General Order 95

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

51.6    Marking and Guarding

A.    High Voltage Marking of Poles

Poles which support line conductors of more than 750 volts shall be marked with high voltage signs. This marking shall consist of a single sign showing the words “HIGH VOLTAGE”, or pair of signs showing the words “HIGH” and “VOLTAGE”, not more than six (6) inches in height with letters not less than 3 inches in height. A pair of signs may be stacked to a height of no more than 12 inches. Such signs shall be of weather and corrosion–resisting material, solid or with letters cut out therefrom and clearly legible.

The top of such sign(s) shall be located between the level of the lowest line conductor, energized in excess of 750 volts, on the pole to no more than 40 inches below that conductor level (see Figure 51-1).

Poles that support risers of more than 750 volts, which are not supporting line conductors of more than 750 volts, shall be marked with a high voltage sign(s). The top of such sign(s) shall be located between the level of the lowest exposed energized portion of the riser to no more than 40” below that portion of the riser.

Optional marking methods:

(1)    A similarly located bands of bright yellow color not less than 12 inches in width installed no more than 40 inches below the lowest line conductor, energized in excess of 750 volts;

or

(2)    When high voltage supply equipment is installed on a pole, a sign may be installed so that it approximately encircles the pole, and the top of the sign shall be located no more than six (6) inches below the equipment and above all communication line conductors and supply line conductors energized at 0-750 volts.

EXCEPTION:    0-750 volt supply conductors installed on a combination arm where the side of the arm supporting the circuit in excess of 750 volts is marked in accordance with optional marking method 3 below.

or

(3)    Crossarms where present may be marked in lieu of marking the pole.  Such signs shall be placed on the face and back of each crossarm supporting line conductors (see Rule 20.9-C), except that high voltage signs are not required on the inside faces of double arms.

Combination arms shall be marked with high voltage signs only on portions supporting line conductors of more than 750 volts.

Crossarms that support risers of more than 750 volts which are located on poles that do not support line conductors of more than 750 volts shall be marked with high voltage signs on the face and back of each crossarm.

Note:    Revised September 14 1954 by Resolution No. E–862 ; March 29, 1966 by Decision No. 70489; August 9, 1966 by Decision No. 71094; March 30, 1968 by Decision No. 73813; May 22, 1990 by Resolution No. SU–5, January 19, 1994 by Resolution SU–25 and January 13, 2006 by Decision No. 05-01-030.

B.    Guarding

Where the pole or structure is of latticed metal or of similar construction and supports supply conductors in excess of 750 volts and is located in urban districts, or in rural areas adjacent to schools, dwellings, permanent or seasonal camps, or in orchards, or near roads, or trails which are frequently traveled, a barrier shall be so located on the pole or structure as to prevent easy climbing. If the bottom of the barrier is within 12 feet of the ground line, the top shall not be less than 15 feet above the ground line, but in no event shall the barrier be less than 8 feet in length. If the bottom of the barrier is more than 12 feet above the ground line, it shall not be less than 6 feet in length.

In lieu of a barrier located on the pole or structure a suitable barrier around the pole or structure may be used.

When a fence or wall is used as a suitable barrier around a pole or structure the construction shall be designed, installed and maintained in such manner as to reasonably deny access over, under or through the fencing or wall to all but authorized persons.
 
Material and Height:

(1)    Fencing shall be of a fabric, such as galvanized steel, woven mesh or links (commonly known as chain–link or cyclone fencing) or other suitable metallic or nonmetallic material, extending from ground level to a minimum height of eight feet, or extending from ground level to a minimum height of seven feet with an extension of not less than 12 inches of barbed wire (three or more strands), razor wire or similar deterrent.

(2)    Walls or other types of construction shall be of a material which will present an equivalent barrier to climbing or other unauthorized entry, extending from ground level to a minimum height of eight feet, or extending from ground level to a minimum height of seven feet with an extension of not less than 12 inches of barbed wire (three or more strands), razor wire or similar deterrent.

Gates shall be of a design and maintained in a manner compatible with the barriers specified in this rule.

A minimum radial distance of six feet shall be maintained between any portion of the fence or wall and the pole or structure.

The provisions of this rule, 51.6–B , shall not apply to poles or structures within fenced substation yards.

Note:    It is the intent of Rule 51.6–B to require such guarding as will prevent easy climbing of these poles or structures by young persons who do not realize the danger of contact with live conductors supported thereon. It is not intended that such guarding will be required in sparsely settled districts, mountainous and desert areas, and similar locations.

Note:    Revised January 19, 1994 by Resolution SU–25.