Section 23. Clearances
PSC 114.219 Note
Note 2: The specification of clearances in Rules 232, 233, and 234, first adopted in the NESC-1990, and continued in the 1997 edition of the NESC adopted herein, have been revised in both concept and content to reflect the new Uniform System of Clearances approach which is described in Appendix A of NESC-1990, NESC-1993, NESC-1997, NESC-2002, NESC-2007, NESC-2012 and NESC-2017. Because the approach and the application of the rules have been revised, it must be understood that clearance values of editions of the national and state codes prior to 1990 cannot be directly compared to those of editions of the codes after 1990. See Appendix A of NESC-1990, NESC-1993, NESC-1997, NESC-2002, NESC-2007, NESC-2012, or NESC-2017.
PSC 114.230(1)(1)
Application. [NESC 230A1 and 230A2, p. 90] (Omission) Rules 230A1and 230A2 of the NESC-2017 are omitted and not incorporated as part of the Wisconsin State Electrical Code, Volume 1.
PSC 114.230(2)
(2) Maintenance of clearances and spacings. [NESC 230I, p. 94] (Change) Change the Note in paragraph I to read:
PSC 114.230 Note
Note 2: See s.
PSC 114.005 (2) to determine the applicable edition.
PSC 114.230 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 114.230 (title) under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats., renum. (1) and (2) from PSC 114.230A and 114.230I under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats.,
Register March 2015 No. 711;
CR 18-007: am. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.
PSC 114.231
PSC 114.231 Clearance of supporting structures from other objects. [NESC 231B1, p. 96] (Change) Change paragraph 1 to read:
1. Where there are curbs: supporting structures, support arms, anchor guys, or equipment attached thereto, up to 4.6 m (15 ft) above the road surface shall be located a sufficient distance behind the curb to avoid contact by ordinary vehicles using and located on the traveled way. For a redirectional curb, such distance shall be not less than 150 mm (6 in) from the street side of the curb.
PSC 114.231 History
History: CR 18-007: cr. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.
PSC 114.232
PSC 114.232
Vertical clearances of wires, conductors, cables, and equipment above ground, roadway, rail, or water surfaces. PSC 114.232(1)(1)
Table PSC 114.232-1. [NESC, table 232-1, pp. 99- 102: metric; pp. 103-106: feet]
(a) Footnote 18 [NESC, Table 232-1, p. 101: metric; p. 105 feet] Change Footnote 18 to read as follows:
18For uncontrolled water flow areas, the surface area and clearances shall be based on the ordinary high water mark.
(b) Footnote 21 [NESC, Table 232-1, p. 102 metric; p. 106: feet] Change Footnote 21 to read as follows:
21Where the US Army Corps of Engineers, or the state, or surrogate thereof has issued a crossing permit, the greater clearances of that permit or this code shall govern.
PSC 114.232(1)(c)
(c) Footnote 25 [NESC, Table 232-1, p. 102: metric; p. 106: feet] (Change) Change Footnote 25 to read as follows:
25Water areas not suitable for sailboating include portions of meandering rivers, streams and canals where the widest width does not exceed 50 m (165 feet) within any unobstructed,1.6-km (1-mile) long segment that includes the crossing or where the width does not exceed 50 m (165 feet) within the surface area of any segment less than 1.6-km (1-mile) long on the line-crossing side of an overwater obstruction. All rivers, streams, canals and creeks as defined by the Wisconsin department of natural resources (DNR) which meet this definition are considered not suitable for sailing.
PSC 114.232 Note
Exception: Regardless of width, the clearance over a canal, river, or stream normally used to provide access for sailboats to a larger body of water shall be the same as that required for water areas suitable for sailboating on the larger body of water. This also applies where a sailboat may be transported across such water with its mast extended.
PSC 114.232(1)(d)
(d) Footnote 25 [NESC, Table 232-1, p. 102: metric; p. 106: feet] (Addition) Add the reference to Footnote 25 in the NESC-2017 Table 232-1 (both the metric and feet sections) on to the sailboating category titles of rows 6 and 7. It applies to all clearances in those rows.
PSC 114.232(1)(e)
(e) Footnote 27 [Follows NESC, Table 232-1 Footnote 26, p. 102: metric; p. 106: feet] (Addition) Following Footnote 26 for Table 232-1 (for both the metric and feet sections), add Footnote 27 which reads as follows:
27A diagonal clearance equal to the required vertical clearance shall be maintained to uneven or sloping terrain within a horizontal distance of 3/4 (75%) of the required vertical clearance. All distances shall be measured from the conductors in their wind-displaced position as defined in NESC Rule 234A2.
PSC 114.232(1)(f)
(f) Footnote 27 [Follows NESC, Table 232-1 Footnote 26, p. 102: metric; p. 106: feet] (Addition) Add the reference to Footnote 27 in the Table 232-1 (both the metric and feet sections) to the conductor category titles of columns 3, 4 and 5. It applies to all clearances in those columns.
8Where the US Army Corps of Engineers, or the state, or surrogate thereof has issued a crossing permit, the greater clearances of that permit or this code shall govern.
PSC 114.232(3)
(3) Table PSC 114.232-3. [NESC, table 232-3, p. 113] (Change). Change Footnote 3 to read:
3For controlled impoundments, the surface area and corresponding clearances shall be based upon the design high water mark. For other waters, the surface area and clearances shall be based on the ordinary high water mark. The clearance over rivers, streams, and canals shall be based upon the largest surface area of any 1.6-km-long (1 mi) segment which includes the crossing. The clearance over a canal, river or stream normally providing access for sailboats to a larger body of water shall be the same as that required for the larger body of water.
PSC 114.232 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 114.232 (title) under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats., number (1) to (3) under s.
13.92 (b) (b) 1., Stats.,
Register March 2015 No. 711;
CR 18-007: am. (1) to (3) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20.
PSC 114.234
PSC 114.234
Clearance of wires, conductors, cables, and equipment from buildings, bridges, rail cars, swimming pools, and other installations. PSC 114.234(1)(1)
Clearances. [NESC 234C1a, p. 128] (Change)
Change paragraph (1) (a) to read:
(a) Clearances. Unguarded or accessible wires, conductors, cables, or rigid live parts may be located adjacent to buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antenna, tanks, flagpoles and flags, banners and other installations and any projections therefrom. The vertical and horizontal clearances of such rigid and nonrigid parts shall be not less than the values in Table 234-1 when at rest under the conditions specified in Rule 234A1.These facilities may be installed beside, over or under buildings, building projections and other installation, as illustrated in Figs. 234-1(a) and 234-1(b) and 234-1(c). Buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks, flagpoles and flags, banners and other installations and any projections therefrom shall not be located near existing wires, conductors, cables or rigid live parts if doing so results in clearances less than the values given in Table 234-1.
PSC 114.234(2)
(2) Transmission lines over dwelling units. [Follows NESC 234C1b, p. 128] (Addition) Following 234C1b, add the following paragraph c:
c. Transmission lines over dwelling units.
No utility may construct conductors of supply lines designed to operate at voltages in excess of 35 kV over any portion of a dwelling unit. This provision also applies to line conductors in their wind-displaced position as defined in Rule 234A2.
PSC 114.234 Note
Note 2: It is the intent under s.
SPS 316.225(6) that the public not construct any portion of a dwelling unit under such lines.
PSC 114.234 Note
Note 2: The term “dwelling unit" has the meaning given in ch.
SPS 316, which adopts by reference the definitions in NEC-2008.
PSC 114.234 Note
Note 2: See s.
SPS 316.225(6) Clearance Over Buildings and Other Structures, which refers to ch.
PSC 114 regarding clearance of conductors over 600 volts and the prohibition of dwellings under or near overhead lines.
PSC 114.234(3)
(3) Service-drop conductors, including drip loops shall have clearance of not less than the following. [NESC 234C3d, p.129] (Change) Change Exception 2 (a) to read:
PSC 114.234 Note
Exception 2(a): 2.45 m (8 feet). This clearance may be reduced to 0.90 m (3 ft) for supply conductors limited to 300 volts to ground and communication conductors and cables if the roof has a slope of not less than 1 (vertical) to 3 (horizontal).
PSC 114.234(4)
(4) Clearance of lines near stored materials. [Follows NESC 234C5, p. 129] (Addition) Following 234C5, add the following paragraph 6 and note:
6. Clearance of Lines Near Stored Materials
Lines, under wind-displaced conditions stated in Rule 234A2, shall not be run over designated material storage areas where material is regularly stored and handled by cranes, dump trucks, elevators or other types of high machinery unless the clearance of such lines is adequate to permit full use of the equipment. Material which requires the use of such high machinery shall not be stored near or under existing lines.
PSC 114.234 Note
Note 2: See NESC Rule 234F for Grain Bin clearances.
PSC 114.234(5)
(5) Clearance of supply lines near fuel storage tanks. [Follows NESC 234C5, p. 129] (Addition) Following NESC 234C5 and the PSC 114 addition of paragraph 6, add the following paragraph 7 and exceptions 1 and 2 to read:
7. Clearance of Supply Lines Near Fuel Storage Tanks
Supply lines shall not be run over above-ground flammable liquids and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage tanks. A horizontal clearance of not less than 2.45 m (8 ft) with cables at rest, and not less than 1.80 m (6 ft) with cables displaced by wind according to Rule 234A2, shall be maintained between above-ground flammable liquids and liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks and supply cables of all voltages meeting Rule 230C. A horizontal clearance of not less than 4.6 m (15 ft) with conductors at rest, and not less than 3.0 m (10 ft) with conductors displaced by wind according to Rule 234A2, shall be maintained between such fuel storage tanks and all other supply conductors.
PSC 114.234 Note
Exception 1: These requirements do not apply to liquefied petroleum gas tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or less.
PSC 114.234 Note
Exception 2: These requirements do not apply to tanks enclosed in a building or fully covered by a roof or canopy capable of preventing falling overhead supply conductors from directly contacting the tank. In this case, the vertical and horizontal clearance requirements of conductors from buildings apply. See Rule 234C.
PSC 114.234(6)
(6) Clearance of open supply lines near wells. [Follows NESC 234C5, p. 129] (Addition) Following NESC 234C5 and PSC 114 additions of paragraph 6 and 7, add the following paragraph 8 and exception:
8. Clearance of Open Supply Lines Near Wells
Open supply lines shall not be run over wells. A horizontal clearance with conductors at rest of no less than 3/4 of the vertical clearance of the conductors to ground required by Rule 232, and a horizontal clearance of not less than 3.0 m (10 ft) with conductors displaced by wind according to Rule 234A2, shall be maintained between open supply conductors and wells. Persons installing such wells shall also comply with this requirement.
PSC 114.234 Note
Exception: This rule does not apply to Groundwater Monitoring Wells defined in Wis. Admin. Code ch.
NR 141 provided such wells are installed using hydraulic push methods, such as a Geoprobe type rig (The vertical clearance required for a Geoprobe is typically less than 10 feet.) and where sampling is accomplished using a bailer or a submersible pump attached to flexible tubing. This exception is not intended to apply to monitoring wells installed with drilling rigs that are taller than 14 feet or sampling methods that require sections of piping (steel or plastic pipe).
PSC 114.234(8)
(8) Swimming pools. [NESC 234E1, p. 130] (Addition) Add the following sentence to the beginning of paragraph E1:
1. Swimming Pools
Pools and appurtenances shall not be placed under or near existing service-drop conductors or any other overhead wiring; nor shall such wiring be installed over a swimming pool or the surrounding area unless such installation complies with the clearances or the exceptions specified in NESC Rule 234E1.
PSC 114.234(9)
(9) Grain bins loaded by permanently installed augers, conveyers, or elevator systems. [Follows NESC 234F1, p. 131] (Addition) Following 234F1, add exception and note to read:
PSC 114.234 Note
Exception: Farm silos that are loaded by a blower through a vertical metal tube permanently attached to the side of the structure are not considered grain bins.
PSC 114.234 Note
Note 2: Typical cylindrical farm silos are considered buildings for the purposes of this code and the clearance requirements of NESC Rule 234C, as amended herein, would apply.
PSC 114.234(10)
(10) Table PSC 114.234-1. [NESC Table 234-l, pp. 141-145: metric].
PSC 114.234(10)(a)
(a) Table PSC 114.234-l [NESC Table 234-l, p. 141: metric] (Change)
Change the following values in the NESC Table 234-1 (metric):
PSC 114.234(10)(b)
(b) Footnote 19 [Follows NESC Table 234-1 Footnote 18, p. 144: metric] (Addition) Following Footnote 18 for Table 234-1 (metric), add Footnote 19 to read:
19This clearance may be reduced to 0.90 m for supply conductors limited to 300 V to ground and communications conductors and cables if the roof has a slope of not less than 1 (vertical) to 3 (horizontal).
PSC 114.234(10)(c)
(c) Footnote 19 [NESC Table 234-1, p. 141: metric] (Addition) Add the reference for Footnote 19 to the values in Item (Row) 1.b.(1), Columns 2 and 3.
PSC 114.234(11)
(11)
Table PSC 114.234-1. [NESC Table 234-1, pp. 145-148: feet]
PSC 114.234(11)(a)
(a) Table PSC 114.234-1 [NESC Table 234-1, p. 145: feet] (Change) Change the following values in the NESC Table 234-1 (feet):
PSC 114.234(11)(b)
(b) Footnote 19 [Follows NESC Table 234-1 Footnote 18, p. 148: feet] (Addition) Following Footnote 18 for Table 234-1 (feet), add Footnote 19 to read:
19This clearance may be reduced to 3 ft for supply conductors limited to 300 V to ground and communications conductors and cables if the roof has a slope of not less than 1 (vertical) to 3 (horizontal).
PSC 114.234(11)(c)
(c) Footnote 19 [NESC Table 234-1, p. 145: feet] (Addition) Add the reference for Footnote 19 to the values in Item (Row) 1.b.(1), Columns 2 and 3.
PSC 114.234(12)
(12)
Table PSC 114.234-6. [NESC Table 234-6, p. 156: metric]
PSC 114.234(12)(a)
(a) Table PSC ll4.234-6 [NESC Table 234-6, p. 156: metric] (Change) Change the following values from the NESC Table 234-6 (metric):
The value in the Items Row 4 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 6 and 7; Row 5 (230C1), Columns 6, 7 and 8; Row 6 (230D), Column 6; Row 7 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 8 (230C1), Columns 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8; Row 9 (230D), Columns 3 and 6 is revised from "0.90" to "2.45".
PSC 114.234(12)(b)
(b) Footnote 3 [Follows NESC Table 234-6 Footnote 2, p. 156: metric] (Addition)
Following Footnote 2, add Footnote 3, which reads as follows:
3This clearance may be reduced to 0.90 m for supply conductors limited to 300 V to ground and communications conductors and cables if the roof has a slope of not less than 1 (vertical) to 3 (horizontal).
PSC 114.234(12)(c)
(c) Footnote 3 [NESC Table 234-6, p. 156: metric] (Addition)
The reference to Footnote 3 is added to the values in Items Row 4 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 6 and 7; Row 5 (230C1), Columns 6 and 7; Row 6 (230D), Column 6; Row 7 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 8 (230C1), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 9 (230D), Columns 3 and 6.
PSC 114.234(13)(a)
(a) Table PSC 114.234-6 [NESC Table 234-6, p. 157: feet] (Change) Change the following values from the NESC Table 234-6 (feet):
1. The value in the Items Row 4 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 6 and 7; Row 5 (230C1), Columns 6, 7 and 8; Row 6 (230D), Column 6; Row 7 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 8.0."
PSC 114.234(13)(b)
(b) Footnote 3 [Follows NESC Table 234-6 Footnote 2, p. 157: feet] (Addition)
Following Footnote 2, add footnote 3, which reads as follows:
3This clearance may be reduced to 3 ft for supply conductors limited to 300 V to ground and communications conductors and cables if the roof has a slope of not less than 1 (vertical) to 3 (horizontal).
PSC 114.234(13)(c)
(c) Footnote 3 [NESC Table 234-6, p. 157: feet] (Addition)
The reference to Footnote 3 is added to the value in Items Row 4 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 6 and 7; Row 5 (230C1), Columns 6 and 7; Row 6 (230D), Column 6; Row 7 (230C3, 230C2), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 8 (230C1), Columns 3, 4, 6 and 7; Row 9 (230D), Columns 3 and 6.
PSC 114.234 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 114.234 (title) under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats., renum. (1) to (10) from PSC 114.234C1a, 114.234C1c, 114.234C3d, 114.234C6, 114.234C7, 114.234C8, 114.234C9, 114.234E1, and 114.234F1 under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats.,
Register March 2015 No. 711;
CR 18-007: am. (1) (intro.), (2) (intro.), (3) (intro.), (4) (intro.), (5) (intro.), (6) (intro.), r. (7), am. (8) (intro.), (9) (intro.), r. and recr. (10), cr. (11) to (13) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20. PSC 114.235
PSC 114.235
Clearance for wires, conductors, or cables carried on the same supporting structure. [NESC 235C2b(1)(b) Exception 2, p. 162] (Change)
Change Exception 2 to read:
Exception 2: For supply conductors of different utilities, vertical clearance at any point in the span need not exceed 75% of the values required at the supports for the same utility by Table 235-5.
PSC 114.235 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 114.235 from PSC 114.235C2b(1)(a) 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.
