34 Pa. Code § 39.160 - Guarding live parts of switches and automatic cut-outs not installed on switchboards
(a)
Above 750 volts. Switches interrupting circuits over 750 volts
shall be operated by means of remote control mechanisms or be provided with
suitable casings protecting the operator from danger of contact with
current-carrying parts, except as provided in subsection (d), for switches
requiring only infrequent attention and located in enclosures from which even
the operator is normally excluded. The control devices for switches shall
indicate whether switches are open or closed. Lever operated, circuit breaker
type switches should be equipped with indicating devices to show, other than by
the position of the handles, whether they are open or closed. Automatic
cut-outs not suitably isolated by elevation shall be of an incased type or be
provided with suitable enclosures for current-carrying parts. Large capacity,
high voltage oil switches should, where practicable, be placed away from the
operator and operated by remote (or lever) controls, since the blowing up of
the oil containers may cause serious injuries to persons in the vicinity. For
the purpose of this section voltage in excess of 750 will be included as below
750 where the excess is for the purposes of regulation only.
(b)
Below 750 volts.
Switches interrupting circuits under 750 volts shall be operated by means of
remote control mechanisms or be incased during ordinary operation or be
provided with insulating handles and insulating guard disks or shields arranged
so as to make it unlikely that the hand may come in contact with live parts.
Switches below 300 volts to ground may be exempted from the requirements of
this subsection.
(c)
Platforms or mats. Where live parts of switches or automatic
cut-outs operating at over 300 volts to ground are not remotely controlled, or
provided with enclosing guards effective during ordinary operation or
adjustment, or isolated by elevation, suitable insulating floors, mats, or
platforms shall be provided on which the operator shall stand while operating
the switches or adjusting the automatic cut-outs. Reference should also be made
to §
39.105(b)
(relating to guarding live parts).
(d)
Working spaces about occasionally
exposed live parts. When switches, disconnectors, and fuses above 750
volts are ordinarily guarded by covers or enclosed in separate rooms, but are
occasionally operated without such protection, either by removal of the covers
or by entrance into the rooms, adequate working space shall be provided about
the live parts, unless effectively isolated by elevation as required by §
39.106 (relating to isolating live
parts by elevation), so that the operator is not required to bring any part of
his body within the following horizontal distances:
| Voltage of parts | Distances (in feet) |
| 750-7,500 | 1 |
| 7,500-30,000 | 2 |
| 30,000-50,000 | 3 |
| 50,000-70,000 | 4 |
| 70,000-100,000 | 5 |
| Above 100,000 | 6 |
(e) The distances given in subsection (d) are
slightly greater than those required to be maintained by operators near parts
of the corresponding voltage. Reference should also be made to §§
39.364 and
39.365 (relating to voltages
between 750 and 7,500; voltages above 7,500). This is for the purpose of
provid,ing against inadvertent movements of operators and to insure that
operators of unusual height or size may be protected by this
provision.
(f) Below 7,500 volts
the distance specified in this section may be reduced if the operator uses
suitable operating devices.
Notes
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