STATE OF CALIFORNIA

RULES FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC
SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Prescribed by the
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
GENERAL ORDER No. 128
1998

Price: $5.00
 General Order Number 128
Public Utilities Commission of the State of California
Rules for Construction of Underground Electric Supply and
Communication Systems

Adopted October 17, 1967 Effective December12, 1967

Decision No. 73195 and 73462,CaseNo. 8208

Changelist- The following is a list of Decisions and Resolutionswhich authorizedstatewidegeneral

changesto this Order,applicable to all operatorsof undergroundsystems.

Decision or Resolution No. Date Effective Rules Herein Revised, Deleted or Added
Decision No. 76970 April 13, 1970 12.3, 12.3-A, 12.3-B, 12.3-C, 17.2, 17.8, 23.2.1
31.5-D, 31.6,32, 41.5-C, 41.6, 42.3, 42.4, 42.8,
Figures17 and 18
Resolution No. E-1401 July 16, 1974 36.5-A
Resolution No. E-3076 March 9, 1988 Revise41.4X2, Add 43.3-C, D
Resolution No. SU-6 November 21,199O Add Rules 12.2-A, 22.4
Resolution No. SU-15 November 6,1992 ReviseRules 20.2,20.4.
Resolution No. SU-25 January 19,1993 ReviseRules 36.3,36.4.
Resolution No. SU-40 Octobber 9, 1996 12.1,12.3,20.1,20.2,20.5,20.6,20.7,20.8,20.9,
21.0,21.2,21.4,21.5,21.6,21.8,21.9,22.1,22.2,
22.5, 22.7, 23.6, 23.7, 32.9, 34.2, 44.1, 46.1

i January 1997
 Decision No. 73195
Before the Public Utilities Commission of the
State of California

Investigation into the Requirements for a General Order Providing Rules Governing
Construction of Underground Electric and Commun{cation Lines in the Stateof California.

Case No. 8208

Decided October 17,1967

Earl W. Cooper,Richard G. Campbell, for Sierra Pacific Power Company; Chickering & Gregory, by
ShermanChickering, G. Hayden Ames and Donald J. Richardson,Jr. also J. A. Georgeand Stanley
Jewel& for San Diego Gasand Electric Company;Orrick, Dahlquist, Herrington & Sutcliffe, by JamesF.
Craft, Jr., also N. B. Gilbertson, for California-Pacific Utilities Company; William W. Eyers, for Southern
California Water Company;A. E. Engel, for Plumas-SierraRural Electric Cooperative; A. M. Hart and
H. Ralph Snyder,Jr., by H. Ralph Snyder,Jr., for GeneralTelephoneCompanyof California; Pillsbury,
Madison & Sutro; JohnA. Sutro, GeorgeA. Sears,JohnA. Sutro, Jr., Arthur T. George,by GeorgeA.
Searsand John A. Sutro, Jr., for The Pacific Telephoneand TelegraphCompany; F. T. Searls,John C.
Morrissey, Malcolm A. MacKillop and RossWorkman,for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Rollin
E. Woodbury, Harry W. Sturges,Jr., and John R. Bury, for SouthernCalifornia Edison Company; Jack T.
Stiles, for Pacific Power and Light Company; GeorgeW. Allen, for California Interstate TelephoneCo.;
respondents.
William J. Adams, for the City of Novato; Robert S. Binsacca,for the City of El Cerrito and for Contra
Costa County Mayors’ Conference;John Bonadelle,for Home Builders, Fresno;Russell E. Bush, for the
City of Vallejo; William C. Sharp,H. W. Carmack,for the City of Oakland; JamesS. Milch, Hubert C.
Cavanagh,for the City of San Diego; K. R. Edsall, Eric W. Martins, H. L. Goth, for SouthernCalifornia
Gas Company and SouthernCounties Gas Companyof California; Harvey W. Edmund, Henry J. Fritz,
for County of SantaCruz; C. G. Ferguson,J. A. Wade,Jr., P. M. Robinson,for California Water Service
Company; Wayne N. Frederickson,for Alameda County; Warren Earl Standeven,GeorgeHarris, for
State of California, Division of Industrial Safety; Harold H. Heidrick, for Wilsey, Ham & Blair; Marino
L. Iacopi, for California Community Television Association; Stanley S. Johnsonand Joe Pecharich, for
San Mateo County EngineersOffice and Building Construction Office; Henry E. Jordan, Roy A. Wehe,
Phil J. Shafer, for City of Long Beach; Thomas P. Kelly, Jr. Harold S. Lentz, Gary S. Anderson, John
Gordon for SouthernPacific Company,NorthwesternPacific Railroad Company,San Diego-Arizona
Eastern Railway; N. J. Kendall, for SanJoseWater Works; Mark L. Kermit, for Contra Costa County;
Bruce V. Kunde, for Line Material Industries; Gayle T. Martin, for City of Manhattan Beach; Robert E.
Michalski, J. S. Taylor, for City of Palo Alto; Ralph E. Mohagen, for City of Richmond; Morgan,
Beauzay & Holmes, by David Leahy, for SanFranciscoBay Area Labor ManagementCommittee for
the Bay Area; ThomasM. O’Connor, McMorris Dow, Robert R. Laughead,for City and County of San
Francisco; Paul E. Pughfor City of Healdsburg;Arthur W. Reschke,Henry Weisner,for City of Daly
City; Maurice K. Roper,for Ukiah Municipal Electric System; Norman J. Stiene, for Town of
Hillsborough, Ernest L. Nelson, Stanley Strizver, for City of San Leandro; M. A. Walters, for Local
Unions 18, 47, 465, and 1245 International Brotherhoodof Electrical Workers; H. L. Woodbury, for City
of Glendale Public Service Department;Fred F. Cooper,for Home Builders Council of California; Sidney
Long, for Division of Building and Housing Standards,Departmentof Housing and Community
Development; Ernest E. Lockwood, for Central SolanoCounty Planning Commission, City of Fairfield
and City of Suisun; GeorgeH. Harter, for Electrical ContractorsAssociation; Arne E. Westerback,for
East Bay Municipal Utility District; J. D. Newton, Alameda County Water District; David W. Baker, for
Alameda-Contra CostaCounties Mayor Conferences;Norman Ingraham, for City of SantaClara and
NCMEA; GeorgeD. Moe, for State of California, Departmentof Public Works; John W. Gancy, Walter
G. Treanor, for the WesternPacific Railroad; Ralph E. Anderson, Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. for Leagueof

January 1997 ii
California Cities; H. Stuart Goehler,for California-Nevada Line ConstructorsChapter,National
Electrical ContractorsAssociation; J. L. Mulloy, for Departmentof Water and Power, City of Los
Angeles; Stanley Hiller, in propria persona;C. G. Ferguson,for California Section of American Water
Works Association; JanStaklis, for William E. Warne,Departmentof Water Resources;Lynden E.
Merritt, for Allen System;Herbert H. Hunt, Donald M. Haight, for SacramentoMunicipal Utility District;
Herbert B. Fuster,Jr., for Departmentof Public Health, State of California; Roger Arnebergh,by Charles
E. Mattson, C. E. Robinson,for City of Los Angeles; interestedparties.
Timothy E. Treaty, Robert C. Marks, Melvin E. Mezek, for the Commission staff.

.. .
111 January 1997
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January 1997
 Opinion

Nature of Proceeding
The Commission, on June 22,1965, noting that the increasing demandfor undergroundelec-
tric and communication facilities in California hasbrought about substantialincreasesin the
construction of such facilities, and that it appearedit may be desirable,pursuant to Sections
761,768 and 8056 of the Public Utilities Code,to establishby generalorder rules governing
the construction of underground electric and communication lines to promote and safeguard
public health and safety, instituted this investigation.
Public Hearings and Proceedings Prior to Submission
Public hearings were held, after due notice, at San Francisco and Los Angeles, before Corn- .
missioner Gatov and/or Examiner Gillanders on 20 days during the period beginning Octo-
ber 20,1965 and ending May 2,1966. During this period prehearing conferenceswere held.
(Rules of Procedure,Rule 41.) Opening briefs were filed on June 10,1966, reply briefs on
June 20, 1966, and the matter then taken under submission.
General Remarks
During the course of the proceeding, evidencewas adducedfrom 30 witnesses,43 exhibits
were received and 2,733 pages of transcript were recorded.
The record shows that, as between the parties, there are two issues.These issuesare:
1.1sthere a need for a general order?
2.Can the Statepreempt the field in the regulation of safety relative to undergroundelectrical
and communications facilities?
Is There a Need for a General Order?
The record showsthat California electric andcommunications utilities beganinstalling their
facilities underground during the latter part of the 19th century.
Undergrounding proceededat a leisurely paceuntil about five years ago. Since then, due to
a combination of acceleratedpublic interest andtechnical developmentswhich substantially
reduced the cost of undergrounding, a large percentage of new residential developments
have been supplied from underground distribution systems.
The record indicates that respondent utilities have followed acceptablestandards of care
basedupon past experienceand are continuing to improve methodsof construction, includ-
ing joint construction with other utilities, to better serve the public and reduce costs.
The evidence further disclosesthat the presentunderground electrical and communications
systems cannot be considered hazardousand the safety record is good.
It is recognized, however, that not only hasundergrounding beengrowing rapidly using new
equipment, techniquesand material, but in keeping with the Commission’spolicy of encour-
aging, and when necessaryordering, more andmore utilities’ distribution systemsto be bur-
ied, this pace will be greatly accelerated.This is not to say,therefore, that becauseof a good

V January 1997
past record we should not do what we can now to avoid serious accidentsor fatalities in the
future.
Can the Commission Preempt the Field of Safety Regarding Underground Electrical and
Communications Facilities?
Pursuant to Article XII, Sections 22 and 23 of the California Constitution, the Legislature
enactedSections701,761 et seq.,and 8037 of the Public Utilities Code. Under this authority
the Commission has undertakento exerciseits jurisdiction by the enactmentof several gen-
eral orders, such as General Order No. 95 governing the construction of overhead electric
lines, General Order No. 103 governing the construction of water servicefacilities, and Gen-
eral Order No. 112-A governing the construction of gas transmission lines. These general
orders promote safety, not only to the public utility involved and its employees,but also to
the public in general. There canbe little doubt that a uniform statewidepolicy of safety regu-
lation is in the general public interest. Such matters are not solely matters of local interest
and concern. The Commission, being a constitutional body exercisingstatewidejurisdiction,
is the logical agency of the State to exerciseauthority of this nature.
It is this Commission which regulatesthe operations of public utilities to the end that their
services to the general public are adequateand safe. Regulation of safety is cognate and ger-
mane to the regulation of public utilities.
Changing times and changing conditions require the Commission to exercise its right and
duty to establish rules governing the construction, maintenance and operation of tmder-
ground electric and communication facilities.
We come now to the consideration of the proposedgeneral order itself (Exhibit No. 11). The
precision and detail which marks our safety regulations in older or better-establishedengi-
neering and operational techniquesis, it is true, evident here only in part. We are aware that
a considerable part of this proposed general order is, as our staff itself pointed out, only a
foundation of broad principles on which details canbe built. This doesnot in our view consti-
tute a deficiency or flaw. To the contrary,we deemit prudent to havein being a vehicle, how-
ever embryonic, for immediately capitalizing experiencesas they occur.
Findings
The Commission finds that it hasthe right, pursuantto Article XII, Section 23, of the Califor-
nia Constitution and Sections701,761, et seq., and 8056 of the Public Utilities Code, to es-
tablish the rules contained in Exhibit No. 11 governing the construction, maintenance and
operation of underground electric and communication facilities.
The Commission further finds that the rules containedin the attachedGeneral Order No. 128
are reasonable,meet the aforesaid requirements and should be adopted.
All motions not consistent with the findings herein are denied.

January 1997 vi
 Order

It Is Ordered that General Order No. 128 attachedhereto be and it hereby is adopted.Said
General Order No. 128 shall apply to all underground electric supply and communication
systemscoming within the jurisdiction of this Commission, andshall be effective on Decem-
ber 1, 1967. 1
It Is Further Ordered that the electric and communication utilities subject to theserules,
either individually or collectively, shall file annually on or before June 30 a report setting
forth such recommendedchangesin rules as they deemnecessaryto keep this generalorder
up to date in keeping with the purpose and scope thereof, or stating that no changesare
deemedto be necessary.Utilities recommending changesshall, either collectively or other-
wise, file appropriate formal applications seeking Commission approval for such changes.
However, nothing herein shall preclude other interestedparties from initiating appropriate
formal proceedings to have the Commission consider any changesthey deem appropriate,
or the Commission from acting upon its own motion.
The effective date of this order shall be twenty-five days after the date hereof.
Dated at San Francisco, California, this 17th day of October, 1967.
Peter E. Mitchell
President
William M. Bennett
A. W. Gatov
William Symons, Jr.
Fred P. Morrissey
Commissioners

1 Petition for rehearing filed by the State of California, Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, stayed
Decision No. 73915 until December 12,1967, when the petition was denied by Decision No. 73462.

vii January 1997

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...
January1997 VII1

_.^ _ “._, __.. _ ., - .- --

 Table of Contents

Rule Page

Section I General Provisions

11. Purpose of Rules. ................................................. I-l
12. Applicability of Rules ............................................. I-l
12.1 Construction and Reconstructionof Lines ........................... I-l
A. Services ................................. ............... I-l
12.2 Maintenance .................................................. I-2
A. Electric Supply System .................................... I-2
12.3 SystemsConstructedPrior to These Rules .......................... I-2
A. Rule Applicable December 12,1967 ......................... I-2
B. Rules Applicable April 13, 1970 ............................. I-3
C. Rules Applicable April 13, 1971 ............................. I-3
12.4 Reconstruction or Alteration ..................................... I-3
13. ScopeofRules ................................................. ..I- 3
14. Limiting Conditions Specified ....................................... I-4
15. Exemptions or Modifications ........................................ I-4
15.1 Changesand Special Installations ................................. I-4
15.2 Experimental Installations ....................................... I-4
15.3 Notification ................................................... I-5
16. Saving Clause .................................................... I-5
17. Requirementsfor AI1 Supply and Communication Systems ................ I-5
17.1 Design, Construction and Maintenance ............................. I-5
17.2 Inspection.. ................................................ ..I- 5
17.3 Location ................................................... ..I- 6
17.4 Joint Use of Excavations and Facilities ............................. I-6
17.5 Tnyoor More Systems .......................................... I-6
17.6 Encroachments.. ............................................ ..I- 6
17.7 Location Information ........................................... I-6
A. Records .............................................. ..I- 7

ix January 1997
Rule Page

17.8 Identification of Manholes, Handholes and Subsurface

Equipment Enclosures . . a0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-7
17.9 Measurements. . os sa(Ias. . a. . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-7
17.10 Backfill of Excavations . D. . a. . . . . . . . +. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-7
Section II Definitions of Terms as Used in These Rules
20.1 Bond ....................................................... 11-l
20.2 Cable ....................................................... II-1
A. Buried Cable ........................................... II-1
B. Fiber Optic Cable ....................................... 11-l
(1) Diellectric Fiber Optical Cable ........................ II-1
(2) Non-Dielectric Fiber Optical Cable ................... II-1
20.3 Commission ................................................. II-1
20.4 Communication System ........................................ II-1
A. Public Communication System ............................. II-1
B. Private Communication Circuit ............................. II-2
C. Railway Signal Circuit ................................... II-2
20.5 Concurrently Installe ......................................... II-2
20.6 Conductor ................................................... II-2
20.7 Conduit ..................................................... II-2
20.8 Conduit System .............................................. II-2
20.9 Cover ...................................................... II-2
21.0 Duct ....................................................... II-2
21.1 Element ..................................................... II-2
21.2 Enclosed .................................................... II-3
21.3 Exposed .................................................... II-3
21.4 Grade ...................................................... II-3
21.5 Grounded ................................................... II-3
A. Effectively Grounded (Effective Ground) ..................... II-3
21.6 Guarded .................................................... II-3
21.7 Handhole ................................................... II-3

January 1997 X
I” ,-, -,, .-. ..,,_..,-.--- _, _,..
21.8 Independently Installed ........................................ II-3
21.9 Interconnection ............................................... II-3
22.0 Isolated ...................................................... II-4
22.1 Joint Trench Operation ......................................... II-4
22.2 Live (Energized) Parts ......................................... II-4
22.3 Maintenance ................................................. II-4
22.4 Maintenance Program ......................................... II-4
22.5 Manhole .................................................... II-4
22.6 Parkway .................................................... II-4
22.7 PermanentCable Trench ....................................... II-4
22.8 Practicable .................................................. II-4
A. Clearancesand Depths. ................................... II-5
22.9 Protection (Mechanical) ................................. t ...... II-5
23.0 Random Separation ........................................... II-5
23.1 Service(s) ................................................... II-5
23.2 Shielding (Cable) ............................................. II-5
23.3 Sidewalk .................................................... II-5
23.4 SubsurfaceEquipment Enclosure ................................ II-5
23.5 Supply System ............................................... II-5
23.6 Thoroughfare ................................................ II-5
23.7 Vault ....................................................... II-6
23.8 Voltage (or Volts) ............................................. II-6
24.0 Wire Gage ................................................... II-6
A. American Wire Gage (AWG) .............................. II-6
B. Birmingham Wire Gage (BWG) ............................ II-6
24.1 WorkingSpace ............................................... II-6
Section III Requirements for Supply Systems
30. General....................................................... III-1
31. Duct System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III-1
31.1 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III-1

xi January1997
Rule

31.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... III-1

31.3 Construction ................................................ III-1
31.4 Clearance and Depths ......................................... III-1
A. From Foreign Substructures .............................. III-1
(1) Independently Installed ............................ III-1
(2) Concurrently Installed ............................. III-2
B. From Communication Systems ............................ III-2
(1) Independently Installed ............................ III-2
(2) Concurrently Installed ............................. III-2
C. Depth ................................................ III-2
(1) Railroads ....................................... III-2
(2) Thoroughfares ................................... III-2

(3) Sidewalks and Parkway Areas. ...................... III-2

(4) Private Property .................................. III-3

(5) Open Ditches, Bridges, Trestles, Viaducts
and Similar Structures ............................. III-3
D. Maintaining Clearancesand Depths ........................ III-3
31.5 Risers and Other Above-ground Terminations. ..................... III-3
A. Poles ................................................ III-3
B. Other Above-ground Terminations ......................... III-3
C. Services .............................................. III-3
D. Clearancesfrom Railroad Tracks .......................... III-4
31.6 Sealing Service Laterals ....................................... III-4
32. Manholes, Handholes and SubsurfaceEquipment Enclosures ............ III-4
32.1 Definitions ................................................. III-4
32.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... III-4
32.3 Materials and Strength ........................................ III-4
32.4 SizeandShape .............................................. III-4
32.5 Openings ................................................... III-5
32.6 Drainage ................................................... III-5

January 1997 xii

..n~ -.
Rule Page

32.9 Intentionally Left Blank ....................................... III-6

32.7 Covers ..................................................... III-5
32.8 Location ................................... ................. III-5
32.10 Foreign Pipes ................................................ III-6
32.11 Incidental Wiring and Facilities ................................. III-6
32.12 Explosion Protection ......................................... III-6
33. Cables.............-. .......................................... III-6
33.1 Definitions ................................................. III-6
33.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... III-6
33.3 Material ................................................... III-7
A. Conductors.. .......................................... III-7
B. Insulations ............................................ III-7
C. Shielding ............................................. III-7
33.4 Clearancesand Depths ........................................ III-7
A. Separation form Other Cables,Ducts, Pipes and Structures ...... III-8
(1) From Other Supply Cables ......................... III-8
(2) From Communication Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III-8
(3) From Foreign Substructures ........................ III-8
B. Depth Below Base of Rail ................................ III-8
C. Depths ............................................... III-9
D. Exceptions.. .......................................... III-9
33.5 Above-ground Installations ................................... III-10
A. Riser Cables .......................................... III-10
B. Termination and Enclosures ............................. III-10
C. Services ............................................. III-10
D. Clearancesfrom Railroad Tracks ......................... III-10
33.6 Arrangements in Manholes, Vaults and Enclosures ................. III-10
33.7 GroundingandBonding ...................................... III-10
34. Equipment ................................................... III-10
34.1 Maintenance and Inspection ................................... III-10
...
x111 January1997
34.2 Equipment in Manholes, Vaults, Rooms and Other Enclosures. ........ III-11
A. Fused Devices ......................................... III-11
B. Sectionalizing Switches .................................. III-11
C. Transformers .......................................... III-11
34.3 Self-contained Surface-mountedEquipment ....................... III-11
A. Strength ............................................ ..III-11
B. Guarding Live Farts .................................... III-12
C. Locking ............................................. III-12
D. Clearancesfrom Buildings .............................. III-12
34.4 Grounding and Bonding ...................................... III-12
34.5 Guarding Live Parts ......................................... III-12
35. Marking and Guarding .......................................... III-12
35.1 Identification of Cables ...................................... III-12
35.2 Guarding Live Parts ......................................... III-12
35.3 Warning Signs ............................................. III-13
35.4 Manhole Covers ............................................ III-13
36. Grounds and Neutrals ........................................... III-13
36.1 Definitions ................................................ III-13
36.2 Maintenance and Inspection ................................... III-13
36.3 Neutral Conductors ......................................... III-13
A. Material ............................................. III-13
B. Size ................................................ III-13
36.4 Ground or Earth as a Conductor ............................... III-14
36.5 Grounding and Bonding of Conductors and Equipment ............. III-14
A. General ............................................. III-14
B. Exception ............................................ III-16
C. Grounding Methods .................................... III-16
D. Grounding and Bonding Conductors ....................... III-16

January 1997 xiv

Rule Page

Section IV Requirements for Communication Systems

40. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV-l
40.1 Construction Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV-l
41. Duct Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV-l
41.1 Definition .................................................. IV-1
41.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... IV-1
41.3 Construction ................................................ IV-1
41.4 Clearancesand Depths ........................................ IV-1
A. From Foreign Substructures .............................. IV-2
B. From Supply Systems ................................... IV-2
C. Depths ............................................... IV-2
D. Maintaining Clearancesand Depths ........................ IV-3
41.5 Risers and Other Above Grade Terminations ...................... IV-4
A. Poles ................................................ IV-4
B. Other Above Grade Terminations .......................... IV-4
C. Clearancesfrom Railroad Tracks .......................... IV-4
41.6 Sealing Service Laterals ....................................... IV-4
42. Manholes and Handholes ......................................... IV-4
42.1 Definitions ................................................. IV-4
42.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... IV-4
42.3 Materials and Strength ........................................ IV-5
42.4 SizeandShape .............................................. IV-5
42.5 Openings ................................................... IV-5
42.6 Drainage ................................................... IV-5
42.7 Covers ..................................................... IV-6
42.8 Location ................................................... IV-6
42.9 Foreign Pipes ............................................... IV-6
42.10 Explosion Protection ......................................... IV-6
43. Buried Cables and Conductors ..................................... IV-6
43.1 Definitions ................................................. IV-6

xv January 1997
Rule Page

43.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... IV-6

43.3 Clearancesand Depths ........................................ IV-7
A. Independently Installed .................................. IV-7
B. Concurrently Installed ................................... IV-7
C. Depths ............................................... IV-7
D. Exceptions ............................................ IV-7
43.4 Risers and Other Above Grade Terminations ...................... IV-8
44. Conductors of Different Systems ................................... IV-8
44.1 Separation of Supply and Communication Systems ................. IV-8
44.2 SpecialCases ............................................... IV-9
45. Private Communication Circuits ................................... IV-9
45.1 Definition .................................................. IV-9
45.2 Maintenance and Inspection .................................... IV-9
45.3 Supply Private Communication Cables and Conductors .............. IV-9
A. Depths ............................................... IV-9
B. Occupancywith Public Communication Systems .............. IV-9
C. Occupancywith Supply Systems .......................... IV-9
45.4 Other Private Communication Cables and Conductors .............. IV-10
46. Police, Fire Alarm and Traffic Control Circuits ...................... IV-10
46.1 Maintenance and Inspection ................................... IV-10
46.2 Occupancy with Public Communication Systems .................. IV-10
46.3 Occupancy with Supply Systems ............................... IV-10
Appendix A Summary of Dimensions, Clearances and Depth Requirements ... A-l
Table I Clearanceand Depth Requirements for Supply and
Communication Systems .................................... A-3
Table II Miscellaneous Dimensions and Clearance Requirements for Supply
and Communication Systems ................................. A-4
Appendix B Typical Illustrative Diagrams of Rules ........................ B-l
Appendix C Clearance from Railroad Tracks ............................ C-l
Appendix D Excerpts from Public Utilities Code .......................... D-l

January 1997 xvi

“.. . “1” ..,
 Section I
General Provisions

Rule 12.1-A

11 Purpose of Rules
The purpose of these rules is to formulate, for the State of California, uniform
requirements for underground electrical supply and communication systems, the
application of which will insure adequateservice and securesafety to all personsengaged
in the construction, maintenance,operation or use of underground systems and to the
public in general.

12 Applicability of Rules
These rules shall apply (a) to all underground electrical supply systems used in
connectionwith public utility service;when located in buildings, the vaults, conduit, pull
boxes or other enclosures for such systems shall also meet the requirements of any
statutes,regulations or local ordinancesapplicable to such enclosuresin buildings; (b)
to all undergroundcommunication systemsused in connectionwith public utility service
located outside of buildings.

12.1 Construction and Reconstruction of Lines

These requirements apply to all systems, parts of systems, and extensions w
constructed on or after the effective date of the applicable rule(s). Elements of
systems constructed prior to the effective date of the applicable rule(s) shall be
brought into compliance with these rules when that element of the system is
reconstructedor replaced.
An element addedto an existing underground system, or element of an existing Q
system, shall meet all requirementsof theserules, but will not require any change
in elementsalready existing.
Example: Pulling cable into anexisting conduit systemdoesnot require upgrading ‘SI]
the existing conduit system.
Note: Revised October 9,1996 by Resolution SU-40.

A. Services
Services may be added to existing plant without necessitating changes in the
system from which they originate.

I-l January 1997

 Rule 12.2

12.2 Maintenance
Systemsshall be maintained in such condition asto securesafety to workmen and
the public in general. Systemsand portions thereof constructed,reconstructed,or
replaced on or after the effective dateof theserules shall be kept in conformity with
the requirement of these rules.
A Electric Supply System -An Auditable and consistentmaintenanceprogram, see
Rule 22.4, shall be in place to minimize deterioration of underground equipment.
Note: Rule 12.2-A added November 21, 1990 by Resolution No. W-6.

12.3 Systems Constructed Prior to These Rules

The requirements of theserules do not apply to systems,or elementsof systems,
w constructed, reconstructed or replaced prior to the effective date of such rules,
except as set forth below. In all other particulars, such systems, or elements of
systems, shall conform to requirements in effect at the time of their construction
or replacement.
Example: Pulling cable into an existing conduit systemdoesnot require upgrading
w the existing conduit system.
Note: Revised October 9, 1996 by Resolution W-40.

A Rule Applicable December 12,1967

The following rule was made applicable to all systemson December 12,1967.
(1) Rule 12.2

January 1997 I-2

 Rule 13

B Rules Applicable April 13,197O

The following rules were made applicable to all systemson April 13, 1970.
1. Rule 17.2
2. Rule 17.7, first paragraph
3. Rule 32.2
4. Rule 32.9
5. Rule 32.12
6. Rule 33.3-A
7. Rule 34.1
8. Rule 34.3-A
9. Rule 34.3-B
10. Rule 34.3-C
11. Rule 35.2
12. Rule 36.4
13. Rule 36.5-A
14. Rule 36.5-B
15. Rule 36.5-C
16. Rule 36.5-Dl
17. Rule 36.5-D3
18. Rule 42.10
C Rules Applicable April 13,197l
The following rules were made applicable to all systemson April 13, 1971.
1. Rule 32.7
2. Rule 32.11
3. Rule 35.3
4. Rule 35.4
Note: Rule 12.3 revised April 13,197O by Decision No. 76970.

12.4 Reconstruction or Alteration

The commission may order reconstruction or alteration of existing systems or
portions thereof if found necessaryfor the purpose of safety to workmen or the
general public.

13 Scope Of Rules
These rules are not intended as complete construction specifications, but embody only
the requirements which are most important from the standpoint of safety and service.
Construction shall be according to acceptedgood practice for the given local conditions
in all particulars not specified in the rules.

I-3 January 1997

Rule 14

14 Limiting Conditions Specified

The requirements specified in these rules as to spacing, clearance, and strength of
construction are limiting conditions expressed as minimum or maximum values as
indicated. In caseswhere two or more requirements establish limiting conditions the
most stringent condition shall be met, thus providing compliance with the other
applicable conditions. Greater strength of construction and more ample spacings and
clearancesthan herein specified may be desirable in some casesand may be provided
accordingly if other requirements are not violated in so doing.

15 Exemptions or Modifications

15.1 Changes and Special Installations

If, in a particular case or a special type of construction, exemption from or
modification of any of the requirements herein is desired, the Commission will
consider an application for suchexemption or modification when accompaniedby
a full statement of conditions existing and the reasonswhy such exemption or
modification is askedand is believed to be justifiable. It is to be understood that,
unless otherwise ordered, any exemption or modification so granted shall be
limited to the particular case or special type of construction covered by the
application.

15.2 Experimental Installations

It is the intent of this rule to assistin advancementsor changes in the art without
mitigation of safety. For this purpose, experimental installations which deviate
from one or more of theserules may be made, provided: Precautions are taken to
securesafety to property and to personsengagedin the construction, maintenance,
and operation of underground systems,and to the public in general; and
A full statement of the conditions involved in such experimental installation is
filed with the Commissionnot lessthan 15 days prior to experimental modification
of facilities or construction of any experimental facilities. Where such
experimental construction would result in the installation of direct buried cable,
duct, grounds, handholes, manholes or services with clearances, depths or
protection other than provided by these rules, a copy of such statement shall
concurrently be mailed to all utilities, local agencies or persons likely to be
affected by such installation.

January 1997 I-4

 Rule 17.2

15.3 Notification
For the purpose of keeping theserules up to date and reflecting the latest state of
the art, the Commission shall, at appropriate times, advise interested parties of
exemptions or modifications granted and notifications received under the
provisions of Rules 15.1 and 15.2

16 Saving Clause
The Commission reservesthe right to grant relief from any of the provisions of these
rules in specific caseswhen, in the Commission’s opinion, public interest would be
served by so doing.
Compliance with these rules is not intended to relieve a utility from any statutory
requirements.

17 Requirements for All Supply and Communication Systems

The following rules apply to all supply and communication underground systemsunder
all conditions.

17.1 Design, Construction, and Maintenance

All systems shall be of suitable design and construction for their intended use,
regardbeing given to the conditions under which they are to be operated, and shall
be maintainedin a condition which will provide adequateservice and securesafety
to workmen, property and the general public.
The ownersof suchsystemsandtheir employeesshall at all times exerciseduecare
to reduce to minimum the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow
employees,to the public and other utilities, due to the presenceof such systems.
All work performed on public streetsand highways shall be done in such a manner
that the operations of other utilities and the convenience of the public will be
interfered with as little as possible. No conditions unusually dangerous to
workmen or the public shall be establishedat any time.

17.2 Inspection
Systems shall be inspected by the operator frequently and thoroughly for the
purpose of insuring that they are in good condition and in conformance with all
applicable requirements of theserules
(SeeRule 12.3).
Note: Revised April 13, 1970 by Decision No. 76970

I-5 January 1997

Rule 17.3

17.3 Location
Facilities shall be located with consideration for safety of property, the general
public andpersonsengagedin the construction, operation and maintenancethereof
(See Rule 17.1).
Compliance with these rules is not intended to relieve a utility of any location
requirement of the State or any county or city with respect to the use of public
streets or highways.

17.4 Joint Use of Excavations and Facilities

Joint trenching and installation of facilities may be undertaken subject to the
clearancesstatedin theserules. Nothing herein shall be construedasrequiring joint
trenching or asgranting authority for installation of facilities in a trench excavated
by or for another party without consent of such party.

17.5 Two or More Systems

Where two or more systemsare concernedin any clearance,that owner or operator
who last in point of time constructs facilities, shall establishthe clearancerequired
in these rules from other facilities which have been constructed previously.

17.6 Encroachments
Nothing in these rules shall be construed as permitting unauthorized occupancy,
accessto, connection to, rearrangement, or removal of underground supply or
communication system facilities or any other underground facilities.

17.7 Location Information

Each party operating or owning facilities shall, upon request, provide information
as to location of its underground facilities to any other party contemplating
underground construction, or work, in the vicinity thereof. Provision of such
information by a party will not relieve such other party of his responsibility to
locate accurately such underground facilities and to exercise reasonable care
during construction or work. If at any time damage or interruption to existing
facilities should occur, said other party is enjoined immediately to report such
damageto the party owning such damagedor interrupted facilities.

January 1997 I-6

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