PISCATAWAY, N.J., USA, 1 August 2006 – The
National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®) has
been updated and the latest version, the 2007 National
Electrical Safety Code, is now available through the
IEEE, the primary resource for NESC information. The
Code, which is used throughout the U.S. and in over
100 countries, offers practical guidance on safeguarding
employees and the public when electrical supply and
communication lines are designed, installed, operated
and maintained. It is updated every five years to
reflect changes in the electrical and communications
industries.
In addition to the new version of the NESC, the IEEE
also offers the "NESC Handbook, Sixth Edition",
a companion to the Code that gives users insight into
its rules and how to apply them. The IEEE also provides
a variety of NESC resources online via the 'National
Electrical Safety Code Zone'
(http://standards.ieee.org/nesc/).
The NESC is a performance code that takes a consistent
approach to the safety of overhead and underground
electrical supply lines, power-related telephone and
cable TV lines, and rail power and signal installations.
It is a comprehensive document that covers all relevant
topics from grounding, rotating equipment, storage
batteries, transformers, conductors and circuit breakers,
to switchgear, clearances, cable terminations, safety
signs, protective clothing, and ladders. The 2007
Code includes changes in many areas, including:
• Rounding numbers found in the rules
• Metal grounding poles
• Starting voltages and clearances
• Grounding and insulation for guys
• Clearances between transmission lines
• Multiplex cable attachment to neutral brackets
• Loading due to freezing rain and wind
• Fiber-reinforced polymer elements
• Worker loads
• Equipment bonding
• Arc exposure analysis
• Antenna radiation exposure limits
In addition, the 2007 Code includes new appendices
on loading and conductor movement, extreme wind loading,
and maximum over-voltage at a worksite.
The NESC Handbook, Sixth Edition is edited by Allen
Clapp, who has been involved in helping create the
code for 35 years. The Handbook contains commentary
that clarifies the Code and its requirements so users
can apply the work rules it contains to actual situations.
It also details how the 2007 Code differs from the
2002 version and what this means for users. The Handbook
was developed for those involved in the electric and
communication industries, including those involved
in system design, construction, maintenance, inspection,
standards development, and worker training.
Current information on the NESC is available on the
Internet at the National Electrical Safety Code Zone.
The Zone covers NESC Committee activities and provides
the latest interpretations and developments in the
Code. It also addresses NESC-related products and
services, provides hot links to e-news sites dedicated
to NESC coverage, and answers frequently asked questions
about the Code. In addition, it has an interactive
area for comments and questions, and offers a subscription
to NESC Update, an e-newsletter on current NESC developments
and industry applications.
The IEEE is the secretariat for the National Electrical
Safety Code, which means it provides a home for the
NESC Committee and supports its activities with a
full range of administrative, logistical, publishing
and other services. The IEEE also offers users comprehensive
support in obtaining, understanding and working with
the Code.
To obtain the 2007 National Electrical Safety Code,
the NESC Handbook and/or other related products, go
to
http://shop.ieee.org/ieeestore/. For current information
on the code, visit National Electrical Safety Code®
Zone at http://standards.ieee.org/nesc/.
About the IEEE Standards Association
The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized
standards-setting body, develops consensus standards
through an open process that brings diverse parts
of an industry together. These standards set specifications
and procedures based on current scientific consensus.
The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of more than 870 completed
standards and more than 400 standards in development.
For information on IEEE-SA see: http://standards.ieee.org/.
About the IEEE
The IEEE has more than 375,000 members in approximately
150 countries. Through its members, the organization
is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace,
computers and telecommunications to biomedicine, electric
power and consumer electronics. The IEEE produces
nearly 30 percent of the world's literature in the
electrical and electronics engineering, computing
and control technology fields. This nonprofit organization
also sponsors or cosponsors more than 300 technical
conferences each year. Additional information about
the IEEE can be found at http://www.ieee.org/.
