go 128 rule 43.3

43.3 Clearances and Depths

Buried communication cables and conductors for public use shall be subject to the same clearance and depth requirements as specified for duct systems in Rules 41.4-A, 41.4-C and 41.4-D . In addition, separations from supply system ducts and buried cables or conductors shall be as follows:

A. Independently Installed

Buried communication cables and conductors, when independently installed, shall be separated where practicable from supply system ducts and buried cables or conductors by not less than 3 inches of concrete, 4 inches of brick masonry, or 12 inches of earth.

B. Concurrently Installed

Buried communication cables and conductors, when concurrently installed, and with mutual agreement of the parties involved, may have separations from supply systems ducts and buried cables or conductors less than those specified in Rule 43.3-A as follows:

(1) Random Separation from Buried Supply Cables and Conductors of Not Over 300 Volts to Ground: No physical separation of supply and communications systems is required when the supply circuit includes an effectively grounded neutral conductor and the maximum voltage to ground of the circuit does not exceed 300 Volts provided that all grounded conductors, sheaths, or shields of each system appearing at connecting or terminating points are bonded and such bonds of the two systems are interconnected wherever practicable (See Appendix B, Fig. 5) .

C. Depths

Communication cables shall be installed at a minimum depth below the surface under which they are located as follows except as provided in Rule 43.3–D :

(1) Mechanical Protection: Lesser depth than those listed in Rule 43.3–C may be used where suitable mechanical protection is employed. Suitable mechanical protection shall consist of the following or their equivalents:

a) Steel conduit or plastic pipe made of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride having the properties and dimensions specified in Type II, High Impact, Normal Chemical Resistance in United States Commercial Standard No. CS 207–60 with a minimum wall thickness of 0.15 inch, or

(2) Terminations, Splices or Other Points of Access: Lesser depths than those listed in Rule 43.3–C are permitted where cables and conductors rise for terminations or splices or where access is otherwise required.