US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

[57 FR 61209, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Insulating materials that give off flammable or explosive gases when decomposed electrically shall not be used within enclosures where the materials are subjected to destructive electrical action.

(b) Parts coated or impregnated with insulating materials shall be heat-treated to remove any combustible solvent(s) before assembly in an explosion-proof enclosure. Air-drying insulating materials are excepted.

Nonmetallic rotating parts, such as belts and fans, shall be provided with a means to prevent an accumulation of static electricity.

A gasket(s) shall not be used between any two surfaces forming a flame-arresting path except as follows:

(a) A gasket of lead, elastomer, or equivalent will be acceptable provided the gasket does not interfere with an acceptable metal-to-metal joint.

(b) A lead gasket(s) or equivalent will be acceptable between glass and a hard metal to form all or a part of a flame-arresting path.

(a) Devices for installation on explosion-proof enclosures to relieve pressure, ventilate, or drain will be acceptable provided the length of the flame-arresting path and the clearances or size of holes in perforated metal will prevent discharge of flame in explosion tests.

(b) Devices for pressure relief, ventilation, or drainage shall be constructed of materials that resist corrosion and distortion, and be so designed that they can be cleaned readily. Provision shall be made for secure attachment of such devices.

(c) Devices for pressure relief, ventilation, or drainage will be acceptable for application only on enclosures with which they are explosion tested.

(a) Access openings in explosion-proof enclosures will be permitted only where necessary for maintenance of internal parts such as motor brushes and fuses.

(b) Covers for access openings shall meet the same requirements as any other part of an enclosure except that threaded covers shall be secured against loosening, preferably with screws having heads requiring a special tool. (See Figure 1 in Appendix II.)

(c) Holes in enclosures that are provided for lead entrances but which are not in use shall be closed with metal plugs secured by spot welding, brazing, or equivalent. (See Figure 10 in Appendix II.)

(a) MSHA may waive testing of materials for windows or lenses except headlight lenses. When tested, material for windows or lenses shall meet the test requirements prescribed in §18.66 and shall be sealed in place or provided with flange joints in accordance with §18.31.

(b) Windows or lenses shall be protected from mechanical damage by structural design, location, or guarding. Windows or lenses, other than headlight lenses, having an exposed area greater than 8 square inches, shall be provided with guarding or equivalent.

(a) Explosion-proof enclosures:

(1) Cast or welded enclosures shall be designed to withstand a minimum internal pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (gage). Castings shall be free from blowholes.

(2) Welded joints forming an enclosure shall have continuous gas-tight welds. All welds shall be made in accordance with American Welding Society standards.

(3) External rotating parts shall not be constructed of aluminum alloys containing more than 0.6 percent magnesium.

(4) MSHA reserves the right to require the applicant to conduct static-pressure tests on each enclosure when MSHA determines that the particular design will not permit complete visual inspection or when the joint(s) forming an enclosure is welded on one side only (see §18.67).

(5) Threaded covers and mating parts shall be designed with Class 1A and 1B (coarse, loose-fitting) threads. The flame-arresting path of threaded joints shall conform to the requirements of paragraph (a)(6) of this section.

(6) Enclosure requirements shall be based on the internal volumes of the empty enclosure. The internal volume is the volume remaining after deducting the volume of any part that is essential in maintaining the explosion-proof integrity of the enclosure or necessary for the operation. Essential parts include the parts that constitute the flame-arresting path and those necessary to secure parts that constitute a flame-arresting path. Enclosures shall meet the following requirements:

(7) O-rings, if used in a flame-arresting path, shall meet the following:

(i) When the flame-arresting path is in one plane, the o-ring shall be located at least one-half the acceptable flame-arresting path length specified in paragraph (a)(6) of this section within the outside edge of the path (see figure J–2 in the appendix to subpart J of part 7 of this chapter).

(ii) When the flame-arresting path is one of the plane-cylindrical type (step joint), the o-ring shall be located at least 1/2 inch within the outer edge of the plane portion (see figure J–3 in the appendix to subpart J of part 7 of this chapter), or at the junction of the plane and cylindrical portion of the joint (see figure J–4 in the appendix to subpart J of part 7 of this chapter); or in the cylindrical portion (see figure J–5 in the appendix to subpart J of part 7 of this chapter).

(8) Mating parts comprising a pressed fit shall result in a minimum interference of 0.001 inch between the parts. The minimum length of the pressed fit shall be equal to the minimum thickness requirement of paragraph (a)(6) of this section for the material in which the fit is made.

(b) Enclosures for potted components: Enclosures shall be rugged and constructed with materials having 75 percent, or greater, of the thickness and flange width specified in paragraph (a) of this section. These enclosures shall be provided with means for attaching hose conduit, unless energy carried by the cable is intrinsically safe.

(c) No assembly will be approved that requires the opening of an explosion-proof enclosure to operate a switch, rheostat, or other device during normal operation of a machine.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61209, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Bolts, screws, or studs shall be used for fastening adjoining parts to prevent the escape of flame from an enclosure. Hinge pins or clamps will be acceptable for this purpose provided MSHA determines them to be equally effective.

(b) Lockwashers shall be provided for all bolts, screws, and studs that secure parts of explosion-proof enclosures. Special fastenings designed to prevent loosening will be acceptable in lieu of lockwashers, provided MSHA determines them to be equally effective.

(c) Fastenings shall be as uniform in size as practicable to preclude improper assembly.

(d) Holes for fastenings shall not penetrate to the interior of an explosion-proof enclosure, except as provided in paragraph (a)(9) of §18.34, and shall be threaded to insure that a specified bolt or screw will not bottom even if its lockwasher is omitted.

(e) A minimum of 1/8–inch of stock shall be left at the center of the bottom of each hole drilled for fastenings.

(f) Fastenings used for joints on explosion-proof enclosures shall not be used for attaching nonessential parts or for making electrical connections.

(g) The acceptable sizes for and spacings of fastenings shall be determined by the size of the enclosure, as indicated in §18.31.

(h) MSHA reserves the right to conduct explosion tests with standard bolts, nuts, cap screws, or studs substituted for any special high-tensile strength fastening(s) specified by the applicant.

(i) Coil-thread inserts, if used in holes for fastenings, shall meet the following:

(1) The inserts shall have internal screw threads.

(2) The holes for the inserts shall be drilled and tapped consistent with the insert manufacturer's specifications.

(3) The inserts shall be installed consistent with the insert manufacturer's specifications.

(4) The insert shall be of sufficient length to ensure the minimum thread engagement of fastening specified in §18.31(a)(6) of this part.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61210, Dec. 23, 1992]

Flat surfaces between bolt holes that form any part of a flame-arresting path shall be plane to within a maximum deviation of one-half the maximum clearance specified in §18.31(a)(6). All metal surfaces forming a flame-arresting path shall be finished during the manufacturing process to not more than 250 microinches. A thin film of nonhardening preparation to inhibit rusting may be applied to these finished metal surfaces as long as the final surface can be readily wiped free of any foreign materials.

[57 FR 61210, Dec. 23, 1992]

Explosion-proof electric motor assemblies intended for use in approved equipment in underground mines that are specifically addressed in part 7 of this chapter shall be approved under part 7 of this chapter after February 22, 1996. Those motor assemblies not specifically addressed under part 7 of this chapter shall be accepted or certified under this part.

(a) General. (1) Motors shall have explosion-proof enclosures.

(2) Motors submitted to MSHA for test shall be equipped with unshielded bearings regardless of whether that type of bearing is specified.

(3) MSHA reserves the right to test motors with the maximum clearance specified between the shaft and the mating part which forms the required flame-arresting path. Also reserved is the right to remachine these parts, at the applicant's expense, to specified dimensions to provide the maximum clearance.

Note: For example, a shaft with a diameter greater than 2 inches at the flame-arresting portion might require such machining.

(4) Ball and roller bearings and oil seals will not be acceptable as flame-arresting paths; therefore, a separate path shall be provided between the shaft and another part, preferably inby the bearing. The length and clearances of such flame-arresting path shall conform to the requirements of §18.31.

(5) Labyrinths or other arrangements that provide change(s) in direction of escaping gases will be acceptable but the use of small detachable pieces shall not be permitted unless structurally unavoidable. The lengths of flame-arresting path(s) and clearance(s) shall conform to the requirements of §18.31.

(6) Oil seals shall be removed from motors prior to submission for explosion tests.

Note: Oil seals will be removed from motors prior to explosion tests and therefore may be omitted from motors submitted for investigation.

(7) Openings for filling and draining bearing lubricants shall be so located as to prevent escape of flame through them.

(8) An outer bearing cap will not be considered as forming any part of a flame-arresting path unless the cap is used as a bearing cartridge.

Note: The outer bearing cap will be omitted during explosion tests unless it houses the bearing.

(9) If unavoidable, holes may be made through motor casings for bolts, studs, or screws to hold essential parts such as pole pieces, brush rigging, and bearing cartridges. Such parts shall be attached to the casing by at least two fastenings. The threaded holes in these parts shall be blind, unless the fastenings are inserted from the inside, in which case the fastenings shall not be accessible with the armature of the motor in place.

(b) Direct-current motors. For direct-current motors with narrow interpoles, the distance from the edge of the pole piece to any bolt hole in the frame shall be not less than 1/8 inch. If the distance is 1/8 to 1/4 inch, the diametrical clearance for the pole bolt shall not exceed 1/64 inch for not less than 1/2 inch through the frame. Furthermore, the pole piece shall have the same radius as the inner surface of the frame. Pole pieces may be shimmed as necessary.

(c) Alternating-current motors. Stator laminations that form a part of an explosion-proof enclosure will be acceptable provided: (1) The laminations and their end rings are fastened together under pressure; (2) the joint between the end rings and the laminations is not less than 1/4 inch, but preferably as close to 1 inch as possible; and (3) it shall be impossible to insert a 0.0015-inch thickness gage to a depth exceeding 1/8 inch between adjacent laminations or between end rings and laminations.

(d) Small motors (alternating- and direct-current). Motors having internal free volume not exceeding 350 cubic inches and joints not exceeding 32 inches in outer circumference will be acceptable for investigation if provided with rabbet joints between the stator frame and the end bracket having the following dimensions:

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61210, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Portable cables and cords used to conduct electrical energy to face equipment shall conform to the following:

(1) Have each conductor of a current-carrying capacity consistent with the Insulated Power Cable Engineers Association (IPCEA) standards. (See Tables 1 and 2 in Appendix I.)

(2) Have current-carrying conductors not smaller than No. 14 (AWG). Cords with sizes 14 to 10 (AWG) conductors shall be constructed with heavy jackets, the diameters of which are given in Table 6 in Appendix I.

(3) Be accepted as flame resistant under this part or approved under subpart K of part 7 of this chapter.

(4) Have short-circuit protection at the outby (circuit-connecting) end of ungrounded conductors. (See Table 8 in Appendix I.) The fuse rating or trip setting shall be included in the assembler's specifications.

(5) Ordinarily the length of a portable (trailing) cable shall not exceed 500 feet. Where the method of mining requires the length of a portable (trailing) cable to be more than 500 feet, such length of cable shall be permitted only under the following prescribed conditions:

(i) The lengths of portable (trailing) cables shall not exceed those specified in Table 9, Appendix I, titled “Specifications for Portable Cables Longer Than 500 Feet.”

(ii) Short-circuit protection shall be provided by a protective device with an instantaneous trip setting as near as practicable to the maximum starting-current-inrush value, but the setting shall not exceed the trip value specified in MSHA approval for the equipment for which the portable (trailing) cable furnishes electric power.

(6) Have nominal outside dimensions consistent with IPCEA standards. (See Tables 4, 5, 6, and 7 in Appendix I.)

(7) Have conductors of No. 4 (AWG) minimum for direct-current mobile haulage units or No. 6 (AWG) minimum for alternating-current mobile haulage units.

(8) Have not more than five well-made temporary splices in a single length of portable cable.

(b) Sectionalized portable cables will be acceptable provided the connectors used inby the last open crosscut in a gassy mine meet the requirements of §18.41.

(c) A portable cable having conductors smaller than No. 6 (AWG), when used with a trolley tap and a rail clamp, shall have well insulated single conductors not smaller than No. 6 (AWG) spliced to the outby end of each conductor. All splices shall be made in a workmanlike manner to insure good electrical conductivity, insulation, and mechanical strength.

(d) Suitable provisions shall be made to facilitate disconnection of portable cable quickly and conveniently for replacement.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968; 33 FR 6343, Apr. 26, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61223, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Cables between machine components shall have: (1) Adequate current-carrying capacity for the loads involved, (2) short-circuit protection, (3) insulation compatible with the impressed voltage, and (4) flame-resistant properties unless totally enclosed within a flame-resistant hose conduit or other flame-resistant material.

(b) Cables between machine components shall be: (1) Clamped in place to prevent undue movement, (2) protected from mechanical damage by position, flame-resistant hose conduit, metal tubing, or troughs (flexible or threaded rigid metal conduit will not be acceptable), (3) isolated from hydraulic lines, and (4) protected from abrasion by removing all sharp edges which they might contact.

(c) Cables (cords) for remote-control circuits extending from permissible equipment will be exempted from the requirements of conduit enclosure provided the total electrical energy carried is intrinsically safe or that the cables are constructed with heavy jackets, the sizes of which are stated in Table 6 of Appendix I. Cables (cords) provided with hose-conduit protection shall have a tensile strength not less than No. 16 (AWG) three-conductor, type SO cord. (Reference: 7.7.7 IPCEA Pub. No. S–19–81, Fourth Edition.) Cables (cords) constructed with heavy jackets shall consist of conductors not smaller than No. 14 (AWG) regardless of the number of conductors.

(a) Insulated cable(s), which must extend through an outside wall of an explosion-proof enclosure, shall pass through a stuffing-box lead entrance. All sharp edges that might damage insulation shall be removed from stuffing boxes and packing nuts.

(b) Stuffing boxes shall be so designed, and the amount of packing used shall be such, that with the packing properly compressed, the gland nut still has a clearance distance of 1/8 inch or more to travel without meeting interference by parts other than packing. In addition, the gland nut shall have a minimum of three effective threads engaged. (See figures 8, 9 and 10 in appendix II.)

(c) Packing nuts and stuffing boxes shall be secured against loosening.

(d) Compressed packing material shall be in contact with the cable jacket for a length of not less than 1/2 inch.

(e) Special requirements for glands in which asbestos-packing material is specified are:

(1) Asbestos-packing material shall be untreated, not less than 3/16-inch diameter if round, or not less than 3/16 by 3/16 inch if square. The width of the space for packing material shall not exceed by more than 50 percent the diameter or width of the uncompressed packing material.

(2) The allowable diametrical clearance between the cable and the holes in the stuffing box and packing nut shall not exceed 75 percent of the nominal diameter or width of the packing material.

(f) Special requirements for glands in which a compressible material (example—synthetic elastomers) other than asbestos is specified, are:

(1) The packing material shall be flame resistant.

(2) The radial clearance between the cable jacket and the nominal inside diameter of the packing material shall not exceed 1/32–inch, based on the nominal specified diameter of the cable.

(3) The radial clearance between the nominal outside diameter of the packing material and the inside wall of the stuffing box (that portion into which the packing material fits) shall not exceed 1/32–inch.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61210, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Insulated studs will be acceptable for use in a common wall between two explosion-proof enclosures.

(b) When insulated wires or cables are extended through a common wall between two explosion-proof enclosures in insulating bushings, such bushings shall be not less than 1-inch long and the diametrical clearance between the wire or cable insulation and the holes in the bushings shall not exceed 1/16–inch (based on the nominal specified diameter of the cable). The insulating bushings shall be secured in the metal wall.

(c) Insulated wires or cables conducted from one explosion-proof enclosure to another through conduit, tubing, piping, or other solid-wall passageways will be acceptable provided one end of the passageway is plugged, thus isolating one enclosure from the other. Glands of secured bushings with close-fitting holes through which the wires or cables are conducted will be acceptable for plugging. The tubing or duct specified for the passageway shall be brazed or welded into the walls of both explosion-proof enclosures with continuous gas-tight welds.

(d) If wires and cables are taken through openings closed with sealing compounds, the design of the opening and characteristics of the compounds shall be such as to hold the sealing material in place without tendency of the material to crack or flow out of its place. The material also must withstand explosion tests without cracking or loosening.

(e) Openings through common walls between explosion-proof enclosures not provided with bushings or sealing compound, shall be large enough to prevent pressure piling.

Hose conduit shall be provided for mechanical protection of all machine cables that are exposed to damage. Hose conduit shall be flame resistant and have a minimum wall thickness of 3/16 inch. The flame resistance of hose conduit will be determined in accordance with the requirements of §18.65.

Insulated clamps shall be provided for all portable (trailing) cables to prevent strain on the cable terminals of a machine. Also insulated clamps shall be provided to prevent strain on both ends of each cable or cord leading from a machine to a detached or separately mounted component. Cable grips anchored to the cable may be used in lieu of insulated strain clamps. Supporting clamps for cables used for wiring around machines shall be provided in a manner acceptable to MSHA.

(a) Plug and receptacle-type connectors for use inby the last open crosscut in a gassy mine shall be so designed that insertion or withdrawal of a plug cannot cause incendive arcing or sparking. Also, connectors shall be so designed that no live terminals, except as hereinafter provided, are exposed upon withdrawal of a plug. The following types will be acceptable:

(1) Connectors in which the mating or separation of the male and female electrodes is accomplished within an explosion-proof enclosure.

(2) Connectors that are mechanically or electrically interlocked with an automatic circuit-interrupting device.

(i) Mechanically interlocked connectors. If a mechanical interlock is provided the design shall be such that the plug cannot be withdrawn before the circuit has been interrupted and the circuit cannot be established with the plug partially withdrawn.

(ii) Electrically interlocked connectors. If an electrical interlock is provided, the total load shall be removed before the plug can be withdrawn and the electrical energy in the interlocking pilot circuit shall be intrinsically safe, unless the pilot circuit is opened within an explosion-proof enclosure.

(3) Single-pole connectors for individual conductors of a circuit used at terminal points shall be so designed that all plugs must be completely inserted before the control circuit of the machine can be energized.

(b) Plug and receptacle-type connectors used for sectionalizing the cables outby the last open crosscut in a gassy mine need not be explosion-proof or electrically interlocked provided such connectors are designed and constructed to prevent accidental separation.

(c) Conductors shall be securely attached to the electrodes in a plug or receptacle and the connections shall be totally enclosed.

(d) Molded-elastomer connectors will be acceptable provided:

(1) Any free space within the plug or receptacle is isolated from the exterior of the plug.

(2) Joints between the elastomer and metal parts are not less than 1 inch wide and the elastomer is either bonded to or fits tightly with metal parts.

(e) The contacts of all line-side connectors shall be shielded or recessed adequately.

(f) For a mobile battery-powered machine, a plug and receptacle-type connector will be acceptable in lieu of an interlock provided:

(1) The plug is padlocked to the receptacle and is held in place by a threaded ring or equivalent mechanical fastening in addition to a padlock. A connector within a padlocked enclosure will be acceptable; or,

(2) The plug is held in place by a threaded ring or equivalent mechanical fastening, in addition to the use of a device that is captive and requires a special tool to disengage and allow for the separation of the connector. All connectors using this means of compliance shall have a clearly visible warning tag that states: “DO NOT DISENGAGE UNDER LOAD,” or an equivalent statement; or,

(3) The plug is held in place by a spring-loaded or other locking device, that maintains constant pressure against a threaded ring or equivalent mechanical fastening, to secure the plug from accidental separation. All connectors using this means of compliance shall have a clearly visible warning tag that states: “DO NOT DISENGAGE UNDER LOAD,” or an equivalent statement.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 68 FR 37082, June 23, 2003]

(a) A cable passing through an outside wall(s) of a distribution box shall be conducted either through a packing gland or an interlocked plug and receptacle.

(b) Short-circuit protection shall be provided for each branch circuit connected to a distribution box. The current-carrying capacity of the specified connector shall be compatible with the automatic circuit-interrupting device.

(c) Each branch receptacle shall be plainly and permanently marked to indicate its current-carrying capacity and each receptacle shall be such that it will accommodate only an appropriate plug.

(d) Provision shall be made to relieve mechanical strain on all connectors to distribution boxes.

Internal connections shall be rigidly held and adequately insulated. Strain clamps shall be provided for all cables entering a splice box.

(a) Battery-powered equipment shall use battery assemblies approved under Part 7 of this chapter, or battery assemblies accepted or certified under this part prior to August 22, 1989.

(b) Battery box covers shall be secured in a closed position.

(c) Each wire or cable leaving a battery box on storage battery-operated equipment shall have short-circuit protection in an explosion-proof enclosure located as close as practicable to the battery terminals. A short-circuit protection device installed within a nearby explosion-proof enclosure will be acceptable. In no case shall the exposed portion of the cable from the battery box to the enclosure exceed 36 inches in length. Each wire or cable shall be protected from damage.

[53 FR 23500, June 22, 1988]

(a) A self-propelled machine, that receives electrical energy through a portable cable and is designed to travel at speeds exceeding 2.5 miles per hour, shall have a mechanically, hydraulically, or electrically driven reel upon which to wind the portable cable.

(b) The enclosure for moving contacts or slip rings of a cable reel shall be explosion-proof.

(c) Cable-reel bearings shall not constitute an integral part of a circuit for transmitting electrical energy.

(d) Cable reels for shuttle cars and locomotives shall maintain positive tension on the portable cable during reeling and unreeling. Such tension shall only be high enough to prevent a machine from running over its own cable(s).

(e) Cable reels and spooling devices shall be insulated with flame-resistant material.

(f) The maximum speed of travel of a machine when receiving power through a portable (trailing) cable shall not exceed 6 miles per hour.

(g) Diameters of cable reel drums and sheaves should be large enough to prevent undue bending strain on cables.

(a) Headlights shall be constructed as explosion-proof enclosures.

(b) Headlights shall be mounted to provide illumination where it will be most effective. They shall be protected from damage by guarding or location.

(c) Lenses for headlights shall be glass or other suitable material with physical characteristics equivalent to 1/2-inch thick tempered glass, such as “Pyrex.” Lenses shall meet the requirements of the tests prescribed in §18.66.

(d) Lenses permanently fixed in a ring with lead, epoxy, or equivalent will be acceptable provided only lens assemblies meeting the original manufacturer's specifications are used as replacements.

(e) If a single lead gasket is used, the contact surface of the opposite side of the lens shall be plane within a maximum deviation of 0.002 inch.

(a) A tool or switch held in the operator's hand or supported against his body will not be approved with a nameplate rating exceeding 300 volts direct current or alternating current.

(b) A battery-powered machine shall not have a nameplate rating exceeding 240 volts, nominal (120 lead-acid cells or equivalent).

(c) Other direct-current machines shall not have a nameplate rating exceeding 550 volts.

(d) An alternating-current machine shall not have a nameplate rating exceeding 660 volts, except that a machine may have a nameplate rating greater than 660 volts but not exceeding 4,160 volts when the following conditions are complied with:

(1) Adequate clearances and insulation for the particular voltage(s) are provided in the design and construction of the equipment, its wiring, and accessories.

(2) A continuously monitored, failsafe grounding system is provided that will maintain the frame of the equipment and the frames of all accessory equipment at ground potential. Also, the equipment, including its controls and portable (trailing) cable, will be deenergized automatically upon the occurrence of an incipient ground fault. The ground-fault-tripping current shall be limited by grounding resistor(s) to that necessary for dependable relaying. The maximum ground-fault-tripping current shall not exceed 25 amperes.

(3) All high voltage switch gear and control for equipment having a nameplate rating exceeding 1,000 volts are located remotely and operated by remote control at the main equipment. Potential for remote control shall not exceed 120 volts.

(4) Portable (trailing) cable for equipment with nameplate ratings from 661 volts through 1,000 volts shall include grounding conductors, a ground check conductor, and grounded metallic shields around each power conductor or a grounded metallic shield over the assembly; except that on machines employing cable reels, cables without shields may be used if the insulation is rated 2,000 volts or more.

(5) Portable (trailing) cable for equipment with nameplate ratings from 1,001 volts through 4,160 volts shall include grounding conductors, a ground check conductor, and grounded metallic shields around each power conductor.

(6) MSHA reserves the right to require additional safeguards for high-voltage equipment, or modify the requirements to recognize improved technology.

(a) Each machine shall be equipped with a circuit-interrupting device by means of which all power conductors can be deenergized at the machine. A manually operated controller will not be acceptable as a service switch.

(b) When impracticable to mount the main-circuit-interrupting device on a machine, a remote enclosure will be acceptable. When contacts are used as a main-circuit-interrupting device, a means for opening the circuit shall be provided at the machine and at the remote contactors.

(c) Separate two-pole switches shall be provided to deenergize power conductors for headlights or floodlights.

(d) Each handheld tool shall be provided with a two-pole switch of the “dead-man-control” type that must be held closed by hand and will open when hand pressure is released.

(e) A machine designed to operate from both trolley wire and portable cable shall be provided with a transfer switch, or equivalent, which prevents energizing one from the other. Such a switch shall be designed to prevent electrical connection to the machine frame when the cable is energized.

(f) Belt conveyors shall be equipped with control switches to automatically stop the driving motor in the event the belt is stopped, or abnormally slowed down.

Note: Short transfer-type conveyors will be exempted from this requirement when attended.

Connection boxes used to facilitate replacement of cables or machine components shall be explosion-proof. Portable-cable terminals on cable reels need not be in explosion-proof enclosures provided that connections are well made, adequately insulated, protected from damage by location, and securely clamped to prevent mechanical strain on the connections.

Provision shall be made for maintaining the frames of all off-track machines and the enclosures of related detached components at safe voltages by using one or a combination of the following:

(a) A separate conductor(s) in the portable cable in addition to the power conductors by which the machine frame can be connected to an acceptable grounding medium, and a separate conductor in all cables connecting related components not on a common chassis. The cross-sectional area of the additional conductor(s) shall not be less than 50 percent of that of one power conductor unless a ground-fault tripping relay is used, in which case the minimum size may be No. 8 (AWG). Cables smaller than No. 6 (AWG) shall have an additional conductor(s) of the same size as one power conductor.

(b) A means of actuating a circuit-interrupting device, preferably at the outby end of the portable cable.

Note: The frame to ground potential shall not exceed 40 volts.

(c) A device(s) such as a diode(s) of adequate peak inverse voltage rating and current-carrying capacity to conduct possible fault current through the grounded power conductor. Diode installations shall include: (1) An overcurrent device in series with the diode, the contacts of which are in the machine's control circuit; and (2) a blocking diode in the control circuit to prevent operation of the machine with the polarity reversed.

(a) An automatic circuit-interrupting device(s) shall be used to protect each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit at the junction with the main circuit when the branch-circuit conductor(s) has a current carrying capacity less than 50 percent of the main circuit conductor(s), unless the protective device(s) in the main circuit will also provide adequate protection for the branch circuit. The setting of each device shall be specified. For headlight and control circuits, each conductor shall be protected by a fuse or equivalent. Any circuit that is entirely contained in an explosion-proof enclosure shall be exempt from these requirements.

(b) Each motor shall be protected by an automatic overcurrent device. One protective device will be acceptable when two motors of the same rating operate simultaneously and perform virtually the same duty.

(1) If the overcurrent-protective device in a direct-current circuit does not open both lines, particular attention shall be given to marking the polarity at the terminals or otherwise preventing the possibility of reversing connections which would result in changing the circuit interrupter to the grounded line.

(2) Three-phase alternating-current motors shall have an overcurrent-protective device in at least two phases such that actuation of a device in one phase will cause the opening of all three phases.

(c) Circuit-interrupting devices shall be so designed that they can be reset without opening the compartment in which they are enclosed.

(d) All magnetic circuit-interrupting devices shall be mounted in a manner to preclude the possibility of their closing by gravity.

Enclosure covers that provide access to fuses, other than headlight, control-circuit, and handheld-tool fuses, shall be interlocked with a circuit-interrupting device. Fuses shall be inserted on the load side of the circuit interrupter.

(a) In each high-voltage motor-starter enclosure, with the exception of a controller on a high-voltage shearer, the disconnect device compartment, control/communications compartment, and motor contactor compartment must be separated by barriers or partitions to prevent exposure of personnel to energized high-voltage conductors or parts. In each motor-starter enclosure on a high-voltage shearer, the high-voltage components must be separated from lower voltage components by barriers or partitions to prevent exposure of personnel to energized high-voltage conductors or parts. Barriers or partitions must be constructed of grounded metal or nonconductive insulating board.

(b) Each cover of a compartment in the high-voltage motor-starter enclosure containing high-voltage components must be equipped with at least two interlock switches arranged to automatically deenergize the high-voltage components within that compartment when the cover is removed.

(c) Circuit-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure.

(d) Transformers with high-voltage primary windings that supply control voltages must incorporate grounded electrostatic (Faraday) shielding between the primary and secondary windings. The shielding must be connected to equipment ground by a minimum No. 12 AWG grounding conductor. The secondary nominal voltage must not exceed 120 volts, line to line.

(e) Test circuits must be provided for checking the condition of ground-wire monitors and ground-fault protection without exposing personnel to energized circuits. Each ground-test circuit must inject a primary current of 50 percent or less of the current rating of the grounding resistor through the current transformer and cause each corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.

(f) Each motor-starter enclosure, with the exception of a controller on a high-voltage shearer, must be equipped with a disconnect device installed to deenergize all high-voltage power conductors extending from the enclosure when the device is in the “open” position.

(1) When multiple disconnect devices located in the same enclosure are used to satisfy the above requirement they must be mechanically connected to provide simultaneous operation by one handle.

(2) The disconnect device must be rated for the maximum phase-to-phase voltage and the full-load current of the circuit in which it is located, and installed so that—

(i) Visual observation determines that the contacts are open without removing any cover;

(ii) The load-side power conductors are grounded when the device is in the “open” position;

(iii) The device can be locked in the “open” position;

(iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and installed to cause the current to be interrupted automatically prior to the opening of the contacts; and

(v) When located in a non-explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and installed to cause the current to be interrupted automatically prior to the opening of the contacts, or the device must be capable of interrupting the full-load current of the circuit.

(g) Control circuits for the high-voltage motor starters must be interlocked with the disconnect device so that—

(1) The control circuit can be operated with an auxiliary switch in the “test” position only when the disconnect device is in the open and grounded position; and

(2) The control circuit can be operated with the auxiliary switch in the “normal” position only when the disconnect switch is in the closed position.

(h) A study to determine the minimum available fault current must be submitted to MSHA to ensure adequate protection for the length and conductor size of the longwall motor, shearer and trailing cables.

(i) Longwall motor and shearer cables with nominal voltages greater than 660 volts must be made of a shielded construction with a grounded metallic shield around each power conductor.

(j) High-voltage motor and shearer circuits must be provided with instantaneous ground-fault protection of not more than 0.125-amperes. Current transformers used for this protection must be of the single-window type and must be installed to encircle all three phase conductors.

(k) Safeguards against corona must be provided on all 4,160 voltage circuits in explosion-proof enclosures.

(l) The maximum pressure rise within an explosion-proof enclosure containing high-voltage switchgear must be limited to 0.83 times the design pressure.

(m) High-voltage electrical components located in high-voltage explosion-proof enclosures must not be coplanar with a single plane flame-arresting path.

(n) Rigid insulation between high-voltage terminals (Phase-to-Phase or Phase-to-Ground) must be designed with creepage distances in accordance with the following table:

(o) Explosion-proof motor-starter enclosures must be designed to establish the minimum free distance (MFD) between the wall or cover of the enclosure and uninsulated electrical conductors inside the enclosure in accordance with the following table:

(1) For values not included in the table, the following formulas on which the table is based may be used to determine the minimum free distance.

(i) Steel Wall/Cover:

(ii) Aluminum Wall/Cover:

Where C is 1.4 for 2,400 volt systems or 3.0 for 4,160 volt systems, I_sc is the 3-phase short circuit current in amperes of the system, t is the clearing time in seconds of the outby circuit-interrupting device and d is the thickness in inches of the metal wall/cover adjacent to an area of potential arcing.

(2) The minimum free distance must be increased by 1.5 inches for 4,160 volt systems and 0.7 inches for 2,400 volt systems when the adjacent wall area is the top of the enclosure. If a steel shield is mounted in conjunction with an aluminum wall or cover, the thickness of the steel shield is used to determine the minimum free distances.

(p) The following static pressure test must be performed on each prototype design of explosion-proof enclosures containing high-voltage switchgear prior to the explosion tests. The static pressure test must also be performed on every explosion-proof enclosure containing high-voltage switchgear, at the time of manufacture, unless the manufacturer uses an MSHA accepted quality assurance procedure covering inspection of the enclosure. Procedures must include a detailed check of parts against the drawings to determine that the parts and the drawings coincide and that the minimum requirements stated in part 18 have been followed with respect to materials, dimensions, configuration and workmanship.

(1) Test procedure. (i) The enclosure must be internally pressurized to at least the design pressure, maintaining the pressure for a minimum of 10 seconds.

(ii) Following the pressure hold, the pressure must be removed and the pressurizing agent removed from the enclosure.

(2) Acceptable performance. (i) The enclosure during pressurization must not exhibit—

(A) Leakage through welds or casting; or

(B) Rupture of any part that affects the explosion-proof integrity of the enclosure.

(ii) The enclosure following removal of the pressurizing agents must not exhibit—

(A) Visible cracks in welds;

(B) Permanent deformation exceeding 0.040 inches per linear foot; or

(C) Excessive clearances along flame-arresting paths following retightening of fastenings, as necessary.

[67 FR 10999, Mar. 11, 2002; 69 FR 68078, Nov. 23, 2004; 69 FR 70752, Dec. 7, 2004]

An inspection of each electrical component shall include the following:

(a) A detailed check of parts against the drawings submitted by the applicant to determine that: (1) The parts and drawings coincide; and (2) the minimum requirements stated in this part have been met with respect to materials, dimensions, configuration, workmanship, and adequacy of drawings and specifications.

(b) Exact measurement of joints, journal bearings, and other flame-arresting paths.

(c) Examination for unnecessary through holes.

(d) Examination for adequacy of lead-entrance design and construction.

(e) Examination for adequacy of electrical insulation and clearances between live parts and between live parts and the enclosure.

(f) Examination for weaknesses in welds and flaws in castings.

(g) Examination for distortion of enclosures before tests.

(h) Examination for adequacy of fastenings, including size, spacing, security, and possibility of bottoming.

(a) A completely assembled new machine or a substantially modified design of a previously approved one shall be inspected by a qualified representative(s) of MSHA. When such inspection discloses any unsafe condition or any feature not in strict conformance with the requirements of this part it shall be corrected before an approval of the machine will be issued. A final inspection will be conducted at the site of manufacture, rebuilding, or other locations at the option of MSHA.

(b) Complete machines shall be inspected for:

(1) Compliance with the requirements of this part with respect to joints, lead entrances, and other pertinent features.

(2) Wiring between components, adequacy of mechanical protection for cables, adequacy of clamping of cables, positioning of cables, particularly with respect to proximity to hydraulic components.

(3) Adequacy of protection against damage to headlights, push buttons, and any other vulnerable component.

(4) Settings of overload- and short-circuit protective devices.

(5) Adequacy of means for connecting and protecting portable cable.

(a) In testing for explosion-proof characteristics of an enclosure, it shall be filled and surrounded with various explosive mixtures of natural gas and air. The explosive mixture within the enclosure will be ignited electrically and the explosion pressure developed therefrom recorded. The point of ignition within the enclosure will be varied. Motor armatures and/or rotors will be stationary in some tests and revolving in others. Coal dust having a minimum of 22 percent dry volatile matter and a minimum heat constant of 11,000 moist BTU (coal containing natural bed moisture but not visible surface water) ground to a fineness of minus 200 mesh U.S. Standard sieve series. At MSHA's discretion dummies may be substituted for internal electrical components during some of the tests. Not less than 16 explosion tests shall be conducted; however, the nature of the enclosure and the results obtained during the tests will determine whether additional tests shall be made.

(b) Explosion tests of an enclosure shall not result in:

(1) Discharge of flame.

(2) Ignition of an explosive mixture surrounding the enclosure.

(3) Development of afterburning.

(4) Rupture of any part of the enclosure or any panel or divider within the enclosure.

(5) Permanent distortion of the enclosure exceeding 0.040 inch per linear foot.

(c) When a pressure exceeding 125 pounds per square inch (gage) is developed during explosion tests, MSHA reserves the right to reject an enclosure(s) unless (1) constructional changes are made that result in a reduction of pressure to 125 pounds per square inch (gage) or less, or (2) the enclosure withstands a dynamic pressure of twice the highest value recorded in the initial test.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61210, Dec. 23, 1992]

(a) Size of test specimen. (1) Conveyor belting—four specimens each 6 inches long by 1/2-inch wide by belt thickness, two cut parallel to the warp and two parallel to the weft.

(2) Hose—four specimens each 6 inches long by 1/2-inch wide by thickness of the hose.

(b) Flame-test apparatus. The principal parts of the apparatus within and/or appended to a 21-inch cubical test gallery are:

(1) A support stand with a ring clamp and wire gauze.

(2) A Pittsburgh-Universal Bunsen-type burner (inside diameter of burner tube 11 mm.), or equivalent, mounted in a burner placement guide in such a manner that the burner may be placed beneath the test specimen, or pulled away from it by an external knob on the front panel of the test gallery.

(3) A variable-speed electric fan and an ASME flow nozzle (16–81/2 inches reduction) to attain constant air velocities at any speed between 50–500 feet a minute.

(4) An electric timer or stopwatch to measure the duration of the tests.

(5) A mirror mounted inside the test gallery to permit a rear view of the test specimen through the viewing door.

(c) Mounting of test specimen. The specimen shall be clamped in a support with its free end centered 1 inch above the burner top. The longitudinal axis shall be horizontal and the transverse axis inclined at 45° to the horizontal. Under the test specimen shall be clamped a piece of 20-mesh iron-wire gauze, 5 inches square, in a horizontal position 1/4–inch below the pulley cover edge of the specimen and with about 1/2–inch of the specimen extending beyond the edge of the gauze.

(d) Procedure for flame tests. (1) The Bunsen burner, retracted from the test position, shall be adjusted to give a blue flame 3 inches in height with natural gas.

(2) The observation door of the gallery shall be closed for the entire test.

(3) The burner flame shall be applied to the free end of the specimen for 1 minute in still air.

(4) At the end of 1 minute the burner flame shall be removed, the ventilating fan turned on to give an air current having a velocity of 300 feet per minute, and the duration of flame measured.

(5) After the test specimen ceases to flame, it shall remain in the air current for at least 3 minutes to determine the presence and duration of afterglow. If a glowing specimen exhibits flame within 3 minutes the duration of flame shall be added to the duration of flame obtained according to paragraph (d) (4) of this section.

(e) Test requirements. The tests of the four specimens cut from any sample shall not result in either duration of flame exceeding an average of 1 minute after removal of the applied flame or afterglow exceeding an average of 3 minutes duration.

(f) Acceptance markings. (1) Conveyor belting—conveyor belts accepted by MSHA as flame-resistant (fire-resistant) shall be marked as follows: Metal stencils furnished by the manufacturer shall be used during the vulcanizing process to produce letters depressed into the conveyor belt with the words “Fire-Resistant, USMSHA No. __.” This number will be assigned to the manufacturer after the sample has passed the tests. The letters and numbers shall be at least 1/2 inch high. The acceptance markings shall be placed approximately 1 inch from the edge of the carrying (top) cover of the conveyor belt and spaced at intervals not exceeding 30 feet for the entire length of the conveyor belt. The markings shall be so placed that they are alternately at opposite edges of the belt. Where cover thickness does not permit markings in accordance with the foregoing, other permanent markings may be accepted.

(2) Hose—hose conduit accepted by MSHA as flame-resistant shall be marked as follows: Impressed letters, raised letters on depressed background, or printed letters with the words “Flame-Resistant, USMSHA No. __” at intervals not exceeding 3 feet. This number will be assigned to the manufacturer after the sample has passed the tests. The letters and numbers shall be at least 1/4-inch high.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978]

(a) Impact tests. A 4-pound cylindrical weight with a 1-inch-diameter hemispherical striking surface shall be dropped (free fall) to strike the window or lens in its mounting, or the equivalent thereof, at or near the center. Three of four samples shall withstand without breakage the impact according to the following table:

Windows or lenses of smaller diameter than 1 inch may be tested by alternate methods at the discretion of MSHA.

(b) Thermal-shock tests. Four samples of the window or lens will be heated in an oven for 15 minutes to a temperature of 150 °C. (302 °F.) and immediately upon withdrawal of the samples from the oven they will be immersed in water having a temperature between 15 °C. (59 °F) and 20 °C. (68 °F.). Three of the four samples shall show no defect or breakage from this thermal-shock test.

Static-pressure tests shall be conducted by the applicant on each enclosure of a specific design when MSHA determines that visual inspection will not reveal defects in castings or in single-seam welds. Such test procedure shall be submitted to MSHA for approval and the specifications on file with MSHA shall include a statement assuring that such tests will be conducted. The static pressure to be applied shall be 150 pounds per square inch (gage) or one and one-half times the maximum pressure recorded in MSHA's explosion tests, whichever is greater.

(a) General:

(1) Tests for intrinsic safety will be conducted under the general concepts of “intrinsically safe” as defined in Subpart A of this part. Further tests or requirements may be added at any time if features of construction or use or both indicate them to be necessary. Some tests included in these requirements may be omitted on the basis of previous experience.

(2) Intrinsically safe circuits and/or components will be subjected to tests consisting of making and breaking the intrinsically safe circuit under conditions judged to simulate the most hazardous probable faults or malfunctions. Tests will be made in the most easily ignitable mixture of methane or natural gas and air. The method of making and breaking the circuit may be varied to meet a particular condition.

(3) Those components which affect intrinsic safety must meet the following requirements:

(i) Current limiting components shall consist of two equivalent devices each of which singly will provide intrinsic safety. They shall not be operated at more than 50 percent of their ratings.

(ii) Components of reliable construction shall be used and they shall be so mounted as to provide protection against shock and vibration in normal use.

(iii) Semiconductors shall be amply sized. Rectifiers and transistors shall be operated at not more than two-thirds of their rated current and permissible peak inverse voltage. Zener diodes shall be operated at not more than one-half of their rated current and shall short under abnormal conditions.

(iv) Electrolytic capacitors shall be operated at not more than two-thirds of their rated voltage. They shall be designed to withstand a test voltage of 1,500 volts.

(4) Intrinsically safe circuits shall be so designed that after failure of a single component, and subsequent failures resulting from this first failure, the circuit will remain intrinsically safe.

(5) The circuit will be considered as intrinsically safe if in the course of testing no ignitions occur.

(b) Complete intrinsically safe equipment powered by low energy batteries:

(1) Short-circuit tests shall be conducted on batteries at normal operating temperature. Tests may be made on batteries at elevated temperature if such tests are deemed necessary.

(2) Resistance devices for limiting short-circuit current shall be an integral part of the battery, or installed as close to the battery terminal as practicable.

(3) Transistors of battery-operated equipment may be subjected to thermal “run-away” tests to determine that they will not ignite an explosive atmosphere.

(4) A minimum of 1,000 make-break sparks will be produced in each test for direct current circuits with consideration given to reversed polarity.

(5) Tests on batteries shall include series and/or parallel combinations of twice the normal battery complement, and the effect of capacitance and inductance, added to that normally present in the circuit.

(6) No ignition shall occur when approximately 1/2–inch of a single wire strand representative of the wire used in the equipment or device is shorted across the intrinsically safe circuit.

(7) Consideration shall be given to insure against accidental reversal of polarity.

(c) Line-powered equipment and devices:

(1) Line-powered equipment shall meet all applicable provisions specified for battery-powered equipment.

(2) Nonintrinsically safe components supplying power for intrinsically safe circuits shall be housed in explosion-proof enclosures and be provided with energy limiting components in the enclosure.

(3) Wiring for nonintrinsically safe circuits shall not be intermingled with wiring for intrinsically safe circuits.

(4) Transformers that supply power for intrinsically safe circuits shall have the primary and secondary windings physically separated. They shall be designed to withstand a test voltage of 1,500 volts when rated 125 volts or less and 2,500 volts when rated more than 125 volts.

(5) The line voltage shall be increased to 120 percent of nominal rated voltage to cover power line voltage variations.

(6) In investigations of alternating current circuits a minimum of 5,000 make-break sparks will be produced in each test.

(d) The design of intrinsically safe circuits shall preclude extraneous voltages caused by insufficient isolation or inductive coupling. The investigation shall determine the effect of ground faults where applicable.

(e) Identification markings: Circuits and components of intrinsically safe equipment and devices shall be adequately identified by marking or labeling. Battery-powered equipment shall be marked to indicate the manufacturer, type designation, ratings, and size of batteries used.

MSHA reserves the right to conduct appropriate test(s) to verify the adequacy of equipment for its intended service.

(a) A machine may be a new assembly, or a machine rebuilt to perform a service that is different from the original function, or a machine converted from nonpermissible to permissible status, or a machine converted from direct- to alternating-current power or vice versa. Properly identified components that have been investigated and accepted for application on approved machines will be accepted in lieu of certified components.

(b) A single layout drawing (see Figure 1 in Appendix II) or photographs will be acceptable to identify a machine that was assembled with certified or explosion-proof components. The following information shall be furnished:

(1) Overall dimensions.

(2) Wiring diagram.

(3) List of all components (see Figure 2 in Appendix II) identifying each according to its certification number or the approval number of the machine of which the component was a part.

(4) Specifications for:

(i) Overcurrent protection of motors.

(ii) All wiring between components, including mechanical protection such as hose conduits and clamps.

(iii) Portable cable, including the type, length, outside diameter, and number and size of conductors.

(iv) Insulated strain clamp for machine end of portable cable.

(v) Short-circuit protection to be provided at outby end of portable cable.

(c) MSHA reserves the right to inspect and to retest any component(s) that had been in previous service, as it deems appropriate.

(d) When MSHA has determined that all applicable requirements of this part have been met, the applicant will be authorized to attach an approval plate to each machine that is built in strict accordance with the drawings and specifications filed with MSHA and listed with MSHA's formal approval. A design of the approval plate will accompany the notification of approval. (Refer to §§18.10 and 18.11.)

(e) Approvals are issued only by Approval and Certification Center, Box 201B Industrial Park Road, Dallas Pike, Triadelphia, W. Va. 26049.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978; 52 FR 17514, May 8, 1987]

(a) An owner of approved (permissible) equipment who desires to make modifications in such equipment shall apply in writing to make such modifications. The application, together with the plans of modifications, shall be filed with Approval and Certification Center, RR 1, Box 251, Industrial Park Road, Triadelphia, WV 26059.

(b) Proposed modifications shall conform with the applicable requirements of subpart B of this part, and shall not substantially alter the basic functional design that was originally approved for the equipment.

(c) Upon receipt of the application for modification, and after such examination and investigation as may be deemed necessary by MSHA, MSHA will notify the owner and the District office of the mine workers' organization having jurisdiction at the mine where such equipment is to be operated stating the modifications which are proposed to be made and MSHA's action thereon.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978; 60 FR 35693, July 11, 1995]

(a) Application for permit. An application for a permit to use experimental electric face equipment in a gassy mine or tunnel will be considered only when submitted by the user of the equipment. The user shall submit a written application to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2322, Arlington, Virginia 22209–3939, and send a copy to Approval and Certification Center, RR 1, Box 251, Industrial Park Road, Triadelphia, WV 26059.

(b) Requirements—(1) Constructional. (i) Experimental equipment shall be so constructed that it will not constitute a fire or explosion hazard.

(ii) Enclosures designed as explosion-proof, unless already certified, or components of previously approved (permissible) machines, shall be submitted to MSHA for inspection and test and shall meet the applicable design requirements of subpart B of this part. Components designed as intrinsically safe also shall be submitted to MSHA for investigation.

(iii) MSHA may, at its discretion, waive the requirements for detailed drawings of component parts, inspections, and tests provided satisfactory evidence is submitted that an enclosure has been certified, or otherwise accepted by a reputable testing agency whose standards are substantially equivalent to those set forth in subpart B of this part.

(2) Specifications. The specifications for experimental equipment shall include a layout drawing (see Figure 1 in Appendix II) or photograph(s) with the components, including overcurrent-protective device(s) with setting(s) identified thereon or separately; a wiring diagram; and descriptive material necessary to insure safe operation of the equipment. Drawings already filed with MSHA need not be duplicated by the applicant, but shall be properly identified.

(c) Final inspection. Unless equipment is delivered to MSHA for investigation, the applicant shall notify Approval and Certification Center, RR 1, Box 251, Industrial Park Road, Triadelphia, WV 26059, when and where the experimental equipment will be ready for inspection by a representative of MSHA before installing it on a trial basis. Such inspection shall be completed before a permit will be issued.

(d) Issuance of permit. When the inspection discloses full compliance with the applicable requirements of this subpart, the Assistant Secretary will issue a permit sanctioning the operation of a single unit in a gassy mine or tunnel, as designated in the application. If the applicant is not the assembler of the equipment, a copy of the permit also may be sent to the assembler.

(e) Duration of permit. A permit will be effective for a period of 6 months. For a valid reason, to be stated in a written application, the Administrator of MSHA may grant an extension of a permit for an additional period, not exceeding 6 months. Further extension will be granted only where, after investigation, the Assistant Secretary finds that for reasons beyond the control of the user, it has not been possible to complete the experiment within the period covered by the extended permit.

(f) Permit label. With the notification granting a permit, the applicant will receive a photographic copy of a permit label bearing the following:

(1) Emblem of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

(2) Permit number.

(3) Expiration date of the permit.

(4) Name of machine.

(5) Name of the user and mine or tunnel.

The applicant shall attach the photographic copy of the permit label, or replica thereof, to the experimental equipment. If a photograph is used, a clear plastic covering shall be provided for it.

(g) Withdrawal of permit. The Assistant Secretary may rescind, for cause, any permit granted under this subpart.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978; 52 FR 17514, May 8, 1987; 60 FR 35693, July 11, 1995; 67 FR 38384, June 4, 2002]

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968; 33 FR 6345, Apr. 26, 1968, as amended at 42 FR 8373, Feb. 10, 1977]

Figure 2—Sample Bill of Material

Bill of Material (Electrical)

___ Hp., ___ Volts, ___ Ph.,

___ Cy., ___ R.P.M.

X/P__________(Date).

______(Date) Extension.

____Hp., ____Volts.

______ Extension.

Cable—Motor to Starter:

Cond. No. ___, ___&inch;

O.D., ___′ Long

Hose—Motor to Starter Cable:

___&inch; I.D., ___&inch; O.D., ___ ′ Long

Portable (Trailing) Cable—

Cond. No. ___, ___&inch;

O.D., ___′ Long

Hose—for Portable Cable:

___&inch; I.D., ___&inch; O.D., ___′ Long

Hose Clamps—

2 for Motor-Starter Hose conduit ___&inch; D

1 for Portable Cable Hose conduit __&inch; D*

*Only when short length of hose is used. Trolley Tap—

Model ______________ with ___-ampere fuse.

Rail Clamps, 2.

1 Ground Clamp, Cat. No. ___

1 Return Power Conductor, Cat. No. ___

Plug on outby end of potable cable for insertion into receptacle on distribution box or equivalent with short-circuit protective device set at ___ amperes.

Static-free Belt

Model

Style

Catalog No. ___,

Guard for Belt—

Overall Dimensions ___&inch; Long × ___&inch;

Wide ×___&inch; High

Note: The foregoing is intended as a guide. Additional electrical components used shall be completely identified.

Figure 3—Material To Be Included With the Operating Instructions—on or With the Wiring Diagram Submitted to Each Customer

(Sometimes referred to as “Caution Statement”)

caution

To retain “permissibility” of this equipment the following conditions shall be satisfied:

1. General safety. Frequent inspection shall be made. All electrical parts, including the portable cable and wiring, shall be kept in a safe condition. There shall be no openings into the casings of the electrical parts. A permissible distribution box shall be used for connection to the power circuit unless connection is made in fresh intake air. To maintain the overload protection on direct-current machines, the ungrounded conductor of the portable cable shall be connected to the proper terminal. The machine frame shall be effectively grounded. The power wires shall not be used for grounding except in conjunction with diode(s) or equivalent. The operating voltage should match the voltage rating of the motor(s).

2. Servicing. Explosion-proof enclosures shall be restored to the state of original safety with respect to all flame arresting paths, lead entrances, etc., following disassembly for repair or rebuilding, whether by the owner or an independent shop.

3. Fastenings. All bolts, nuts, screws, and other means of fastening, and also threaded covers, shall be in place, properly tightened and secured.

4. Renewals and repairs. Inspections, repairs, or renewals of electrical parts shall not be made unless the portable cable is disconnected from the circuit furnishing power, and the cable shall not be connected again until all parts are properly reassembled. Special care shall be taken in making renewals or repairs. Leave no parts off. Use replacement parts exactly like those furnished by the manufacturer. When any lead entrance is disturbed, the original leads or exact duplicates thereof shall be used and stuffing boxes shall be repacked in the approved manner.

5. Cable requirements. A flame-resistant portable cable bearing a MSHA assigned identification number, adequately protected by an automatic circuit-interrupting device shall be used. Special care shall be taken in handling the cable to guard against mechanical injury and wear. Splices in portable cables shall be made in a workmanlike manner, mechanically strong, and well insulated. Not more than five temporary splices are permitted in a portable cable regardless of length. Connections and wiring to the outby end of the cable shall be in accordance with recognized standards of safety.

Figure 4—Sample Factory Inspection Form

machine

motor

Hp.__ F.L. Speed:__ Volts:__ Amps._

Winding: ___ X/P No. ___ (or parts list designation).

starter

Hp. ___ Volts: ___ X/P No. ___ (or parts list designation).

Short-circuit protection ___ amps.

Overload-current protection ___ amps.

portable cable

Manufacturer: _________________

Type: ______ Conductors: _______

Length: ___ O.D. ___ MSHA No. ____

Is all wiring around machine adequately protected from mechanical damage?

Note: Add appropriate material for each explosion-proof enclosure when more than a motor and starter are on a machine.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 42 FR 8373, Feb. 10, 1977; 42 FR 25855, May 20, 1977]

Source:  36 FR 7007, Apr. 13, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§ 18.90   Purpose.

The regulations of this subpart E set forth the procedures and requirements for permissibility which must be met to obtain MSHA field approval of electrically operated machinery used or intended for use in by the last open crosscut of a coal mine which has not been otherwise approved, certified or accepted under the provisions of this part 18, chapter I, title 30, Code of Federal Regulations (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G).

(a) Individual field approvals will be issued by MSHA under the provisions of this subpart E for electrically operated machines commercially built, or constructed, by the owner-coal mine operator of such machines including any associated electrical equipment, electrical components, and electrical accessories.

(b) Approvals will not be issued under the provisions of this subpart E for electrically operated mining equipment manufactured or rebuilt primarily for sale or resale to any operator of a coal mine, or for small electrically operated equipment which consumes less than 2,250 watts of electricity, or for instruments and other small devices which employ electric power.

(a) Electrically operated machinery approved under the provisions of this subpart E shall be rugged in construction and shall be designed to facilitate maintenance and inspection.

(b) MSHA shall conduct field investigations and, where necessary, field test electric machinery only where such machinery is found to be constructed of suitable materials and safe for its intended use.

(a)(1) Investigation and testing leading to field approval shall be undertaken by MSHA only pursuant to individual written applications for each machine submitted in triplicate on MSHA Form No. 6–1481, by the owner-coal mine operator of the machine.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each application shall be accompanied by appropriate photographs, drawings, specifications, and descriptions as required under the provisions of §18.94 and each such application shall be filed with the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager for the District in which such machine will be employed.

(b) The Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager may, upon receipt of any application filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, waive the requirements of §18.94 with respect to such application if he determines that the submission of photographs, drawings, specifications, or descriptions will place an undue financial burden upon the applicant. In the event a waiver is granted in accordance with this paragraph (b), initial review of the application will be waived and the applicant shall be notified on MSHA Form 6–1481 of such waiver and the date, time, and location at which field inspection of the equipment described in the application will be conducted.

(c) Following receipt of an application filed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall determine whether the application has been filed in accordance with §18.91, and cause the application to be reviewed by a qualified electrical representative to determine compliance with §18.92:

(1) If it is determined on the basis of the application or the data submitted in accordance with §18.94 that further consideration of a field approval is warranted under this subpart E or that the machine appears suitable and safe for its intended use, the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall advise the applicant in writing that further investigation and inspection of the machine will be necessary. The notice issued by the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall set forth the time and place at which such inspection will be conducted and specify the location and size of any tapped holes required to be made by the applicant to facilitate the pressure testing of enclosures.

(2) If it is determined on the basis of data submitted in accordance with §18.94 that the applicant is not qualified to receive an approval or that the machine does not appear to be suitable and safe for its intended use, the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall so advise the applicant in writing, setting forth the reasons for his denial of the application, and where applicable, the deficiencies in the machine which rendered it unsuitable or unsafe for use.

(3) Rejected applications, together with attached photographs, drawings, specifications and descriptions shall be forwarded by the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager to Approval and Certification Center which shall record all pertinent data with respect to the machine for which field approval was sought.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978]

(a) Each application for field approval shall, except as provided in §18.93(b), include the following information with respect to the electrically operated machine for which field approval is sought:

(1) The trade name and the certification number or other means of identifying any explosion-proof compartment or intrinsically-safe component installed on the machine for which a prior approval or certification has been issued under the provisions of Bureau of Mines Schedules 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G.

(2) The trade name and the flame-resistance acceptance or approval number of any cable, cord, hose, or conveyor belt installed on the machine for which prior acceptance or approval by MSHA has been issued.

(b) Each application for field approval shall be accompanied by:

(1) If the machine is constructed or assembled entirely from components which have been certified or removed from machines approved under Bureau of Mines Schedule 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G, photographs or a single layout drawing which clearly depicts and identifies each of the permissible components and its location on the machine.

(2) If the machine contains one or more components required to be permissible which has not been approved or certified under Bureau of Mines Schedule 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G, a single layout drawing which clearly identifies all of the components from which it was assembled.

(3) All applications shall include specifications for:

(i) Overcurrent protection of motors;

(ii) All wiring between components, including mechanical protection such as hose conduit and clamps;

(iii) Portable trailing cable for use with the machine, including the type, length, diameter, and number and size of conductors;

(iv) Insulated strain clamp for machine end of portable trailing cable;

(v) Short-circuit protection to be provided at outby end of portable trailing cable.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 57 FR 61223, Dec. 23, 1992]

Machines for which field approval is sought which are constructed entirely from properly identified components that have been investigated and accepted or certified for applications on approved machines under the Bureau of Mines Schedule 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G, shall be approved following a determination by the electrical representative that the construction of the entire machine is permissible and conforms to the data submitted in accordance with §18.94.

(a) Upon receipt of written notice from the Health and Safety District Manager of the time and place at which a field approval investigation will be conducted with respect to any machine, the applicant will prepare the machine for inspection in the following manner:

(1) The machine shall be in fresh air out by the last open crosscut and free from obstructions, or, if the machine is located on the surface, moved to a clear area;

(2) All enclosure covers shall be removed;

(3) The flanges and interior of each enclosure, including the cover, shall be cleaned thoroughly;

(4) All hoses, cables, cord, and conveyor belts shall be wiped clean to expose surface markings;

(5) All electrical components shall be cleaned to reveal all stampings, identification plates, certification numbers, or explosion test markings.

(a) Except as provided in §18.95, all machines approved under the provisions of this subpart E shall, where practicable, meet the minimum design and performance requirements set forth in subpart B of this part 18 and, where necessary, the requirements of §18.98.

(b) The inspection of each machine shall be conducted by an electrical representative and such inspection shall include:

(1) Examination of all electrical components for materials, workmanship, design, and construction;

(2) Examination of all components of the machine which have been approved or certified under Bureau of Mines Schedule 2D, 2E, 2F, or 2G to determine whether such components have been maintained in permissible conditions;

(3) Comparison of the location of components on the machine with the drawings or photographs submitted to determine that each of them is properly located, identified and marked;

(4) Pressure testing of explosion-proof compartments, when necessary, shall be conducted in accordance with §18.98; and:

(i) Where the results of pressure testing are acceptable, the applicant shall be advised;

(ii) Where the explosion-proof enclosure is found unacceptable, the applicant shall be so informed;

(iii) If the performance of the explosion-proof enclosure is questionable, the qualified electrical representative may, at the request of the applicant, conduct a further detailed examination of the enclosure after disassembly and record his additional findings on MSHA Form No. 6–1481 under Results of Field Inspections.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 42 FR 8373, Feb. 10, 1977]

(a) Cast or welded enclosures shall be designed to withstand a minimum internal pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (gage). Castings shall be free from blowholes.

(b) Pneumatic field testing of explosion-proof enclosures shall be conducted by determining:

(1) Leak performance with a peak dynamic or static pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (gage); or

(2) A pressure rise and rate of decay consistent with unyielding components during a pressure-time history as derived from a series of oscillograms.

(c) Welded joints forming an enclosure shall have continuous gastight welds.

Upon completion of each inspection conducted in accordance with §18.97(b), the electrical representative conducting such inspection shall record his findings with respect to the machine examined on MSHA Form No. 6–1481 together with his recommendation of approval or disapproval of the machine.

(a) If the qualified electrical representative recommends field approval of the machine, the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall forward the completed application form together with all attached photographs, drawings, specifications, and descriptions to Approval and Certification Center. Approval and Certification Center shall record all pertinent data with respect to such machine, issue a letter of approval with a copy to the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager who authorized its issuance and send the field approval plate to the applicant. The approval plate shall be affixed to the machine by the applicant in such a manner so as not to impair its explosion-proof characteristics.

(b) If the electrical representative recommends disapproval of the machine, he shall record the reasons for such disapproval and the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager shall forward the completed application form and other data to Approval and Certification Center which shall record all pertinent data with respect to such machine and notify the applicant that the application for approval has been rejected and the reasons for the rejection.

[33 FR 4660, Mar. 19, 1968, as amended at 42 FR 8373, Feb. 10, 1977; 43 FR 12314, Mar. 24, 1978]

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