Original General Order 128

Section IV

Requirements For Communication Systems

44.1    Separation of Supply and Communication Systems

Communication cables and conductors for public use shall not occupy the same duct, manhole, or other underground splicing chamber with supply cables or conductors unless separated from the supply cables or conductors by a partition constructed of brick, concrete, tile or other suitable material. When such a partition is installed, separate access to each compartment shall be provided by means of divided covers or equivalent construction. (See Appendix B, Fig. 9 and 10)

This rule does not apply to utility tunnels, subways, or permanent cable trenches provided that supply cables and conductors of over 750 volts are either enclosed, guarded, installed in grounded metallic conduit, or have continuous grounded metallic sheath. Grounded metallic cable sheaths of the supply and communication systems need not be bonded. The cables and conductors of the supply and communication systems must be separately supported.