University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Interdisciplinary Professional Programs

National Electrical Safety Code

interpro.wisc.edu/RA00008 See upcoming dates

Course Overview

During three days of intensive, interactive discussion and classroom exercises, you will learn about the code's origin and purpose, legal aspects, code compliance, clearances of overhead lines, conductor and structure mechanical loading, underground systems, grounding requirements, supply stations and safety rules. We will also address the changes to the code in the newly released NESC® IEEE C2-2023.

Who Should Attend?

  • Anyone responsible for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, or safety of electrical or communications supply systems 
  • Electrical Engineers 
  • Technicians
  • Line workers
  • Electricians

Additional Information

This class requires the latest NESC 2023 codebook released in August 2022. It can be purchased in print or PDF format at https://www.techstreet.com/ieee/standards/ieee-c2-2023?product_id=2254672

Earn 1.7 CEUs, 17 PDHs with this course.

Course Outline

Introduction

Origin and Purpose of National Electric Safety Code® (NESC)
(Sections 1, 2, and 3) 

  • Organization and content
  • Committee structure and revisions
  • Application principles and interpretations
  • Definition of terms and standard references

Understanding Legal Aspects of the NESC®

  • Standard of care
  • Theories of liability and negligence 
  • Legal defenses
  • Preparing for litigation

Conductor Mechanical Loading Conditions

  • NESC® loading districts
  • Transverse, vertical, and longitudinal loads 
  • Tension limits and safety factors
  • Sag and tension characteristics
  • Ruling span and stringing sag charts

Safety Rules for Overhead Lines (Part 2)

  • General requirements
  • Uniform system of clearances
  • Clearance components and tables
  • Vertical clearances above ground
  • Clearances to buildings and structures 
  • Attachments to buildings
  • Clearances to support structures and clearances between conductors
  • Climbing and working space
  • Illustrative clearance examples and problems

Safety Rules for Overhead Lines: Structures and Equipment

  • Grades of construction
  • Overhead capacity factors
  • Strength factors
  • Overload line equipment
  • Illustrative structural strength examples and problems

Requirements for Underground Systems (Part 3)

  • General requirements
  • Conduit and cable systems 
  • Pad-mounted equipment

Complying with the NESC®

  • Design and construction standards 
  • Routine inspections
  • Hazard recognition, correction, and documentation
  • Public education
  • Litigation case studies

Grounding in Compliance with the NESC® (Section 9)

  • Definitions
  • Grounding requirements, equipment, and methods

Electric Supply Stations and the NESC® (Part 1)

  • Access, security, and clearances
  • Equipment installation and maintenance

Rules for the Operation of Electric Lines (Part 4)

  • Responsibility for safety
  • General safety practices
  • Approach distances to energized lines and equipment
  • Personal and line protective equipment 
  • Tools
  • Switching and tagging

Course Wrap-up and Evaluation

Testimonials

"John [Miner] is an expert on the NESC and it was refreshing and informative to attend the class."
—Alan R. Kasanow, Senior Engineer, Indianapolis Power and Light, Indianapolis, Indiana

Instructors

R. John Miner

R. John Miner, PE, is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc. of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and has more than 40 years of experience in the electric utility industry. A course instructor for the University of Wisconsin for more than 20 years, Miner has conducted educational programs throughout the country and at several overseas locations. He earned a BS degree in electrical engineering with honors and an MS degree in engineering science from the University of Toledo.

M. Thomas Black

Tom is an independent consultant and course instructor in the electric and gas utility industry.  His experience includes both municipal (Colorado Springs and City of Fountain, CO) and Investor owned (Progress Energy) utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.  His range of experience in the utility industry covers 36 years and includes planning and engineering, standards, Construction and Maintenance Manager, Energy Delivery General Manager and Chief Energy Officer responsible for all aspects of energy acquisition including renewables, peaking and base load supply, electric transmission and distribution and gas distribution. Tom has served on the boards of RMEL and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities CAMU and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. He received his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis with honors and is a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Arizona.

Upcoming dates