Cell Phone Towers

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muhandas

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I must admit I'm confused and I need a little help. Are Cell Phone Towers (and the associated equipment and facilities) located on a University campus covered by the NEC?
On the one hand this installation seems to meet 90.2(B)(4) which indicates that it would not be covered, on the other hand Art. 800 seems to suggest that it applies "... telephone systems not connected..." Art. 800.1.
If yes, would Art. 830 be applicable?
I would certainly appreciate your comments.
Heinz R.
 
No easy answer to your question as it depends on the legaL tax status of the wireless carrier. Very few wireless carriers hold a monopoly in a service area and recognized as a utility who pays advolorum taxes on their properties that exclude them permit processes. My guess is they are not a utility and therefore must comply with NEC. With that said most far exceed any minimum requirements set by NEC or local jusrisdictions.

Even if they are considered a utility it still depends on how the property is used. To use the status the access to the property has to be limited to authorized personnel only. So if other occuants have access, NEC rules apply even if they are a utility.
 
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Most cell phone towers are constructed by investors, and they most often have multi metering services. They rent space on the towers to whoever, and each "tenant" of the tower serves their equipment shed or enclosure with their own service equipment. At least that the way most of them are that I know about.
 
Here in WA State they are governed by the NEC. Even telephone CO's have to comply with the NEC, unless the equipment is used exclusively for the phone equipment. Lights, plugs and HVAC have to comply. Branch circuit wiring up to the point of termination of phone equipment has to comply. The equipment, however, does not have to by listed by anyone. The state and a local phone utility went round and round a few years ago and this is what they settled on.
 
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