go 95 rule 58.3

Detailed Construction Requirements for Supply Lines
(Class H, L and T Circuits)

58.3 Line Switches and Line Disconnects

Line switches and line disconnects shall be located so that they are readily accessible from climbing and working spaces. Such devices or their connecting leads shall not extend into the climbing space but may extend into the working space.

A. Unenclosed

(1) Vertical clearances between exposed energized parts of line switches and line disconnects (including fused and unfused line cutouts) and unprotected conductors of other circuits above and below shall not be less than the clearances specified by Table 2, Cases 8 to 13 .

Clearances between exposed parts of line switches and line disconnects (including fused or unfused line cutouts) which are energized from the same circuit, from exposed parts of different phases or polarities shall not be less than the clearances specified by Table 2, Case 17 .

(2) Lead wires shall be suitably insulated from cases of cutouts and switches at points of entrance thereto.

All unprotected lead wires including miscellaneous wiring shall clear braces, bolts and other line hardware a distance of not less than 1.5”.

Where necessary at points of entrance to cutouts and switches, lead wires of 0 - 5,000 volts may be less than 3 inches from the surface of crossarms ( Table 1, Case 9, Columns C, D and E ) but shall not be less than 1 inch from such surfaces.

(3) Switches and cutouts shall be so located that, when in either the open or closed position, all energized parts thereof are not less than 15 or 18 inches from the centerline of pole as required by Table 1, Case 8 , and no part of such equipment shall be in the climbing space except nonmetallic interphase shafts of gang operated switches and their associated unbonded hardware mounted at the top of the pole (see Figures 58-2 and 58-3 ). Such apparatus is permitted to be within the working space. The clearance of 15 or 18 inches need not apply to nonfusable pole–top switches provided the switches are installed substantially in the same vertical plane as the conductors to which they are attached, and no climbing space has to be provided through and above the level of such switches.

B. Enclosed Switches

All enclosed switches shall indicate clearly whether they are in the open or closed position.

(1) Grounded metal operating rods which pass through any supply or communication conductor level shall be protected with a suitable protective covering for a vertical distance of 8 feet above and below or 6 feet horizontally from such levels.

(2) Ungrounded metal operating rods which pass through only supply or communication conductor level shall:

a) Have a suitable insulating link or section installed at a point as near as possible to the switch; and

b) Have a suitable insulating link or section installed at a point between each conductor level through which it passes.

(3) All operating rods shall be securely held in position by a suitable means to afford clearances as specified in Table 2, Case 18 from conductors of circuits below the switch level.

(4) Where line switches are operated from the ground level by means of all–metal control mechanisms without suitable insulating links or sections, an insulated platform shall be provided unless such operating mechanism is effectively grounded.