Roadway Lighting on TxDOT Right of Way

Greg Jones, EITMaster Electrician, State of Texas TxDOT, Traffic Operations Division,

Illumination Branch

What’s happening?

• TxDOT typically installs roadway lighting to meet National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Roadway projects have been coming in where TxDOT installs conduit and foundations only

• Electric utility comes in after project is finished and installs poles to meet National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)

What does TxDOT want?

• Memo to all Districts from Amadeo Saenz, Assistant Executive Director on Nov 10, 2005

• Roadway lighting on poles with accessible metal parts on TxDOT projects are to be wired according to NEC

• Roadway lighting on poles with accessible metal parts on TxDOT right of way (ROW) are to be wired according to NEC

What does TxDOT want?

• Does not apply to overhead lighting on wood poles

• Not required to use TxDOT standard fixtures

Why?

• Public Safety– NEC has additional safety requirements that go

beyond the NESC – Compliance with NEC gives installation essentially

free from hazard (NEC 90.1(B))

• Liability– TxDOT is liable for what happens on its ROW

• TxDOT believes meeting the NEC will provide the safest installation for the public and is in TxDOT’s best interests.

What’s different?

• Grounding– NESC allows earth to be used as effective

ground– NEC does not consider the earth to be an

effective fault-current path, requires separate equipment grounding conductor. (NEC 250.4(A)(5))

– Separate equipment grounding conductor is a reliable low impedance path back to source

What’s different?

• Neutrals– NESC allows neutral to be grounded to metal

poles and in several places– NEC does not allow neutral to be grounded to

non-current carrying metal parts (NEC 250.142(B))

– This separates current carrying conductors from accessible metal parts, reduces chance of shock hazard

What’s different?

• Readily accessible disconnect with overcurrent protective device– Not required by NESC, required by NEC– Fuse or circuit breaker will protect and open

circuit in case of faults (NEC 230.90)– Accessible disconnect allows circuit to be

manually turned off in case of hazard (NEC 230.70(1))

What’s different?

• Summary of main differences:– Separate grounding conductor– Different grounding requirements– Accessible disconnect with overcurrent

protection

What do the rules say?

• PUC Substantive Rule 25.101(d) – Standards of construction and operation.

In determining standard practice, the commission shall be guided by the provisions of the American National Standards Institute, Incorporated, the National Electrical Safety Code, and such other codes and standards that are generally accepted by the industry, except as modified by this commission or by municipal regulations within their jurisdiction.

What do the rules say?

• Texas Administrative Code 43 TAC 21.37(a) – (a) General. The design of any utility installation, adjustment, or

relocation is the responsibility of the utility. Utility design will be accomplished in a manner and to a standard acceptable to the department. The location and manner in which a utility installation, adjustment, or relocation work will be performed within the right of way must be reviewed and approved by the department. The department will review the measures to be taken to preserve the safety and free flow of traffic, structural integrity of the highway or highway structure, ease of highway maintenance, appearance of the highway, and the integrity of the utility facility. Utility installations shall conform with:

–   (1) the requirements of this subchapter; –   (2) the National Electrical Safety Code rules for the installation

and maintenance of electric supply and communication lines;

What do the rules say?

• NESC Section 1, Rule 011.C – NESC rules cover street and area lights

(supplied by underground or overhead conductors) under the exclusive control of utilities (including their authorized contractors) or other qualified persons (such as those associated with an industrial complex)

– Note: Luminaires not under such exclusive control are governed by the requirements of the NEC.

What do the rules say?

• NEC 90.2(B)– (B) Not Covered This code does not cover the

following:• (5) Installations under the exclusive control of an

electric utility where such installations– (b) Are located in legally established easements, rights

of way, or by other agreements either designated by or recognized by public service commissions, utility commissions, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction for such installations

Conclusion

• TxDOT’s main concern is public safety.

• TxDOT believes that requiring roadway lighting to be wired to the NEC will provide the safest installation.

• TxDOT will work with electric utility providers to make this happen in a mutually agreeable way.