Section 43.32. Cables and wires  


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  • (a) All high voltage wires installed underground shall be in the form of insulated lead-covered cables, which shall be armored or effectively protected against abrasion. The armor shall be electrically continuous throughout and shall be effectively grounded. The installation of efficiently insulated wires in metal conduit to transmit power underground shall be sufficient to meet this requirement.

    (b) All underground cables and wires, unless provided with grounded metallic covering, shall be supported by efficient insulators. The conductors connecting lamps to the power supply shall in all cases be insulated.

    (c) Cables and wires not provided with metallic coverings shall not be fixed to walls or timbers by means of uninsulated fastenings.

    (d) Overhead transmission lines between the generating station or substations and the tunnel entrance shall be supported upon insulators, which shall be adequate in quality, size, and design for the voltage transmitted. If the line is more than 500 feet in length, lightning arresters shall be installed. The line, except in the case of trolley wires, shall be maintained at least 10 feet above the ground at the lowest point, except at the point of entrance to the tunnel.

    (e) Buried cables shall be continuously insulated and protected by a metallic sheath, preferably lead. If they are so located that there is a possibility of danger to the sheath by puncturing, the cables shall be further protected by armor.

    (f) When the exposed ends of cables enter any fittings, they shall be so protected and finished off that moisture cannot enter the cable or the insulating material leak out, if of an oily or viscous nature.

    (g) When unarmored cables or wires pass through metal frames or into boxes or motor casings, the holes shall be substantially lined with insulated bushings.