11.

0 EXTRACTS FROM INDIAN

ELECTRICITY RULES

CHAPTER I : PRELIMINARY
2. Definitions-
In these rules unless the context otherwise requires,
t) "Enclosed sub-station" means any premises or enclosure or part thereof, being
large enough to admit the entrance of a person after the apparatus therein is in
position, containing apparatus for transforming or converting energy to or from
a voltage at or above medium voltage (other than transforming or converting
solely for the operation of switchgear or instruments) with or without any other
apparatus for switching, controlling or otherwise regulating the energy, and
includes the apparatus therein.
u) "Enclosed switch-station" means any premises or enclosure or part thereof,
being large enough to admit the entrance of a person after the apparatus therein
is in position, containing apparatus for switching, controlling or otherwise
regulating energy at or above medium voltage but not for transforming or
converting energy (other than for transforming or converting solely for the
operation of switchgear or instruments), and includes the apparatus therein.
v) "Guarded" means covered, shielded, fenced or otherwise protected by means of
suitable casings, barrier, rails or metal screens to remove the possibility of
dangerous contact or approach by persons or objects to a point of danger.
y) "Installation" means any composite electrical unit used for the purpose of
generating, transforming, transmitting, converting, distributing or utilizing
energy.
aaa) "Linked Switch" means a switch with all the poles mechanically linked so as to
operate simultaneously.
aq) "Switch" means a manually operated device for opening and closing or for
changing the connection of a circuit.
ar) "Switchgear" shall denote switches, circuit breakers, cutouts and other
apparatus used for,-the operation regulation and control of circuits.
av) "Voltage" means the difference of electric potentials measured in Volts between
any two conductors or between any part of either conductor and the earth as
measured by a suitable voltmeter and is said to be "Low" where the voltage does
not exceed 250 Volts under normal conditions subject, however, to the
percentage variation allowed by these rules.

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 "medium" where the voltage does not exceed 650 Volts under normal
conditions subject, however, to the percentage variation allowed by these rules;
"High" where the voltage does not exceed 33,000 Volts under normal conditions
subject, however to percentage variation allowed to these rules;
"Extra high" where the voltage exceeds 33000 volts under normal conditions
subject, however, to the percentage variation allowed by these rules;
CHAPTER IV: GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
29. Construction, installation, protection, operation and maintenance of electric
supply lines and apparatus -
(1) All electric supply lines and apparatus shall be of sufficient ratings for power,
insulation and estimated fault current and of sufficient mechanical strength, for
the duty which they may be required to perform under the environmental
conditions of installation, and shall be constructed, installed, protected, worked
and maintained in such a manner as to ensure safety of personnel and property.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in these rules, the relevant code of practice of the
Bureau of Indian Standards including National Electrical Code if any may be
followed to carry our the purposes of this rule and in the event of any
inconsistency, the provision of these rules shall prevail.
(3) The material and apparatus used shall conform to the relevant specifications of
the Bureau of Indian Standards where such specifications have already been laid
down.
42. Accidental charge
The owners of all circuits and apparatus shall so arrange them that there shall be
no danger of any part thereof becoming accidentally charged to any voltage beyond the
limits of voltage for which they are intended.
Where A.C. and D.C. circuits are installed on the same support they shall be so
arranged and protected that they shall not come into contact with each other when live.
CHAPTER V: GENERAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO
SUPPLY AND USE OF ENERGY
50. Supply and use of energy
(1) The energy shall not be supplied transformed; converted or used or continued to
be supplied transformed converted or used unless provisions as set out below are
observed:
a) The following controls of requisite capacity to carry and break the current are
placed as near as possible to, but after the point of commencement of supply as
defined in rule 58 so as "to be readily accessible and capable of being easily
operated to completely isolate the supply to the installation of such equipment

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 being in addition to 'any equipment installed for controlling individual circuits
or apparatus:
i) a linked switch with fuse(s) or a circuit breaker by low and medium voltage
consumers.
ii) a linked switch with fuse(s) or a circuit breaker by HV consumers having
aggregate installed transformer/apparatus capacity up to 1000 kVA to be
supplied at voltage upto 11 kV and 2500 kVA at higher voltages (above 11 kV
and not exceeding 33 kV).
iii) a circuit breaker by HV consumers having an aggregate installed transformer/
apparatus capacity above 1000 kVA and supplied at 11 kV and above 2500 kVA
supplied at higher voltages (above 11 kV and not exceeding 33 kV).
iv) a circuit breaker by EHV consumer:
Provided that where the point of commencement of supply and the consumer apparatus
are near each other one linked switch with fuse(s) or circuit breaker near the point of
commencement of supply as required by this clause shall be considered sufficient for
the purpose of this Rule.
b. In case of every transformer the following shall be provided:
i) On primary side for transformers a linked switch with fuse(s) or circuit
breaker of adequate capacity.
Provided that the linked switch on the primary side of the transformer may be of such
capacity as to carry the full load current and to break only the magnetising current of
the transformer:
Provided further that for transformers of capacity 5000 kVA and above a circuit breaker
shall be provided:
Provided further that the provision of linked switch on the primary side of the
transformer shall not apply to the unit auxiliary transformer of the generator.
ii) On the secondary side of transformers of capacity 100 kVA and above
transforming HV to MV or LV, a linked switch with fuse(s) or circuit breaker of
adequate capacity capable of carrying and breaking full load current and for
transformers transforming HV to EHV as the case may be, a circuit breaker:
Provided that where the transformer capacity exceeds 630 kVA a circuit breaker of
adequate capacity shall be installed on the secondary side.
C Except in the case of "composite control- gear designed as a unit distinct circuit
is protected against excess energy by means of suitable cut-out or a circuit breaker of
adequate breaking capacity suitably located and so constructed as to prevent danger
from overheating, arcing or scattering of hot metal when it comes into operation and to
permit for ready renewals of the fusible metal of the cut-out without danger:

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51. Provision applicable to medium, high or extra high voltage installations
The following provisions shall be observed where energy at medium, high or extra high
voltage is supplied, converted, transformed or used:
(a) All conductors (other than those of overhead lines) shall be completely enclosed
in mechanically strong metal casing or metallic covering which is electrically and
mechanically continuous and adequately protected against mechanical damage unless
the said conductors are accessible only to an authorised person or are installed and
protected to the satisfaction of the Inspector so as to prevent danger:
Provided that non-metallic conduits conforming to the relevant Indian Standard
Specifications may be used for medium voltage installations, subject to such conditions
as the Inspector or Officer appointed to assist an Inspector may think fit to impose.
(b) All metal works, enclosing, supporting or associated with the installation, other
than that designed to serve as a conductor shall be connected with an earthing system as
per standards laid down in the Indian Standards in this regard and also in accordance
with rule 61(4).
(c) Every switchboard shall comply with the following provisions, namely:
i) A clear space of not less than 1metre in width shall be provided in front of the
switchboard.
ii) If there are any attachments or bare connections at the back of the switchboard,
the space (if any) behind the switchboard shall be either less than 20 centimeter or more
than 75 centimetre in width, measured from the farthest outstanding part of any
attachment or conductor :
iii) If the space behind switchboard exceeds 75 centimetre in width, there shall be a
passage-way from either end of the switchboard clear to a height of 1.8 metre.
(a) In case of installation provided in premises where inflammable materials
including gases and/or chemicals are produced, handled or stored, the electrical
installations, equipment and apparatus shall comply with the requirements of flame
proof, dust tight, totally enclosed or any other suitable type of electrical fittings
depending upon the hazardous zones as per the relevant Indian Standard Specification.
54. Declared voltage of supply to consumer
Except with the written consent of the consumer or with the previous sanction of
the State Government a supplier - shall not permit the voltage at the point of
commencement of supply as defined under rule 58 to vary from the declared voltage.
i) In the case of low or medium voltage, by more then 6 per cent , or;
ii) In the case of high voltage, by more than 6 percent on the higher side or by more
than 9 percent on the lower side, or;
iii) In the case of extra high voltage, by more than 10 percent on the higher side or
by more than 12.5 percent on the lower side.

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55. Declared frequency of supply to consumer
Except with the written consent of the consumer or with the previous sanction of
the State Government a supplier shall not permit the frequency of an alternating current
supply to vary from the declared frequency by more than 3 percent.
CHAPTER VI: ELECTRIC SUPPLY LINES, SYSTEMS AND
APPARATUS FOR LOW AND MEDIUM VOLTAGES
61. Connection with earth
1. The following provisions shall apply to the connection with earth of systems at a
low voltage in cases where the voltage normally exceeds 125 Volts and of
systems at medium voltage:
a) Neutral conductor of a phase, 4 wire system and the middle conductor of a 2
phase, 3-wire system shall be earthed by not less than two separate and distinct
connections with a minimum of two different earth electrodes or such large
number as may be necessary to bring the earth resistance to a satisfactory value
both at the generating station and at the sub-station. The earth electrodes so
provided, may be interconnected to reduce earth resistance. It may .also be
earthed at one or more points along the distribution system or service line in
addition to any connection with earth which may be at the consumer's premises.
b) In the case of a system comprising electric supply lines having concentric
cables, the external conductor of such cables shall be earthed by two separate
and distinct connections with earth.
c) The connection with earth may include a link by means of which the connection
may be temporarily interrupted for the purpose of testing or for locating a fault.
d) i) In a direct current three wire system 'the middle conductor shall be earthed at
the generating station only, and the current from the middle conductor to earth
shall be continuously recorded by means of a recording ammeter, and if any
time the current exceeds one-thousandth part of the maximum supply-current
immediate steps shall be taken to improve the insulation of the system.
ii) Where the middle conductor is earthed by means of a circuit-breaker with a
resistance connected in parallel, the resistance shall not exceed 10 Ohms and on
the opening of the circuit-breaker, immediate steps shall be taken to improve the
insulation of the system, and the circuit breaker shall be reclosed as soon as
possible.
iii) The resistance shall be used only as a protection for the ammeter in case of
earths on the system and until such earths are removed. Immediate steps shall be
taken to locate and remove the earth.
e) In the case of an alternating current system, there shall not be inserted in the
connection with earth any impedance (other than that required solely for the
operation of switch-gear or instruments), cut-out or circuit-breaker, and the

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 result of any test made to ascertain whether the current (if any) passing though
the connection with earth is normal, shall be duly recorded by the supplier.
g) Alternating current systems which are connected with earth as aforesaid may be
electrically interconnected:
Provided that each connection with earth is bonded to the metal sheathing and metallic
armouring (if any) of the electric supply line concerned.
2. The frame of every generator, stationary motor, portable motor, and the metallic
parts (not intended as conductors) of all transformers and any other apparatus
used for regulating or controlling energy and all medium voltage energy
consuming apparatus shall be earthed by the owner by two separate and distinct
connections with earth.
3. All metal casings or metallic coverings containing or protecting any electric
supply-line or apparatus shall be connected with earth and shall be so joined and
connected across all junction boxes and other openings as to make good
mechanical and electrical connection throughout their whole length.
Provided that where the supply is at low voltage, this sub-rule shall not apply to
isolated wall tubes or to brackets, switches, ceiling fans or other fittings (other than
portable hand lamps and portable and transportable apparatus) unless provided with
earth terminal and to class-11 apparatus/appliances;
Provided further that where the supply is at low voltage and where the installations are
either new or renovated all plug sockets shall be of the three-pin type, and the third pin
shall be permanently and efficiently earthed.
Explanation:
The words (Class-II apparatus/appliances will have the same meaning as assigned to
these words in the relevant 1SS.
4. All earthing system shall -
a) consist of equipotential bonding conductors capable of carrying the prospective
earth fault current and group of pipe/rod/plate electrodes for dissipating the current to
the general mass of earth without exceeding the allowable temperature limits as per
relevant Indian Standards in order to maintain all non-current carrying metal works
reasonably at earth potential and to avoid dangerous contact potentials being developed
on such metal works;
b) limit earth resistance sufficiently low to permit adequate fault current for the
operation of protective devices in time and to reduce neutral shifting; -
c) be mechanically strong, withstand corrosion and retain electrical continuity
during the life of the installation. All earthing systems shall be tested to ensure efficient
earthing, before the electric supply lines or apparatus are energised.

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5. All earthing systems belonging to the supplier shall, in addition, be tested for
resistance on dry day during the dry season not less than once every two years.
6. A record of every earth test made and the result thereof shall be kept by the
supplier for a period of not less than two years after the day of testing and shall be
available to the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised
under sub-rule (2) of the rule 4A when required.
61. A Earth leakage protective device
The supply of Energy to every electrical installation other than low voltage
installation below 5 KW and those low voltage installations which do not attract
provisions of Section 30 .of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, shall be controlled by an
earth leakage protective device so as to disconnect the supply instantly on the
occurrence of earth fault or leakage of current:
Provided that the above shall not apply to over head supply line having protective
devices which are effectively bonded to the neutral of supply transformers and
conforming to rule 91 of I.E. Rules, 1956.
62. Systems at medium voltage
Where a medium voltage supply system is employed, the voltage between earth
and any conductor forming part of the same system shall not, under normal conditions,
exceed low voltage.
CHAPTER VII: ELECTRIC SUPPLY LINES, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS
FOR HIGH AND EXTRA HIGH VOLTAGES
64. Use of energy at high and extra high voltage
1. The Inspector shall not authorise the supplier to commence supply or where the
supply has been discontinued for a period of one year and above, to re-
commence the supply at high or extra high voltage to any consumer unless:
a) all conductors and apparatus situated on the premises of the consumer are so
placed as to be inaccessible except to an authorised person and all operations in
connection with the said conductors and apparatus are carried out by an
authorised person;
b) the consumer has provided and agrees to maintain a separate building or a
locked weather-proof and fire-proof enclosure- of agreed design and location, to
which the supplier at all times have access for the purpose of housing his
apparatus and metering equipment, or where the provision for a separate
building or enclosure is impracticable, the consumer has segregated the
aforesaid apparatus of the supplier from any other part of his own apparatus:
Provided that such segregation shall be by the provision of fire proof walls, if the
Inspector considers it to be necessary;

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Provided further that in the case of an out-door installation consumer shall suitably
segregate the aforesaid apparatus belonging to the supplier from his own to the
satisfaction of the Inspector;
c) All pole type sub-stations are constructed and maintained in accordance
with rule 69.
2. The following provisions shall be observed where energy at high or extra high
voltage is supplied, converted, transformed or used:
a) i) The clearance as per Indian Standard Code shall be provided for electrical
apparatus so that sufficient space h available for easy operation and maintenance
without any hazard to the operating and maintenance personnel working near the
equipment and for ensuring adequate ventilation.
ii) The following clearance shall be maintained for bare conductors or live
parts of any apparatus in out-door sub-stations, excluding overhead
lines, of HV and EHV installations:

Voltage Class Ground Sectional

Clearance clearance
m m
Not exceeding 11 kV 2:75 2.6
—do— 33 kV 3.7 2.8
— do— 66 kV 4.0 3.0
— do—132 kV 4.6 3.5
— do—220 W 5.5 4.3
— do —400 Kv 8.0 6.5
b) The windings of motors or other apparatus within reach from any position in
which a person may require to be shall be suitably protected so as to prevent
danger.
c) Where transformer or transformers are used, suitable provision shall be made,
either by connecting with earth a point of the circuit at the lower voltage or
otherwise, to guard against danger by reason of the said circuit becoming
accidentally charged above its normal voltage by leakage from or contact with
the circuit at the higher voltage.
d) A substation or a switch station with apparatus having more than 2000 litre of
oil shall not be located in the basement where proper oil draining arrangement
cannot be provided.

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e) Where a sub-station or a switch station with apparatus having more than 2000
litre of oil is installed, whether indoor or out-doors. the following measures shall
be taken namely: . .
1) The baffle walls (of 4 Hours fire rating) sha!l be provided between the apparatus
in the following case:
a) single phase banks in the switch-yards of generating stations and sub-stations;
b) on the consumer premises;
c) where adequate clearance between the units is not available.
ii) Provisions shall be made for suitable oil soak pit and where use of more than
9000 litres of oil in any one oil tank, receptacle or chamber is involved,
provision shall be made for the draining away or removal of any oil which may
leak or escape from the tanks, receptacles or chambers containing the same.
Special precautions shall be taken to prevent the spread of any fire resulting
from the ignition of the oil from any cause and adequate provision shall be made
for extinguishing any fire which may occur. Spare oil shall not be stored in any
such sub-station or switch station.
f)i} Without prejudice to the above measures, adequate fire protection arrangement
shall be provided for quenching the fire in the apparatus:
ii) Where it is necessary to locate the sub-station/switch station in the basement
following measures shall be taken:
a) The room shall necessarily be in the first basement at the periphery of the
basement;
b) The entrances to the room shall be provided with fire resisting doors of 2 hours
fire rating. A curb (sill) of a suitable height shall be provided at the entrance in
order to prevent the flow of oil from a ruptured transformer into other parts of
the basement. Direct access to the transformer room shall be provided from
outside.
c) The transformer shall be protected by an automatic high velocity water spray
system or by carbon dioxide or BCF (Bromo-chloro-difluromethane) or BTM
(Bromo-trifluromethane) fixed installation system; and
iii) Oil filled transformers installed indoors shall not be on any floor above the
ground or below the first basement.
g) Cable trenches inside the sub-stations and switch stations containing cables shall
be filled with sand, pebbles or similar non-inflammable materials or completely
cover with non-inflammable slabs;
h) unless the conditions are such that all the conductors and apparatus may be
made dead at the same time for the purpose of cleaning or for other work, the
said conductors and apparatus shall be so arranged that these may be made dead

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 in sections, and that work on any such section may be carried on by an
authorised person without danger.
i} only person authorised under sub-rule (1) of rule 3, shall carry out the work on
live lines and apparatus.
3. All EHV apparatus shall be protected against lightning as well as against
switching over voltages. The equipment used for protection and switching shall
be adequately co-ordinated with the protected apparatus to ensure safe operation
as well as to maintain the stability of the inter-connected units of the power
system.
64 A. Additional provisions for use of energy at high and extra high voltage
The following additional provisions shall be observed where energy at high or
extra high voltage is supplied, converted, transferred or used, namely:
i) Inter-locks: suitable inter-locks shall be provided in the following cases :
a) Isolators and the controlling circuit breakers shall be inter-locked so that the
isolators cannot be operated unless the corresponding breaker is in open
position;
b) Isolators and the corresponding earthing switches shall be inter-locked so that no
earthing switch can be closed unless and until the corresponding isolator is in
open position.
c) Where two or more supplies are not intended to be operated in parallel, the
respective circuit breakers or- linked switches controlling the supplies shall be
inter-locked to prevent possibility of any inadvertent paralleling or feedback;
d) When two or more transformers are operated in parallel, the system shall be so
arranged as to trip the secondary breaker of transformer in case the primary
breaker of that transformer trips;
e) All gates or doors which give access to live parts of an installation shall be
interlocked in such a way that these cannot be opened unless the live parts are
made dead. Proper discharging and earthing of these parts should be ensured
before any person comes in close proximity of such parts;
f) Where two or more generators operate in parallel and neutral switching is
adopted, inter-lock shall be provided to ensure that generator breaker cannot be
closed unless one of the neutrals is connected to the earthing system.
2. Protection: All systems and circuits shall be so protected as to automatically
disconnect the supply under abnormal conditions.
The following protection shall be provided, namely :
a) over current protection to disconnect the supply automatically if the rated
current of the equipment, cable or supply line is exceeded for a time which the
equipment, cable or supply line is not designed to withstand;

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b) Earth-fault/earth leakage protection to disconnect the supply automatically if the
earth fault current exceeds the limit of current for keeping the contact potential
within the reasonable values;
c) Gas pressure type protection to give alarm and tripping shall be provided
on all transformers of ratings 1000 kVA and above.
d) Transformers of capacity 10 MVA and above shall be protected against incipient
faults by differential protection; and
e) All generators with rating of 100 kVA and above shall be protected against earth
fault/leakage. All generators of rating 1000 kVA and above shall be protected
against faults within the generator winding using restricted earth fault protection
or differential protection or by both.
67. Connection with earth
All non-current carrying metal parts associated with HV/EHV installation shall
be effectively earthed to a grounding system or mat which will:
a) limit the touch and step potential to tolerable values;
b) limit the ground potential rise to tolerable values so as to prevent danger due to
transfer of potential through ground, earth wires, cable sheath fences, pipe lines,
etc.
c) maintain the resistance of the earth connection to such a value as to make
operation of the protective device effective.
In the case of star-connected system with earthed neutral or delta connected system
with earthed artificial neutral point :
a) The neutral point of every generator and transformer shall be earthed by
connecting it to the earthing system as defined in Rule 61(4) and herein above
by not less than two separate and distinct connections:
Provided that the neutral point of a generator may be connected to the earthing system
through an impedance to limit the fault current to the earth;
Provided further that in the case multi-machine system neutral switching may be
resorted to, for limiting the injurious effect of harmonic current circulation in the
system;
b) In the event of an appreciable harmonic current flowing in the neutral
connection so as to cause interference, with communication circuits, the
generator or transformer neutral, shall be earthed through a suitable impedance;
c) In case of the delta connected system the neutral point shall be obtained by
the insertion of a grounding transformer and current limiting resistance or
impedance wherever considered necessary at the commencement of such a
system.

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2. Single-phase high or extra-high voltage system shall be earthed in a manner
approved by the Inspector.
3. In the case of system comprising electric supply lines having concentric cables,
the external conductor shall be the one to be connected with earth.
4. Where a supplier proposes to connect with earth an existing system for use at
high or extra-high voltage which has not hitherto been so connected with earth
he shall give not less than fourteen days notice in writing together with
particulars to the telegraph-authority or the proposed connection with earth.
5. (a) Where the earthing lead and earth connection are used only in connection with
earthing guards erected under high or extra-high voltage overhead lines where
they cross a telecommunication line or a railway line, and where such lines are
equipped with earth leakage relays of a type and setting approved by the
Inspector, the resistance shall not exceed 25 Ohms.
(b) Every earthing system belonging to either the supplier or the consumer shall be
tested for its resistance to earth on a dry day during dry season not less than
once a year. Records of such tests shall be maintained and shall .be produced, if
required before the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist him and
authorised under sub-rule (2) rule 4A.
6. In so far as the provisions of rule 61 are consistent with the provisions of this
rule, all connections with earth shall also comply with the provisions of that
rule.
68. General conditions as to transformation and control of energy
1. Where energy at high or extra-high voltage is transformed, converted regulated
or otherwise controlled in sub-stations or switch-stations (including outdoor
substations and outdoor switch-stations) or in street boxes constructed
underground the following provisions shall have effect:
a) Sub-stations and switch-stations shall preferably be erected above ground, but
where necessarily constructed underground due provisions for ventilation and
drainage shall be made and any space housing switchgear shall not be used for
storage of any materials especially inflammable and combustible materials or
refuse.
b) Outdoor sub-stations except pole type sub-stations and outdoor switch-stations
shall (unless the apparatus is completely enclosed in a metal covering connected
with earth, the said apparatus also being connected with the system by armoured
cables) be efficiently protected by fencing not less than 1.8 metres in height or
other means so as to prevent access to the electric-supply lines and apparatus
therein by an unauthorized person;
c) Underground street boxes (other than sub-stations) which contain transformers
shall not contain switches or other apparatus, and switches, cut-outs or other

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 apparatus required for controlling or other purposes shall be fixed in separate
receptacles above ground wherever practicable.
2. Where energy is transformed, suitable provisions shall be made either by
connecting with earth a point of the system at the lower voltage or otherwise to
guard against danger by reason of the said system becoming accidentally
charged above its normal voltage by leakage from a contact with the system at
the higher voltage.
69. Pole type sub-stations
Where platform type construction is used for a pole type sub-station and
sufficient space for a person to stand on the platform is provided a substantial hand rail
shall be built around the said platform and if the hand rail is of metal, it shall be
connected with earth; Provided that in the case of pole type sub-station on wooden
supports and wooden platform the metal hand-rail shall not be connected with earth.
70. Condensers
Suitable provisions shall be made for immediate and automatic discharge of every
static condenser on disconnection of supply.
CHAPTER VIII: OVERHEAD LINES
74. Material and strength
1. All conductors of overhead lines other than those specified in sub-rule (1) of
rule 86 shall have a breaking strength of not less than 350 kg.
2. Where the voltage is low and the span is of less than 15 metres and is on the
owner's or consumer's premises, a conductor having an actual breaking strength
of not less than 150 kg. may be used.
75. Joints
Joints between conductors of overhead lines shall be mechanically and
electrically secured under the conditions of operation. The ultimate strength of the joint
shall not be less than 95 percent of that of the conductor, and the electrical conductivity
not less than that of the conductor.
Provided that no conductor of an overhead line shall have more than two joints in a
span.
76. Maximum stresses : Factors of Safety
1. (a) The owner of every overhead line shall ensure that it has the
following minimum factors of safety :
i) for metal supports 1.5
ii) for mechanically processed concrete supports 2.0
iii) for hand-moulded concrete supports 2.5
iv) for wood supports 3.0

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The minimum factors of safety shall be based on such loads as would cause failure of
the support to perform its function (assuming that the foundation and other components
of the structure are intact)
The aforesaid load shall be (i) equivalent to the yield point stress or the modulus of
rupture, as the case may be, for supports subject to bending and vertical loads, (ii) the
crippling load for supports used struts.
The said owner shall also ensure that the strength of the supports in the direction of the
line is not less than one-fourth of the strength required in the direction transverse to the
line;
Provided that in the case of latticed steel or other compound structures, factors of safety
shall not be less than 1.5 under such broken wire conditions as may be specified by the
State Government in this behalf.
b) The minimum factor of safety for stay-wires guard-wires or bearer-wires shall
be 2.5 based on the ultimate tensile strength of the wire.
c) The minimum factor of safety for conductors shall be 2, based on their ultimate
tensile strength. In addition, the conductors tension at 32°C, without external
load, shall not exceed the following percentages of the ultimate tensile strength
of the conductor;
Initial unloaded tension 35 percent
Final unloaded tension 25 percent
Provided that in the case of conductors having a cross section of a generally triangular
shape, such as conductors composed of 3-wires. the final unloaded tension at 32°C shall
not exceed 30 percent of the ultimate tensile strength of such conductor.
2. For the purpose of calculating the factors of safety prescribed in sub-rule (1) -
a) The maximum wind pressure shall be such as the State Government may specify
in each case;
b) For cylindrical bodies the effective area shall be taken as two-thirds of the
projected area exposed to wind pressure;
c) For latticed steel or other compound structures the wind pressure on the
leg-side members shall be taken as one-half of the wind pressure on the
windward side members and the factors for safety shall be calculated on the
crippling load of struts and upon the elastic limit of tension members;
d) The maximum and minimum temperatures shall be such as the State
Government may specify in each case.
3. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules (1) .and (2) in localities where
overhead lines are liable to accumulations of ice or snow the State Government may by
order in writing, specify the loading conditions for the purpose of calculating the factor
of safety.

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77. Clearance above ground of the lowest conductor
1) No conductor of an overhead line, including service lines, erected across a
street shall at any part thereof be at a height of less than -
a) for low and medium voltage lines 5.8 m
b) for high voltage lines 6.1 m
2) No conductor of an overhead line, including service lines, erected along any
street shall at any part thereof be at a height less than -
a) for low and medium voltage lines 5.5 m
b) for high voltage lines 5.8 m
3) No conductor of an overhead line including service lines, erected elsewhere
than along or across any street shall be at a height less than -
a) for low, medium and high voltage
lines up to and including 11000 V, if bare 4.6 m
b) for low, medium and high voltage lines
upto and including 11000 V, if insulated 4.0 m
c) for high voltage lines above-
11000 V 5.2 m
4) For extra-high voltage lines the clearance above ground shall not be less than
5.2 m plus 0.3 metres for every 33000 V or part thereof by which the voltage of
the line exceeds 33000 V.
Provided that the minimum clearance along or across any street shall not be less than
6.1. m.
78. Clearance between conductors and trolley wires
(1) No conductor of an overhead line crossing a tramway or trolley bus route using
trolley wires shall have less than the following clearances above any trolley
wire:
a) low and medium voltage lines 1.2 m
Provided that where an insulated conductor suspended from a bearer wires crosses over
a trolley wire the minimum clearance for such insulated conductor shall be 0.6 metre.
b) high voltage lines up to and
including 11000 V 1.8 m
c) high voltage lines above
11000 V 2.5 m
d) extra-high voltage lines 3.0 m

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(2) In any case of a crossing referred to in sub-rule (1), whoever lays his line
later in time, shall provide the clearance between his own line and the line which
will be crossed in accordance with the provisions of said sub-rule.
Provided that if the later entrant is the owner of the lower line and is not able to
provide adequate clearance, he should bear the cost for modification of the upper
line so as to comply with, this rule.
79. Clearance from buildings of low and medium voltage lines and service lines
1) Where a low or medium voltage,-overhead line passes above or adjacent to or
terminates on any building, the following minimum clearance from any accessible
point, on the basis of maximum sag, shall be observed:
a) for any flat roof, open balcony, verandah roof and lean-to-roof
i) when the line passes above the building a vertical clearance of 2.5 m from the
highest point, and
ii) when the line passes adjacent to the building a horizontal clearance of
1.2 m from the nearest point, and
b) for pitched roof –

i) when the line passes above the building a vertical clearance of 2.5 m
immediately under the lines, and
ii) when the line passes adjacent to the building a horizontal clearance of
1.2 m.
2) Any conductor so situated as to have a clearance less than that specified in sub-
rule (1) shall be adequately insulated and shall be attached at suitable intervals to a
bare earthed bearer wire having a breaking strength of not less than 350 kg.
3) The horizontal clearance shall be measured when the line is at a maximum
deflection from the vertical due to wind pressure.
EXPLANATION
For the purpose of this rule, expression "building" shall be deemed t6 include any
structure, whether permanent or temporary.

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 80. Clearances from buildings of high and extra high voltage lines
1) Where a high or extra-high voltage overhead line passes above or adjacent to
any building or part of a building it shall have on the basis of maximum sag a vertical
clearance above the highest part of the building immediately under such lines of not
less than -
a) for high voltage lines upto
and including 33,000 V 3.7 m
b) for extra-high voltage line 3.7 metres
plus 0.30 m
for every additional 33,000V
or part thereof.
2) The horizontal clearance between the nearest conductor and any part of such
building shall, on the basis of maximum deflection due to wind pressure, be not less
than -
a) for high voltage lines upto and including 11,000 V 1.2 m
b) for high voltage line above ll,000 Volts and upto
and including 33,000 V 2.0 m
c) for extra high voltage lines. 2.0 m
plus 0.3 m for every
33kv thereof
EXPLANATION
For the purpose of this rule expression "building" shall be deemed to include any
structure, whether permanent or temporary.
81. Conductors at different voltages on same supports
Where conductors forming parts of system at different voltages are erected on
the same supports, the owner shall make adequate provision to guard against danger to
lineman and others from the lower voltage system being charged above its normal
working voltage by leakage from or contact with the higher voltage system and the
methods of construction and the clearances between the conductors of the two systems
shall be subject to the prior approval of the Inspector.
83. Clearances: General
For the purpose of computing the vertical clearance of an overhead line, the maximum
sag of any conductor shall be calculated on the basis of the maximum sag in still air and
the maximum temperature as specified by the State Government under rule 76(2)(d).
Similarly for the purpose of computing any horizontal clearance of an overhead line the
maximum deflection of any conductor shall be calculated on the basis of the wind

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pressure specified by the State Government under rule 76(2)(a) or may be taken as
35°C, whichever is greater.
84. Routes : Proximity to aerodromes
Over head lines shall not be erected in the vicinity of aerodromes until the
aerodrome authorities have approved in writing the route of the proposed lines.
85. Maximum interval between supports
All conductors shall be attached to supports at intervals not exceeding the ,
limits based on the ultimate tensile strength of the conductor and the factor of safety
prescribed in rule -76.
Provided that in the case of overhead lines carrying low or medium voltage conductors,
when erected in, over, along, or across any street the interval shall not without the
consent in writing of the Inspector, exceed 65 metres.
86. Conditions to apply where telecommunication lines and power lines are carried
on same supports
1) Every overhead telecommunication line erected on supports carrying a power
line shall consist of conductors each having a breaking strength of not less than
270 kg.
2) Every telephone used on a telecommunication line erected on supports carrying
a power line shall be suitably guarded against lightning and shall be protected by
cut-outs.
3) Where a telecommunication line is erected on supports carrying a high or extra-
high voltage power line arrangement shall be made to safeguard any person
using the telephone against injury resulting from contact, leakage or induction
between such power and telecommunication lines.
87. Lines crossing or approaching each other
1) Where an overhead line crosses or is in proximity to any telecommunication
line, either the owner of the overhead line or the telecommunication line,
whoever lays his line later, shall arrange to provide for protective devices or
guarding arrangements, in a manner laid down in the Code of practice or the
guidelines prepared by the Power and Telecommunication Coordination
Committee and subject to the provisions of the following sub-rules:
2) When it is intended to erect a telecommunication line or an overhead line which
will cross or be in proximity to an overhead line or a telecommunication line, as
the case may be the person proposing to erect such line shall give one month's
notice of his intention so to do along with the relevant details of protection and
drawings to the owner of the existing line.
3) Where an overhead line crosses or is in proximity to another overhead line,
guarding arrangements shall be provided so as to guard against the possibility of
their coming into contact with each other.

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Where an overhead line crosses another overhead line, clearances shall be as under:
Voltage Category High voltage Extra high voltage
Nominal system 22 33 66 110 132 220
voltages (in kV)
Clearance Minimum value, metres
Between lines when
crossing each other
(derived)
250 V 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.75 3.05 4.58
650 V 2.44 2.44 2.44 2,75 3.05 4.58
11 kV 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.75 3.05 4.58
22 kV 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.75 3.05 4.58
33 kV 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.75 3.05 4.58
66 kV 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.75 3.05 4.58
110 kV 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 3.05 4.58
132 kV 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 4.58
220 kV 4.58 4.58 4. 58 4.58 4.58 4.58
Provided that no guardings are required when an extra high voltage line crosses
over another extra high voltage, medium or low voltage line or a road or a tram subject
to the condition that adequate clearance are provided between the lowest conductor of
the extra high voltage line and the top most conductor of the overhead line crossing
underneath the extra high voltage line and the clearances as stipulated in rule 77 from
the top most surface of the road is maintained.
4) A person erecting or proposing to erect a line which may cross or be in
proximity with an existing line, may normally provide guarding arrangements
on his own line or require the owner of the other overhead line to provide
guarding arrangements as referred to in sub-rule (3).
5) In all cases referred to in the preceding sub-rules the expenses of providing the
guarding arrangements or protective devices shall be borne by the person whose
line was last erected.
6) Where two line cross, the crossing shall be made as nearly at right angles as the
nature of the case admits and as near the support of the line as practicable, and
the support of the lower line shall not be erected below the upper line.
7) The Guarding arrangements shall ordinarily be carried out by the owner of the
supports on which it is made and he shall be responsible for its efficient
maintenance.

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8) All work required to be done by or under this rule shall be carried out to the
satisfaction of the Inspector.
88. Guarding
1) Where guarding is required under these rules the provisions of sub-rule (2) to (4)
shall apply.
2) Every guard-wire shall be connected with earth at each point at which its
electrical continuity is broken.
3) Every guard-wire shall have an actual breaking strength of not less than 635 kg.
and if made of iron or steel shall be galvanised.
4) Every guard-wire or cross-connected system of guard wires shall have sufficient
current-carrying capacity to ensure the rendering dead, without risk of fusing of
the guard wire or wires till the contact of any live wire has been removed.
89. Service-lines from Overhead lines
No service-line or tapping shall be taken off an overhead line except at a point of
support.
90. Earthing
1) All metal supports and all reinforced and prestressed cement concrete supports
of overhead lines and metallic fittings attached thereto, shall be permanently and
efficiently earthed. For this purpose a continuous earth wire shall be provided and
securely fastened to each pole and connected with earth ordinarily at three points in
every km. The spacing between the points being as nearly equi-distance as possible.
Alternatively, each support and the metallic fittings attached thereto shall be efficiently
earthed.
Metallic bearer wire used for supporting insulated wires of low and medium voltage
overhead service lines shall be efficiently earthed or insulated.
2) Each stay-wire shall be similarly earthed unless insulator has been placed in it at a
height not less than 3.0 m from the ground.
91. Safety .and protective devices
1) Every overhead line (not being suspended from a dead bearer wire and not being
covered with insulating material and not being a trolley-wire) erected over any part of
street or other public place or in any factory or mine or on any consumer's premises
shall be protected with a device approved by the inspector for rendering the line
electrically harmless in case it breaks.
3) The owner of every high and extra-high voltage overhead line shall make
adequate arrangements to the satisfaction of the inspector to prevent unauthorised
persons from ascending any of the supports of such overhead lines which can be easily
climbed upon without the help of a ladder or special appliances. Rails, reinforced
cement concrete poles and pre-stressed cement concrete poles without steps, tubular

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poles, wooden supports without steps. I-sections and channels shall be deemed as
supports which cannot be easily climbed upon for the purpose of this rule.
92. Protection against lightning
1) The owner of every overhead line which is so exposed as to be liable to injury
from lightning shall adopt efficient means for diverting to earth and electrical
surges due to lightning.
2) The earthing lead for any lightning arrrester shall not pass through any iron or
steel pipe, but shall be taken as directly as possible from the lightning-arrester to
a separate earth electrode and/or junction of the earth mat already provided for
the high and extra-high voltage sub-station subject to the avoidance of bends
wherever practicable.
Note :
A vertical ground electrode shall be connected to this junction of the earth mat.

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