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STATE OF CALIFORNIA

_____________

RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Prescribed by the

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

GENERAL ORDER No. 128

January 2006

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

General Order Number 128
Public Utilities Commission of the State of California
Rules for Construction of Underground Electric Supply and
Communication Systems

Adopted October 17, 1967 Effective December 12, 1967

Decision No. 73195 and 73462, Case No. 8208

Change list- The following is a list of Decisions and Resolutions which authorized statewide general changes to this Order, applicable to all operators of underground systems.

Decision or Resolution No.

Date Effective

Rules Herein Revised, Deleted or Added

Decision No. 76970

April 13, 1970

12.3, 12.3-A, 12.3-B, 12.3-C, 17.2, 17.8, 23.2.1 31.5-D, 31.6,32, 41.5-C, 41.6, 42.3, 42.4, 42.8, Figures 17 and 18

Resolution No. E-1401

July 16, 1974

36.5-A

Resolution No. E-3076

March 9, 1988

Revise 41.4-C2, Add 43.3-C, D

Resolution No. SU-6

November 21, 1990

Add Rules 12.2-A, 22.4

Resolution No. SU-15

November 6, 1992

Revise Rules 20.2, 20.4.

Resolution No. SU-25

January 19, 1993

Revise Rules 36.3, 36.4.

Resolution No. SU-40

October 9, 1996

12.1, 12.3, 20.1, 20.2, 20.5, 20.6, 20.7, 20.8, 20.9, 21.0, 21.2, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 21.8, 21.9, 22.1, 22.2, 22.5, 22.7, 23.6, 23.7, 32.9, 34.2, 44.1, 46.1

Decision No. 0501030

January 13, 2005

12.4, 17.1, 17.8, 18, 20.2, 22.10, 31.6, 34.3-B, 35.2, 41.6, 44.1

Decision No. 73195
Before the Public Utilities Commission of the
State of California

Investigation into the Requirements for a General Order Providing Rules Governing Construction of Underground Electric and Communication Lines in the State of California.

Case No. 8208
Decided October 17, 1967

Earl W. Cooper, Richard G. Campbell, for Sierra Pacific Power Company; Chickering & Gregory, by Sherman Chickering, G. Hayden Ames and Donald J. Richardson, Jr. also J. A. George and Stanley Jewell, for San Diego Gas and Electric Company; Orrick, Dahlquist, Herrington & Sutcliffe, by James F. Craft, Jr., also N. B. Gilbertson, for California-Pacific Utilities Company; William W. Eyers, for Southern California Water Company; A. E. Engel, for Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative; A. M. Hart and H. Ralph Snyder, Jr., by H. Ralph Snyder, Jr., for General Telephone Company of California; Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro; John A. Sutro, George A. Sears, John A. Sutro, Jr., Arthur T. George, by George A. Sears and John A. Sutro, Jr., for The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company; F. T. Searls, John C. Morrissey, Malcolm A. MacKillop and Ross Workman, for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Rollin E. Woodbury, Harry W. Sturges, Jr., and John R. Bury, for Southern California Edison Company; Jack T. Stiles, for Pacific Power and Light Company; George W. Allen, for California Interstate Telephone Co.; respondents.

William J. Adams, for the City of Novato; Robert S. Binsacca, for the City of El Cerrito and for Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference; John Bonadelle, for Home Builders, Fresno; Russell E. Bush, for the City of Vallejo; William C. Sharp, H. W. Carmack, for the City of Oakland; James S. Milch, Hubert C. Cavanagh, for the City of San Diego; K. R. Edsall, Eric W. Martins, H. L. Goth, for Southern California Gas Company and Southern Counties Gas Company of California; Harvey W. Edmund, Henry J. Fritz, for County of Santa Cruz; C. G. Ferguson, J. A. Wade, Jr., P. M. Robinson, for California Water Service Company; Wayne N. Frederickson, for Alameda County; Warren Earl Standeven, George Harris, for State of California, Division of Industrial Safety; Harold H. Heidrick, for Wilsey, Ham & Blair; Marino L. Iacopi, for California Community Television Association; Stanley S. Johnson and Joe Pecharich, for San Mateo County Engineers Office and Building Construction Office; Henry E. Jordan, Roy A. Wehe, Phil J. Shafer, for City of Long Beach; Thomas P. Kelly, Jr. Harold S. Lentz, Gary S. Anderson, John Gordon for Southern Pacific Company, Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company, San Diego-Arizona Eastern Railway; N. J. Kendall, for San Jose Water Works; Mark L. Kermit, for Contra Costa County; Bruce V. Kunde, for Line Material Industries; Gayle T. Martin, for City of Manhattan Beach; Robert E. Michalski, J. S. Taylor, for City of Palo Alto; Ralph E. Mohagen, for City of Richmond; Morgan, Beauzay & Holmes, by David W. Leahy, for San Francisco Bay Area Labor Management Committee for the Bay Area; Thomas M. O'Connor, McMorris Dow, Robert R. Laughead, for City and County of San Francisco; Paul E. Pugh for City of Healdsburg; Arthur W. Reschke, Henry Weisner, for City of Daly City; Maurice K. Roper, for Ukiah Municipal Electric System; Norman J. Stiene, for Town of Hillsborough, Ernest L. Nelson, Stanley Strizver, for City of San Leandro; M. A. Walters, for Local Unions 18, 47, 465, and 1245 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; H. L. Woodbury, for City of Glendale Public Service Department; Fred F. Cooper, for Home Builders Council of California; Sidney Long, for Division of Building and Housing Standards, Department of Housing and Community Development; Ernest E. Lockwood, for Central Solano County Planning Commission, City of Fairfield and City of Suisun; George H. Harter, for Electrical Contractors Association; Arne E. Westerback, for East Bay Municipal Utility District; J. D. Newton, Alameda

County Water District; David W. Baker, for Alameda-Contra Costa Counties Mayor Conferences; Norman Ingraham, for City of Santa Clara and NCMEA; George D. Moe, for State of California, Department of Public Works; John W. Gancy, Walter G. Treanor, for the Western Pacific Railroad; Ralph E. Anderson, Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. for League of California Cities; H. Stuart Goehler, for California-Nevada Line Constructors Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association; J. L. Mulloy, for Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles; Stanley Hiller, in propria persona; C. G. Ferguson, for California Section of American Water Works Association; Jan Staklis, for William E. Warne, Department of Water Resources; Lynden E. Merritt, for Allen System; Herbert H. Hunt, Donald M. Haight, for Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Herbert B. Fuster, Jr., for Department of Public Health, State of California; Roger Arnebergh, by Charles E. Mattson, C. E. Robinson, for City of Los Angeles; interested parties.

Timothy E. Treacy, Robert C. Marks, Melvin E. Mezek, for the Commission staff.

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Opinion

Nature of Proceeding

The Commission, on June 22, 1965, noting that the increasing demand for underground electric and communication facilities in California has brought about substantial increases in the construction of such facilities, and that it appeared it may be desirable, pursuant to Sections 761, 768 and 8056 of the Public Utilities Code, to establish by general order rules governing the construction of underground electric and communication lines to promote and safeguard public health and safety, instituted this investigation.

Public Hearings and Proceedings Prior to Submission

Public hearings were held, after due notice, at San Francisco and Los Angeles, before Commissioner Gatov and/or Examiner Gillanders on 20 days during the period beginning October 20, 1965 and ending May 2, 1966. During this period prehearing conferences were held. (Rules of Procedure, Rule 41.) Opening briefs were filed on June 10, 1966, reply briefs on June 20, 1966, and the matter then taken under submission.

General Remarks

During the course of the proceeding, evidence was adduced from 30 witnesses, 43 exhibits were received and 2,733 pages of transcript were recorded.

The record shows that, as between the parties, there are two issues. These issues are:

1. Is there a need for a general order?

2. Can the State preempt the field in the regulation of safety relative to underground electrical and communications facilities?

Is There a Need for a General Order?

The record shows that California electric and communications utilities began installing their facilities underground during the latter part of the 19th century.

Undergrounding proceeded at a leisurely pace until about five years ago. Since then, due to a combination of accelerated public interest and technical developments which substantially reduced the cost of undergrounding, a large percentage of new residential developments have been supplied from underground distribution systems.

The record indicates that respondent utilities have followed acceptable standards of care based upon past experience and are continuing to improve methods of construction, including joint construction with other utilities, to better serve the public and reduce costs.

The evidence further discloses that the present underground electrical and communications systems cannot be considered hazardous and the safety record is good.

It is recognized, however, that not only has undergrounding been growing rapidly using new equipment, techniques and material, but in keeping with the Commission's policy of encouraging, and when necessary ordering, more and more utilities' distribution systems to be buried, this pace will be greatly accelerated. This is not to say, therefore, that because of a good past record we should not do what we can now to avoid serious accidents or fatalities in the future.

Can the Commission Preempt the Field of Safety Regarding Underground Electrical and Communications Facilities?

Pursuant to Article XII, Sections 22 and 23 of the California Constitution, the Legislature enacted Sections 701, 761 et seq., and 8037 of the Public Utilities Code. Under this authority the Commission has undertaken to exercise its jurisdiction by the enactment of several general orders, such as General Order No. 95 governing the construction of overhead electric lines, General Order No. 103 governing the construction of water service facilities, and General Order No. 112-A governing the construction of gas transmission lines. These general orders promote safety, not only to the public utility involved and its employees, but also to the public in general. There can be little doubt that a uniform statewide policy of safety regulation is in the general public interest. Such matters are not solely matters of local interest and concern. The Commission, being a constitutional body exercising statewide jurisdiction, is the logical agency of the State to exercise authority of this nature.

It is this Commission which regulates the operations of public utilities to the end that their services to the general public are adequate and safe. Regulation of safety is cognate and germane to the regulation of public utilities.

Changing times and changing conditions require the Commission to exercise its right and duty to establish rules governing the construction, maintenance and operation of underground electric and communication facilities.

We come now to the consideration of the proposed general order itself (Exhibit No. 11). The precision and detail which marks our safety regulations in older or better-established engineering and operational techniques is, it is true, evident here only in part. We are aware that a considerable part of this proposed general order is, as our staff itself pointed out, only a foundation of broad principles on which details can be built. This does not in our view constitute a deficiency or flaw. To the contrary, we deem it prudent to have in being a vehicle, however embryonic, for immediately capitalizing experiences as they occur.

Findings

The Commission finds that it has the right, pursuant to Article XII, Section 23, of the California Constitution and Sections 701, 761, et seq., and 8056 of the Public Utilities Code, to establish the rules contained in Exhibit No. 11 governing the construction, maintenance and operation of underground electric and communication facilities.

The Commission further finds that the rules contained in the attached General Order No. 128 are reasonable, meet the aforesaid requirements and should be adopted.

All motions not consistent with the findings herein are denied.

Order

It Is Ordered that General Order No. 128 attached hereto be and it hereby is adopted. Said General Order No. 128 shall apply to all underground electric supply and communication systems coming within the jurisdiction of this Commission, and shall be effective on December 1, 1967. 1

It Is Further Ordered that the electric and communication utilities subject to these rules, either individually or collectively, shall file annually on or before June 30 a report setting forth such recommended changes in rules as they deem necessary to keep this general order up to date in keeping with the purpose and scope thereof, or stating that no changes are deemed to be necessary. Utilities recommending changes shall, either collectively or otherwise, file appropriate formal applications seeking Commission approval for such changes. However, nothing herein shall preclude other interested parties from initiating appropriate formal proceedings to have the Commission consider any changes they deem appropriate, or the Commission from acting upon its own motion.

The effective date of this order shall be twenty-five days after the date hereof.

Dated at San Francisco, California, this 17th day of October, 1967.

Peter E. Mitchell
President

William M. Bennett
A. W. Gatov
William Symons, Jr.
Fred P. Morrissey
Commissioners

___________________

1 Petition for rehearing filed by the State of California, Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, stayed Decision No. 73915 until December 12, 1967, when the petition was denied by Decision No. 73462.

Table of Contents

Rule Page

Section I General Provisions

11. Purpose of Rules I-1

12. Applicability of Rules I-1

12.1 Construction and Reconstruction of Lines I-1

12.2 Maintenance I-2

12.3 Systems Constructed Prior to These Rules I-2

12.4 Reconstruction or Alteration I-3

12.5 Third Party Nonconformance I-4

13. Scope of Rules I-4

14. Limiting Conditions Specified I-4

15. Exemptions or Modifications I-4

15.1 Changes and Special Installations I-5

15.2 Experimental Installations I-5

15.3 Notification I-5

16. Saving Clause I-6

17. Requirements for All Supply and Communication Systems I-6

17.1 Design, Construction and Maintenance I-6

17.2 Inspection I-6

17.3 Location I-7

17.4 Joint Use of Excavations and Facilities I-7

17.5 Two or More Systems I-7

17.6 Encroachments I-7

17.7 Location Information I-7

Rule Page

17.8 Identification of Manholes, Handholes and Subsurface
Equipment Enclosures I-8

17.9 Measurements I-8

17.10 Backfill of Excavations I-8

18 Investigation of Accidents I-9

Section II Definitions of Terms as Used in These Rules

20.1 Bond II-1

20.2 Cable II-1

20.3 Commission II-1

20.4 Communication System II-1

20.5 Concurrently Installed II-2

20.6 Conductor II-2

20.7 Conduit II-2

20.8 Conduit System II-2

20.9 Cover II-2

20.10 Duct II-2

21.1 Element II-3

21.2 Enclosed II-3

21.3 Exposed II-3

21.4 Grade II-3

21.5 Grounded II-3

21.6 Guarded II-3

21.7 Handhole II-3

Rule Page

21.8 Independently Installed II-4

21.9 Interconnection II-4

22.0 Isolated II-4

22.1 Joint Trench Operation II-4

22.2 Live (Energized) Parts II-4

22.3 Maintenance II-4

22.4 Maintenance Program II-4

22.5 Manhole II-4

22.6 Parkway II-4

22.7 Permanent Cable Trench II-5

22.8 Practicable II-5

22.9 Protection (Mechanical) II-5

22.10 Qualified II-5

23.0 Random Separation II-5

23.1 Service(s) II-5

23.2 Shielding (Cable) II-5

23.3 Sidewalk II-5

23.4 Subsurface Equipment Enclosure II-5

23.5 Supply System II-6

23.6 Thoroughfare II-6

23.7 Vault II-6

23.8 Voltage (or Volts) II-6

24.0 Wire Gage II-6

24.1 Working Space II-6

Section III Requirements for Supply Systems

30. General III-1

31. Duct System III-1

31.1 Definition III-1

Rule Page

31.2 Maintenance and Inspection III-1

31.3 Construction III-1

31.4 Clearance and Depths III-1

31.5 Risers and Other Above-ground Terminations III-4

31.6 Sealing Service Laterals III-5

32. Manholes, Handholes and Subsurface Equipment Enclosures III-5

32.1 Definitions III-5

32.2 Maintenance and Inspection III-5

32.3 Materials and Strength III-5

32.4 Size and Shape III-5

32.5 Openings III-6

32.6 Drainage III-6

Rule Page

32.7 Covers III-6

32.8 Location III-6

32.9 Intentionally Left Blank III-6

32.10 Foreign Pipes III-7

32.11 Incidental Wiring and Facilities III-7

32.12 Explosion Protection III-7

33. Cables III-7

33.1 Definitions III-7

33.2 Maintenance and Inspection III-7

33.3 Material III-7

33.4 Clearances and Depths III-8

33.5 Above-ground Installations III-11

33.6 Arrangements in Manholes, Vaults and Enclosures III-12

33.7 Grounding and Bonding III-12

34. Equipment III-12

34.1 Maintenance and Inspection III-12

Rule Page

34.2 Equipment in Manholes, Vaults, Rooms and Other Enclosures III-12

34.3 Self-contained Surface-mounted Equipment III-13

34.4 Grounding and Bonding III-14

34.5 Guarding Live Parts III-14

35. Marking and Guarding III-15

35.1 Identification of Cables III-15

35.2 Guarding Live Parts III-15

35.3 Warning Signs III-15

35.4 Manhole Covers III-15

36. Grounds and Neutrals III-16

36.1 Definitions III-16

36.2 Maintenance and Inspection III-16

36.3 Neutral Conductors III-16

36.4 Ground or Earth as a Conductor III-17

36.5 Grounding and Bonding of Conductors and Equipment III-17

Rule Page

Section IV Requirements for Communication Systems

40. General IV-1

40.1 Construction Methods IV-1

41. Duct Systems IV-1

41.1 Definition IV-1

41.2 Maintenance and Inspection IV-1

41.3 Construction IV-1

41.4 Clearances and Depths IV-1

41.5 Risers and Other Above Grade Terminations IV-4

41.6 Sealing Service Laterals IV-5

42. Manholes and Handholes IV-5

42.1 Definitions IV-5

42.2 Maintenance and Inspection IV-5

42.3 Materials and Strength IV-5

42.4 Size and Shape IV-6

42.5 Openings IV-6

42.6 Drainage IV-6

42.7 Covers IV-6

42.8 Location IV-7

42.9 Foreign Pipes IV-7

42.10 Explosion Protection IV-7

43. Buried Cables and Conductors IV-7

43.1 Definitions IV-7

Rule Page

43.2 Maintenance and Inspection IV-7

43.3 Clearances and Depths IV-7

43.4 Risers and Other Above Grade Terminations IV-9

44. Conductors of Different Systems IV-9

44.1 Separation of Supply and Communication Systems IV-9

44.2 Special Cases IV-10

45. Private Communication Circuits IV-10

45.1 Definition IV-10

45.2 Maintenance and Inspection IV-10

45.3 Supply Private Communication Cables and Conductors IV-10

45.4 Other Private Communication Cables and Conductors IV-10

46. Police, Fire Alarm and Traffic Control Circuits IV-11

46.1 Maintenance and Inspection IV-11

46.2 Occupancy with Public Communication Systems IV-11

46.3 Occupancy with Supply Systems IV-11

Appendix A Summary of Dimensions, Clearances and Depth Requirements A-1

Table I Clearance and Depth Requirements for Supply and
Communication Systems A-3

Table II Miscellaneous Dimensions and Clearance Requirements for Supply
and Communication Systems A-4

Appendix B Typical Illustrative Diagrams of Rules B-1

Appendix C Clearance from Railroad Tracks C-1

Appendix D Excerpts from Public Utilities Code D-1

Section I
General Provisions

Rule 12.1-A

11 Purpose of Rules

12 Applicability of Rules

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Rule 12.2

Note: Rule 12.2-A added November 21, 1990 by Resolution No. SU-6.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Rule 12.4

Note: Rule 12.3 revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970.

12.4 Reconstruction or Alteration

Rule 12.5

12.5 Third Party Nonconformance

Note: Added January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 0501030.

13 Scope Of Rules

14 Limiting Conditions Specified

The requirements specified in these rules as to spacing, clearance, and strength of construction are limiting conditions expressed as minimum or maximum values as indicated. In cases where two or more requirements establish limiting conditions the most stringent condition shall be met, thus providing compliance with the other applicable conditions. Greater strength of construction and more ample spacings and clearances than herein specified may be desirable in some cases and may be provided accordingly if other requirements are not violated in so doing.

15 Exemptions or Modifications

Rule 15.3

Rule 16

16 Saving Clause

The Commission reserves the right to grant relief from any of the provisions of these rules in specific cases when, in the Commission's opinion, public interest would be served by so doing.

Compliance with these rules is not intended to relieve a utility from any statutory requirements.

17 Requirements for All Supply and Communication Systems

The following rules apply to all supply and communication underground systems under all conditions.

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970

Rule 17.7

Rule 17.7-A

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970 and January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

Rule 17.7-A

18 Investigation of Accidents

Note: Added January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103

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Section II
Definitions of Terms as Used in These Rules

Rule 20.4-A

20.1 Bond means an electrical connection from one conductive element to another for the purpose of maintaining a common electrical potential.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

20.2 Cable means an insulated conductor or a combination of insulated conductors, and/or a fiber or group of fibers.

Note: Revised November 6, 1992 by Resolution SU-15, October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40 January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

20.3 Commission means the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.

20.4 Communication System means an underground communications system including all of the subsurface and associated above ground structures, cables, ducts, manholes, equipment and appurtenances used for transmitting information. Circuits of a communication system not contained in grounded metallic sheathed or shielded cable shall not operate at more than 400 volts to ground or 750 volts between any two points of such circuit, nor shall the transmitted power exceed 150 watts; except that when operated at less than 150 volts, no limit is placed on the transmitted power.

Note: Revised November 6, 1992 by Resolution SU-15.

Rule 20.4-B

20.5 Concurrently Installed means occurring at or about the same time by virtue of joint planning and agreement by two or more parties. This applies to joint trench operations.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

20.6 Conductor means a material suitable for:

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

20.7 Conduit means a tube or duct for enclosing conductors or cables.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

20.8 Conduit System means conduit and their related components used to enclose cables, conductors, and associated equipment.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

20.9 Cover means the radial distance between the surface of an underground cable or conduit and grade.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.0 Duct means a fabricated tube for receiving and containing conductors and cables.

Rule 21.7

21.1 Element means a unit; or aggregation which functionally must be considered as a unit; of materials, circuits or apparatus, separately or in any combination, which customarily is identified functionally by itself.

21.2 Enclosed means surrounded by a case, cage or fence designed to protect the contained equipment and minimize the possibility of accidental contact by persons or objects.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.3 Exposed means that a live part can be inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by any person. It is applied to parts not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.4 Grade means the surface (earth, roadway, sidewalk, landscaping, etc.) at a given point or place. (See Appendix B, Figure 6).

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.5 Grounded means connected to earth by a conductive path.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.6 Guarded means protected by a suitable cover or barrier to minimize the possibility of accidental contact

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.7 Handhole means a permanent opening in the route of an underground system, usually smaller than a manhole, with a removable top and affording access to cable runs and associated apparatus (See Appendix B, Figure 10).

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Rule 21.8

21.8 Independently Installed means occurring at significantly different times and not relating to a mutual endeavor. Applies to elements of two or more systems not installed by a joint trench operation.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

21.9 Interconnection means the joining of circuits which are of different ownership.

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

22.1 Joint Trench Operation means a trench opened and closed as a mutual endeavor of two or more parties for joint occupancy. Joint occupancy may occur with only elements of two or more systems being placed. (See Appendix B, Figure 6).

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

22.2 Live (Energized) Parts means those parts which are electrically connected to points of potential, different from that of the earth.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

22.3 Maintenance means the work done on any facility or element for the purpose of preserving its efficiency or physical condition in service.

22.4 A Maintenance Program means a written policy that shall include the following key elements:

Note: Rule 22.4 added November 21, 1990 by Resolution SU-6.

22.5 Manhole means a subsurface enclosure in an underground system containing working space large enough for a person to enter, which provides space and access for installation and maintenance of cables, transformers, or other equipment or apparatus (See Appendix B, Figure 9).

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

22.6 Parkway means that area adjacent to a thoroughfare within a street or highway right of way not generally used for vehicular travel (See Appendix B, Figure 6 and 7).

Rule 23.4

22.7 Permanent Cable Trench means a permanent trench with removable covering in which cables may be installed.

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

22.8 Practicable means capable of being accomplished by reasonably available, economic, and workable means.

22.9 Protection (Mechanical) means any suitable material placed above, below, or alongside an underground system or element thereof to limit mechanical stress thereon to safe working limits including allowance for other facilities, such as paving, or to serve as an impediment to accidental damage of the system.

22.10 Qualified means qualified by training and experience to be competent to work on and recognize the hazards and exposure involved in the lines and equipment being worked on.

Note: Added January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 0501030.

23.0 Random Separation means no deliberate or required clearance or separation between facilities (See Appendix B, Figure 5).

23.1 Service(s) means cables, conductors and associated equipment used to connect a customer to an electrical supply or communication system.

23.2 Shielding (Cable) means a conductive material surrounding a cable, not necessarily on the external surface thereof.

23.3 Sidewalk means a paved surface intended primarily for pedestrian use (See Appendix B, Figure 6).

23.4 Subsurface Equipment Enclosure means a chamber in a supply system, usually smaller than a manhole, with a removable top or cover, and affording access to transformers, cables or other equipment or apparatus (See Appendix B, Figs. 17 and 18).

Note: Added April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970.

Rule 23.5

23.5 Supply System means an underground electrical supply system including all of the subsurface and associated above-ground structures, conductors, services and appurtenances located on poles, on or in buildings or in electrical stations and which are used for transmitting and distributing electrical energy.

23.6 Thoroughfare means any public or private highway, avenue, street, road, alley, or other place generally used for vehicular travel (See Appendix B, Figures 1, 6 and 7).

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

23.7 Vault means an isolated fire resistant enclosure, either above or below ground, or in a building, large enough for a person to enter, and containing working space, in which transformers or other equipment may be installed and maintained.

23.8 Voltage (or Volts) means the highest effective electrical potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned except where, in certain rules, reference is made to the term "voltage (or volts) to ground".

24.0 Wire Gage means a standard of measurement used for convenient nomenclature of the various sizes of wire.

24.1 Working Space means the space available for working safely on or around underground facilities for the purpose of construction, operation and maintenance (See Appendix B, Figure 9).

Section III
Requirements for Supply Systems

Rule 31.4-A

30 General

The following rules cover construction requirements for supply systems. These rules are supplemented, in certain cases, by rules in other sections. Supply systems installed under these rules consist of, but shall not be limited to cables, conductors, fused devices, switches, transformers and associated equipment installed underground, on the surface and in buildings and may be buried or placed in ducts, conduits, manholes, handholes or a combination of these elements.

Terminating and access points for a supply system may be above or below ground and may be on or in buildings.

31 Duct Systems

Rule 31.4-A1

Rule 31.4-D

Rule 31.4-D1

31.5 Risers and Other Above-ground Terminations

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790.

Rule 32.4

Note: Customer/contractor may be required by the utility to provide a means to prevent the accumulation of excess water or water pressure in the service lateral conduit.

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790 and January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

32 Manholes, Handholes and Subsurface Equipment Enclosures

The provisions of this rule relating to manholes shall also be applicable to vaults and trenches.

32.1 Definitions (See Rules 21.7, 22.5, 23.4, and 23.7)

32.2 Maintenance and Inspection (See Rules 12.2 and 17.2)

Rule 32.5

32.9 This space intentionally left blank.

Note: Deleted October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Rule 33.3-A2

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790.

33 Cables

Rule 33.3-B

Rule 33.4-A3a

Rule 33.4-A3a

Note: Revised January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

Rule 33.5-B

D. EXCEPTIONS

33.5 Above-ground Installations

Rule 33.5-C

33.6 Arrangements in Manholes, Vaults, and Enclosures

33.7 Grounding and Bonding

34 Equipment

The following rules cover the requirements for installation of equipment in manholes, building vaults, rooms, or other enclosures and self-contained surface-mounted equipment.

Rule 34.3

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Rule 34.3-A

Note: Revised January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

Rule 35.4

35 Marking and Guarding

Note: Revised January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

35.4 Manhole Covers (See Rule 32.7)

Rule 36

36 Grounds and Neutrals

Note: Revised January 19, 1994 by Resolution SU-25

Rule 36.5-A1a

36.4 Ground or Earth as a Conductor

Note: Revised January 19, 1994 by Resolution SU-25.

36.5 Grounding and Bonding of Conductors and Equipment

Rule 36.5-A1b

Note: Revised July 16, 1974 by Resolution No. E-1401.

Rule 36.5-D3

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Section IV
Requirements for Communication Systems

Rule 41.4-A

40 General

40.1 Construction Methods

41 Duct Systems

Rule 41.4-A1

Rule 41.4-C1

Note: Revised March 9, 1988 by Resolution E-3076.

Rule 41.4-C5

41.5 Risers and Other Above Grade Terminations

Rule 42.3

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790.

Note: Customer/contractor may be required by the utility to provide a means to prevent the accumulation of excess water or water pressure in the service lateral conduit.

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790 and January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 050103.

42 Manholes and Handholes

The provisions in this rule relating to manholes shall also be applicable to vaults and trenches (permanent cable trenches).

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790.

Rule 42.4

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76790.

Rule 43.3-A

Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970.

43 Buried Cables and Conductors

Rule 43.3-B

Rule 44.1-C

Note: Rules 43.3-C and D added March 9, 1988 by Resolution No. E-3076.

44 Conductors of Different Systems

44.1 Separation of Supply and Communication Systems

Rule 44.1-D

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40 and January 13, 2005 by Decision No. 0501030.

45 Private Communication Circuits

Rule 46.3

46 Police, Fire Alarm, and Traffic Control Circuits

46.1 Maintenance and Inspection (See Rules 12.2 and 17.2)

Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution SU-40.

Public Utilities Commission

of the State of California

By: William W. Dunlop, Secretary

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Appendix A
Summary of Dimensions, Clearances and Depth Requirements

These tables summarize the requirements of certain rules and are to be used as a guide only for the application of such rules. Under no conditions shall the tables be given precedence over the rules as written.

Table
No.

Title

Page

     

I.

Clearance and Depth Requirements for Supply and Communication Systems

A-3

II.

Miscellaneous Dimensions and Clearance Requirements for Supply and Communication Systems

A-4

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

Table 1 Clearance and Depth Requirements for Supply and Communication Systems

Case
Number

Nature of Clearance or Depth

Requirements 2

Reference Rules

1

Clearances
Cables when independently installed 1

3" concrete, 4" brick, or 12" earth

33.4A(1) (a),
33.4A(2) (a), 43.3A

2

Cables when concurrently installed 1

No separation required when parties mutually agree
For random separation, see Rule 43.3B(1)

33.4A(1) (b), 33.4A(2) (b), 43.3B

3

Cables and Ducts From Foreign Structures
(Except Supply or Communication Systems) when independently installed

12" when paralleling and 6" when crossing

31.4A(1), 33.4A(3)(a)
41.4A(1), 43.3A

4

Cables and Ducts From Foreign Substructures
(Except Supply or Communication Systems) when concurrently installed

No separation required when parties mutually agree
For random separation, see Rule 43.3B

31.4A(2), 33.4A(3) (b), 41.4A(2), 43.3B

5

Separation of Communication and Supply duct systems independently installed

3" concrete, 4" brick or 12" earth

31.4B(1), 41.4B(1)

6

Separation of Communication and Supply duct systems concurrently installed

No separation required when parties mutually agree and both systems are in rigid ducts

31.4B(2), 41.4B(2)

7

Depth
Depth of Cables and Ducts Under Railroads

30" below street railroads,
42" below other railroad

31.4C(1), 33.4B, 41.4C(1), 43.3

8

Depths of Supply Cables and Ducts

0 - 750 Volts: 24" below Thoroughfares,
18" elsewhere (Sidewalks, Parkways and Private Property) 751 - 35,000 Volts: 24"
Above 35,000 Volts: 36"

31.4C, 33.4C, 33.4D

9

Depths of Communication Cables and Ducts

18" below Thoroughfares, 12" elsewhere (Sidewalks, Parkways and Private Property)

41.4C, 43.3

1 For definitions of independently and concurrently installed, see Rules 20.5 and 21.8.

2 Clearances and depths shown may be reduced under certain conditions - see referenced rules. For measurement of clearance, see Rule 17.9.

Table 2 Miscellaneous Dimensions and Clearance Requirements for Supply and Communication Systems

Case
Number

Nature of Clearance or Depth

Requirements 1

Reference Rules

1

From railroad tracks, of risers and other above-ground terminations

General Order 26-D and 118

31.5D, 33.5D, 41.5C, 43.4

2

Size and shape of manholes

Minimum inside dimension shall be 4 feet by 5 feet high. See Public Utilities Code, Section 8051 for specific requirements

32.4, 42.4

3

Manhole openings

Not less than 26" in diameter or 26" x 24" rectangular

32.5, 42.5

4

Manhole location

Manhole openings shall not be less than 3 feet from any railroad rail

32.8, 42.8

5

Sectionalizing Switches

Maximum height of operating handles and viewing windows: 6-1/2 feet

34.2B

6

Oil filled equipment

From building surface: 3 feet
From non-combustible building surface: 2 feet

34.3D

1 Dimensions and clearances shown may be reduced under certain conditions - see referenced rules.

Appendix B
Typical Illustrative Diagrams of Rules

These diagrams illustrate the requirements of certain rules and are to be used as a guide only for the application of such rules. Under no conditions shall these diagrams be given precedence over the rules as written.

Figure
No.

Title

Page

1

Illustrative Diagram-Clearance and Depth Requirements for Supply and Communications Systems

B-3

2

Typical Residential Supply and Communication System-Direct Buried or Preassembled Cables-in-Ducts

B-4, B-5

3

Typical Commercial Supply System-Cables Installed In Ducts

B-6 - B-8

4

Typical Communication System-Cable Installed in Ducts

B-9

5

Cross Section-Random Separation of Buried Cable

B-10

6

Cross Section-Supply and Communication System Concurrent Installations

B-11

7

Cross Section Showing Independent Installations

B-12

8

Cross Section-Permanent Cable Trench

B-13

9

Typical Manhole

B-14

10

Separation of Supply and Communication Systems-Handholes

B-15

11

Typical Single-Phase Pad Mounted Transformer

B-16

12

Typical Three-Phase Pad Mounted Transformer

B-17

13

Typical Joint Supply and Communication Pedestal

B-18

14

Typical Low Voltage Service Termination at Building

B-19

15

Typical Extent of Ownership Within Buildings to Which These Rules Apply

B-20

16

Grounding of Transformer Windings

B-21

17

Typical Subsurface Equipment Enclosure

B-22

18

Typical Transformer Installation in Subsurface Equipment Enclosure

B-23

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Typical Residential Supply and Communications System Direct Buried or Preassembled Cables-in-Ducts

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

Appendix C
Clearance from Railroad Tracks

These diagrams illustrate the requirements of certain rules and are to be used as a guide only for the application of such rules. Under no condition shall these diagrams be given precedence over the rules as written.

Figure
No.

Title

Page

     

1

Typical Clearances For Above Ground Electrical Terminations Constructed Adjacent to Railroad Tracks

C-3

2

Typical Installations of Manhole Covers Adjacent to Railroad Tracks

C-4

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Appendix D
Excerpts from Public Utilities Code

Title

Page

   

Division 4, Chapter 5, Article 1, Sections 8001 - 8003

D-3

Division 4, Chapter 5, Article 3, Sections 8051 - 8057

D-3 and D-4

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Appendix D

Statutes of 1951, Chapter No. 764, Public Utilities Code, Division 4, Chapter 5

Article 1

8001. Unless the particular provisions or the context otherwise requires, the definitions and general provisions contained in this article shall govern the construction of this chapter.

8002. "Person" includes any commission, officer, agent, or employee of this State, or of any county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision thereof, and any other person, firm, or corporation.

8003. "Signal wires or cables" include telephone, telegraph, and other signal wires.

Article 3

8051. No persons shall build or rebuild any subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room used or to be used to contain, encase, cover, or conduct any wire, cable, or appliance, to conduct or handle electricity, unless such subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room has an inside measurement of not less than four feet at the maximum points between the side walls thereof, and between the end walls thereof, and not less than five feet at all points between the floor and the top or ceiling thereof, or if circular in shape, at least four feet diameter inside measurement and not less than five feet at all points between the floor and ceiling thereof. This section does not apply to any such subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room, within which it is not intended or required that any human being perform work or labor or be employed. This section does not apply where satisfactory proof is submitted to the Commission that it is impracticable or physically impossible to comply with this law within the space or location so designated by the proper municipal authorities.

8052. No person shall build or rebuild in any subway, manhole, chamber or underground room used or to be used to contain, encase, cover, or conduct any wire, cable, or appliance to conduct or handle electricity, any opening to outer air which is less than 26 inches if circular in shape, or less than 24 inches by 26 inches clear measurement if rectangular in shape.

Appendix D, Article 3

8053. No person shall build or rebuild in any subway, manhole, chamber or underground room, used or to be used to contain, encase, cover, or conduct any wire, cable, or appliance to conduct or handle electricity, any opening which is at the surface of the ground, within the distance of three feet at any point from the rail of any railway or streetcar track. This section does not apply where satisfactory proof is submitted to the Commission that it is impracticable or physically impossible to comply with this law in the space or location so designated by the proper municipal authorities.

8054. No person shall build or rebuild any subway, manhole, chamber or underground room, used or to be used, to contain, encase, cover, or conduct any wire, cable, or appliance to conduct or handle electricity unless the floor of the subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room is made of stone, concrete, brick, or other similar material not subject to decomposition. This section does not apply to any subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room within which it is not intended or required that any human being perform work or labor or be employed.

8055. No person shall build or rebuild or maintain any subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room used, or to be used, to contain, encase, cover, or conduct any wire, cable, or appliance to conduct or handle electricity, unless such subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room is kept at all times in a sanitary condition and free from stagnant water, seepage, or other drainage, or any offensive matter dangerous to health, either by sewer connection or otherwise. This section does not apply to any subway, manhole, chamber, or underground room within which it is not intended or required that any human being perform work or labor, or be employed.

8056. The Commission may inspect all work which is included in the provisions of this article, and may make such further additions or changes as the Commission deems necessary for the purpose of safety to employees and the general public. The Commission shall enforce the provisions of this article.

8057. Any violation of any provision of this article is a misdemeanor.

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