NESC

[abusementpark]

Is the NESC considered a legal minimum in most jurisdications? Or do most utility companies only use it as a guideline?

 

[racobb]

I always consider a code as a minimum and work from that point. Common sense, judgement, and experience will let you know when you need more. Why do you ask?

Alan

 

[abusementpark]

I am trying figure what the legal minimum generally is for wind loads on transmission lines. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has a publication on wind load guidelines for transmission lines, but states that it is a legal minimum code document.

 

[racobb]

The NESC has specific guidelines for loading of transmission lines in the longitudinal and transverse directions including wind and ice loads with safety factors. Not sure what you are talking about. Maybe someone else will know.

Alan

 

[alehman]

I think most North American utilities try to comply with the NESC or go beyond. I don't know if it's legally required anywhere.

Alan
“The engineer's first problem in any design situation is to discover what the problem really is.” Unk.

 

[bacon4life]

Per Washington Administrative Code:

(1) All electric utilities and entities operating transmission and distribution facilities within the state of Washington must design, construct, operate, and maintain their lines and equipment according to the requirements of the 2002 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) (ANSI-C2), parts (1), (2), and (3).

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-45-045