Wisconsin Legislature: PSC 114.096 Note

PSC 114.010 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: am. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

Section 2. Definitions of Special Terms

PSC 114.02 PSC 114.02 Definitions of special terms.

PSC 114.02(1)(1) Administrative authority. [NESC Section 2., p. 7] (Change) Change the definition of “Administrative Authority" to read:

Administrative authority. The authority for the enforcement of this code is vested in the commission with respect to the installation and operation of circuits or equipment by public utilities and railroads in the exercise of their functions as utilities and railroads.

PSC 114.02(2) (2) Commission. [NESC Section 2, p. 8] (Addition) Add the following definition:

Commission. Public service commission of Wisconsin.

PSC 114.02 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039 r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: am. (title), r. (intro.), consol. (1) (intro.) and (a), renum. to (1) and am., consol. (2) (intro.) and (a), renum. to (2) and am. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

Section 9. Grounding Methods for Electric Supply and Communications Facilities

PSC 114.092 PSC 114.092 Point of connection of grounding conductor.

PSC 114.092(1)(1) Cable with insulating jacket. [NESC 092B2b(3), p. 25] (Change) Change paragraph (3) to read:

(3) Cable with insulating jacket

Additional bonding and connections between the cable insulation shielding or sheaths and the system ground are recommended. Where uninsulated cable joints in multi-grounded shielded cable systems are exposed to contact by personnel, the shielding (including sheath or concentric neutral) at the joint shall be grounded. Accessible insulated cable joints are not required to be grounded by this rule. Where multi-grounded shielding cannot be used for electrolysis of sheath-current reasons, the shielding sheaths and splice-enclosure devices shall be insulated for the voltage that may appear on them during normal operation. Bonding transformers or reactors may be substituted for direct ground connection at one end of the cable.

PSC 114.092(2) (2) Current in grounding conductor. [NESC 092D, p. 26] (Change) Change paragraph D to read:

D. Current in grounding conductor

Ground connection points shall be so arranged that under normal operating circumstances there will be no objectionable flow of current over the grounding conductor. If an objectionable flow of current occurs over a grounding conductor due to the use of multi-grounds, the following options may be used:

1. Determine the source of the objectionable ground conductor current and take action necessary to reduce the current to an acceptable level at its source.

2. Subject to the approval of the commission, other effective means may be used to limit the current, but no means employed shall create a situation of excessive voltage buildup on the neutral.

The system ground of the source transformer shall not be removed.

Under normal system conditions a grounding conductor current will be considered objectionable if the electrical or communications system's owner or operator deems such current to be objectionable, or if the presence or electrical characteristics of the grounding conductor current is in violation of rules and regulations governing the electrical system, as set forth by the commission.

The temporary currents set up under abnormal conditions while grounding conductors are performing their intended protective functions are not considered objectionable. The conductor shall have the capability of conducting anticipated fault current without thermal overloading or excessive voltage buildup. Refer to Rule 93C.

PSC 114.092 Note Note 2: Some amount of current will always be present on the grounding conductors of an operating AC electrical system. That current may be conducted and/or induced and is not, in and of itself, objectionable.

PSC 114.092 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; cr. PSC 114.092 (title) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats., renum. (1) and (2) from PSC 114.092B2b and 114.092D under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register March 2015 No. 711; CR 18-007: am. (title), (1) (intro.), (2) (intro.) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.094 PSC 114.094 Grounding electrodes. [NESC 094B3, p. 32] (Omission) Rule 094B3 of the NESC-2017 is omitted and not incorporated as part of the Wisconsin State Electrical Code, Volume 1.

PSC 114.094 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: consol. (intro.) and (1), renum. to PSC 114.094 and am. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.096 PSC 114.096 Ground resistance requirements. [NESC 096C, p. 34] (Change) Change paragraph C to read:

C. The neutral, which shall be of sufficient size and ampacity for the duty involved, shall be connected to a made or existing electrode at each transformer location and at a sufficient number of additional points with made or existing electrodes to total not less than nine grounds in each 1.6 km (1 mi) of line, including those grounds at transformer locations, but not including grounds at individual services. In rural districts, the primary neutral shall be connected to a made or existing electrode at each pole to which it is attached. For the purposes of this rule, rural districts are those areas outside of cities and villages.

PSC 114.096 Note Exception 1: In underground multi-grounded systems where an insulating jacket or nonmetallic conduit is used over direct-buried concentric-neutral supply cable, this requirement may be reduced to four grounds in each 1.6 km (mile). This exception for use of supply cable with an insulating jacket or nonmetallic conduit shall not be permitted for random lay construction. See Part 3, Rule 354, “Random Separation--Separation Less Than 300 mm (12 in) from Underground Structures or Other Cables."

PSC 114.096 Note Exception 2: Where underwater crossings are encountered, the requirements of made electrodes do not apply for the underwater portion if the neutral is of sufficient size and capacity for the duty involved and the requirements of Rule 092B2 are met.

PSC 114.096 Note Recommendation: This rule may be applied to shield wire(s) grounded at the source and which meet the multi-grounded requirements of this rule.

PSC 114.096 Note Note 2: Multi-grounded systems extending over a substantial distance are more dependent on the multiplicity of grounding electrodes than on the resistance to ground of any individual electrode. Therefore, no specific values are imposed for the resistance of individual electrodes.

PSC 114.096 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; renum. PSC 114.096 from PSC 114.096C under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register March 2015 No. 711; CR 18-007: am. (intro.) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.097 PSC 114.097 Separation of grounding conductors.

PSC 114.097(1)(1) Paragraph C. [NESC 097C, p. 35] (Changes) Change paragraph C to read:

C. Primary and secondary circuits utilizing a single conductor as a common neutral shall have at least nine ground connections on such conductor in each 1.6 km (1 mi) of line, including those grounds at transformer locations, but not including ground connections at customers' service equipment.

PSC 114.097(2) (2) Underground or single-grounded systems and multi-grounded systems. [NESC 097D, p. 35] (Change) Change paragraph D to read:

D. Multi-grounded systems

On multi-grounded systems, the primary and secondary neutrals shall be interconnected according to Rule 097B.

PSC 114.097 Note Exception: Where it is necessary to separate the neutrals, interconnection of the neutrals shall be made through an electronic switching device designed for the purpose and of a type acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The device shall have a 60 Hz breakdown voltage not exceeding 3 kV and have a short circuit current withstand capability greater than the short circuit current available at the location of installation. At least one other grounding connection on the secondary neutral shall be provided in addition to the customer's grounds at each service entrance. A distance of not less than 3.60 m (12 ft) nor more than 6.1 m (20 ft.) shall separate the secondary neutral grounding electrode from the primary neutral and surge arrester grounding electrode, which shall not be relocated to accommodate this separation. Since a difference of potential will exist where primary and secondary neutrals are not directly interconnected, the primary and secondary grounding conductors shall be insulated for 600 V.

PSC 114.097 Note Note 2: Cooperation of all communications and supply utilities, customers of these utilities, and others may be necessary to obtain effective isolation between primary and secondary neutrals.

PSC 114.097 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: am. (intro.), (1) (intro.), (2) (intro.) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.099 PSC 114.099 Additional requirements for grounding and bonding of communication apparatus.

PSC 114.099(1)(1) Additional requirements for grounding and bonding of communication apparatus. [NESC 099, p. 36] (Change) Change title to read:

PSC 114.099(2) (2) Bonding of electrodes. [NESC 099C, p. 37] (Change) Change paragraph C to read:

C. Bonding of electrodes

A bond not smaller than AWG No. 6 copper or equivalent shall be placed between the communication grounding electrode and the supply system neutral grounding electrode where separate electrodes are used at the structure or building being served. All separate electrodes shall be bonded together except where separation is required per Rule 097. Bonding to other systems shall not be done on or within a metering enclosure unless a means of bonding, intended for inter-system bonding, is furnished as part of the metering enclosure.

PSC 114.099 Note Recommendation: If water piping is used as a bonding means, care must be taken to assure that the metallic path is continuous between electrodes.

PSC 114.099 Note Note 1: See NEC Article 800-100(D) for corresponding NEC requirements.

PSC 114.099 Note Note 2: The bonding together of all separate electrodes limits potential differences between them and between their associated wiring systems.

PSC 114.099(3) (3) Transmission shield wire systems and transmission systems with under-built multi-grounded distribution systems. [Follows NESC 099C, p. 37] (Addition) Following NESC 099C, add paragraph D to read:

D. Transmission shield wire systems and transmission systems with under-built multi-grounded distribution systems

1. The shield wire system providing lightning protection for transmission lines (69 kV phase-to-phase and greater) shall be connected to a made or existing grounding electrode at every transmission pole or structure for each shield wire.

(a) If the transmission line has any under-built distribution attached to the same pole or structure, the shield wire system shall be bonded to the grounding conductor of the distribution neutral at each pole or structure.

(b) The under-built distribution neutral may be connected to its own made or existing ground electrode at each pole or structure.

PSC 114.099 Note Exception: Shield wires that are segmented and isolated from ground at a particular pole or structure need not follow this rule.

2. The shield wire of the transmission system shall not be used as the distribution neutral conductor in lieu of the installed distribution neutral conductor.

PSC 114.099 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; number (1) to (3) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register March 2015 No. 711; CR 18-007: am. (intro.), (1) (intro.), (2), (3) (intro.) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

Part 1. Safety Rules for the Installation
and Maintenance of Electric Supply
Stations and Equipment

Section 10. Purpose and Scope of Rules

PSC 114.102 PSC 114.102 Application of rules. [NESC 102, p. 39] (Change) Change paragraph 102 to read:

102. Application of rules

The general requirements for application of these rules are contained in s. PSC ll4.005.

PSC 114.102 History History: CR 18-007: cr. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.103 PSC 114.103 Referenced sections. [NESC 103, p. 39] (Change) Change paragraph 103 to read:

103. Referenced sections

The Introduction (Section 1) as amended by s. PSC 114.010, Definitions (Section 2) as amended by Section 2 of Chapter PSC 114, List of Referenced Documents (Section 3) and Grounding Methods (Section 9) as amended by Section 9 of Chapter PSC 114 shall apply to the requirements of Part 1.

PSC 114.103 History History: CR 18-007: cr. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.114 PSC 114.114 Fire-extinguishing equipment. [Follows NESC 113, p. 46] (Addition) Following NESC 113 add paragraph 114 to read:

114. Fire-extinguishing equipment

Portable or permanent fire-extinguishing equipment approved for the intended use shall be conveniently located inside control buildings or similar buildings and conspicuously marked.

PSC 114.114 Note Exception: This rule does not apply to unmanned, outdoor substations that do not contain a control building or similar building. This rule is not intended to require permanently installed fire extinguishers or fire extinguishment system in all electric supply stations or in all areas of large, complex stations.

PSC 114.114 History History: CR 18-007: cr. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

Part 2. Safety Rules for the Installation
and Maintenance of Overhead Electric Supply
and Communication Lines

Section 20. Purpose, Scope and Application of Rules

PSC 114.202 PSC 114.202 Application of rules. [NESC 202, p. 77] (Change) Change the paragraph 202 to read:

202. Application of rules

The general requirements for application of these rules are contained in s. PSC ll4.005. However, when a structure is replaced, arrangement of equipment shall conform to the 2017 edition of Rule 238C.

PSC 114.202 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: am. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

Section 21. General Requirements

PSC 114.210 PSC 114.210 Referenced sections. [NESC 210, p. 78] (Change) Change paragraph 210 to read:

210. Referenced sections

PSC 114.210 History History: CR 07-021: cr. Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08; CR 13-039: r. and recr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; CR 18-007: am. (intro.) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.215 PSC 114.215 Grounding of circuits, supporting structures, and equipment. [NESC 215C1, p.80] (Addition) Following NESC 215C1 Exception 3, add Exception 4 to read:

PSC 114.215 Note Exception: This requirement does not apply to supply cables meeting Rule 230C3 or communication cables.

PSC 114.215 History History: CR 13-039: cr. Register June 2014 No. 702, eff. 7-1-14; cr. PSC 114.215 (title) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats., renum. (1) and (2) from PSC 114.215C4b and 114.215C5b under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register March 2015 No. 711; CR 18-007: r. and recr. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.

PSC 114.219 PSC 114.219 Marking of poles and structures carrying high voltage supply lines. [Follows NESC 218, p. 84] (Addition) Following NESC 218, add section 219 to read:

219. Marking of poles and structures carrying high voltage supply lines.

A. Every corporation, company or person constructing, operating or maintaining an electric transmission line with a voltage of 2,000 or more between conductors and the ground shall place warning signs from 1.2 to 2.45 m (4 to 8 ft) above the ground upon all poles or other structures supporting the line.