3. Agreement Reached at the Technical Conferences

The technical-conference participants agreed that most of the proposed revisions to GO 95 were non-controversial and should be adopted. They also agreed to several editorial and minor technical changes to GO 95 that were not included in the OIR. The primary dispute concerned the vertical clearance between supply lines and antennas located above supply lines.

After careful review and much discussion during the technical conferences, the parties agreed that a 6-foot vertical clearance between antennas (including associated elements) and supply lines energized at 750 to 35,000 volts is an appropriate and safe minimum standard. The parties also agreed to keep the proposed vertical clearance of 10 feet for supply lines energized at 35,000 to 50,000 volts.

The other major dispute was CPSD's concern that antenna cables passing by supply lines have adequate insulation. After much discussion, CPSD agreed with the other technical-conference participants that the proposed revisions to GO 95 require adequate insulation.

By the conclusion of the technical conferences, the participants were able to agree on a set of proposed revisions to GO 95. A copy of the TCR is contained in Appendix A of this Decision. The agreed-upon revisions to GO 95 are basic construction standards. As stated in existing Rule 13 of GO 95 (Scope of Rules), "These rules are not intended as complete construction specifications, but embody only the requirements which are most important from the standpoint of safety and service. Construction shall be according to accepted good practice for the given local conditions in all particulars not specified in the rules."

The TCR's proposed revisions to GO 95 are summarized below.

Rule 91.3-B (Stepping)

The TCR proposes to amend Rule 91.3-B to include an "exception" to clarify that steps are not required on a utility pole above the uppermost Class C electric supply circuit when an antenna is affixed above supply lines.

Rule 92.1-F(2) (Vertical Clearances)

The TCR proposes to delete outdated text from Rule 92.1-F(2) and to add a reference that notes the vertical clearances between antennas and supply or communication lines are in Rule 94.4 and Rule 38, Table 2, Case 21.

Rule 94 (Antennas)

The TCR proposes several revisions to Rule 94 (Antennas). First, the TCR proposes to amend Rule 94.3 (General Requirements) to differentiate "associated elements of the antenna" (e.g., associated cables, messengers) from "support elements" (e.g., arms, braces, brackets, hardware) and pole-top extensions and require that support elements and pole-top extensions satisfy the same strength and safety requirements contained in Section IV of GO 95.

Second, the TCR proposes to revise Rule 94.4 (Clearances) to specify the minimum horizontal and vertical clearances for antennas placed above, between, or below communications and/or supply lines. The vertical clearances required by proposed Rule 94.4-C are contained in Rule 38, Table 2, Case 21.

Third, the TCR adds Rule 94.6 (Climbing Space) to clarify how the climbing space requirements in existing Rules 54.7 and 84.7 apply to pole-top antennas. Similarly, the TCR adds Rule 94.7 (Stepping) to note that steps for antenna installations must adhere to the requirements in Rule 91.3.

Fourth, the TCR adds Rule 94.8 (Risers and Vertical Runs). This proposed Rule requires, among other things, that risers and vertical runs be suitably covered, installed outside the climbing space, and be constructed and maintained in accordance with specified subsections in Rule 54.6-D.

Finally, the TCR proposes to replace four existing diagrams with one new diagram labeled Figure 94.1. The new diagram illustrates in one place all of the vertical and horizontal clearances mandated by the revised Rule 94.

Rule 38, Table 2, Case 21

The TCR proposes to add a new Case 21 to Rule 38, Table 2. Rule 38, Table 2 specifies minimum clearances of wires from other wires. The proposed Case 21 specifies the minimum vertical clearance above supply lines and communication lines and below pole-top antennas and associated elements. For supply lines operating in the range of 0 to 750 volts (column D) the minimum vertical clearance is 48 inches (4 feet). For supply lines in the range of 750 to 35,000 volts (columns E, F, and G) the minimum clearance is 72 inches (6 feet). For supply lines in the range of 35,000 to 50,000 volts (column H) the minimum clearance is 120 inches (10 feet). The proposed rules do not address pole-top antennas placed above supply lines operating at more than 50,000 volts. Case 21 was added to provide a single point of reference for determining minimum vertical clearances for pole-top antennas.