Utility Contractor Installing Parking Lot Lighting

[mivey]

Please do tell where in NEC 90.2(B) it allows that

Doesn't have to because it does not apply but if it makes you happy you can use the easements clause.

or anywhere in the NESC it contradicts NEC 90.2(B) on this issue?

The NESC applies so the NEC can conflict or not but has no standing. Both have worked on wording to clear up any perceived conflicts, but I would agree they need more work.

And or negates specifically what it says in NEC 90.2(A)(4)

They do not negate each other since they cover different installations. Perhaps the NESC wording will help you:

NESC 011, Scope.
A. Covered

1. Supply and communication facilities (including metering) and associated work practices employed by a public or private electric supply, communications, railway, trolley, street and area lighting, traffic signal (or other signal), irrigation district or other community owned utility, or a similar utility in the exercise of its function as a utility.

...

4. Street and area lights that provide a supply of lumens where these facilities are supplied by underground or overhead conductors installed and/or maintained under the exclusive control of utilities (including their authorized contractors or other qualified persons).

5. Utility facilities and functions on the line side of the service point located on public or private property in accordance with legally established easements or rights-of-way, contracts, other agreements (written or by conditions of service), or as authorized by a regulating or controlling body.

...

8. Similar systems to those listed above that are under the exclusive control of qualified persons and authorized by a regulating or controlling body, including those associated with an industrial complex or utility interactive system.



B. Not Covered

NESC rules do not cover:
1. Utilization equipment or premises wiring located beyond utility service points to buildings or outdoor installations, or

2. Underground mine wiring or installations in ships, railway rolling equipment, aircraft, or automotive equipment, or

3. Luminaires not installed or maintained under exclusive control by utilities, or

4. Industrial complex or utility interactive systems that are not controlled exclusively under utilities or qualified persons or are located on the premises wiring side of the service point.

So, if the lights are installed and/or maintained by the utility and connected to the utility system and not to the customer equipment, that is under the NESC. Luminaires beyond the service point are under the NEC.

 

[San -Brooke]

It looks to me that the NESC clearly contradicts the NEC on this issue then. If I am reading correctly as long as there is no meter base involved between utility and luminaire install according to NESC the utility can do whatever they want. And according to NEC that is not the case.

 

[mgookin]

So, if the lights are installed and/or maintained by the utility and connected to the utility system and not to the customer equipment, that is under the NESC. Luminaires beyond the service point are under the NEC.

If the lights are installed and/or maintained by the utility and connected to the utility system and not to the customer equipment, that is exempt from all codes in Florida. Can't speak for other states.

553.73 (10) The following buildings, structures, and facilities are exempt from the Florida Building Code as provided by law, and any further exemptions shall be as determined by the Legislature and provided by law:
...
(f) Those structures or facilities of electric utilities, as defined in s. 366.02, which are directly involved in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity.

Their lease light program has always been construed to apply to the above exception. Note: That chapter also includes the NEC so when they say exempt from FBC, they also mean NEC. They'll even put a security light back by Grandma's shed in the back yard and that's exempt because it does not go through her service.

 

[San -Brooke]

But when a private contractor puts a direct burial metal light pole on private property subcontracted by a utility first and foremost what is that ground rod doing that the pole is not? Without an EGC what is going to cause that circuit breaker to open if there is a short from hot to that metal pole? And should we just wait for someone such as a small child die before we put a stop to it?

 

[mgookin]

But when a private contractor puts a direct burial metal light pole on private property subcontracted by a utility first and foremost what is that ground rod doing that the pole is not? Without an EGC what is going to cause that circuit breaker to open if there is a short from hot to that metal pole? And should we just wait for someone such as a small child die before we put a stop to it?

There is no circuit breaker on a street light. And it's only a 2 wire system. No EGC. I'm sure it's different in different areas, but that's how it is here in Florida.

 

[GoldDigger]

The NESC applies so the NEC can conflict or not but has no standing. Both have worked on wording to clear up any perceived conflicts, but I would agree they need more work.

They do not negate each other since they cover different installations.
So, if the lights are installed and/or maintained by the utility and connected to the utility system and not to the customer equipment, that is under the NESC. Luminaires beyond the service point are under the NEC.

Item A (4), unlike the others in A, does not explicitly require that the supply wiring originate on the utility side of the service point, just that the utility has exclusive control of the wiring itself.

Item B (1) seems to contradict that interpretation of A (4) unless you exclude area lighting from the category of utilization equipment when that lighting equipment is owned by the utility.

Yes, needs more work. Or else this thread will go on for a long time.

 

[kwired]

There is no circuit breaker on a street light. And it's only a 2 wire system. No EGC. I'm sure it's different in different areas, but that's how it is here in Florida.

If installed by a utility that is probably correct over 95% of the time all over the place. If it is EC installed there is likely a service someplace and EGC's run - especially for underground fed metallic poles. Overhead lines on wood poles, maybe is hit and miss, but those are becoming less common anymore besides the ones installed and maintained by utilities, but two wire supply to something isolated at the top of a wood pole is not much of a hazard to the general public, if the luminaire shorts to the mounting bracket, it is way up top and isolated from people at the base of the pole, if it were on a metal pole it is still going to energize the entire pole if the grounded conductor becomes open.