(When conductors are supported] by messengers or span wires, the clearance between the individual wires is not subject to: the provisions of Rule 235. (Multiconductor wires or cables (like a 230C3 triplex secondary| Jor a 230D troe wire circuit) are considered a single conductor for the purposes of Rule 235. Fig. 235-1. Multiconducior cables and conductors supported by messengers (Rule 235), Rule 235B2 has requirements for suspension insulators because NESC Table 235-1 is for fixed supports. The rules for suspension insulators require applying a 6-Ib/ft” wind to the conductor that the suspension insulator is holding. The wind pressure may be reduced to 4 lb/ft in sheltered areas but trees are not considered a shelter toa line. The deflection of flexible structures and fittings must also be considered if the deflection reduces the clearance in supe: See Rules 233A 1a(2) and 234A2 for similar requirements.+ i ‘ it ‘ ii" (etedeances (aes Sep aveuk: TAM lin! ‘ 115 KV transmission lite fed froit|a! ii \| 130, 4W-wire grounded ¥ sourde iki 1 with ground fault relaying at af WU levation of 30001. iM i : 115 KV (line to fine) " Ji gH 66.40 KV (ine tights) ; 66.40 kV x 1.05 (meme pore) = 00,78 kV Por Rule 236C2a(3). ii {1115 KV wore fod from a 22, 3 wire ' delta source, the full 115 kV voltage ‘must be used.) Bottom circuit: 12.47/22 KV 30, AW effectively grounded distribution line. (1) The phasor difference: Giaphicaly: Use 180° phasor relationship where actual phasor relationship is not known. Mathematically 72 £180" eee Wiekage baton 69.72 20°-72 2 180° ee ereglen ar YC greater of (1) or (2).In : Resultant tis case the value | 76.92 +0 76.92 20° 76.92 is greater. 76.92 20° KV (2) The phase-to-ground voltage of the higher circui 15 69.72 kV pss ope % 105 ("Votepe mapher is It both circuits were 115 KV then either circuil could be considered the higher voltage circuit. Fig. 235-2. Example of the voltage between line conductors of different circuits (Rule 235), Rule 235B3 provides alternate clearances for voltages exceeding 98 kV AC to ground or 139 kV DC to ground. The formulas in Rule 235B3 must be used for this calculation. The values in NESC Table 235-4 can be used to check the proper application of the formulas. See Rule 232D for a discussion of alternate clearances. Rule 235B can be applied using two different approaches. One approach is to find the required horizontal clearance of a particular span. Another approach is to determine a maximum. span based, on the ‘horizantal clearance fora particular structure type, conductor size, conductor 3a, and circuit voltage. Hil264 © OVERHEAD UNES a No horizontal clearance is spacitiod beilvden Conductors of the same circuit out in the span when the voltage is above 50 kV. Rule!012C, which requires accepted good practice, must be appliad. Typically, a galloping analysi is done to check horizontal and vertical clearances. Transmission Structure Galloping Analysis, Fig. 235-3. Horizontal clearance between conductors of the same circuit rated above 50 kV. (Rule 235816) 235C. Vertical Clearance at the Support for Line Conductors and Service Drops. Rule 235C applies to the vertical clearance between conductors at the support on the same supporting structure (e.g., pole). Rule 235C applies to line conductors and service drops. The terms line conductors (conductors, line) and service drop are both defined in NESC Sec. 02, Definitions of Special Terms. The vertical clearance requirements apply to conductors of the same and different cir- cuits on the same supporting structure. For vertical clearance between conductors of different circuits on different supporting structures, Rule 233 applies instead of Rule 235. See Rule 233B for a comparison of Rules 233B, 233C, 235B, and 235C. Rule 235Cla describes two items that the rule does not cover and therefore NESC Table 235-5 does not apply to. First, the NESC does not specify a vertical clear- ance between conductors of the same circuit when rated above 50 kV. A similar statement can be found in an exception to Rule 235B1b for horizontal clearance out in the span. Second, Rule 235Cla does not specify a vertical clearance between ungrounded open supply conductors (e.g,, bare noninsullated phase wires) of the same phase and circuit of the same ult (eyo tp of the mainline of 0-80 XV). See Fig, 235-6. The vertical clearance must be checked at the wi (gy pole) using NESC Table 235-5 and out in the span based on sag using Rule 235C2b. Typically, the vertical clearance at the structure will be controlled by the clearance required out in the span based on the upper and lower conductor sags.Rule 235¢ INESC Table 235-1 is used todetermine the required learance at the supports. but the clearance at the ‘supports may need to be greater than the value in NESC Table 235-1 to tect NESC Table 235-2 or 296-5. Using NESC Table 236-4 + Voltage between conductors involved is 12.47 KV for the two insulator pins ‘on the left side ofthe crossarm. + Per NESC Table 295-1 the required horizontal clearance i: 12" +04 per kV over 8.7 KY 12 60.4" (1247 -8.7) 12" +04" (77) 12" 1508" a = NESC Tables 235:2 and 235-3 are used to determine the clearance| fat the supports based ‘on the sagi the span: sample Horizcntal clearaiits |) of 1/0 ACSA conductors on 1247772 kV 20, 4W circuit. Using NESC Table 236-3 (AWG #2 or larger conductor) + Using the 1/0 ACSR sag chart at the beginning of Sec. 23, the sag at 60°F fnal with no. wind ia 4.00, + Per NESC Table 236-3, clearance required at the support for 12.47 kV between conductors, with 48" of sag, is 20° ‘The larger clearance (20°) is requited at the supports. Using this value mits the structure to a 300! maximumn ‘span as the sag value used in the caleuiation was from a ‘sag chart with a 300° ruling span. A larger clearance is typeclly used between 12.47 kV insulators to permitlongar span lengths. Fig. 235-4. Example of horizontal clearance between line conductors (Rule 2358), Per Rule 235C2b(1)(), the upper conductor mtist be checked at 120°F or the max- imum operating temperature at final sag, while the lower conductor is at the same ambient temperature as the upper conductor without electrical loading at final sag. The upper conductor must also be checked at 92°F with ice from the Zone in Rule 2308 at final sag, while the lower conducjor is at the sane ambient temperature asRule 235 ‘CUFARANCES §—.268 ‘WESC Table 235-1 i uoed todetermine the required learance at the supports, butthe clearance al the [supports may need to be ‘greater than the value in NESC Table 235-1 10 ‘meet NESC Table 235-2 or 236-3, of YOACSR ‘conductors on a 12aT/12 KV. 90,4W sicuit ‘atthe supports based fon the sag inthe span. Using NESC Table 236-1 Using NESC Table 235.3 {AVIG #2 or larger conductor) Voltage between conductors inahved is 12.47 KV for the two insulator pins ain tre WO ACER a9 chart si Ga bern nina of Soa he sag at 2 a wh os ro let wo aihe doen! * PerNESC Te 205 he reqed pe NESC Taio 295-9, dearance equa the Suppor 247 between oo tha oF aay ie 0" 1240.4" per kV over 8:7 kV 12" +04" (12.47-8.7) 12+ 04" (3.77) eel The lege clearance 2" rated the sappor a Jsing ths value its the strucire to a 200’ masamum Round io 14 <== span as the sag value used inthe calculation was from ‘sag chart with a 300' ruling span.A larger clearance is typically used between 12.47 kV insulators to permit longer span lengths, Fig. 235-4. Example of horizontal clearance between line conductors (Rule 235), Per Rule 235C2b(1)(c), the upper conductor must be checked at 120°F or the max- imum operating temperature at final sag, while the lower conductor is at the same ambient temperature as the upper conducton without electrical loading at final sag. The upper conductor rust also be checked, at 32°F with ice from the Zone in Rule 230B at final sag, while the lower conductor is.at the saine ambient temperature as the upper conductor without electrical loading at icg at final sag:286° © OVERHEAD LINES a i Rute 2350 (Glearahté béiween conductors: ‘at supports (Rlulé 235841a) must ‘consider live matali hardware (0.., conductor ties) electrically. ‘connected t6 thé conductor pet Rule 23043. The learance between conductors according to sags (out in the span) does not nead to consider the live metallic hardware at tho support por Rule 2358. Fig. 235-5. Horizontal clearance measurements between conductors at supports (Rule 2358), Using the 1/0 ACSR sample sag and tension chart at the begining of Sec. 23, assume the following for an example of applying Rule 235C2b(1\)i: * 1/0 ACSR phase conductor of a 12.47/7.2 kV, 3G, 4W, effectively grounded line is loaded to approximately 75% capacity (175 A) at both winter and sum- mer peak periods, medium loading, clearance Zone 2, 300-ft ruling span. See the discussion of this example at the beginning of Sec. 23. ‘* Upper phase conductor at 167°F, final. Sag is 6.25 ft. * Lower neutral conductor at 104°F, final. Sag is 5.34 ft If the top and bottom conductors were attached’ at the same height, the top con- ductor would be sagging 0.91 ft (6.25 ft 5.34 ft= 0.91 ft) below the bottom conduc- tor. The top conductor attachment must be raised, 0,91 ft (11 in) to make the sags level plus 12 in (16 in x 0.75 = 12 in per NESC Table 235-5 and Rule 235C2b(1)(@)) to meet the required clearance in the span for a 7.2-kV phase conductor over aRule 235¢, No vertical dleararda isi specified between conductors of the arte) ) circuit when the voltage is above 50 kV. Rule 0126; which requires accepted good practice, must be applied. Typically, a galloping analysis is done to check horizontal and vertical clearances, Conductors of same circuit above 50 kV Phase Phase ® Conductors of same phase and circuit, 0-50 kV No vertical clearance is specified between ungrounded open supply, ‘conductors (bare phase wires) of the same phase and circuit of the same utility (0-50 kV). Fig. 238-6. Items not covered under vertical clearance between conductors (Rule 235Cia). neutral conductor. The top conductor attachment must be 23 in (11 in + 121 higher than the bottom conductor. Using the 1/0 ACSR sample sag and tension chart at the beginning of Sec. 23, assume the following for an example of applying Rule 235C2b(1)(c) * 1/0 ACSR phase conductor of a 12.47/7.2 kV, 38, 4W, effectively grounded line is loaded to approximately 75% capacity (]75 A) at both winter and sum- mer peak periods, medium loading, clearance Zane 2, 300-ft ruling span. See the discussion of this exampleiat the beginning of Sec. 23. =23in)i abih ' 268 © OVERHEAD LINES Mh Rule 235¢ © Upper phase conductor at 32°F 0.25 in ice, final. Sag, is 4.49 ft: * Lower neutral conductor at -20°F, no ice, final. Sag is 1.78 ft. If the top and bottom conductors were attached at the same height, the top con- ductor would be sagging 2.71 ft (4.49 ft — 1.78 ft=2.71 ft) below the bottom condirc- tor. The top conductor attachment must be raised 2.71 ft (32.5 in) to make the sags level plus 12 in (16 in x 0.75 = 12 in per NESC Table 235-5 arid Rule 235C2b(1)(a)) to meet the required clearance in the span for a7.2-kV phase conductor over a neutral conductor. The top conductor attachment must be 32.5 in +12 in=44.5 in higher than the bottom conductor. The greater vertical clearance at the structure between 23 in and 44.5 in is 44.5 in. A vertical clearance larger than 44.5 in will be needed to permit span lengths longer than the 300-ft ruling span in the sample sag and tension chart. Exceptions apply to Rule 235C2b(1)(c) that permit ignoring the rule under certain: conditions. Examples of vertical clearance between line conductors are shown in Figs. 235-7 and 235-8. Rule 235C can be applied using two different approaches. One approach is to find the required vertical clearance of a particular span. Another approach is to determine a maximum span based on thé vertical clearance for a particular structure type, conductor size, conductor sag, and circuit voltage. In addition to powerline-to-powerline clearance, NESC Table 235-5 applies to power-to-communication clearance. Rule 235C and NESC Table 235-5 specify the conductor-to-conductor clearance. In addition to conductor-to-conductor clearance, a joint-use (power and communication) Code review requires hardware-to-hard- ware clearance, which is specified in Rule 238. The vertical clearance requirements in Rule 238B and NESC Table 235-5 revolve around 40 in, Less than 40 in (e.g,, 30 in) is acceptable for certain grounded supply facilities. Greater than 40 in is required for supply voltages above 8.7 kV to ground. The vertical clearance must be checked at the support (e.g,, pole) using NESC Table 235-5 and out in the span based on sag using Rule 235C2b. Typically, the vertical clearance at the structure will be controlled by the clearance required out in the span based on the upper and lower conductor sags. Depending on what type of conductors are involved, a power conductor sag and tension chart and a communications cable sag and tension chart will be needed to check supply-to-communication clearance at midspan. Examples of joint-use (sup- ply and communication) structures are shown in Figs. 235-9 through 235-14, Exception 1 of Rule 235C1 references Rule 235G which covers conductor spacing on vertical racks or separate brackets. Exceptions 2 and 3 of Rule 235C1 apply to joint-use (supply and communication) construction. See Fig. 235-15. In addition to the sag-related clearance checks in Rule 235C2b(1), Rule 235C2b(2) requires making sag adjustments when necessary to maintain clearance. When sag is reduced, tension is increased. If sag reductions are made to maintain clearance, the tension limits in Rule 261H1 must not be exceeded. Rule 235C2b(3) requires an additional special clearance check for joint-use (supply and communication) structures. See Fig. 235-16. Alternate clearances may be used for voltages exceeding 98 kV AC to ground or 139 kV DC to ground. The formulas in Rule 233C3 must be used for this calcula tion. See Rule 232D for a discussion of the alternate clearance method.Rule 235 CLEARANCES 269 Baample Vertical clearance between 1/0 ACSR phase and “AW citcul. neutral conductors on a 12.47/72 KV, 3 ESC Table 236-5 1s used Io determine the roquired clearance at the supports, but the ‘clearance at the supports may need to be ‘greater than the value in NESC Table 236-6| to meet Rule 235C2b(1)(a). "The vertical clearance between the outer phase conductor and the neutral does not need to be [checked it adequate horizontal clearance exists per Rule 2968, ule 235020(1)(a) is used to determine the required clearance at the supports, based on the sag in the span. ‘A cearance of not less than 75% of the value in NESC Table 235-5 Is required in the span al the specified conductor temperature and loading conditions in ule 235C20(1)(¢). Using NESC Table 235.5 Using Rute 23662 (1}(a) + Conductor at upper level is 72 KV phase + Per Rule 235C2b(1)(2), the required vertical clearance 40 ground inthe span is 75% of that required at the support. 12 + Conductor at lower level is a 23061 neutral + Por NESC Table 236-5, the required vertical ‘clearance at the support is 16” The 12° clearance applies atthe specified conductor temperature and loading Conaitions per Rule 235020(1)(c). The 16" vertical clearance is al the support and the 12° vertical ‘clearance Is out in the span. The conductor attachment locations| at the support must be determined to maintain 12" of vertical ‘clearance out in the span. The greater of the two values (16" of vertical clearance al the support af he conductor attachment locations to maintain 12" of vertical clearance out in the span) ‘must be used. Typically, more than 16" of clearance will be ‘needed al the structure to maintain 12" of clearance out in the span. Fig. 235-7. Example of vertical clearance between line conductors (Rule 235C).270 Phtots) Vertical clearance between a 115 kV trnamiasion line with ground faut relay ar 12.4772 kV effectively grounded distrbution line. The lines are owned by tHe same and the ine is bul at an elevation of 3000" Assume the orc re 100" of of phn Rule 238C to determine the required clearance at the supports, lbut the clearance at the Using Table 235.5, + NESC Table 235-5 only goos to 50 RY. Rule 235C2a provides dearance adders for voltages above 50 kV. + TIEAY (line to line) = 66.40 kV (Ene to ground) vs 66.40 kV x 105 = 69.72 KV 1.05 he ras cpu ee lope maser + Conductor at lower level ia 72 KV phase to ground. + The greater lhe phasor erence onthe phase to ground vol Hrohigher raul 70.30 A ee Fig, 2062) + Per NESC Table 235-5, vertical ‘clearance al the support is: 16" + 0.4" peor kV over 8.7 RV 16" + 0.4" (508.7) 16's 16.52" 92.52" Using Plule 236¢2a 82.59" + 0.4" (76.92 -| 32.52" + 10.77" 43.29" Round to 44" 50) al the supa The 44" vertical clearance is a the support and the 36° vertical Clearance is out in the span. The conductor the support must be determined to maintain 36" of vertical clearance ‘out in the span. The greater of the two values (44” of vertical clearance the conductor atachment locations to maintain 36" of vertical clearance out in the span) must be used, Typically, more than 44° of clearance will be needed atthe structure to maintain 96" ot clearance aut in the span. File 23502b(1)(a) is used to Selermine the required clearance at the supports based on the sag in the span. clearance of not less than 75% ofthe value in NESC Table 235-5 je required in he span atthe specified ‘Conductor lemperature and loading ‘conditions in Fle 23502b(1 Using File 235¢2> Per Rule 255020(1)(a), the required vertical cdearance inthe span i 75% ofthat fequied atthe support up 1 50 kV. Pet Pule 235620(1}(0), 100% (not 75%) of the rqured vertical clearance equred in the span for greater than 50 KV (exception ors xszee) STOTT 35 neem und 0 36° [The G6" clearance applies at he] specified conductor temperature and loscing conditions per Rule 235C2b(1)\¢) tachment locations at Fig. 235-8. Example of vertical clearance between line conductors (Rule 235C),Rule 236¢ Citarancis 271 12.47/12 KV, 30, 4W distribution No hardware ini the ‘commuriiéation ‘worker safety zone; see Rule 238. Sq Se Not less than 75% of the value required at the structure is required in the span per Rule 235C2b(1)(a) at the specified conductor temperature and loading conditions in Rule 235C2b(1)(c). 0.75:x.40" = 30" Per NESC Table 2355, not loss than 40° of vertical clearance between the 72 kV {to ground phase conductor and the communication cable. Fig. 235-9. Example of vertical clearance between joint-use (supply and communication) conductors (Rule 2350). Rule 235C4 labels the area between the supply space and the communication space both at the structure and out in'the span. The name for this area is the “Commu- nication Worker Safety Zone.” The work rules in Part 4 of the NESC provide the qualifications of a supply employee and a communication employee. Since the com- mnunication employee is not trained to work on supply lines, a safety zone exists for the communication employee's protection. If a communication line is positioned below a supply line on an overhead structure, but the required, commtinication worker safety zone clearance does not exist, the communication employee can correct the violation if the communication employee does not violate the mini- mum approach distances and other requirements in Sec. 43. If the communica- tion employee cannot maintain minimum the approach distances in Sec. 43, the communication employee must contact a supply employee to correct the violation. See Sec. 43 for additional information. The communication worker safety zone is defined by both Rule 238 and Rule 235C, not one rule or the other but the combined effect of both rules. Only a few select items are permitted in the communications ‘worker safety zone. The exceptions are the ilems specified in Rules 238C, 238D, and 239, See the communication worker safety Zane disetission and figure in Rule 2388. Wi‘272° OVERHEAD LINES Rudd 2480 24.94/14.4 kV, 36, 4W distribution line XQ Ve e if & the structure, 12.47/72 KV, 3©, 4W tap in both directions on a 10' crossarm mounted 2' below the top ‘crossarm (neutral on pole). (lop crossarm) with neutral on pole. Fig. 236-3. Examples of climbing space between conductors (Rule 236) the climbing space. When using the clearances in NESC Table 236-1, a conduit can be located within the clearances provided. Rule 3628, in Sec. 36, Risers, provides an additional requirement stating that the number, size, and location of the risers must be limited to allow adequate access for climbing. No specifics are provided as to the number or size of the conduits, Rule 012C, which requires accepted good practice, must be used. A conduit mounted on offset brackets is considered an obstruction to the climbing space. However, conduit offset brackets are used to organize theconduit risers on a pole and make climbing easier, especially when multiple con- duits or large conduits are present. The climbing space is then located on a side or comer of the pole that does not contain the riser conduits on offset brackéts: Rule 2361 requires climbing space to the top condu¢tor position where the cén- ter phase is on the pole top and the two outer phases are on a ctossarm mounted below the pole top. ‘One item that the NESC does not specifically address, but indirectly implies, is the location of obstructions at the base of the pole where the climbing space starts. Obstructions at the base of the pole are sometimes addressed in joint-use agree- ments between power and communication utilities. For example, the joint-use agreement may specify that telephone pedestals can be located outside the climbing space at the base of the pole. Other obstructions like fences cart somtietimes riot be avoided, as many times a pole is located along a property line where a ferice exists. If an obstruction like a telephone pedestal or fence exists at the base of the climb- ing space, the climbing space rules can be met if the climber climbs on the opposite side of the pole or rotates position on the way up and down the pole to avoid the obstruction at the base of the pole. See Figs. 236-4 and 236-5. The fall protection requirements in Rule 420K necessitate the need for some type of wood pole fall restriction device. This device typically clamps or cinches around Ifa phone pedestal, distribution pad- mounted transformer, fence post, etc., is located at the base of the pole, it can interfere with the climbing space. For the climbing space rules to be met, the climber must climb on the opposite side of the pole or rotate positions on the way up and down the pole fo avoid the obstruction at the base of the pole. Soe Photo(s) Fig. 236-4. Example of obstructions atthe base ofthe climbing space (Rule 236),Rule 237 CLEARANCES = 291 Climbing spacd. (Clearances anid vertical projections per Rule 236€ and NESC Table 236-1 Climbing space ‘can rotate around the pole. Aig. 236-5. Example of rotating the climbing space around'a pole (Rule 236). a wood pole when the pole is being climbed. Rule 420K aiso applies to transition- ing across obstacles on the pole such as, power and communication equipment. Power and communication equipment-must be mounted outside of the climbing space. Although not required by Rule 236, stand-off brackets can be used to mount the power or communications equipment to provide a method for the pole climber to meet Rule 420K. In other words, the pole climber will only need to transition the wood pole fall restriction device across the stand-off bracket, not the full height of the power or communication equipment. 237. WORKING SPACE Rule 237, Working Space, and Rule 236, Climbing Space, may appear complicated but they revolve around one simple idea. The supply and communication worker must have adequate space to climb and work on a pole and its conductors, sup- ports, and equipment. The working space rules are tied into the climbing space rules in Rule 236A. The working space dimensions required in Rule 237B are obtained from the climbing space requirements in Rule 236E and NESC Table 236-1. The working space dimen- sion rules are outlined in Fig, 237-1. Rule 237C provides requirements for working space relative to vertical and lateral conductors. Conductor jumpers and vertical risers that are nof in conduit must be located outside the working space.292 OVERHEAD UNES Rute 237 “The vertical dimension | of the working space must ba not less than The working space must the verical cloafance extend from the required by Fle 235. climbing space to the out most (Climbing space The working space at right angles to the support arm (depth) must be the same dimension as the climbing space in Rule 236E. Fig. 237-1. Working space dimensions (Rule 2378). Rule 237D provides rules for working space relative to buckarm construction. This rule is to be used with the corresponding climbing space requirements in Rule 236F. NESC Fig. 237-1 is provided as a guide Energized equipment must be guarded to avoid contact if all the conditions listed in Rule 237E apply. Rule 237F ties the working space requirements of Rule 237 to the work rules of Part 4. An example of working clearances from energized equipment is shown in Fig. 237-2.Rule 2308 CLEARANCES = 293 All parts of equipment (e.g., switches, fusos, transformers, surge arresters, luminaires, and their support brackets) must bo arranged so that during adjust ment or operation, the worker's body (including thé worker's hands) does not need to be loser to energized parts or conductors than the minienum approach distances in Part 4 of the NESC. (Insulated tools may bo used.) Co ea "Ko © Sn Fig, 237-2. Example of working clearances from energized eqquipment (Rule 237F). 238. VERTICAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN SPECIFIED: COMMUNICATION AND SUPPLY FACILITIES LOCATED ON THE SAME STRUCTURE Rule 238 is a small rule in terms of the amount of text, but it has a big impact on clearance between supply (power) and communication facilities. 238A. Equipment. Adefinitionisprovidedin Rule238A forequipmentasitapplies in Rule 238, Since the definition is specific to this rule, it is provided in Rule 238 instead of Sec. 02, “Definitions of Special Terms.” The definition of equipment on a typical joint-use (supply and communication) pole is outlined in Fig, 238-1. ‘A wood crossarm and crossarm brace (for supply conductors) are not consid- ered equipment per the definition of equipment in this rule. A metal crossarm brace (for supply conductors) may be considered equipment per the definition depending on the position of the metal brace and what the metal brace is attached to. Wood and metal crossarm braces supporting communication cables are always considered equipment per the definition of equipment in this rule, 2388, Clearances In Goneral. The vertical clearance between the following joint use facilities must be considered: © Supply conductors and communication equipment * Communication conductors and supply equipment * Supply and communication equipment NESC Table 238-1 is used to establish the vertical clearance requirements. NESG Table 238-1 provides vertical clearances only, not horizontal or diagonal clear- ances, The vertical clearance required in Rule 238 is in addition to the vertical clearance required in Rule 235C. The clearance requirements in both Rules 235C and 238 must be met. The clearances required in Rule 235 and 238 may be the294 OVERHEAD LINES Metal support braces that are attached to metal supports or loss than 1" from transformer cases, or hangers that are not offactively (grounded. A wood crossarm and crossarm brace at this location is not considered equipment per this definition. A metal crossarm brace may be considered equipment per the definition depending on the positon of the metal brace and ‘what the metal brace is attached to. Equipment definition for Ruta ‘Non-current-carrying motal parts of equipment, (e.9., the transformer case). ‘Metal supports for cables or ‘conductors (e.g., the insulator Metal or nonmetallic supports or pin supporting the conductor braces associated with insulator and the clamp ‘communication cables or supporting the messenger of conductors, A wood or a metal the communication cable). crossarm brace at this location is considered equipment. ‘Antenna (pointing up or down). Antennas are also addressed in Rule 2351, Photovoltaic panel, power supply, loading coil, etc. Pato) Fig. 238-1. Definition of equipment as it applies to vertical clearance between communication ind. supply facilities on the same structure (Rule 238A).‘Rule 2388 CLEARANCES §= 298 same (e.g., 40 in), but the clearance is measured at different locations. In Rule 238, a supply equipment to communication equipment measurement is required. In Rule 235C, a supply conductor to communication cable measurement is required, both at the structure and out in the span. The vertical clearance requirements in Rule 238B and NESC Table 238-1 revolve around 40 in. Less than 40 in (e.g,, 30 in) is acceptable for certain grounded supply facilities. Greater than 40 iri is required for supply voltages above 8.7 kV to ground. Exceptidns to the valués in NESC Table 238-1 are provided in Rules 238C and 238D. Exariiplés of vertical cleatance between supply and communication equipment on thie samé structtire are shown in Figs. 238-2 through 238-11. NESC Table 238-1 does not use an upper level/lowet level format. NESC: Table 235-5 does use an upper level /lower level format but Footnote 12 to NESC Table 235-5 addresses locating facilities in opposite positions. ‘The installation of a solar (photovoltaic) panel on a pole may involve both power and communication utilities depending on the location of the solar panel. If the solar panel is located in the supply space, the communication utilities on iE 12.47/72 kV, 30, 4W distribution line Lowest supply & & fe ‘equipment Not less than 40° of vertical clearance between 72 kV phase: to ground supply circuit equipment and ‘communication ‘equipment. Wood brace —“ ighest 48 a A 4) — Seep bJ Fig. 298-2. Example of vertical clearance between supply nd communication equipsent onthe same structure (Rule 2388).296 — OVERHEAD LINES Rule 2386. 24.9414.4 kV, 30, 4W distribution line Lowest supply x & ‘equipment Not fess than 43" of vorticel clearance | betwedn 14.4 KV phase {fo ground supply circult equipment and communication ‘equipment aa" 40" + (14.4 V8.7 kV) x0.4%KV] =42,3" Round to 43" sP ON CATV ae Highest communication Telephone —* papment Fig. 238-3. Exampie of vertical clearance between supply and coinmunications equipment on the same structure (Rule 2388). the pole are not affected. If the solar panel is located just below the communica- tion space, the communication utilities on the pole are affected. A solar panel is considered supply equipment per the definition of electric supply equipment in Sec. 02. Rule 238B, which references NESC Table 238-1, applies to the clearance between communication conductors and supply equipment. The solar panel cannot be installed in the communication worker safety zone as it is not one of the exceptions noted in Rule 235C4 or Rule 238E. Several rules apply to mount- ing a solar panel on a pole. See Fig. 238-12. 238C. Clearances for Span Wires or Brackets, The space between the sup- ply and communication facilities is called the “Communication Worker Safety Zone.” Rule 238E which defines the communication worker safety zone allows a few select items to be located in the communication worker safety zone which are covered in Rules 238C, 238D, and 239. Rule 238C permits span wires or brackets carrying luminaires (light fixtures), traffic signals, or trolley conductors to be located in the communication worker safety zone, The Code recognizes that lighting fixtures and traffic signals provide their own safetyRule 2380 CUARANCES = 297 Soca Effectively grounded neiitral (23081) ee Lowest supply equiptiant ie. ‘Not loss thant 40”, Not less than 30" {por NESC Table 238-1, Footriote 1) of vertical clearance between the 40" (80") = transfotmer tank. (The bottom of the drip toop must be 10" above, the bottom of the transformer to maintain 40" to the drip loop), Lowest supply equipment Not lass thah.40": Notless than 30" (per NESC Table 238-1, Footriote 1) of vertical clearance between non-current-carrying parts of effectively grourided supply equipment (o.g., the transformer case} and ‘communication equipment at lower levels. The non-current-carrying parts of supply equipment must be consistently grounded throughout a well-defined area and the neutral associated with the supply equipment must be bonded to the communications messenger at intervals meeting Rule 092c. _\= Highest communication Protas) 12°" equipment Fig. 238-5. Example of vertical clearance between supply and communication equipment on the same structure (Rule 2388), above the highest communication cable, through bolt, or other equipment if cer- tain conditions apply. Examples of lighting fixtures mounted above, in, and below the communication worker safety zone, along with lighting fixture drip loops, are shown in Figs. 238-13 through 238-16. It can be easy to lose sight of the fact that the reduced clearance to secondary drip loops only applies to drip loops feeding luminaires or traffic signals, For example, even though a 120/240 V circuit can be used to feed a house or a street lighting luminaire, the 12-in clearance only applies to the luminaire (street light) drip loop entering the luminaire or luminaire bracket. Luminaires and traffic sig- nals serve their own safety functions so they merit special Code consideration. See Fig. 238-17. 2386. Communication Worker Safoty Zone. Rule 238E labels the area between the supply space and the communication space both at the structure and out in the span. The name for this area is the “Communication Worker Safety Zone.” TheRule 2385 CLEARANCES §=— 299 > 12" maintained between the lumin- than 12" must be maintained ] alre bracket and the highest between the drip loop and the reread ‘communication equipment. ‘communication cable, through bolt, or other equipment. It the luminaire bracket was — mounted between 4" and 12" Highest communication equipment above the communication (Communication cable, through bolt, ‘equipment, the luminaire drip oF other equipment) 2 Le loop would need to meet the ‘exception to Rule 2380. The exception to Rule 238D permits the drip loop clearance to be not fess than 3" if the loop is, covered by a suitable nonmetallic covering that extends 2" beyond the loop. Bee Photo(s) Fig. 238-15. Example of vertical clearance between a drip loop feeding a luminaire and communication equipment (Rules 238C and 2380).Rule 2398 CLEARANCES = 309 ae aft Vertical riger in conduit per ule 2396, [A clearance of not less than 4” must be maintained between the lowest communication equipment and the luminaire bracket. Rule 238C and NESC Table 298-2 are not spocifc as toi the 4” clearance must be measured to the top or the bottom of the luminaire bracket. Rule 012C, which requires jaccepted good practice, must be applied. ’A clearance ol not less than 40° must be maintained [between the drip loop and the highest communication equipment. Vertical riser per Rule 2396 (if the drip oop was above the top of the [conduit, not less than 40" would be equired from the top of the conduit), Highest communication equipment Effectively grounded luminaire mounted below the Communication Worker Safety Zone below the communication space. Le Fig. 238-16. Example of vertical clearance between a dip loop feeding 2 luminaire and communica- tion equipment (Rules 238C, 238D, and 2396) 239H. Requirements for Vertical Communication Conductors Passing through Supply Space on Jointly Used Structures. The locations and conductors to which Rule 239H applies are graphically shown in Fig. 239-10. Communication conductors passing through the supply space can be seen on poles with an overhead ground wire (static) with an embedded fiber-optic communication cable and on supply poles with communication antennas on top. See Rule 2351 for additional information on clearance to communication anten- nas in the supply space. 2391. Oporating Rods. Operating rods for switches like a three-phase gang- operated distribution switch can pass through the communication space but they must be located outside the climbing space. See Rule 216 for a figure showing an overhead line switch operating rod. See Rule 236 for additional climbing space information. 2394. Additional Rules for Standott Brackets, Standoff brackets may be used to support conduits, Both metallic and nonmetallic conduits may be supported.