilization equipment installed or used within or on buildings, structures, and other premises including:

(i) Yards,

(ii) Carnivals,

(iii) Parking and other lots,

(iv) Mobile homes,

(v) Recreational vehicles,

(vi) Industrial substations,

(vii) Conductors that connect the installations to a supply of electricity, and

(viii) Other outside conductors on the premises.

(2) Not covered. The provisions of §§1910.302 through 1910.308 of this subpart do not cover:

(i) Installations in ships, watercraft, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles.

(ii) Installations underground in mines.

(iii) Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission, or distribution of power used exclusively for operation of rolling stock or installations used exclusively for signaling and communication purposes.

(iv) Installations of communication equipment under the exclusive control of communication utilities, located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations.

(v) Installations under the exclusive control of electric utilities for the purpose of communication or metering; or for the generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy located in buildings used exclusively by utilities for such purposes or located outdoors on property owned or leased by the utility or on public highways, streets, roads, etc., or outdoors by established rights on private property.

(b) Extent of application. (1) The requirements contained in the sections listed below shall apply to all electrical installations and utilization equipment, regardless of when they were designed or installed.

Sections:

   1910.303(b).............................  Examination, installation, and                                           use of equipment.1910.303(c).............................  Splices.1910.303(d).............................  Arcing parts.1910.303(e).............................  Marking.1910.303(f).............................  Identification of                                           disconnecting means.1910.303(g)(2)..........................  Guarding of live parts.1910.304(e)(l)(i).......................  Protection of conductors and                                           equipment.1910.304(e)(l)(iv)......................  Location in or on premises.1910.304(e)(l)(v).......................  Arcing or suddenly moving                                           parts.1910.304(f)(l)(ii)......................  2-Wire DC systems to be                                           grounded:1910.304(f)(l)(iii) and                   AC Systems to be grounded. 1910.304(f)(l)(iv).1910.304(f)(l)(v).......................  AC Systems 50 to 1000 volts                                           not required to be grounded.1910.304(f)(3)..........................  Grounding connections.1910.304(f)(4)..........................  Grounding path.1910.304(f)(5)(iv)(a) through             Fixed equipment required to be 1910.304(f)(5)(iv)(d).                    grounded.1910.304(f)(5)(v).......................  Grounding of equipment                                           connected by cord and plug.1910.304(f)(5)(vi)......................  Grounding of nonelectrical                                           equipment.1910.304(f)(6)(i).......................  Methods of grounding fixed                                           equipment.1910.305(g)(l)(i) and 1910.305(g)(1)(ii)  Flexible cords and cables,                                           uses.1910.305(g)(l)(iii).....................  Flexible cords and cables                                           prohibited.1910.305(g)(2)(ii)......................  Flexible cords and cables,                                           splices.1910.305(g)(2)(iii).....................  Pull at joints and terminals                                           of flexible cords and cables.1910.307................................  Hazardous (classified)                                           locations. 

(2) Every electric utilization system and all utilization equipment installed after March 15, 1972, and every major replacement, modification, repair, or rehabilitation, after March 15, 1972, of any part of any electric utilization system or utilization equipment installed before March 15, 1972, shall comply with the provisions of §§1910.302 through 1910.308.

Note: “Major replacements, modifications, repairs, or rehabilitations” include work similar to that involved when a new building or facility is built, a new wing is added, or an entire floor is renovated.

(3) The following provisions apply to electric utilization systems and utilization equipment installed after April 16, 1981:

   § 1910.303(h)(4) (i) and (ii)......  Entrance and access to                                           workspace (over 600 volts).§ 1910.304(e)(1)(vi)(b)............  Circuit breakers operated                                           vertically.§ 1910.304(e)(1)(vi)(c)............  Circuit breakers used as                                           switches.§ 1910.304(f)(7)(ii)...............  Grounding of systems of 1000                                           volts or more supplying                                           portable or mobile equipment.§ 1910.305(j)(6)(ii)(b)............  Switching series capacitors                                           over 600 volts.§ 1910.306(c)(2)...................  Warning signs for elevators                                           and escalators.§ 1910.306(i)......................  Electrically controlled                                           irrigation machines.§ 1910.306(j)(5)...................  Ground-fault circuit                                           interrupters for fountains.§ 1910.308(a)(1)(ii)...............  Physical protection of                                           conductors over 600 volts.§ 1910.308(c)(2)...................  Marking of Class 2 and Class 3                                           power supplies.§ 1910.308(d)......................  Fire protective signaling                                           circuits. 

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§ 1910.303   General requirements.

(a) Approval. The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this subpart shall be acceptable only if approved.

(b) Examination, installation, and use of equipment—(1) Examination. Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:

(i) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart. Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing or labeling for that identified purpose.

(ii) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided.

(iii) Electrical insulation.

(iv) Heating effects under conditions of use.

(v) Arcing effects.

(vi) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, specific use.

(vii) Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in contact with the equipment.

(2) Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

(c) Splices. Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices suitable for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Soldered splices shall first be so spliced or joined as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device suitable for the purpose.

(d) Arcing parts. Parts of electric equipment which in ordinary operation produce arcs, sparks, flames, or molten metal shall be enclosed or separated and isolated from all combustible material.

(e) Marking. Electrical equipment may not be used unless the manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified is placed on the equipment. Other markings shall be provided giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

(f) Identification of disconnecting means and circuits. Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. These markings shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

(g) 600 Volts, nominal, or less—(1) Working space about electric equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

(i) Working clearances. Except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart, the dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts operating at 600 volts or less and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive may not be less than indicated in Table S–1. In addition to the dimensions shown in Table S–1, workspace may not be less than 30 inches wide in front of the electric equipment. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed, or from the enclosure front or opening if the live parts are enclosed. Concrete, brick, or tile walls are considered to be grounded. Working space is not required in back of assemblies such as dead-front switchboards or motor control centers where there are no renewable or adjustable parts such as fuses or switches on the back and where all connections are accessible from locations other than the back.

                      Table S-1_Working Clearances------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                 Minimum clear distance                                                 for condition\2\ (ft)          Nominal voltage to ground           --------------------------                                                 (a)      (b)      (c)------------------------------------------------------------------------0-150........................................    \1\ 3    \1\ 3        3151-600......................................    \1\ 3   3\1/2\        4------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Minimum clear distances may be 2 feet 6 inches for installations  built prior to April 16, 1981.\2\ Conditions (a), (b), and (c), are as follows: (a) Exposed live parts  on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the  working space, or exposed live parts on both sides effectively guarded  by suitable wood or other insulating material. Insulated wire or  insulated busbars operating at not over 300 volts are not considered  live parts. (b) Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on  the other side. (c) Exposed live parts on both sides of the workspace  [not guarded as provided in Condition (a)] with the operator between.

(ii) Clear spaces. Working space required by this subpart may not be used for storage. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded.

(iii) Access and entrance to working space. At least one entrance of sufficient area shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment.

(iv) Front working space. Where there are live parts normally exposed on the front of switchboards or motor control centers, the working space in front of such equipment may not be less than 3 feet.

(v) Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers installed indoors.

(vi) Headroom. The minimum headroom of working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panel-boards, or motor control centers shall be 6 feet 3 inches.

Note: As used in this section a motor control center is an assembly of one or more enclosed sections having a common power bus and principally containing motor control units.

(2) Guarding of live parts. (i) Except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures, or by any of the following means:

(A) By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons.

(B) By suitable permanent, substantial partitions or screens so arranged that only qualified persons will have access to the space within reach of the live parts. Any openings in such partitions or screens shall be so sized and located that persons are not likely to come into accidental contact with the live parts or to bring conducting objects into contact with them.

(C) By location on a suitable balcony, gallery, or platform so elevated and arranged as to exclude unqualified persons.

(D) By elevation of 8 feet or more above the floor or other working surface.

(ii) In locations where electric equipment would be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage.

(iii) Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts shall be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter.

(h) Over 600 volts, nominal—(1) General. Conductors and equipment used on circuits exceeding 600 volts, nominal, shall comply with all applicable provisions of paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section and with the following provisions which supplement or modify those requirements. The provisions of paragraphs (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this section do not apply to equipment on the supply side of the service conductors.

(2) Enclosure for electrical installations. Electrical installations in a vault, room, closet or in an area surrounded by a wall, screen, or fence, access to which is controlled by lock and key or other approved means, are considered to be accessible to qualified persons only. A wall, screen, or fence less than 8 feet in height is not considered to prevent access unless it has other features that provide a degree of isolation equivalent to an 8 foot fence. The entrances to all buildings, rooms, or enclosures containing exposed live parts or exposed conductors operating at over 600 volts, nominal, shall be kept locked or shall be under the observation of a qualified person at all times.

(i) Installations accessible to qualified persons only. Electrical installations having exposed live parts shall be accessible to qualified persons only and shall comply with the applicable provisions of paragraph (h)(3) of this section.

(ii) Installations accessible to unqualified persons. Electrical installations that are open to unqualified persons shall be made with metal-enclosed equipment or shall be enclosed in a vault or in an area, access to which is controlled by a lock. If metal-enclosed equipment is installed so that the bottom of the enclosure is less than 8 feet above the floor, the door or cover shall be kept locked. Metal-enclosed switchgear, unit substations, transformers, pull boxes, connection boxes, and other similar associated equipment shall be marked with appropriate caution signs. If equipment is exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic, suitable guards shall be provided to prevent such damage. Ventilating or similar openings in metal-enclosed equipment shall be designed so that foreign objects inserted through these openings will be deflected from energized parts.

(3) Workspace about equipment. Sufficient space shall be provided and maintained about electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Where energized parts are exposed, the minimum clear workspace may not be less than 6 feet 6 inches high (measured vertically from the floor or platform), or less than 3 feet wide (measured parallel to the equipment). The depth shall be as required in Table S–2. The workspace shall be adequate to permit at least a 90-degree opening of doors or hinged panels.

(i) Working space. The minimum clear working space in front of electric equipment such as switchboards, control panels, switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, relays, and similar equipment may not be less than specified in Table S–2 unless otherwise specified in this subpart. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed, or from the enclosure front or opening if the live parts are enclosed. However, working space is not required in back of equipment such as deadfront switchboards or control assemblies where there are no renewable or adjustable parts (such as fuses or switches) on the back and where all connections are accessible from locations other than the back. Where rear access is required to work on de-energized parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum working space of 30 inches horizontally shall be provided.

   Table S-2_Minimum Depth of Clear Working Space in Front of Electric                                Equipment------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  Conditions \2\ (ft)          Nominal voltage to ground           --------------------------                                                 (a)      (b)      (c)------------------------------------------------------------------------601 to 2,500.................................        3        4        52,501 to 9,000...............................        4        5        69,001 to 25,000..............................        5        6        925,001 to 75kV \1\...........................        6        8       10Above 75kV \1\...............................        8       10       12------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Minimum depth of clear working space in front of electric equipment  with a nominal voltage to ground above 25,000 volts may be the same as  for 25,000 volts under Conditions (a), (b), and (c) for installations  built prior to April 16, 1981.\2\ Conditions (a), (b), and (c) are as follows: (a) Exposed live parts  on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the  working space, or exposed live parts on both sides effectively guarded  by suitable wood or other insulating materials. Insulated wire or  insulated busbars operating at not over 300 volts are not considered  live parts. (b) Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on  the other side. Concrete, brick, or tile walls will be considered as  grounded surfaces. (c) Exposed live parts on both sides of the  workspace not guarded as provided in Condition (a) with the operator  between.

(ii) Illumination. Adequate illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about electric equipment. The lighting outlets shall be so arranged that persons changing lamps or making repairs on the lighting system will not be endangered by live parts or other equipment. The points of control shall be so located that persons are not likely to come in contact with any live part or moving part of the equipment while turning on the lights.

(iii) Elevation of unguarded live parts. Unguarded live parts above working space shall be maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table S–3.

  Table S-3_Elevation of Unguarded Energized Parts Above Working Space------------------------------------------------------------------------      Nominal voltage between phases              Minimum elevation------------------------------------------------------------------------601 to 7,500..............................  *8 feet 6 inches.7,501 to 35,000...........................  9 feet.Over 35kV.................................  9 feet + 0.37 inches per kV                                             above 35kV.------------------------------------------------------------------------*Note. Minimum elevation may be 8 feet 0 inches for installations built  prior to April 16, 1981 if the nominal voltage between phases is in  the range of 601-6600 volts.

(4) Entrance and access to workspace. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(i) At least one entrance not less than 24 inches wide and 6 feet 6 inches high shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment. On switchboard and control panels exceeding 48 inches in width, there shall be one entrance at each end of such board where practicable. Where bare energized parts at any voltage or insulated energized parts above 600 volts are located adjacent to such entrance, they shall be suitably guarded.

(ii) Permanent ladders or stairways shall be provided to give safe access to the working space around electric equipment installed on platforms, balconies, mezzanine floors, or in attic or roof rooms or spaces.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§ 1910.304   Wiring design and protection.

(a) Use and identification of grounded and grounding conductors—(1) Identification of conductors. A conductor used as a grounded conductor shall be identifiable and distinguishable from all other conductors. A conductor used as an equipment grounding conductor shall be identifiable and distinguishable from all other conductors.

(2) Polarity of connections. No grounded conductor may be attached to any terminal or lead so as to reverse designated polarity.

(3) Use of grounding terminals and devices. A grounding terminal or grounding-type device on a receptacle, cord connector, or attachment plug may not be used for purposes other than grounding.

(b) Branch circuits—(1) [Reserved]

(2) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.

(c) Outside conductors, 600 volts, nominal, or less. Paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this section apply to branch circuit, feeder, and service conductors rated 600 volts, nominal, or less and run outdoors as open conductors. Paragraph (c)(5) applies to lamps installed under such conductors.

(1) Conductors on poles. Conductors supported on poles shall provide a horizontal climbing space not less than the following:

(i) Power conductors below communication conductors—30 inches.

(ii) Power conductors alone or above communication conductors: 300 volts or less—24 inches; more than 300 volts—30 inches.

(iii) Communication conductors below power conductors with power conductors 300 volts or less—24 inches; more than 300 volts—30 inches.

(2) Clearance from ground. Open conductors shall conform to the following minimum clearances:

(i) 10 feet—above finished grade, sidewalks, or from any platform or projection from which they might be reached.

(ii) 12 feet—over areas subject to vehicular traffic other than truck traffic.

(iii) 15 feet—over areas other than those specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section that are subject to truck traffic.

(iv) 18 feet—over public streets, alleys, roads, and driveways.

(3) Clearance from building openings. Conductors shall have a clearance of at least 3 feet from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or similar locations. Conductors run above the top level of a window are considered to be out of reach from that window and, therefore, do not have to be 3 feet away.

(4) Clearance over roofs. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less than 8 feet from the highest point of roofs over which they pass, except that:

(i) Where the voltage between conductors is 300 volts or less and the roof has a slope of not less than 4 inches in 12, the clearance from roofs shall be at least 3 feet, or

(ii) Where the voltage between conductors is 300 volts or less and the conductors do not pass over more than 4 feet of the overhang portion of the roof and they are terminated at a through-the-roof raceway or approved support, the clearance from roofs shall be at least 18 inches.

(5) Location of outdoor lamps. Lamps for outdoor lighting shall be located below all live conductors, transformers, or other electric equipment, unless such equipment is controlled by a disconnecting means that can be locked in the open position or unless adequate clearances or other safeguards are provided for relamping operations.

(d) Services—(1) Disconnecting means—(i) General. Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the service-entrance conductors. The disconnecting means shall plainly indicate whether it is in the open or closed position and shall be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the service-entrance conductors.

(ii) Simultaneous opening of poles. Each service disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors.

(2) Services over 600 volts, nominal. The following additional requirements apply to services over 600 volts, nominal.

(i) Guarding. Service-entrance conductors installed as open wires shall be guarded to make them accessible only to qualified persons.

(ii) Warning signs. Signs warning of high voltage shall be posted where other than qualified employees might come in contact with live parts.

(e) Overcurrent protection—(1) 600 volts, nominal, or less. The following requirements apply to overcurrent protection of circuits rated 600 volts, nominal, or less.

(i) Protection of conductors and equipment. Conductors and equipment shall be protected from overcurrent in accordance with their ability to safely conduct current.

(ii) Grounded conductors. Except for motor running overload protection, overcurrent devices may not interrupt the continuity of the grounded conductor unless all conductors of the circuit are opened simultaneously.

(iii) Disconnection of fuses and thermal cutouts. Except for service fuses, all cartridge fuses which are accessible to other than qualified persons and all fuses and thermal cutouts on circuits over 150 volts to ground shall be provided with disconnecting means. This disconnecting means shall be installed so that the fuse or thermal cutout can be disconnected from its supply without disrupting service to equipment and circuits unrelated to those protected by the overcurrent device.

(iv) Location in or on premises. Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible to each employee or authorized building management personnel. These overcurrent devices may not be located where they will be exposed to physical damage nor in the vicinity of easily ignitible material.

(v) Arcing or suddenly moving parts. Fuses and circuit breakers shall be so located or shielded that employees will not be burned or otherwise injured by their operation.

(vi) Circuit breakers. (A) Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.

(B) Where circuit breaker handles on switchboards are operated vertically rather than horizontally or rotationally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(C) If used as switches in 120-volt, fluorescent lighting circuits, circuit breakers shall be approved for the purpose and marked “SWD.” (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(2) Over 600 volts, nominal. Feeders and branch circuits over 600 volts, nominal, shall have short-circuit protection.

(f) Grounding. Paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(7) of this section contain grounding requirements for systems, circuits, and equipment.

(1) Systems to be grounded. The following systems which supply premises wiring shall be grounded:

(i) All 3-wire DC systems shall have their neutral conductor grounded.

(ii) Two-wire DC systems operating at over 50 volts through 300 volts between conductors shall be grounded unless:

(A) They supply only industrial equipment in limited areas and are equipped with a ground detector; or

(B) They are rectifier-derived from an AC system complying with paragraphs (f)(1)(iii), (f)(1)(iv), and (f)(1)(v) of this section; or

(C) They are fire-protective signaling circuits having a maximum current of 0.030 amperes.

(iii) AC circuits of less than 50 volts shall be grounded if they are installed as overhead conductors outside of buildings or if they are supplied by transformers and the transformer primary supply system is ungrounded or exceeds 150 volts to ground.

(iv) AC systems of 50 volts to 1000 volts shall be grounded under any of the following conditions, unless exempted by paragraph (f)(1)(v) of this section:

(A) If the system can be so grounded that the maximum voltage to ground on the ungrounded conductors does not exceed 150 volts;

(B) If the system is nominally rated 480Y/277 volt, 3-phase, 4-wire in which the neutral is used as a circuit conductor;

(C) If the system is nominally rated 240/120 volt, 3-phase, 4-wire in which the midpoint of one phase is used as a circuit conductor; or

(D) If a service conductor is uninsulated.

(v) AC systems of 50 volts to 1000 volts are not required to be grounded under any of the following conditions:

(A) If the system is used exclusively to supply industrial electric furnaces for melting, refining, tempering, and the like.

(B) If the system is separately derived and is used exclusively for rectifiers supplying only adjustable speed industrial drives.

(C) If the system is separately derived and is supplied by a transformer that has a primary voltage rating less than 1000 volts, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The system is used exclusively for control circuits,

(2) The conditions of maintenance and supervision assure that only qualified persons will service the installation,

(3) Continuity of control power is required, and

(4) Ground detectors are installed on the control system.

(D) If the system is an isolated power system that supplies circuits in health care facilities.

(2) Conductors to be grounded. For AC premises wiring systems the identified conductor shall be grounded.

(3) Grounding connections. (i) For a grounded system, a grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect both the equipment grounding conductor and the grounded circuit conductor to the grounding electrode. Both the equipment grounding conductor and the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the grounded circuit conductor on the supply side of the service disconnecting means, or on the supply side of the system disconnecting means or overcurrent devices if the system is separately derived.

(ii) For an ungrounded service-supplied system, the equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode conductor at the service equipment. For an ungrounded separately derived system, the equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode conductor at, or ahead of, the system disconnecting means or overcurrent devices.

(iii) On extensions of existing branch circuits which do not have an equipment grounding conductor, grounding-type receptacles may be grounded to a grounded cold water pipe near the equipment.

(4) Grounding path. The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures shall be permanent and continuous.

(5) Supports, enclosures, and equipment to be grounded—(i) Supports and enclosures for conductors. Metal cable trays, metal raceways, and metal enclosures for conductors shall be grounded, except that:

(A) Metal enclosures such as sleeves that are used to protect cable assemblies from physical damage need not be grounded; or

(B) Metal enclosures for conductors added to existing installations of open wire, knob-and-tube wiring, and nonmetallic-sheathed cable need not be grounded if all of the following conditions are met: (1) Runs are less than 25 feet; (2) enclosures are free from probable contact with ground, grounded metal, metal laths, or other conductive materials; and (3) enclosures are guarded against employee contact.

(ii) Service equipment enclosures. Metal enclosures for service equipment shall be grounded.

(iii) Frames of ranges and clothes dryers. Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and metal outlet or junction boxes which are part of the circuit for these appliances shall be grounded.

(iv) Fixed equipment. Exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of fixed equipment which may become energized shall be grounded under any of the following conditions:

(A) If within 8 feet vertically or 5 feet horizontally of ground or grounded metal objects and subject to employee contact.

(B) If located in a wet or damp location and not isolated.

(C) If in electrical contact with metal.

(D) If in a hazardous (classified) location.

(E) If supplied by a metal-clad, metal-sheathed, or grounded metal raceway wiring method.

(F) If equipment operates with any terminal at over 150 volts to ground; however, the following need not be grounded:

(1) Enclosures for switches or circuit breakers used for other than service equipment and accessible to qualified persons only;

(2) Metal frames of electrically heated appliances which are permanently and effectively insulated from ground; and

(3) The cases of distribution apparatus such as transformers and capacitors mounted on wooden poles at a height exceeding 8 feet above ground or grade level.

(v) Equipment connected by cord and plug. Under any of the conditions described in paragraphs (f)(5)(v)(A) through (f)(5)(v)(C) of this section, exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of cord- and plug-connected equipment which may become energized shall be grounded.

(A) If in hazardous (classified) locations (see §1910.307).

(B) If operated at over 150 volts to ground, except for guarded motors and metal frames of electrically heated appliances if the appliance frames are permanently and effectively insulated from ground.

(C) If the equipment is of the following types:

(1) Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners;

(2) Clothes-washing, clothes-drying and dishwashing machines, sump pumps, and electrical aquarium equipment;

(3) Hand-held motor-operated tools;

(4) Motor-operated appliances of the following types: hedge clippers, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and wet scrubbers;

(5) Cord- and plug-connected appliances used in damp or wet locations or by employees standing on the ground or on metal floors or working inside of metal tanks or boilers;

(6) Portable and mobile X-ray and associated equipment;

(7) Tools likely to be used in wet and conductive locations; and

(8) Portable hand lamps.

Tools likely to be used in wet and conductive locations need not be grounded if supplied through an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary of not over 50 volts. Listed or labeled portable tools and appliances protected by an approved system of double insulation, or its equivalent, need not be grounded. If such a system is employed, the equipment shall be distinctively marked to indicate that the tool or appliance utilizes an approved system of double insulation.

(vi) Nonelectrical equipment. The metal parts of the following nonelectrical equipment shall be grounded: frames and tracks of electrically operated cranes; frames of nonelectrically driven elevator cars to which electric conductors are attached; hand operated metal shifting ropes or cables of electric elevators, and metal partitions, grill work, and similar metal enclosures around equipment of over 750 volts between conductors.

(6) Methods of grounding fixed equipment. (i) Non-current-carrying metal parts of fixed equipment, if required to be grounded by this subpart, shall be grounded by an equipment grounding conductor which is contained within the same raceway, cable, or cord, or runs with or encloses the circuit conductors. For DC circuits only, the equipment grounding conductor may be run separately from the circuit conductors.

(ii) Electric equipment is considered to be effectively grounded if it is secured to, and in electrical contact with, a metal rack or structure that is provided for its support and the metal rack or structure is grounded by the method specified for the non-current-carrying metal parts of fixed equipment in paragraph (f)(6)(i) of this section. For installations made before April 16, 1981, only, electric equipment is also considered to be effectively grounded if it is secured to, and in metallic contact with, the grounded structural metal frame of a building. Metal car frames supported by metal hoisting cables attached to or running over metal sheaves or drums of grounded elevator machines are also considered to be effectively grounded.

(7) Grounding of systems and circuits of 1000 volts and over (high voltage)—(i) General. If high voltage systems are grounded, they shall comply with all applicable provisions of paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6) of this section as supplemented and modified by this paragraph (f)(7).

(ii) Grounding of systems supplying portable or mobile equipment. (See §1910.302(b)(3).) Systems supplying portable or mobile high voltage equipment, other than substations installed on a temporary basis, shall comply with the following:

(A) Portable and mobile high voltage equipment shall be supplied from a system having its neutral grounded through an impedance. If a delta-connected high voltage system is used to supply the equipment, a system neutral shall be derived.

(B) Exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of portable and mobile equipment shall be connected by an equipment grounding conductor to the point at which the system neutral impedance is grounded.

(C) Ground-fault detection and relaying shall be provided to automatically de-energize any high voltage system component which has developed a ground fault. The continuity of the equipment grounding conductor shall be continuously monitored so as to de-energize automatically the high voltage feeder to the portable equipment upon loss of continuity of the equipment grounding conductor.

(D) The grounding electrode to which the portable or mobile equipment system neutral impedance is connected shall be isolated from and separated in the ground by at least 20 feet from any other system or equipment grounding electrode, and there shall be no direct connection between the grounding electrodes, such as buried pipe, fence, etc.

(iii) Grounding of equipment. All non-current-carrying metal parts of portable equipment and fixed equipment including their associated fences, housings, enclosures, and supporting structures shall be grounded. However, equipment which is guarded by location and isolated from ground need not be grounded. Additionally, pole-mounted distribution apparatus at a height exceeding 8 feet above ground or grade level need not be grounded.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981, as amended at 55 FR 32015, Aug. 6, 1990]

§ 1910.305   Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use.

(a) Wiring methods. The provisions of this section do not apply to the conductors that are an integral part of factory-assembled equipment.

(1) General requirements—(i) Electrical continuity of metal raceways and enclosures. Metal raceways, cable armor, and other metal enclosures for conductors shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electric conductor and shall be so connected to all boxes, fittings, and cabinets as to provide effective electrical continuity.

(ii) Wiring in ducts. No wiring systems of any type shall be installed in ducts used to transport dust, loose stock or flammable vapors. No wiring system of any type may be installed in any duct used for vapor removal or for ventilation of commercial-type cooking equipment, or in any shaft containing only such ducts.

(2) Temporary wiring. Temporary electrical power and lighting wiring methods may be of a class less than would be required for a permanent installation. Except as specifically modified in this paragraph, all other requirements of this subpart for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring installations.

(i) Uses permitted, 600 volts, nominal, or less. Temporary electrical power and lighting installations 600 volts, nominal, or less may be used only:

(A) During and for remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, or equipment, and similar activities;

(B) For experimental or development work, and

(C) For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes.

(ii) Uses permitted, over 600 volts, nominal. Temporary wiring over 600 volts, nominal, may be used only during periods of tests, experiments, or emergencies.

(iii) General requirements for temporary wiring. (A) Feeders shall originate in an approved distribution center. The conductors shall be run as multiconductor cord or cable assemblies, or, where not subject to physical damage, they may be run as open conductors on insulators not more than 10 feet apart.

(B) Branch circuits shall originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard. Conductors shall be multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or open conductors. If run as open conductors they shall be fastened at ceiling height every 10 feet. No branch-circuit conductor may be laid on the floor. Each branch circuit that supplies receptacles or fixed equipment shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor if run as open conductors.

(C) Receptacles shall be of the grounding type. Unless installed in a complete metallic raceway, each branch circuit shall contain a separate equipment grounding conductor and all receptacles shall be electrically connected to the grounding conductor.

(D) No bare conductors nor earth returns may be used for the wiring of any temporary circuit.

(E) Suitable disconnecting switches or plug connectors shall be installed to permit the disconnection of all ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit.

(F) Lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage. Protection shall be provided by elevation of at least 7 feet from normal working surface or by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard.

(G) Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from accidental damage. Sharp corners and projections shall be avoided. Where passing through doorways or other pinch points, flexible cords and cables shall be provided with protection to avoid damage.

(3) Cable trays—(i) Uses permitted. (a) Only the following may be installed in cable tray systems:

(1) Mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable (Type MI);

(2) Armored cable (Type AC);

(3) Metal-clad cable (Type MC);

(4) Power-limited tray cable (Type PLTC);

(5) Nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM or NMC);

(6) Shielded nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type SNM);

(7) Multiconductor service-entrance cable (Type SE or USE);

(8) Multiconductor underground feeder and branch-circuit cable (Type UF);

(9) Power and control tray cable (Type TC);

(10) Other factory-assembled, multiconductor control, signal, or power cables which are specifically approved for installation in cable trays; or

(11) Any approved conduit or raceway with its contained conductors.

(b) In industrial establishments only, where conditions of maintenance and supervision assure that only qualified persons will service the installed cable tray system, the following cables may also be installed in ladder, ventilated trough, or 4 inch ventilated channel-type cable trays:

(1) Single conductor cables which are 250 MCM or larger and are Types RHH, RHW, MV, USE, or THW, and other 250 MCM or larger single conductor cables if specifically approved for installation in cable trays. Where exposed to direct rays of the sun, cables shall be sunlight-resistant.

(2) Type MV cables, where exposed to direct rays of the sun, shall be sunlight-resistant.

(c) Cable trays in hazardous (classified) locations shall contain only the cable types permitted in such locations.

(ii) Uses not permitted. Cable tray systems may not be used in hoistways or where subjected to severe physical damage.

(4) Open wiring on insulators—(i) Uses permitted. Open wiring on insulators is only permitted on systems of 600 volts, nominal, or less for industrial or agricultural establishments and for services.

(ii) Conductor supports. Conductors shall be rigidly supported on noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulating materials and may not contact any other objects.

(iii) Flexible nonmetallic tubing. In dry locations where not exposed to severe physical damage, conductors may be separately enclosed in flexible nonmetallic tubing. The tubing shall be in continuous lengths not exceeding 15 feet and secured to the surface by straps at intervals not exceeding 4 feet 6 inches.

(iv) Through walls, floors, wood cross members, etc. Open conductors shall be separated from contact with walls, floors, wood cross members, or partitions through which they pass by tubes or bushings of noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulating material. If the bushing is shorter than the hole, a waterproof sleeve of nonconductive material shall be inserted in the hole and an insulating bushing slipped into the sleeve at each end in such a manner as to keep the conductors absolutely out of contact with the sleeve. Each conductor shall be carried through a separate tube or sleeve.

(v) Protection from physical damage. Conductors within 7 feet from the floor are considered exposed to physical damage. Where open conductors cross ceiling joints and wall studs and are exposed to physical damage, they shall be protected.

(b) Cabinets, boxes, and fittings—(1) Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings. Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall also be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.

(2) Covers and canopies. All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers approved for the purpose. If metal covers are used they shall be grounded. In completed installations each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear.

(3) Pull and junction boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal. In addition to other requirements in this section for pull and junction boxes, the following shall apply to these boxes for systems over 600 volts, nominal:

(i) Boxes shall provide a complete enclosure for the contained conductors or cables.

(ii) Boxes shall be closed by suitable covers securely fastened in place. Underground box covers that weigh over 100 pounds meet this requirement. Covers for boxes shall be permanently marked “HIGH VOLTAGE.” The marking shall be on the outside of the box cover and shall be readily visible and legible.

(c) Switches—(1) Knife switches. Single-throw knife switches shall be so connected that the blades are dead when the switch is in the open position. Single-throw knife switches shall be so placed that gravity will not tend to close them. Single-throw knife switches approved for use in the inverted position shall be provided with a locking device that will ensure that the blades remain in the open position when so set. Double-throw knife switches may be mounted so that the throw will be either vertical or horizontal. However, if the throw is vertical a locking device shall be provided to ensure that the blades remain in the open position when so set.

(2) Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches. Flush snap switches that are mounted in ungrounded metal boxes and located within reach of conducting floors or other conducting surfaces shall be provided with faceplates of nonconducting, noncombustible material.

(d) Switchboards and panelboards. Switchboards that have any exposed live parts shall be located in permanently dry locations and accessible only to qualified persons. Panelboards shall be mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes, or enclosures approved for the purpose and shall be dead front. However, panelboards other than the dead front externally-operable type are permitted where accessible only to qualified persons. Exposed blades of knife switches shall be dead when open.

(e) Enclosures for damp or wet locations. (1) Cabinets, cutout boxes, fittings, boxes, and panelboard enclosures in damp or wet locations shall be installed so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the enclosures. In wet locations the enclosures shall be weatherproof.

(2) Switches, circuit breakers, and switchboards installed in wet locations shall be enclosed in weatherproof enclosures.

(f) Conductors for general wiring. All conductors used for general wiring shall be insulated unless otherwise permitted in this Subpart. The conductor insulation shall be of a type that is approved for the voltage, operating temperature, and location of use. Insulated conductors shall be distinguishable by appropriate color or other suitable means as being grounded conductors, ungrounded conductors, or equipment grounding conductors.

(g) Flexible cords and cables—(1) Use of flexible cords and cables. (i) Flexible cords and cables shall be approved and suitable for conditions of use and location. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for:

(A) Pendants;

(B) Wiring of fixtures;

(C) Connection of portable lamps or appliances;

(D) Elevator cables;

(E) Wiring of cranes and hoists;

(F) Connection of stationary equipment to facilitate their frequent interchange;

(G) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration;

(H) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair; or

(I) Data processing cables approved as a part of the data processing system.

(ii) If used as permitted in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(c), (g)(1)(i)(f), or (g)(1)(i)(h) of this section, the flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from an approved receptacle outlet.

(iii) Unless specifically permitted in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:

(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;

(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;

(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings;

(D) Where attached to building surfaces; or

(E) Where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors.

(iv) Flexible cords used in show windows and showcases shall be Type S, SO, SJ, SJO, ST, STO, SJT, SJTO, or AFS except for the wiring of chain-supported lighting fixtures and supply cords for portable lamps and other merchandise being displayed or exhibited.

(2) Identification, splices, and terminations. (i) A conductor of a flexible cord or cable that is used as a grounded conductor or an equipment grounding conductor shall be distinguishable from other conductors. Types SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO, S, SO, ST, and STO shall be durably marked on the surface with the type designation, size, and number of conductors.

(ii) Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.

(iii) Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.

(h) Portable cables over 600 volts, nominal. Multiconductor portable cable for use in supplying power to portable or mobile equipment at over 600 volts, nominal, shall consist of No. 8 or larger conductors employing flexible stranding. Cables operated at over 2,000 volts shall be shielded for the purpose of confining the voltage stresses to the insulation. Grounding conductors shall be provided. Connectors for these cables shall be of a locking type with provisions to prevent their opening or closing while energized. Strain relief shall be provided at connections and terminations. Portable cables may not be operated with splices unless the splices are of the permanent molded, vulcanized, or other approved type. Termination enclosures shall be suitably marked with a high voltage hazard warning, and terminations shall be accessible only to authorized and qualified personnel.

(i) Fixture wires—(1) General. Fixture wires shall be approved for the voltage, temperature, and location of use. A fixture wire which is used as a grounded conductor shall be identified.

(2) Uses permitted. Fixture wires may be used:

(i) For installation in lighting fixtures and in similar equipment where enclosed or protected and not subject to bending or twisting in use; or

(ii) For connecting lighting fixtures to the branch-circuit conductors supplying the fixtures.

(3) Uses not permitted. Fixture wires may not be used as branch-circuit conductors except as permitted for Class 1 power limited circuits.

(j) Equipment for general use—(1) Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps, and receptacles. (i) Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles may have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact. However, rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 8 feet above the floor may have exposed parts.

(ii) Handlamps of the portable type supplied through flexible cords shall be equipped with a handle of molded composition or other material approved for the purpose, and a substantial guard shall be attached to the lampholder or the handle.

(iii) Lampholders of the screw-shell type shall be installed for use as lampholders only. Lampholders installed in wet or damp locations shall be of the weatherproof type.

(iv) Fixtures installed in wet or damp locations shall be approved for the purpose and shall be so constructed or installed that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts.

(2) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps). (i) Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs shall be constructed so that no receptacle or cord connector will accept an attachment plug with a different voltage or current rating than that for which the device is intended. However, a 20-ampere T-slot receptacle or cord connector may accept a 15-ampere attachment plug of the same voltage rating.

(ii) A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location shall be suitable for the location.

(3) Appliances. (i) Appliances, other than those in which the current-carrying parts at high temperatures are necessarily exposed, may have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact.

(ii) A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance.

(iii) Each appliance shall be marked with its rating in volts and amperes or volts and watts.

(4) Motors. This paragraph applies to motors, motor circuits, and controllers.

(i) In sight from. If specified that one piece of equipment shall be “in sight from” another piece of equipment, one shall be visible and not more than 50 feet from the other.

(ii) Disconnecting means. (A) A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the controller location. However, a single disconnecting means may be located adjacent to a group of coordinated controllers mounted adjacent to each other on a multi-motor continuous process machine. The controller disconnecting means for motor branch circuits over 600 volts, nominal, may be out of sight of the controller, if the controller is marked with a warning label giving the location and identification of the disconnecting means which is to be locked in the open position.

(B) The disconnecting means shall disconnect the motor and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors and shall be so designed that no pole can be operated independently.

(C) If a motor and the driven machinery are not in sight from the controller location, the installation shall comply with one of the following conditions:

(1) The controller disconnecting means shall be capable of being locked in the open position.

(2) A manually operable switch that will disconnect the motor from its source of supply shall be placed in sight from the motor location.

(D) The disconnecting means shall plainly indicate whether it is in the open (off) or closed (on) position.

(E) The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible. If more than one disconnect is provided for the same equipment, only one need be readily accessible.

(F) An individual disconnecting means shall be provided for each motor, but a single disconnecting means may be used for a group of motors under any one of the following conditions:

(1) If a number of motors drive special parts of a single machine or piece of apparatus, such as a metal or woodworking machine, crane, or hoist;

(2) If a group of motors is under the protection of one set of branch-circuit protective devices; or

(3) If a group of motors is in a single room in sight from the location of the disconnecting means.

(iii) Motor overload, short-circuit, and ground-fault protection. Motors, motor-control apparatus, and motor branch-circuit conductors shall be protected against overheating due to motor overloads or failure to start, and against short-circuits or ground faults. These provisions shall not require overload protection that will stop a motor where a shutdown is likely to introduce additional or increased hazards, as in the case of fire pumps, or where continued operation of a motor is necessary for a safe shutdown of equipment or process and motor overload sensing devices are connected to a supervised alarm.

(iv) Protection of live parts—all voltages. (A) Stationary motors having commutators, collectors, and brush rigging located inside of motor end brackets and not conductively connected to supply circuits operating at more than 150 volts to ground need not have such parts guarded. Exposed live parts of motors and controllers operating at 50 volts or more between terminals shall be guarded against accidental contact by any of the following:

(1) By installation in a room or enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons;

(2) By installation on a suitable balcony, gallery, or platform, so elevated and arranged as to exclude unqualified persons; or

(3) By elevation 8 feet or more above the floor.

(B) Where live parts of motors or controllers operating at over 150 volts to ground are guarded against accidental contact only by location, and where adjustment or other attendance may be necessary during the operation of the apparatus, suitable insulating mats or platforms shall be provided so that the attendant cannot readily touch live parts unless standing on the mats or platforms.

(5) Transformers. (i) The following paragraphs cover the installation of all transformers except the following:

(A) Current transformers;

(B) Dry-type transformers installed as a component part of other apparatus;

(C) Transformers which are an integral part of an X-ray, high frequency, or electrostatic-coating apparatus;

(D) Transformers used with Class 2 and Class 3 circuits, sign and outline lighting, electric discharge lighting, and power-limited fire-protective signalling circuits; and

(E) Liquid-filled or dry-type transformers used for research, development, or testing, where effective safeguard arrangements are provided.

(ii) The operating voltage of exposed live parts of transformer installations shall be indicated by warning signs or visible markings on the equipment or structure.

(iii) Dry-type, high fire point liquid-insulated, and askarel-insulated transformers installed indoors and rated over 35kV shall be in a vault.

(iv) If they present a fire hazard to employees, oil-insulated transformers installed indoors shall be in a vault.

(v) Combustible material, combustible buildings and parts of buildings, fire escapes, and door and window openings shall be safeguarded from fires which may originate in oil-insulated transformers attached to or adjacent to a building or combustible material.

(vi) Transformer vaults shall be constructed so as to contain fire and combustible liquids within the vault and to prevent unauthorized access. Locks and latches shall be so arranged that a vault door can be readily opened from the inside.

(vii) Any pipe or duct system foreign to the vault installation may not enter or pass through a transformer vault.

(viii) Materials may not be stored in transformer vaults.

(6) Capacitors. (i) All capacitors, except surge capacitors or capacitors included as a component part of other apparatus, shall be provided with an automatic means of draining the stored charge after the capacitor is disconnected from its source of supply.

(ii) Capacitors rated over 600 volts, nominal, shall comply with the following additional requirements:

(A) Isolating or disconnecting switches (with no interrupting rating) shall be interlocked with the load interrupting device or shall be provided with prominently displayed caution signs to prevent switching load current.

(B) For series capacitors (see §1910.302(b)(3)), the proper switching shall be assured by use of at least one of the following:

(1) Mechanically sequenced isolating and bypass switches,

(2) Interlocks, or

(3) Switching procedure prominently displayed at the switching location.

(7) Storage batteries. Provisions shall be made for sufficient diffusion and ventilation of gases from storage batteries to prevent the accumulation of explosive mixtures.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§ 1910.306   Specific purpose equipment and installations.

(a) Electric signs and outline lighting—(1) Disconnecting means. Signs operated by electronic or electromechanical controllers located outside the sign shall have a disconnecting means located inside the controller enclosure or within sight of the controller location, and it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. Such disconnecting means shall have no pole that can be operated independently, and it shall open all ungrounded conductors that supply the controller and sign. All other signs, except the portable type, and all outline lighting installations shall have an externally operable disconnecting means which can open all ungrounded conductors and is within the sight of the sign or outline lighting it controls.

(2) Doors or covers giving access to uninsulated parts of indoor signs or outline lighting exceeding 600 volts and accessible to other than qualified persons shall either be provided with interlock switches to disconnect the primary circuit or shall be so fastened that the use of other than ordinary tools will be necessary to open them.

(b) Cranes and hoists. This paragraph applies to the installation of electric equipment and wiring used in connection with cranes, monorail hoists, hoists, and all runways.

(1) Disconnecting means. A readily accessible disconnecting means (i) shall be provided between the runway contact conductors and the power supply.

(ii) Another disconnecting means, capable of being locked in the open position, shall be provided in the leads from the runway contact conductors or other power supply on any crane or monorail hoist.

(A) If this additional disconnecting means is not readily accessible from the crane or monorail hoist operating station, means shall be provided at the operating station to open the power circuit to all motors of the crane or monorail hoist.

(B) The additional disconnect may be omitted if a monorail hoist or hand-propelled crane bridge installation meets all of the following:

(1) The unit is floor controlled;

(2) The unit is within view of the power supply disconnecting means; and

(3) No fixed work platform has been provided for servicing the unit.

(2) Control. A limit switch or other device shall be provided to prevent the load block from passing the safe upper limit of travel of any hoisting mechanism.

(3) Clearance. The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts which may require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive shall be a minimum of 2 feet 6 inches. Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, the door(s) shall either open at least 90 degrees or be removable.

(c) Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks—(1) Disconnecting means. Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks shall have a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors for each unit.

(2) Warning signs. If interconnections between control panels are necessary for operation of the system on a multicar installation that remains energized from a source other than the disconnecting means, a warning sign shall be mounted on or adjacent to the disconnecting means. The sign shall be clearly legible and shall read “Warning—Parts of the control panel are not de-energized by this switch.” (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(3) Control panels. If control panels are not located in the same space as the drive machine, they shall be located in cabinets with doors or panels capable of being locked closed.

(d) Electric welders—disconnecting means. (1) A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit for each motor-generator arc welder, and for each AC transformer and DC rectifier arc welder which is not equipped with a disconnect mounted as an intergral part of the welder.

(2) A switch or circuit breaker shall be provided by which each resistance welder and its control equipment can be isolated from the supply circuit. The ampere rating of this disconnecting means may not be less than the supply conductor ampacity.

(e) Data processing systems—disconnecting means. A disconnecting means shall be provided to disconnect the power to all electronic equipment in data processing or computer rooms. This disconnecting means shall be controlled from locations readily accessible to the operator at the principal exit doors. There shall also be a similar disconnecting means to disconnect the air conditioning system serving this area.

(f) X-Ray equipment. This paragraph applies to X-ray equipment for other than medical or dental use.

(1) Disconnecting means. (i) A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit. The disconnecting means shall be operable from a location readily accessible from the X-ray control. For equipment connected to a 120-volt branch circuit of 30 amperes or less, a grounding-type attachment plug cap and receptacle of proper rating may serve as a disconnecting means.

(ii) If more than one piece of equipment is operated from the same high-voltage circuit, each piece or each group of equipment as a unit shall be provided with a high-voltage switch or equivalent disconnecting means. This disconnecting means shall be constructed, enclosed, or located so as to avoid contact by employees with its live parts.

(2) Control—(i) Radiographic and fluoroscopic types. Radiographic and fluoroscopic-type equipment shall be effectively enclosed or shall have interlocks that de-energize the equipment automatically to prevent ready access to live current-carrying parts.

(ii) Diffraction and irradiation types. Diffraction- and irradiation-type equipment shall be provided with a means to indicate when it is energized unless the equipment or installation is effectively enclosed or is provided with interlocks to prevent access to live current-carrying parts during operation.

(g) Induction and dielectric heating equipment—(1) Scope. Paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this section cover induction and dielectric heating equipment and accessories for industrial and scientific applications, but not for medical or dental applications or for appliances.

(2) Guarding and grounding. (i) Enclosures. The converting apparatus (including the DC line) and high-frequency electric circuits (excluding the output circuits and remote-control circuits) shall be completely contained within enclosures of noncombustible material.

(ii) Panel controls. All panel controls shall be of dead-front construction.

(iii) Access to internal equipment. Where doors are used for access to voltages from 500 to 1000 volts AC or DC, either door locks or interlocks shall be provided. Where doors are used for access to voltages of over 1000 volts AC or DC, either mechanical lockouts with a disconnecting means to prevent access until voltage is removed from the cubicle, or both door interlocking and mechanical door locks, shall be provided.

(iv) Warning labels. “Danger” labels shall be attached on the equipment and shall be plainly visible even when doors are open or panels are removed from compartments containing voltages of over 250 volts AC or DC.

(v) Work applicator shielding. Protective cages or adequate shielding shall be used to guard work applicators other than induction heating coils. Induction heating coils shall be protected by insulation and/or refractory materials. Interlock switches shall be used on all hinged access doors, sliding panels, or other such means of access to the applicator. Interlock switches shall be connected in such a manner as to remove all power from the applicator when any one of the access doors or panels is open. Interlocks on access doors or panels are not required if the applicator is an induction heating coil at DC ground potential or operating at less than 150 volts AC.

(vi) Disconnecting means. A readily accessible disconnecting means shall be provided by which each unit of heating equipment can be isolated from its supply circuit.

(3) Remote control. If remote controls are used for applying power, a selector switch shall be provided and interlocked to provide power from only one control point at a time. Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of the switch.

(h) Electrolytic cells—(1) Scope. These provisions for electrolytic cells apply to the installation of the electrical components and accessory equipment of electrolytic cells, electrolytic cell lines, and process power supply for the production of aluminum, cadmium, chlorine, copper, fluorine, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium, sodium, sodium chlorate, and zinc. Cells used as a source of electric energy and for electroplating processes and cells used for production of hydrogen are not covered by these provisions.

(2) Definitions applicable to this paragraph.

Cell line: An assembly of electrically interconnected electrolytic cells supplied by a source of direct-current power.

Cell line attachments and auxiliary equipment: Cell line attachments and auxiliary equipment include, but are not limited to: auxiliary tanks; process piping; duct work; structural supports; exposed cell line conductors; conduits and other raceways; pumps; positioning equipment and cell cutout or by-pass electrical devices. Auxiliary equipment also includes tools, welding machines, crucibles, and other portable equipment used for operation and maintenance within the electrolytic cell line working zone. In the cell line working zone, auxiliary equipment includes the exposed conductive surfaces of ungrounded cranes and crane-mounted cell-servicing equipment.

Cell line working zone: The cell line working zone is the space envelope wherein operation or maintenance is normally performed on or in the vicinity of exposed energized surfaces of cell lines or their attachments.

Electrolytic Cells: A receptacle or vessel in which electrochemical reactions are caused by applying energy for the purpose of refining or producing usable materials.

(3) Application. Installations covered by paragraph (h) of this section shall comply with all applicable provisions of this subpart, except as follows:

(i) Overcurrent protection of electrolytic cell DC process power circuits need not comply with the requirements of §1910.304(e).

(ii) Equipment located or used within the cell line working zone or associated with the cell line DC power circuits need not comply with the provisions of §1910.304(f).

(iii) Electrolytic cells, cell line conductors, cell line attachments, and the wiring of auxiliary equipment and devices within the cell line working zone need not comply with the provisions of §§1910.303, and 1910.304 (b) and (c).

(4) Disconnecting means. (i) If more than one DC cell line process power supply serves the same cell line, a disconnecting means shall be provided on the cell line circuit side of each power supply to disconnect it from the cell line circuit.

(ii) Removable links or removable conductors may be used as the disconnecting means.

(5) Portable electric equipment. (i) The frames and enclosures of portable electric equipment used within the cell line working zone may not be grounded. However, these frames and enclosures may be grounded if the cell line circuit voltage does not exceed 200 volts DC or if the frames are guarded.

(ii) Ungrounded portable electric equipment shall be distinctively marked and may not be interchangeable with grounded portable electric equipment.

(6) Power supply circuits and receptacles for portable electric equipment. (i) Circuits supplying power to ungrounded receptacles for hand-held, cord- and plug-connected equipment shall be electrically isolated from any distribution system supplying areas other than the cell line working zone and shall be ungrounded. Power for these circuits shall be supplied through isolating transformers.

(ii) Receptacles and their mating plugs for ungrounded equipment may not have provision for a grounding conductor and shall be of a configuration which prevents their use for equipment required to be grounded.

(iii) Receptacles on circuits supplied by an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary shall have a distinctive configuration, shall be distinctively marked, and may not be used in any other location in the plant.

(7) Fixed and portable electric equipment. (i) AC systems supplying fixed and portable electric equipment within the cell line working zone need not be grounded.

(ii) Exposed conductive surfaces, such as electric equipment housings, cabinets, boxes, motors, raceways and the like that are within the cell line working zone need not be grounded.

(iii) Auxiliary electrical devices, such as motors, transducers, sensors, control devices, and alarms, mounted on an electrolytic cell or other energized surface, shall be connected by any of the following means:

(A) Multiconductor hard usage or extra hard usage flexible cord;

(B) Wire or cable in suitable raceways; or

(C) Exposed metal conduit, cable tray, armored cable, or similar metallic systems installed with insulating breaks such that they will not cause a potentially hazardous electrical condition.

(iv) Fixed electric equipment may be bonded to the energized conductive surfaces of the cell line, its attachments, or auxiliaries. If fixed electric equipment is mounted on an energized conductive surface, it shall be bonded to that surface.

(8) Auxiliary nonelectric connections. Auxiliary nonelectric connections, such as air hoses, water hoses, and the like, to an electrolytic cell, its attachments, or auxiliary equipment may not have continuous conductive reinforcing wire, armor, braids, and the like. Hoses shall be of a nonconductive material.

(9) Cranes and hoists. (i) The conductive surfaces of cranes and hoists that enter the cell line working zone need not be grounded. The portion of an overhead crane or hoist which contacts an energized electrolytic cell or energized attachments shall be insulated from ground.

(ii) Remote crane or hoist controls which may introduce hazardous electrical conditions into the cell line working zone shall employ one or more of the following systems:

(A) Insulated and ungrounded control circuit;

(B) Nonconductive rope operator;

(C) Pendant pushbutton with nonconductive supporting means and having nonconductive surfaces or ungrounded exposed conductive surfaces; or

(D) Radio.

(i) Electrically driven or controlled irrigation machines. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(1) Lightning protection. If an electrically driven or controlled irrigation machine has a stationary point, a driven ground rod shall be connected to the machine at the stationary point for lightning protection.

(2) Disconnecting means. The main disconnecting means for a center pivot irrigation machine shall be located at the point of connection of electrical power to the machine and shall be readily accessible and capable of being locked in the open position. A disconnecting means shall be provided for each motor and controller.

(j) Swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations—(1) Scope. Paragraphs (j)(2) through (j)(5) of this section apply to electric wiring for and equipment in or adjacent to all swimming, wading, therapeutic, and decorative pools and fountains, whether permanently installed or storable, and to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and similar equipment. Therapeutic pools in health care facilities are exempt from these provisions.

(2) Lighting and receptacles—(i) Receptacles. A single receptacle of the locking and grounding type that provides power for a permanently installed swimming pool recirculating pump motor may be located not less than 5 feet from the inside walls of a pool. All other receptacles on the property shall be located at least 10 feet from the inside walls of a pool. Receptacles which are located within 15 feet of the inside walls of the pool shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters.

Note: In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured is the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, or ceiling of a building or other effective permanent barrier.

(ii) Lighting fixtures and lighting outlets. (A) Unless they are 12 feet above the maximum water level, lighting fixtures and lighting outlets may not be installed over a pool or over the area extending 5 feet horizontally from the inside walls of a pool. However, a lighting fixture or lighting outlet which has been installed before April 16, 1981, may be located less than 5 feet measured horizontally from the inside walls of a pool if it is at least 5 feet above the surface of the maximum water level and shall be rigidly attached to the existing structure. It shall also be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter installed in the branch circuit supplying the fixture.

(B) Unless installed 5 feet above the maximum water level and rigidly attached to the structure adjacent to or enclosing the pool, lighting fixtures and lighting outlets installed in the area extending between 5 feet and 10 feet horizontally from the inside walls of a pool shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

(3) Cord- and plug-connected equipment. Flexible cords used with the following equipment may not exceed 3 feet in length and shall have a copper equipment grounding conductor with a grounding-type attachment plug.

(i) Cord- and plug-connected lighting fixtures installed within 16 feet of the water surface of permanently installed pools.

(ii) Other cord- and plug-connected, fixed or stationary equipment used with permanently installed pools.

(4) Underwater equipment. (i) A ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying underwater fixtures operating at more than 15 volts. Equipment installed underwater shall be approved for the purpose.

(ii) No underwater lighting fixtures may be installed for operation at over 150 volts between conductors.

(5) Fountains. All electric equipment operating at more than 15 volts, including power supply cords, used with fountains shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§ 1910.307   Hazardous (classified) locations.

(a) Scope. This section covers the requirements for electric equipment and wiring in locations which are classified depending on the properties of the flammable vapors, liquids or gases, or combustible dusts or fibers which may be present therein and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Hazardous (classified) locations may be found in occupancies such as, but not limited to, the following: aircraft hangars, gasoline dispensing and service stations, bulk storage plants for gasoline or other volatile flammable liquids, paint-finishing process plants, health care facilities, agricultural or other facilities where excessive combustible dusts may be present, marinas, boat yards, and petroleum and chemical processing plants. Each room, section or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification. These hazardous (classified) locations are assigned six designations as follows:

Class I, Division 1

Class I, Division 2

Class II, Division 1

Class II, Division 2

Class III, Division 1

Class III, Division 2

For definitions of these locations see §1910.399(a). All applicable requirements in this subpart shall apply to hazardous (classified) locations, unless modified by provisions of this section.

(b) Electrical installations. Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations shall be intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe or for the hazardous (classified) location. Requirements for each of these options are as follows:

(1) Intrinsically safe. Equipment and associated wiring approved as intrinsically safe shall be permitted in any hazardous (classified) location for which it is approved.

(2) Approved for the hazardous (classified) location. (i) Equipment shall be approved not only for the class of location but also for the ignitible or combustible properties of the specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber that will be present.

Note: NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, lists or defines hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts by “Groups” characterized by their ignitible or combustible properties.

(ii) Equipment shall be marked to show the class, group, and operating temperature or temperature range, based on operation in a 40 degrees C ambient, for which it is approved. The temperature marking may not exceed the ignition temperature of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered. However, the following provisions modify this marking requirement for specific equipment:

(A) Equipment of the non-heat-producing type, such as junction boxes, conduit, and fittings, and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature not more than 100 degrees C (212 degrees F) need not have a marked operating temperature or temperature range.

(B) Fixed lighting fixtures marked for use in Class I, Division 2 locations only, need not be marked to indicate the group.

(C) Fixed general-purpose equipment in Class I locations, other than lighting fixtures, which is acceptable for use in Class I, Division 2 locations need not be marked with the class, group, division, or operating temperature.

(D) Fixed dust-tight equipment, other than lighting fixtures, which is acceptable for use in Class II, Division 2 and Class III locations need not be marked with the class, group, division, or operating temperature.

(3) Safe for the hazardous (classified) location. Equipment which is safe for the location shall be of a type and design which the employer demonstrates will provide protection from the hazards arising from the combustibility and flammability of vapors, liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers.

Note: The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for determining the type and design of equipment and installations which will meet this requirement. The guidelines of this document address electric wiring, equipment, and systems installed in hazardous (classified) locations and contain specific provisions for the following: wiring methods, wiring connections; conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, motor controllers, receptacles, attachment plugs, meters, relays, instruments, resistors, generators, motors, lighting fixtures, storage battery charging equipment, electric cranes, electric hoists and similar equipment, utilization equipment, signaling systems, alarm systems, remote control systems, local loud speaker and communication systems, ventilation piping, live parts, lightning surge protection, and grounding. Compliance with these guidelines will constitute one means, but not the only means, of compliance with this paragraph.

(c) Conduits. All conduits shall be threaded and shall be made wrench-tight. Where it is impractical to make a threaded joint tight, a bonding jumper shall be utilized.

(d) Equipment in Division 2 locations. Equipment that has been approved for a Division 1 location may be installed in a Division 2 location of the same class and group. General-purpose equipment or equipment in general-purpose enclosures may be installed in Division 2 locations if the equipment does not constitute a source of ignition under normal operating conditions.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§ 1910.308   Special systems.

(a) Systems over 600 volts, nominal. Paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section cover the general requirements for all circuits and equipment operated at over 600 volts.

(1) Wiring methods for fixed installations. (i) Above-ground conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit, in cable trays, in cablebus, in other suitable raceways, or as open runs of metal-clad cable suitable for the use and purpose. However, open runs of non-metallic-sheathed cable or of bare conductors or busbars may be installed in locations accessible only to qualified persons. Metallic shielding components, such as tapes, wires, or braids for conductors, shall be grounded. Open runs of insulated wires and cables having a bare lead sheath or a braided outer covering shall be supported in a manner designed to prevent physical damage to the braid or sheath.

(ii) Conductors emerging from the ground shall be enclosed in approved raceways. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(2) Interrupting and isolating devices. (i) Circuit breaker installations located indoors shall consist of metal-enclosed units or fire-resistant cell-mounted units. In locations accessible only to qualified personnel, open mounting of circuit breakers is permitted. A means of indicating the open and closed position of circuit breakers shall be provided.

(ii) Fused cutouts installed in buildings or tranformer vaults shall be of a type approved for the purpose. They shall be readily accessible for fuse replacement.

(iii) A means shall be provided to completely isolate equipment for inspection and repairs. Isolating means which are not designed to interrupt the load curent of the circuit shall be either interlocked with an approved circuit interrupter or provided with a sign warning against opening them under load.

(3) Mobile and portable equipment. (i) Power cable connections to mobile machines. A metallic enclosure shall be provided on the mobile machine for enclosing the terminals of the power cable. The enclosure shall include provisions for a solid connection for the ground wire(s) terminal to effectively ground the machine frame. The method of cable termination used shall prevent any strain or pull on the cable from stressing the electrical connections. The enclosure shall have provision for locking so only authorized qualified persons may open it and shall be marked with a sign warning of the presence of energized parts.

(ii) Guarding live parts. All energized switching and control parts shall be enclosed in effectively grounded metal cabinets or enclosures. Circuit breakers and protective equipment shall have the operating means projecting through the metal cabinet or enclosure so these units can be reset without locked doors being opened. Enclosures and metal cabinets shall be locked so that only authorized qualified persons have access and shall be marked with a sign warning of the presence of energized parts. Collector ring assemblies on revolving-type machines (shovels, draglines, etc.) shall be guarded.

(4) Tunnel installation—(i) Application. The provisions of this paragraph apply to installation and use of high-voltage power distribution and utilization equipment which is portable and/or mobile, such as substations, trailers, cars, mobile shovels, draglines, hoists, drills, dredges, compressors, pumps, conveyors, and underground excavators.

(ii) Conductors. Conductors in tunnels shall be installed in one or more of the following:

(A) Metal conduit or other metal raceway,

(B) Type MC cable, or

(C) Other approved multiconductor cable.

Conductors shall also be so located or guarded as to protect them from physical damage. Multiconductor portable cable may supply mobile equipment. An equipment grounding conductor shall be run with circuit conductors inside the metal raceway or inside the multiconductor cable jacket. The equipment grounding conductor may be insulated or bare.

(iii) Guarding live parts. Bare terminals of transformers, switches, motor controllers, and other equipment shall be enclosed to prevent accidental contact with energized parts. Enclosures for use in tunnels shall be drip-proof, weatherproof, or submersible as required by the environmental conditions.

(iv) Disconnecting means. A disconnecting means that simultaneously opens all ungrounded conductors shall be installed at each transformer or motor location.

(v) Grounding and bonding. All nonenergized metal parts of electric equipment and metal raceways and cable sheaths shall be effectively grounded and bonded to all metal pipes and rails at the portal and at intervals not exceeding 1000 feet throughout the tunnel.

(b) Emergency power systems—(1) Scope. The provisions for emergency systems apply to circuits, systems, and equipment intended to supply power for illumination and special loads, in the event of failure of the normal supply.

(2) Wiring methods. Emergency circuit wiring shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment and may not enter the same raceway, cable, box, or cabinet or other wiring except either where common circuit elements suitable for the purpose are required, or for transferring power from the normal to the emergency source.

(3) Emergency illumination. Where emergency lighting is necessary, the system shall be so arranged that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light bulb, cannot leave any space in total darkness.

(c) Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote control, signaling, and power-limited circuits—(1) Classification. Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 remote control, signaling, or power-limited circuits are characterized by their usage and electrical power limitation which differentiates them from light and power circuits. These circuits are classified in accordance with their respective voltage and power limitations as summarized in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iii) of this section.

(i) Class 1 circuits. (A) A Class 1 power-limited circuit is supplied from a source having a rated output of not more than 30 volts and 1000 volt-amperes.

(B) A Class 1 remote control circuit or a Class 1 signaling circuit has a voltage which does not exceed 600 volts; however, the power output of the source need not be limited.

(ii) Class 2 and Class 3 circuits. (A) Power for Class 2 and Class 3 circuits is limited either inherently (in which no overcurrent protection is required) or by a combination of a power source and overcurrent protection.

(B) The maximum circuit voltage is 150 volts AC or DC for a Class 2 inherently limited power source, and 100 volts AC or DC for a Class 3 inherently limited power source.

(C) The maximum circuit voltage is 30 volts AC and 60 volts DC for a Class 2 power source limited by overcurrent protection, and 150 volts AC or DC for a Class 3 power source limited by overcurrent protection.

(iii) The maximum circuit voltages in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section apply to sinusoidal AC or continuous DC power sources, and where wet contact occurence is not likely.

(2) Marking. A Class 2 or Class 3 power supply unit shall be durably marked where plainly visible to indicate the class of supply and its electrical rating. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(d) Fire protective signaling systems. (See §1910.302(b)(3).)

(1) Classifications. Fire protective signaling circuits shall be classified either as non-power limited or power limited.

(2) Power sources. The power sources for use with fire protective signaling circuits shall be either power limited or nonlimited as follows:

(i) The power supply of non-power-limited fire protective signaling circuits shall have an output voltage not in excess of 600 volts.

(ii) The power for power-limited fire protective signaling circuits shall be either inherently limited, in which no overcurrent protection is required, or limited by a combination of a power source and overcurrent protection.

(3) Non-power-limited conductor location. Non-power-limited fire protective signaling circuits and Class 1 circuits may occupy the same enclosure, cable, or raceway provided all conductors are insulated for maximum voltage of any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway. Power supply and fire protective signaling circuit conductors are permitted in the same enclosure, cable, or raceway only if connected to the same equipment.

(4) Power-limited conductor location. Where open conductors are installed, power-limited fire protective signaling circuits shall be separated at least 2 inches from conductors of any light, power, Class 1, and non-power-limited fire protective signaling circuits unless a special and equally protective method of conductor separation is employed. Cables and conductors of two or more power-limited fire protective signaling circuits or Class 3 circuits are permitted in the same cable, enclosure, or raceway. Conductors of one or more Class 2 circuits are permitted within the same cable, enclosure, or raceway with conductors of power-limited fire protective signaling circuits provided that the insulation of Class 2 circuit conductors in the cable, enclosure, or raceway is at least that needed for the power-limited fire protective signaling circuits.

(5) Identification. Fire protective signaling circuits shall be identified at terminal and junction locations in a manner which will prevent unintentional interference with the signaling circuit during testing and servicing. Power-limited fire protective signaling circuits shall be durably marked as such where plainly visible at terminations.

(e) Communications systems—(1) Scope. These provisions for communication systems apply to such systems as central-station-connected and non-central-station-connected telephone circuits, radio and television receiving and transmitting equipment, including community antenna television and radio distribution systems, telegraph, district messenger, and outside wiring for fire and burglar alarm, and similar central station systems. These installations need not comply with the provisions of §§1910.303 through 1910.308(d), except §1910.304(c)(1) and §1910.307(b).

(2) Protective devices. (i) Communication circuits so located as to be exposed to accidental contact with light or power conductors operating at over 300 volts shall have each circuit so exposed provided with a protector approved for the purpose.

(ii) Each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna shall be provided with an antenna discharge unit or other suitable means that will drain static charges from the antenna system.

(3) Conductor location—(i) Outside of buildings. (a) Receiving distribution lead-in or aerial-drop cables attached to buildings and lead-in conductors to radio transmitters shall be so installed as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact with electric light or power conductors.

(b) The clearance between lead-in conductors and any lightning protection conductors may not be less than 6 feet.

(ii) On poles. Where practicable, communication conductors on poles shall be located below the light or power conductors. Communications conductors may not be attached to a crossarm that carries light or power conductors.

(iii) Inside of buildings. Indoor antennas, lead-ins, and other communication conductors attached as open conductors to the inside of buildings shall be located at least 2 inches from conductors of any light or power or Class 1 circuits unless a special and equally protective method of conductor separation, approved for the purpose, is employed.

(4) Equipment location. Outdoor metal structures supporting antennas, as well as self-supporting antennas such as vertical rods or dipole structures, shall be located as far away from overhead conductors of electric light and power circuits of over 150 volts to ground as necessary to avoid the possibility of the antenna or structure falling into or making accidental contact with such circuits.

(5) Grounding—(i) Lead-in conductors. If exposed to contact with electric light and power conductors, the metal sheath of aerial cables entering buildings shall be grounded or shall be interrupted close to the entrance to the building by an insulating joint or equivalent device. Where protective devices are used, they shall be grounded in an approved manner.

(ii) Antenna structures. Masts and metal structures supporting antennas shall be permanently and effectively grounded without splice or connection in the grounding conductor.

(iii) Equipment enclosures. Transmitters shall be enclosed in a metal frame or grill or separated from the operating space by a barrier, all metallic parts of which are effectively connected to ground. All external metal handles and controls accessible to the operating personnel shall be effectively grounded. Unpowered equipment and enclosures shall be considered grounded where connected to an attached coaxial cable with an effectively grounded metallic shield.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

§§ 1910.309-1910.330   [Reserved]

Safety-Related Work Practices

§ 1910.331   Scope.

(a) Covered work by both qualified and unqualified persons. The provisions of §§1910.331 through 1910.335 cover electrical safety-related work practices for both qualified persons (those who have training in avoiding the electrical hazards of working on or near exposed energized parts) and unqualified persons (those with little or no such training) working on, near, or with the following installations:

(1) Premises wiring. Installations of electric conductors and equipment within or on buildings or other structures, and on other premises such as yards, carnival, parking, and other lots, and industrial substations;

(2) Wiring for connection to supply. Installations of conductors that connect to the supply of electricity; and

(3) Other wiring. Installations of other outside conductors on the premises.

(4) Optical fiber cable. Installations of optical fiber cable where such installations are made along with electric conductors.

Note: See §1910.399 for the definition of “qualified person.” See §1910.332 for training requirements that apply to qualified and unqualified persons.

(b) Other covered work by unqualified persons. The provisions of §§1910.331 through 1910.335 also cover work performed by unqualified persons on, near, or with the installations listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this section.

(c) Excluded work by qualified persons. The provisions of §§1910.331 through 1910.335 do not apply to work performed by qualified persons on or directly associated with the following installations:

(1) Generation, transmission, and distribution installations. Installations for the generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy (including communication and metering) located in buildings used for such purposes or located outdoors.

Note 1: Work on or directly associated with installations of utilization equipment used for purposes other than generating, transmitting, or distributing electric energy (such as installations which are in office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, or recreational buildings, or other utilization installations which are not an integral part of a generating installation, substation, or control center) is covered under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

Note 2: For work on or directly associated with utilization installations, an employer who complies with the work practices of §1910.269 (electric power generation, transmission, and distribution) will be deemed to be in compliance with §1910.333(c) and §1910.335. However, the requirements of §1910.332, §1910.333(a), §1910.333(b), and §1910.334 apply to all work on or directly associated with utilization installations, regardless of whether the work is performed by qualified or unqualified persons.

Note 3: Work on or directly associated with generation, transmission, or distribution installations includes:

(1) Work performed directly on such installations, such as repairing overhead or underground distribution lines or repairing a feed-water pump for the boiler in a generating plant.

(2) Work directly associated with such installations, such as line-clearance tree trimming and replacing utility poles.

(3) Work on electric utilization circuits in a generating plant provided that:

(A) Such circuits are commingled with installations of power generation equipment or circuits, and

(B) The generation equipment or circuits present greater electrical hazards than those posed by the utilization equipment or circuits (such as exposure to higher voltages or lack of overcurrent protection).

This work is covered by §1910.269 of this Part.

(2) Communications installations. Installations of communication equipment to the extent that the work is covered under §1910.268.

(3) Installations in vehicles. Installations in ships, watercraft, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles.

(4) Railway installations. Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission, or distribution of power used exclusively for operation of rolling stock or installations of railways used exclusively for signaling and communication purposes.

[55 FR 32016, Aug. 6, 1990, as amended at 59 FR 4476, Jan. 31, 1994]

§ 1910.332   Training.

(a) Scope. The training requirements contained in this section apply to employees who face a risk of electric shock that is not reduced to a safe level by the electrical installation requirements of §§1910.303 through 1910.308.

Note: Employees in occupations listed in Table S–4 face such a risk and are required to be trained. Other employees who also may reasonably be expected to face a comparable risk of injury due to electric shock or other electrical hazards must also be trained.

(b) Content of training—(1) Practices addressed in this standard. Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by §§1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertain to their respective job assignments.

(2) Additional requirements for unqualified persons. Employees who are covered by paragraph (a) of this section but who are not qualified persons shall also be trained in and familiar with any electrically related safety practices not specifically addressed by §§1910.331 through 1910.335 but which are necessary for their safety.

(3) Additional requirements for qualified persons. Qualified persons (i.e., those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts) shall, at a minimum, be trained in and familiar with the following:

(i) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment,

(ii) The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts, and

(iii) The clearance distances specified in §1910.333(c) and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.

Note 1: For the purposes of §§1910.331 through 1910.335, a person must have the training required by paragraph (b)(3) of this section in order to be considered a qualified person.

Note 2: Qualified persons whose work on energized equipment involves either direct contact or contact by means of tools or materials must also have the training needed to meet §1910.333(c)(2).

(c) Type of training. The training required by this section shall be of the classroom or on-the-job type. The degree of training provided shall be determined by the risk to the employee.

 Table S-4_Typical Occupational Categories of Employees Facing a Higher                 Than Normal Risk of Electrical Accident------------------------------------------------------------------------                               Occupation-------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue collar supervisors.\1\Electrical and electronic engineers.\1\Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.\1\Electrical and electronic technicians.\1\Electricians.Industrial machine operators.\1\Material handling equipment operators.\1\Mechanics and repairers.\1\Painters.\1\Riggers and roustabouts.\1\Stationary engineers.\1\Welders.------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Workers in these groups do not need to be trained if their work or  the work of those they supervise does not bring them or the employees  they supervise close enough to exposed parts of electric circuits  operating at 50 volts or more to ground for a hazard to exist.

[55 FR 32016, Aug. 6, 1990]

§ 1910.333   Selection and use of work practices.

(a) General. Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.

(1) Deenergized parts. Live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be deenergized before the employee works on or near them, unless the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

Note 1: Examples of increased or additional hazards include interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment, or removal of illumination for an area.

Note 2: Examples of work that may be performed on or near energized circuit parts because of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitations include testing of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous industrial process in a chemical plant that would otherwise need to be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.

Note 3: Work on or near deenergized parts is covered by paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Energized parts. If the exposed live parts are not deenergized (i.e., for reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility), other safety-related work practices shall be used to protect employees who may be exposed to the electrical hazards involved. Such work practices shall protect employees against contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of their body or indirectly through some other conductive object. The work practices that are used shall be suitable for the conditions under which the work is to be performed and for the voltage level of the exposed electric conductors or circuit parts. Specific work practice requirements are detailed in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts—(1) Application. This paragraph applies to work on exposed deenergized parts or near enough to them to expose the employee to any electrical hazard they present. Conductors and parts of electric equipment that have been deenergized but have not been locked out or tagged in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section shall be treated as energized parts, and paragraph (c) of this section applies to work on or near them.

(2) Lockout and tagging. While any employee is exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which have been deenergized, the circuits energizing the parts shall be locked out or tagged or both in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph. The requirements shall be followed in the order in which they are presented (i.e., paragraph (b)(2)(i) first, then paragraph (b)(2)(ii), etc.).

Note 1: As used in this section, fixed equipment refers to equipment fastened in place or connected by permanent wiring methods.

Note 2: Lockout and tagging procedures that comply with paragraphs (c) through (f) of §1910.147 will also be deemed to comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this section provided that:

(1) The procedures address the electrical safety hazards covered by this Subpart; and

(2) The procedures also incorporate the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(D) and (b)(2)(iv)(B) of this section.

(i) Procedures. The employer shall maintain a written copy of the procedures outlined in paragraph (b)(2) and shall make it available for inspection by employees and by the Assistant Secretary of Labor and his or her authorized representatives.

Note: The written procedures may be in the form of a copy of paragraph (b) of this section.

(ii) Deenergizing equipment. (A) Safe procedures for deenergizing circuits and equipment shall be determined before circuits or equipment are deenergized.

(B) The circuits and equipment to be worked on shall be disconnected from all electric energy sources. Control circuit devices, such as push buttons, selector switches, and interlocks, may not be used as the sole means for deenergizing circuits or equipment. Interlocks for electric equipment may not be used as a substitute for lockout and tagging procedures.

(C) Stored electric energy which might endanger personnel shall be released. Capacitors shall be discharged and high capacitance elements shall be short-circuited and grounded, if the stored electric energy might endanger personnel.

Note: If the capacitors or associated equipment are handled in meeting this requirement, they shall be treated as energized.

(D) Stored non-electrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts shall be blocked or relieved to the extent that the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device.

(iii) Application of locks and tags. (A) A lock and a tag shall be placed on each disconnecting means used to deenergize circuits and equipment on which work is to be performed, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(C) and (b)(2)(iii)(E) of this section. The lock shall be attached so as to prevent persons from operating the disconnecting means unless they resort to undue force or the use of tools.

(B) Each tag shall contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means and removal of the tag.

(C) If a lock cannot be applied, or if the employer can demonstrate that tagging procedures will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock, a tag may be used without a lock.

(D) A tag used without a lock, as permitted by paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(C) of this section, shall be supplemented by at least one additional safety measure that provides a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock. Examples of additional safety measures include the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, or opening of an extra disconnecting device.

(E) A lock may be placed without a tag only under the following conditions:

(1) Only one circuit or piece of equipment is deenergized, and

(2) The lockout period does not extend beyond the work shift, and

(3) Employees exposed to the hazards associated with reenergizing the circuit or equipment are familiar with this procedure.

(iv) Verification of deenergized condition. The requirements of this paragraph shall be met before any circuits or equipment can be considered and worked as deenergized.

(A) A qualified person shall operate the equipment operating controls or otherwise verify that the equipment cannot be restarted.

(B) A qualified person shall use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if any energized condition exists as a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed even though specific parts of the circuit have been deenergized and presumed to be safe. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately before and immediately after this test.

(v) Reenergizing equipment. These requirements shall be met, in the order given, before circuits or equipment are reenergized, even temporarily.

(A) A qualified person shall conduct tests and visual inspections, as necessary, to verify that all tools, electrical jumpers, shorts, grounds, and other such devices have been removed, so that the circuits and equipment can be safely energized.

(B) Employees exposed to the hazards associated with reenergizing the circuit or equipment shall be warned to stay clear of circuits and equipment.

(C) Each lock and tag shall be removed by the employee who applied it or under his or her direct supervision. However, if this employee is absent from the workplace, then the lock or tag may be removed by a qualified person designated to perform this task provided that:

(1) The employer ensures that the employee who applied the lock or tag is not available at the workplace, and

(2) The employer ensures that the employee is aware that the lock or tag has been removed before he or she resumes work at that workplace.

(D) There shall be a visual determination that all employees are clear of the circuits and equipment.

(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts—(1) Application. This paragraph applies to work performed on exposed live parts (involving either direct contact or contact by means of tools or materials) or near enough to them for employees to be exposed to any hazard they present.

(2) Work on energized equipment. Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been deenergized under the procedures of paragraph (b) of this section. Such persons shall be capable of working safely on energized circuits and shall be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.

(3) Overhead lines. If work is to be performed near overhead lines, the lines shall be deenergized and grounded, or other protective measures shall be provided before work is started. If the lines are to be deenergized, arrangements shall be made with the person or organization that operates or controls the electric circuits involved to deenergize and ground them. If protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulating are provided, these precautions shall prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any part of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools, or equipment.

Note: The work practices used by qualified persons installing insulating devices on overhead power transmission or distribution lines are covered by §1910.269 of this Part, not by §§1910.332 through 1910.335 of this Part. Under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, unqualified persons are prohibited from performing this type of work.

(i) Unqualified persons. (A) When an unqualified person is working in an elevated position near overhead lines, the location shall be such that the person and the longest conductive object he or she may contact cannot come closer to any unguarded, energized overhead line than the following distances:

(1) For voltages to ground 50kV or below—10 ft. (305 cm);

(2) For voltages to ground over 50kV—10 ft. (305 cm) plus 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV over 50kV.

(B) When an unqualified person is working on the ground in the vicinity of overhead lines, the person may not bring any conductive object closer to unguarded, energized overhead lines than the distances given in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section.

Note: For voltages normally encountered with overhead power lines, objects which do not have an insulating rating for the voltage involved are considered to be conductive.

(ii) Qualified persons. When a qualified person is working in the vicinity of overhead lines, whether in an elevated position or on the ground, the person may not approach or take any conductive object without an approved insulating handle closer to exposed energized parts than shown in Table S–5 unless:

(A) The person is insulated from the energized part (gloves, with sleeves if necessary, rated for the voltage involved are considered to be insulation of the person from the energized part on which work is performed), or

(B) The energized part is insulated both from all other conductive objects at a different potential and from the person, or

(C) The person is insulated from all conductive objects at a potential different from that of the energized part.

Table S-5_Approach Distances for Qualified Employees_Alternating Current------------------------------------------------------------------------      Voltage range (phase to phase)          Minimum approach distance------------------------------------------------------------------------300V and less.............................  Avoid contact.Over 300V, not over 750V..................  1 ft. 0 in. (30.5 cm).Over 750V, not over 2kV...................  l ft. 6 in. (46 cm).Over 2kV, not over 15kV...................  2 ft. 0 in. (61 cm).Over 15kV, not over 37kV..................  3 ft. 0 in. (91 cm).Over 37kV, not over 87.5kV................  3 ft. 6 in. (107 cm).Over 87.5kV, not over 121kV...............  4 ft. 0 in. (122 cm).Over 121kV, not over 140kV................  4 ft. 6 in. (137 cm).------------------------------------------------------------------------

(iii) Vehicular and mechanical equipment. (A) Any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having parts of its structure elevated near energized overhead lines shall be operated so that a clearance of 10 ft. (305 cm) is maintained. If the voltage is higher than 50kV, the clearance shall be increased 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV over that voltage. However, under any of the following conditions, the clearance may be reduced:

(1) If the vehicle is in transit with its structure lowered, the clearance may be reduced to 4 ft. (122 cm). If the voltage is higher than 50kV, the clearance shall be increased 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV over that voltage.

(2) If insulating barriers are installed to prevent contact with the lines, and if the barriers are rated for the voltage of the line being guarded and are not a part of or an attachment to the vehicle or its raised structure, the clearance may be reduced to a distance within the designed working dimensions of the insulating barrier.

(3) If the equipment is an aerial lift insulated for the voltage involved, and if the work is performed by a qualified person, the clearance (between the uninsulated portion of the aerial lift and the power line) may be reduced to the distance given in Table S–5.

(B) Employees standing on the ground may not contact the vehicle or mechanical equipment or any of its attachments, unless:

(1) The employee is using protective equipment rated for the voltage; or

(2) The equipment is located so that no uninsulated part of its structure (that portion of the structure that provides a conductive path to employees on the ground) can come closer to the line than permitted in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section.

(C) If any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having parts of its structure elevated near energized overhead lines is intentionally grounded, employees working on the ground near the point of grounding may not stand at the grounding location whenever there is a possibility of overhead line contact. Additional precautions, such as the use of barricades or insulation, shall be taken to protect employees from hazardous ground potentials, depending on earth resistivity and fault currents, which can develop within the first few feet or more outward from the grounding point.

(4) Illumination. (i) Employees may not enter spaces containing exposed energized parts, unless illumination is provided that enables the employees to perform the work safely.

(ii) Where lack of illumination or an obstruction precludes observation of the work to be performed, employees may not perform tasks near exposed energized parts. Employees may not reach blindly into areas which may contain energized parts.

(5) Confined or enclosed work spaces. When an employee works in a confined or enclosed space (such as a manhole or vault) that contains exposed energized parts, the employer shall provide, and the employee shall use, protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials as necessary to avoid inadvertent contact with these parts. Doors, hinged panels, and the like shall be secured to prevent their swinging into an employee and causing the employee to contact exposed energized parts.

(6) Conductive materials and equipment. Conductive materials and equipment that are in contact with any part of an employee's body shall be handled in a manner that will prevent them from contacting exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. If an employee must handle long dimensional conductive objects (such as ducts and pipes) in areas with exposed live parts, the employer shall institute work practices (such as the use of insulation, guarding, and material handling techniques) which will minimize the hazard.

(7) Portable ladders. Portable ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts.

(8) Conductive apparel. Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such as watch bands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread, or metal headgear) may not be worn if they might contact exposed energized parts. However, such articles may be worn if they are rendered nonconductive by covering, wrapping, or other insulating means.

(9) Housekeeping duties. Where live parts present an electrical contact hazard, employees may not perform housekeeping duties at such close distances to the parts that there is a possibility of contact, unless adequate safeguards (such as insulating equipment or barriers) are provided. Electrically conductive cleaning materials (including conductive solids such as steel wool, metalized cloth, and silicon carbide, as well as conductive liquid solutions) may not be used in proximity to energized parts unless procedures are followed which will prevent electrical contact.

(10) Interlocks. Only a qualified person following the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may defeat an electrical safety interlock, and then only temporarily while he or she is working on the equipment. The interlock system shall be returned to its operable condition when this work is completed.

[55 FR 32016, Aug. 6, 1990; 55 FR 42053, Nov. 1, 1990, as amended at 59 FR 4476, Jan. 31, 1994]

§ 1910.334   Use of equipment.

(a) Portable electric equipment. This paragraph applies to the use of cord- and plug-connected equipment, including flexible cord sets (extension cords).

(1) Handling. Portable equipment shall be handled in a manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation.

(2) Visual inspection. (i) Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket). Cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) which remain connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage need not be visually inspected until they are relocated.

(ii) If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.

(iii) When an attachment plug is to be connected to a receptacle (including any on a cord set), the relationship of the plug and receptacle contacts shall first be checked to ensure that they are of proper mating configurations.

(3) Grounding-type equipment. (i) A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor.

(ii) Attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs are attached to receptacles. Additionally, these devices may not be altered to allow the grounding pole of a plug to be inserted into slots intended for connection to the current-carrying conductors.

(iii) Adapters which interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection may not be used.

(4) Conductive work locations. Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations (such as those inundated with water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids, shall be approved for those locations.

(5) Connecting attachment plugs. (i) Employees' hands may not be wet when plugging and unplugging flexible cords and cord- and plug-connected equipment, if energized equipment is involved.

(ii) Energized plug and receptacle connections may be handled only with insulating protective equipment if the condition of the connection could provide a conducting path to the employee's hand (if, for example, a cord connector is wet from being immersed in water).

(iii) Locking-type connectors shall be properly secured after connection.

(b) Electric power and lighting circuits—(1) Routine opening and closing of circuits. Load rated switches, circuit breakers, or other devices specifically designed as disconnecting means shall be used for the opening, reversing, or closing of circuits under load conditions. Cable connectors not of the load-break type, fuses, terminal lugs, and cable splice connections may not be used for such purposes, except in an emergency.

(2) Reclosing circuits after protective device operation. After a circuit is deenergized by a circuit protective device, the circuit may not be manually reenergized until it has been determined that the equipment and circuit can be safely energized. The repetitive manual reclosing of circuit breakers or reenergizing circuits through replaced fuses is prohibited.

Note: When it can be determined from the design of the circuit and the overcurrent devices involved that the automatic operation of a device was caused by an overload rather than a fault condition, no examination of the circuit or connected equipment is needed before the circuit is reenergized.

(3) Overcurrent protection modification. Overcurrent protection of circuits and conductors may not be modified, even on a temporary basis, beyond that allowed by §1910.304(e), the installation safety requirements for overcurrent protection.

(c) Test instruments and equipment—(1) Use. Only qualified persons may perform testing work on electric circuits or equipment.

(2) Visual inspection. Test instruments and equipment and all associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and connectors shall be visually inspected for external defects and damage before the equipment is used. If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee may use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.

(3) Rating of equipment. Test instruments and equipment and their accessories shall be rated for the circuits and equipment to which they will be connected and shall be designed for the environment in which they will be used.

(d) Occasional use of flammable or ignitible materials. Where flammable materials are present only occasionally, electric equipment capable of igniting them shall not be used, unless measures are taken to prevent hazardous conditions from developing. Such materials include, but are not limited to: flammable gases, vapors, or liquids; combustible dust; and ignitible fibers or flyings.

Note: Electrical installation requirements for locations where flammable materials are present on a regular basis are contained in §1910.307.

[55 FR 32019, Aug. 6, 1990]

§ 1910.335   Safeguards for personnel protection.

(a) Use of protective equipment—(1) Personal protective equipment. (i) Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed.

Note: Personal protective equipment requirements are contained in subpart I of this part.

(ii) Protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and shall be periodically inspected or tested, as required by §1910.137.

(iii) If the insulating capability of protective equipment may be subject to damage during use, the insulating material shall be protected. (For example, an outer covering of leather is sometimes used for the protection of rubber insulating material.)

(iv) Employees shall wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts.

(v) Employees shall wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.

(2) General protective equipment and tools. (i) When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, each employee shall use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment might make contact with such conductors or parts. If the insulating capability of insulated tools or handling equipment is subject to damage, the insulating material shall be protected.

(A) Fuse handling equipment, insulated for the circuit voltage, shall be used to remove or install fuses when the fuse terminals are energized.

(B) Ropes and handlines used near exposed energized parts shall be nonconductive.

(ii) Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair, they shall be guarded to protect unqualified persons from contact with the live parts.

(b) Alerting techniques. The following alerting techniques shall be used to warn and protect employees from hazards which could cause injury due to electric shock, burns, or failure of electric equipment parts:

(1) Safety signs and tags. Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags shall be used where necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards which may endanger them, as required by §1910.145.

(2) Barricades. Barricades shall be used in conjunction with safety signs where it is necessary to prevent or limit employee access to work areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts. Conductive barricades may not be used where they might cause an electrical contact hazard.

(3) Attendants. If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees.

[55 FR 32020, Aug. 6, 1990]

§§ 1910.336-1910.360   [Reserved]

Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements

§§ 1910.361-1910.380   [Reserved]

Safety Requirements for Special Equipment

§§ 1910.381-1910.398   [Reserved]

Definitions

§ 1910.399   Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Acceptable. An installation or equipment is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and approved within the meaning of this Subpart S:

(i) If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; or

(ii) With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind which no nationally recognized testing laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it is inspected or tested by another Federal agency, or by a State, municipal, or other local authority responsible for enforcing occupational safety provisions of the National Electrical Code and found in compliance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code as applied in this subpart; or

(iii) With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations which are designed, fabricated for, and intended for use by a particular customer, if it is determined to be safe for its intended use by its manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employer keeps and makes available for inspection to the Assistant Secretary and his authorized representatives. Refer to §1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Accepted. An installation is “accepted” if it has been inspected and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to specified plans or to procedures of applicable codes.

Accessible. (As applied to wiring methods.) Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. (See “concealed” and “exposed.”)

Accessible. (As applied to equipment.) Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means. (See “Readily accessible.”)

Ampacity. Current-carrying capacity of electric conductors expressed in amperes.

Appliances. Utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, normally built in standardized sizes or types, which is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.

Approved. Acceptable to the authority enforcing this subpart. The authority enforcing this subpart is the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. The definition of “acceptable” indicates what is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and therefore approved within the meaning of this Subpart.

Approved for the purpose. Approved for a specific purpose, environment, or application described in a particular standard requirement.

Suitability of equipment or materials for a specific purpose, environment or application may be determined by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation as part of its listing and labeling program. (See “Labeled” or “Listed.”)

Armored cable. Type AC armored cable is a fabricated assembly of insulated conductors in a flexible metallic enclosure.

Askarel. A generic term for a group of nonflammable synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbons used as electrical insulating media. Askarels of various compositional types are used. Under arcing conditions the gases produced, while consisting predominantly of noncombustible hydrogen chloride, can include varying amounts of combustible gases depending upon the askarel type.

Attachment plug (Plug cap) (Cap). A device which, by insertion in a receptacle, establishes connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.

Automatic. Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature, or mechanical configuration.

Bare conductor. See “Conductor.”

Bonding. The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path which will assure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.

Bonding jumper. A reliable conductor to assure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.

Branch circuit. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

Building. A structure which stands alone or which is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected by approved fire doors.

Cabinet. An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting, and provided with a frame, mat, or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.

Cable tray system. A cable tray system is a unit or assembly of units or sections, and associated fittings, made of metal or other noncombustible materials forming a rigid structural system used to support cables. Cable tray systems include ladders, troughs, channels, solid bottom trays, and other similar structures.

Cablebus. Cablebus is an approved assembly of insulated conductors with fittings and conductor terminations in a completely enclosed, ventilated, protective metal housing.

Center pivot irrigation machine. A center pivot irrigation machine is a multi-motored irrigation machine which revolves around a central pivot and employs alignment switches or similar devices to control individual motors.

Certified. Equipment is “certified” if it (a) has been tested and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet nationally recognized standards or to be safe for use in a specified manner, or (b) is of a kind whose production is periodically inspected by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and (c) it bears a label, tag, or other record of certification.

Circuit breaker. (i) (600 volts nominal, or less). A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without injury to itself when properly applied within its rating.

(ii) (Over 600 volts, nominal). A switching device capable of making, carrying, and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions, and also making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions, such as those of short circuit.

Class I locations. Class I locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Class I locations include the following:

(i) Class I, Division 1. A Class I, Division 1 location is a location: (a) in which hazardous concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may exist under normal operating conditions; or (b) in which hazardous concentrations of such gases or vapors may exist frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage; or (c) in which breakdown or faulty operation of equipment or processes might release hazardous concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, and might also cause simultaneous failure of electric equipment.

Note: This classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or liquefied flammable gases are transferred from one container to another; interiors of spray booths and areas in the vicinity of spraying and painting operations where volatile flammable solvents are used; locations containing open tanks or vats of volatile flammable liquids; drying rooms or compartments for the evaporation of flammable solvents; locations containing fat and oil extraction equipment using volatile flammable solvents; portions of cleaning and dyeing plants where flammable liquids are used; gas generator rooms and other portions of gas manufacturing plants where flammable gas may escape; inadequately ventilated pump rooms for flammable gas or for volatile flammable liquids; the interiors of refrigerators and freezers in which volatile flammable materials are stored in open, lightly stoppered, or easily ruptured containers; and all other locations where ignitible concentrations of flammable vapors or gases are likely to occur in the course of normal operations.

(ii) Class I, Division 2. A Class I, Division 2 location is a location: (a) in which volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used, but in which the hazardous liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in case of abnormal operation of equipment; or (b) in which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operations of the ventilating equipment; or (c) that is adjacent to a Class I, Division 1 location, and to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clean air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.

Note: This classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases or vapors are used, but which would become hazardous only in case of an accident or of some unusual operating condition. The quantity of flammable material that might escape in case of accident, the adequacy of ventilating equipment, the total area involved, and the record of the industry or business with respect to explosions or fires are all factors that merit consideration in determining the classification and extent of each location.

Piping without valves, checks, meters, and similar devices would not ordinarily introduce a hazardous condition even though used for flammable liquids or gases. Locations used for the storage of flammable liquids or a liquefied or compressed gases in sealed containers would not normally be considered hazardous unless also subject to other hazardous conditions.

Electrical conduits and their associated enclosures separated from process fluids by a single seal or barrier are classed as a Division 2 location if the outside of the conduit and enclosures is a nonhazardous location.

Class II locations. Class II locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust. Class II locations include the following:

(i) Class II, Division 1. A Class II, Division 1 location is a location: (a) In which combustible dust is or may be in suspension in the air under normal operating conditions, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures; or (b) where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such explosive or ignitible mixtures to be produced, and might also provide a source of ignition through simultaneous failure of electric equipment, operation of protection devices, or from other causes, or (c) in which combustible dusts of an electrically conductive nature may be present.

Note: This classification may include areas of grain handling and processing plants, starch plants, sugar-pulverizing plants, malting plants, hay-grinding plants, coal pulverizing plants, areas where metal dusts and powders are produced or processed, and other similar locations which contain dust producing machinery and equipment (except where the equipment is dust-tight or vented to the outside). These areas would have combustible dust in the air, under normal operating conditions, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Combustible dusts which are electrically nonconductive include dusts produced in the handling and processing of grain and grain products, pulverized sugar and cocoa, dried egg and milk powders, pulverized spices, starch and pastes, potato and woodflour, oil meal from beans and seed, dried hay, and other organic materials which may produce combustible dusts when processed or handled. Dusts containing magnesium or aluminum are particularly hazardous and the use of extreme caution is necessary to avoid ignition and explosion.

(ii) Class II, Division 2. A Class II, Division 2 location is a location in which: (a) combustible dust will not normally be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures, and dust accumulations are normally insufficient to interfere with the normal operation of electrical equipment or other apparatus; or (b) dust may be in suspension in the air as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of handling or processing equipment, and dust accumulations resulting therefrom may be ignitible by abnormal operation or failure of electrical equipment or other apparatus.

Note: This classification includes locations where dangerous concentrations of suspended dust would not be likely but where dust accumulations might form on or in the vicinity of electric equipment. These areas may contain equipment from which appreciable quantities of dust would escape under abnormal operating conditions or be adjacent to a Class II Division 1 location, as described above, into which an explosive or ignitible concentration of dust may be put into suspension under abnormal operating conditions.

Class III locations. Class III locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitible fibers or flyings but in which such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitible mixtures. Class III locations include the following:

(i) Class III, Division 1. A Class III, Division 1 location is a location in which easily ignitible fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or used.

Note: Such locations usually include some parts of rayon, cotton, and other textile mills; combustible fiber manufacturing and processing plants; cotton gins and cotton-seed mills; flax-processing plants; clothing manufacturing plants; woodworking plants, and establishments; and industries involving similar hazardous processes or conditions.

Easily ignitible fibers and flyings include rayon, cotton (including cotton linters and cotton waste), sisal or henequen, istle, jute, hemp, tow, cocoa fiber, oakum, baled waste kapok, Spanish moss, excelsior, and other materials of similar nature.

(ii) Class III, Division 2. A Class III, Division 2 location is a location in which easily ignitible fibers are stored or handled, except in process of manufacture.

Collector ring. A collector ring is an assembly of slip rings for transferring electrical energy from a stationary to a rotating member.

Concealed. Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered concealed, even though they may become accessible by withdrawing them. [See Accessible. (As applied to wiring methods.)]

Conductor. (i) Bare. A conductor having no covering or electrical insulation whatsoever.

(ii) Covered. A conductor encased within material of composition or thickness that is not recognized as electrical insulation.

(iii) Insulated. A conductor encased within material of composition and thickness that is recognized as electrical insulation.

Conduit body. A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.

Controller. A device or group of devices that serves to govern, in some predetermined manner, the electric power delivered to the apparatus to which it is connected.

Cooking unit, counter-mounted. A cooking appliance designed for mounting in or on a counter and consisting of one or more heating elements, internal wiring, and built-in or separately mountable controls. (See Oven, wall-mounted.)

Covered conductor. See Conductor.

Cutout. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) An assembly of a fuse support with either a fuseholder, fuse carrier, or disconnecting blade. The fuseholder or fuse carrier may include a conducting element (fuse link), or may act as the disconnecting blade by the inclusion of a nonfusible member.

Cutout box. An enclosure designed for surface mounting and having swinging doors or covers secured directly to and telescoping with the walls of the box proper. (See Cabinet.)

Damp location. See Location.

Dead front. Without live parts exposed to a person on the operating side of the equipment.

Device. A unit of an electrical system which is intended to carry but not utilize electric energy.

Dielectric heating. Dielectric heating is the heating of a nominally insulating material due to its own dielectric losses when the material is placed in a varying electric field.

Disconnecting means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

Disconnecting (or Isolating) switch. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) A mechanical switching device used for isolating a circuit or equipment from a source of power.

Dry location. See Location.

Electric sign. A fixed, stationary, or portable self-contained, electrically illuminated utilization equipment with words or symbols designed to convey information or attract attention.

Enclosed. Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls which will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.

Enclosure. The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts, or to protect the equipment from physical damage.

Equipment. A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus, and the like, used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.

Equipment grounding conductor. See Grounding conductor, equipment.

Explosion-proof apparatus. Apparatus enclosed in a case that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas or vapor which may occur within it and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks, flashes, or explosion of the gas or vapor within, and which operates at such an external temperature that it will not ignite a surrounding flammable atmosphere.

Exposed. (As applied to live parts.) Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is applied to parts not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated. (See Accessible. and Concealed.)

Exposed. (As applied to wiring methods.) On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access. [See Accessible. (As applied to wiring methods.)]

Exposed. (For the purposes of §1910.308(e), Communications systems.) Where the circuit is in such a position that in case of failure of supports or insulation, contact with another circuit may result.

Externally operable. Capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts.

Feeder. All circuit conductors between the service equipment, or the generator switchboard of an isolated plant, and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

Fitting. An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring system that is intended primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function.

Fuse. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) An overcurrent protective device with a circuit opening fusible part that is heated and severed by the passage of overcurrent through it. A fuse comprises all the parts that form a unit capable of performing the prescribed functions. It may or may not be the complete device necessary to connect it into an electrical circuit.

Ground. A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

Grounded. Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

Grounded, effectively. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) Permanently connected to earth through a ground connection of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient ampacity that ground fault current which may occur cannot build up to voltages dangerous to personnel.

Grounded conductor. A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.

Grounding conductor. A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.

Grounding conductor, equipment. The conductor used to connect the non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and other enclosures to the system grounded conductor and/or the grounding electrode conductor at the service equipment or at the source of a separately derived system.

Grounding electrode conductor. The conductor used to connect the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor and/or to the grounded conductor of the circuit at the service equipment or at the source of a separately derived system.

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter. A device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to the load when a fault current to ground exceeds some predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the overcurrent protective device of the supply circuit.

Guarded. Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach to a point of danger or contact by persons or objects.

Health care facilities. Buildings or portions of buildings and mobile homes that contain, but are not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, clinics, and medical and dental offices, whether fixed or mobile.

Heating equipment. For the purposes of §1910.306(g), the term heating equipment includes any equipment used for heating purposes if heat is generated by induction or dielectric methods.

Hoistway. Any shaftway, hatchway, well hole, or other vertical opening or space in which an elevator or dumbwaiter is designed to operate.

Identified. Identified, as used in reference to a conductor or its terminal, means that such conductor or terminal can be readily recognized as grounded.

Induction heating. Induction heating is the heating of a nominally conductive material due to its own I2 R losses when the material is placed in a varying electromagnetic field.

Insulated conductor. See Conductor.

Interrupter switch. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) A switch capable of making, carrying, and interrupting specified currents.

Irrigation machine. An irrigation machine is an electrically driven or controlled machine, with one or more motors, not hand portable, and used primarily to transport and distribute water for agricultural purposes.

Isolated. Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used.

Isolated power system. A system comprising an isolating transformer or its equivalent, a line isolation monitor, and its ungrounded circuit conductors.

Labeled. Equipment is labeled if there is attached to it a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory which, (a) makes periodic inspections of the production of such equipment, and (b) whose labeling indicates compliance with nationally recognized standards or tests to determine safe use in a specified manner.

Lighting outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder, a lighting fixture, or a pendant cord terminating in a lampholder.

Line-clearance tree trimming. The pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, or clearing of trees or cutting of brush that is within 10 feet (305 cm) of electric supply lines and equipment.

Listed. Equipment is listed if it is of a kind mentioned in a list which, (a) is published by a nationally recognized laboratory which makes periodic inspection of the production of such equipment, and (b) states such equipment meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found safe for use in a specified manner.

Location—(i) Damp location. Partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses.

(ii) Dry location. A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.

(iii) Wet location. Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth, and locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle-washing areas, and locations exposed to weather and unprotected.

May. If a discretionary right, privilege, or power is conferred, the word “may” is used. If a right, privilege, or power is abridged or if an obligation to abstain from acting is imposed, the word “may” is used with a restrictive “no,” “not,” or “only.” (E.g., no employer may . . . ; an employer may not . . . ; only qualified persons may. . . .)

Medium voltage cable. Type MV medium voltage cable is a single or multiconductor solid dielectric insulated cable rated 2000 volts or higher.

Metal-clad cable. Type MC cable is a factory assembly of one or more conductors, each individually insulated and enclosed in a metallic sheath of interlocking tape, or a smooth or corrugated tube.

Mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable. Type MI mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable is a factory assembly of one or more conductors insulated with a highly compressed refractory mineral insulation and enclosed in a liquidtight and gastight continuous copper sheath.

Mobile X-ray. X-ray equipment mounted on a permanent base with wheels and/or casters for moving while completely assembled.

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheath of moisture resistant, flame-retardant, nonmetallic material. Nonmetallic sheathed cable is manufactured in the following types:

(i) Type NM. The overall covering has a flame-retardant and moisture-resistant finish.

(ii) Type NMC. The overall covering is flame-retardant, moisture-resistant, fungus-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.

Oil (filled) cutout. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) A cutout in which all or part of the fuse support and its fuse link or disconnecting blade are mounted in oil with complete immersion of the contacts and the fusible portion of the conducting element (fuse link), so that arc interruption by severing of the fuse link or by opening of the contacts will occur under oil.

Open wiring on insulators. Open wiring on insulators is an exposed wiring method using cleats, knobs, tubes, and flexible tubing for the protection and support of single insulated conductors run in or on buildings, and not concealed by the building structure.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

Outline lighting. An arrangement of incandescent lamps or electric discharge tubing to outline or call attention to certain features such as the shape of a building or the decoration of a window.

Oven, wall-mounted. An oven for cooking purposes designed for mounting in or on a wall or other surface and consisting of one of more heating elements, internal wiring, and built-in or separately mountable controls. (See Cooking unit, counter-mounted.)

Overcurrent. Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. It may result from overload (see definition), short circuit, or ground fault. A current in excess of rating may be accommodated by certain equipment and conductors for a given set of conditions. Hence the rules for overcurrent protection are specific for particular situations.

Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full load rating, or of a conductor in excess of rated ampacity which, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload. (See Overcurrent.)

Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel; including buses, automatic overcurrent devices, and with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall or partition and accessible only from the front. (See Switchboard.)

Permanently installed decorative fountains and reflection pools. Those that are constructed in the ground, on the ground, or in a building in such a manner that the pool cannot be readily disassembled for storage and are served by electrical circuits of any nature. These units are primarily constructed for their aesthetic value and not intended for swimming or wading.

Permanently installed swimming pools, wading and therapeutic pools. Those that are constructed in the ground, on the ground, or in a building in such a manner that the pool cannot be readily disassembled for storage whether or not served by electrical circuits of any nature.

Portable X-ray. X-ray equipment designed to be hand-carried.

Power and control tray cable. Type TC power and control tray cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors, with or without associated bare or covered grounding conductors under a nonmetallic sheath, approved for installation in cable trays, in raceways, or where supported by a messenger wire.

Power fuse. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) See Fuse.

Power-limited tray cable. Type PLTC nonmetallic-sheathed power limited tray cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors under a nonmetallic jacket.

Power outlet. An enclosed assembly which may include receptacles, circuit breakers, fuseholders, fused switches, buses and watt-hour meter mounting means; intended to supply and control power to mobile homes, recreational vehicles or boats, or to serve as a means for distributing power required to operate mobile or temporarily installed equipment.

Premises wiring system. That interior and exterior wiring, including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring together with all of its associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices, both permanently and temporarily installed, which extends from the load end of the service drop, or load end of the service lateral conductors to the outlet(s). Such wiring does not include wiring internal to appliances, fixtures, motors, controllers, motor control centers, and similar equipment.

Qualified person. One familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved.

Note 1: Whether an employee is considered to be a “qualified person” will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. It is possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to be considered “qualified” with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but “unqualified” as to other equipment. (See §1910.332(b)(3) for training requirements that specifically apply to qualified persons.)

Note 2: An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person is considered to be a qualified person for the performance of those duties.

Raceway. A channel designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this subpart. Raceways may be of metal or insulating material, and the term includes rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, flexible metallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, underfloor raceways, cellular concrete floor raceways, cellular metal floor raceways, surface raceways, wireways, and busways.

Readily accessible. Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, chairs, etc. (See Accessible.)

Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is a single device containing two or more receptacles.

Receptacle outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.

Remote-control circuit. Any electric circuit that controls any other circuit through a relay or an equivalent device.

Sealable equipment. Equipment enclosed in a case or cabinet that is provided with a means of sealing or locking so that live parts cannot be made accessible without opening the enclosure. The equipment may or may not be operable without opening the enclosure.

Separately derived system. A premises wiring system whose power is derived from generator, transformer, or converter winding and has no direct electrical connection, including a solidly connected grounded circuit conductor, to supply conductors originating in another system.

Service. The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the electricity supply system to the wiring system of the premises served.

Service cable. Service conductors made up in the form of a cable.

Service conductors. The supply conductors that extend from the street main or from transformers to the service equipment of the premises supplied.

Service drop. The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service-entrance conductors at the building or other structure.

Service-entrance cable. Service-entrance cable is a single conductor or multiconductor assembly provided with or without an overall covering, primarily used for services and of the following types:

(i) Type SE, having a flame-retardant, moisture-resistant covering, but not required to have inherent protection against mechanical abuse.

(ii) Type USE, recognized for underground use, having a moisture-resistant covering, but not required to have a flame-retardant covering or inherent protection against mechanical abuse. Single-conductor cables having an insulation specifically approved for the purpose do not require an outer covering.

Service-entrance conductors, overhead system. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop.

Service entrance conductors, underground system. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral. Where service equipment is located outside the building walls, there may be no service-entrance conductors, or they may be entirely outside the building.

Service equipment. The necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker or switch and fuses, and their accessories, located near the point of entrance of supply conductors to a building or other structure, or an otherwise defined area, and intended to consititute the main control and means of cutoff of the supply.

Service raceway. The raceway that encloses the service-entrance conductors.

Shielded nonmetallic-sheathed cable. Type SNM, shielded nonmetallic-sheathed cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors in an extruded core of moisture-resistant, flame-resistant nonmetallic material, covered with an overlapping spiral metal tape and wire shield and jacketed with an extruded moisture-, flame-, oil-, corrosion-, fungus-, and sunlight-resistant nonmetallic material.

Show window. Any window used or designed to be used for the display of goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than the street floor level.

Sign. See Electric sign.

Signaling circuit. Any electric circuit that energizes signaling equipment.

Special permission. The written consent of the authority having jurisdiction.

Storable swimming or wading pool. A pool with a maximum dimension of 15 feet and a maximum wall height of 3 feet and is so constructed that it may be readily disassembled for storage and reassembled to its original integrity.

Switchboard. A large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels which have switches, buses, instruments, overcurrent and other protective devices mounted on the face or back or both. Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be installed in cabinets. (See Panelboard.)

Switches.

(i) General-use switch. A switch intended for use in general distribution and branch circuits. It is rated in amperes, and it is capable of interrupting its rated current at its rated voltage.

(ii) General-use snap switch. A form of general-use switch so constructed that it can be installed in flush device boxes or on outlet box covers, or otherwise used in conjunction with wiring systems recognized by this subpart.

(iii) Isolating switch. A switch intended for isolating an electric circuit from the source of power. It has no interrupting rating, and it is intended to be operated only after the circuit has been opened by some other means.

(iv) Motor-circuit switch. A switch, rated in horsepower, capable of interrupting the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower rating as the switch at the rated voltage.

Switching devices. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) Devices designed to close and/or open one or more electric circuits. Included in this category are circuit breakers, cutouts, disconnecting (or isolating) switches, disconnecting means, interrupter switches, and oil (filled) cutouts.

Transportable X-ray. X-ray equipment installed in a vehicle or that may readily be disassembled for transport in a vehicle.

Utilization equipment. Utilization equipment means equipment which utilizes electric energy for mechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar useful purpose.

Utilization system. A utilization system is a system which provides electric power and light for employee workplaces, and includes the premises wiring system and utilization equipment.

Ventilated. Provided with a means to permit circulation of air sufficient to remove an excess of heat, fumes, or vapors.

Volatile flammable liquid. A flammable liquid having a flash point below 38 degrees C (100 degrees F) or whose temperature is above its flash point.

Voltage (of a circuit). The greatest root-mean-square (effective) difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned.

Voltage, nominal. A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (as 120/240, 480Y/277, 600, etc.). The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within a range that permits satisfactory operation of equipment.

Voltage to ground. For grounded circuits, the voltage between the given conductor and that point or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for ungrounded circuits, the greatest voltage between the given conductor and any other conductor of the circuit.

Watertight. So constructed that moisture will not enter the enclosure.

Weatherproof. So constructed or protected that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation. Rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the requirements for weatherproof where varying weather conditions other than wetness, such as snow, ice, dust, or temperature extremes, are not a factor.

Wet location. See Location.

Wireways. Wireways are sheet-metal troughs with hinged or removable covers for housing and protecting electric wires and cable and in which conductors are laid in place after the wireway has been installed as a complete system.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981, as amended at 53 FR 12123, Apr. 12, 1988; 55 FR 32020, Aug. 6, 1990; 55 FR 46054, Nov. 1, 1990]

Appendix A to Subpart S of Part 1910—Reference Documents

The following references provide information which can be helpful in understanding and complying with the requirements contained in Subpart S:

ANSI A17.1–71  Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and Moving Walks.

ANSI B9.1–71  Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration.

ANSI B30.2–76  Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes.

ANSI B30.3–75  Hammerhead Tower Cranes.

ANSI B30.4–73  Safety Code for Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes.

ANSI B30.5–68  Safety Code for Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck Cranes.

ANSI B30.6–77  Derricks.

ANSI B30.7–77  Base Mounted Drum Hoists.

ANSI B30.8–71  Safety Code for Floating Cranes and Floating Derricks.

ANSI B30.11–73  Monorail Systems and Underhung Cranes.

ANSI B30.12–75  Handling Loads Suspended from Rotorcraft.

ANSI B30.13–77  Controlled Mechanical Storage Cranes.

ANSI B30.15–73  Safety Code for Mobile Hydraulic Cranes.

ANSI B30.16–73  Overhead Hoists.

ANSI C2–81  National Electrical Safety Code.

ANSI C33.27–74  Safety Standard for Outlet Boxes and Fittings for Use in Hazardous Locations, Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D, and Class II, Groups E, F, and G.

ANSI K61.1–72  Safety Requirements for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia.

ASTM D2155–66  Test Method for Autoignition Temperature of Liquid Petroleum Products.

ASTM D3176–74  Method for Ultimate Analysis of Coal and Coke.

ASTM D3180–74  Method for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As Determined to Different Bases.

IEEE 463–77  Standard for Electrical Safety Practices in Electrolytic Cell Line Working Zones.

NFPA 20–76  Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.

NFPA 30–78  Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

NFPA 32–74  Standard for Drycleaning Plants.

NFPA 33–73  Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials.

NFPA 34–74  Standard for Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or Combustible Liquids.

NFPA 35–76  Standard for the Manufacture of Organic Coatings.

NFPA 36–74  Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants.

NFPA 40–74  Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film.

NFPA 56A–73  Standard for the Use of Inhalation Anesthetics (Flammable and Nonflammable).

NFPA 56F–74  Standard for Nonflammable Medical Gas Systems.

NFPA 58–76  Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

NFPA 59–76  Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants.

NFPA 70–78  National Electrical Code.

NFPA 70C–74  Hazardous Locations Classification.

NFPA 70E  Standard for the Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.

NFPA 71–77  Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Central Station Signaling Systems.

NFPA 72A–75  Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Local Protective Signaling Systems for Watchman, Fire Alarm, and Supervisory Service.

NFPA 72B–75  Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Auxiliary Protective Signaling Systems for Fire Alarm Service.

NFPA 72C–75  Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Remote Station Protective Signaling Systems.

NFPA 72D–75  Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Proprietary Protective Signaling Systems for Watchman, Fire Alarm, and Supervisory Service.

NFPA 72E–74  Standard for Automatic Fire Detectors.

NFPA 74–75  Standard for Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment.

NFPA 76A–73  Standard for Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities.

NFPA 77–72  Recommended Practice on Static Electricity.

NFPA 80–77  Standard for Fire Doors and Windows.

NFPA 86A–73  Standard for Ovens and Furnaces; Design, Location and Equipment.

NFPA 88A–73  Standard for Parking Structures.

NFPA 88B–73  Standard for Repair Garages.

NFPA 91–73  Standard for the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Vapor Removal, or Conveying.

NFPA 101–78  Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures. (Life Safety Code.)

NFPA 325M–69  Fire-Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, and Volatile Solids.

NFPA 493–75  Standard for Intrinsically Safe Apparatus for Use in Class I Hazardous Locations and Its Associated Apparatus.

NFPA 496–74  Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations.

NFPA 497–75  Recommended Practice for Classification of Class I Hazardous Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Plants.

NFPA 505–75  Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations and Areas of Use.

NMAB 353–1–79  Matrix of Combustion-Relevant Properties and Classification of Gases, Vapors, and Selected Solids.

NMAB 353–2–79  Test Equipment for Use in Determining Classifications of Combustible Dusts.

NMAB 353–3–80  Classification of Combustible Dusts in Accordance with the National Electrical Code.

[46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 40185, Aug. 7, 1981]

Appendix B to Subpart S of Part 1910—Explanatory Data [Reserved]

Appendix C to Subpart S of Part 1910—Tables, Notes, and Charts [Reserved]

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