NEC Article 230.24 Clearances

I can't find my copy of "Packers for Dummies" right now. Sorry.

Ya, I lost my copy too

It's just one measly lighting power line that could be raised to 52 feet, or whatever.

(Maybe cheaper than figuring out what the Code actually says....)

[Sorry--couldn't resist. ]

I wish it was only one span involved

The good news, there are four steel towers and those will be easy to raise the lines. Just add a j-box and extend the drop.

The bad news, there are 8 wooden poles involved spread across the loading/unloading area. I would not consider trying to extend these so the only other option is to remove them and add 8 - 70 footers (15' below grade).

I am looking at raising 10 spans.

The work itself is a no brainer, was just looking for a code that was more specific to my application.

Guess I will follow the NFPA70E - 11' rule.

OK, the code only gives you a minimum height in most standard building locations. These are for normal applications around city or rural complex buildings. The industrial world only has to meet or extend the needs "above" the minimum requirements of the NEC rulings. So, to answer your question, which is really simple in all means, is to raise your feed cables at least 10' above the highest point of extension from the packer equipment. Common cents does go a great deal in life. Sometimes, your gut feeling and a simple open ear from your subordinates at work pays off and saves you from insult on any given day. 8-) Maximo

LM - Thanks for the input.

pwr2,

You hit the nail right on the head with directional boring. I thought about this over the weekend.

Should be relatively easy given that the area overall is wide open.

Thanks

Suggest that you go to the ASME B30.5-2007. This is the code for the operation of mobil cranes. Section 5-3.4.5 has minimum distances that crane can operate around high voltage power lines. This has been deemed appliable to high voltage lighting lines. Table 2 show up to 50 volts = 10 ft, 50 to 200 is 15 ft, 200 to 350 is 20 ft and 350 to 500 is 25 ft. It also requires the use of spotters when working within the defined danger zone.

You make a good point, Carl, which helps to better define who is responsible for safe operation. The NEC states how to install the electrical equipment; it does not discuss how non-qualified (non-electrical) personnel should work around it. The ASME standard is the controlling document for operation of the packer.

Note that the ranges you state should be in kilovolts, not volts. In this case, the voltage is 0.6 kV, so the prohibited zone is 10 feet.

Carl,

Thanks for the information. Never thought to look at ASME.

Thanks again and I will research this further. Will surely be of use on future projects.

KJK

A properly implemented underground solution is the ultimate solution. The drawback to this is the cost.

Directional boring was alleged to be "relatively inexpensive" in a previous response. Relative to what? #6 still gets a GA from me for being the first to pen the ideal technical solution.

Raising the extant catenary setup is technically sound, the least costly, the fastest and simplest solution.

The OP has a clearance figure now complete with citations that should allow him to confidently continue with a solution.