Switchyard substn and main transformer fencing is required?

[tlov]

Are fences around a switchyard, substation, or main transformer required? What hazard requires them to have fences? Would a fence around a facility with a substation suffice? Even if contractors and visitors are allowed in the facility without a guide?

 

[celtic]

Re: Switchyard substn and main transformer fencing is requir

Re: Switchyard substn and main transformer fencing is requir

Are fences around a switchyard, substation, or main transformer required? What hazard requires them to have fences? Would a fence around a facility with a substation suffice? Even if contractors and visitors are allowed in the facility without a guide?

Would 110.31 apply?

 

[jtester]

If your facility is governed by the NESC, Section 11 requires ...fences, screens, partitions, walls, etc. to minimize the possitility of entrance... and goes on to specify height, etc.

If you are governed by the NEC, refer to 110.31.

It's been a long time since I've seen a substation or main that was accessible to the public. Both these sections pretty much prohibit that.

Jim T

 

[tlov]

Clarification

Clarification

The sites are within a power generation facility. Ownership of the power changes in the switchyard. The sites are no longer a Utility. The argument I get is the sites were built prior to the code, because they were built as a utility.

 

[petersonra]

Re: Clarification

Re: Clarification

The sites are within a power generation facility. Ownership of the power changes in the switchyard. The sites are no longer a Utility. The argument I get is the sites were built prior to the code, because they were built as a utility.

The real answer comes from answering the following question.

Does the existing arrangement present a potential hazard?

It is not about trying to find a loophole somewhere.

 

[tlov]

Not looking for a loophole. Just trying to provide clarification. What hazards would determine the requirement to have a fence? Is it clearance, and if it is, is the clearance from the ground, and individual, or individual with a tool? I have also heard that it is a step touch hazard, but have not received any supporting information for a step touch potential hazard.

 

[realolman]

If you put the transformers on a pole or something you don't need a fence, but I don't know what the height requirements are.

 

[jtester]

The argument I get is the sites were built prior to the code, because they were built as a utility.

If the sites were built as utility sites, then the NESC reference I cited applies. Fences or other barracades are required.

Jim T

 

[petersonra]

Not looking for a loophole. Just trying to provide clarification. What hazards would determine the requirement to have a fence? Is it clearance, and if it is, is the clearance from the ground, and individual, or individual with a tool? I have also heard that it is a step touch hazard, but have not received any supporting information for a step touch potential hazard.

The argument I get is the sites were built prior to the code, because they were built as a utility.

Sounds like someone looking for a loophole to me.

Look, evaluate the hazards that exist and deal with them. The various codes that deal with this kind of thing are there to reduce or eliminate the common hazards. Generally, there are good reasons to keep these things fenced off or otherwise guarded.

There are practical reasons not related to safety as well. You want your plant shutdown because someone backed a car into a 4160V transformer?

 

[muskiedog]

This is what I use to ensure areas are secured from unauthorized entry. OSHA 1910.303(h)(2)(ii)
Installations accessible to unqualified persons. Electrical installations that are open to unqualified persons shall be made with metal-enclosed equipment or shall be enclosed in a vault or in an area, access to which is controlled by a lock. If metal-enclosed equipment is installed so that the bottom of the enclosure is less than 8 feet above the floor, the door or cover shall be kept locked. Metal-enclosed switchgear, unit substations, transformers, pull boxes, connection boxes, and other similar associated equipment shall be marked with appropriate caution signs. If equipment is exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic, suitable guards shall be provided to prevent such damage. Ventilating or similar openings in metal-enclosed equipment shall be designed so that foreign objects inserted through these openings will be deflected from energized parts.