170 IAC 4-1-26 Line construction; variances

Sec. 26. (a) In all cases not covered by specific statutes in effect, Part 2, "Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Overhead Electric Supply and Communication Lines", and Part 3, "Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Underground Electric Supply and Communication Lines", of the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Safety Code as approved by the American National Standards Institute June 14, 2001, as ANSI Standard C2, are prescribed for overhead and underground construction practice commenced after the date of promulgation of this section. (b) The commission incorporates by reference the 2002 National Electrical Safety Code. Copies may be obtained from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey 08855-1331 or are available for copying at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, 101 West Washington Street, Suite 1500 E, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. (c) Any public utility wishing to depart from the National Electrical Safety Code: (1) for the purpose of experimentation or the development of improved methods of construction; (2) because it works an injustice or expense not justified by the protection secured or is shown to be impractical; or (3) where equivalent or safer construction can be more readily provided in other ways; may informally petition for authorization to construct, install, or use materials, equipment, or methods other than specified in this rule, directing such petition to the electricity division of the commission. The petition shall be accompanied by the consent of any other utility whose facilities will be directly affected by the proposed departure from this rule. The electricity division shall forthwith make an investigation and, if satisfied that such petition falls within one (1) or more of the three (3) categories set forth in this subsection and is justified from an engineering standpoint, shall so advise the commission. The petitioning utility and any consenting utility shall thereupon be notified, in writing, that the proposed departure from this rule has been authorized.