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Final Decision and

Commission Order

Case S-0001-14

Electricity Safety Standards and Rules

URA electricity standards and rules regulating works and safety of  persons in the vicinity  of  electricity grids

December 2014

© 2014 Utilities Regulatory Authority. This publication is copyright. No parl may be reproduced by any process except with the express permission of the Utilities Regulatory Authority of Vanuatu.

Foreword

The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) Commission is pleased to issue this Final Decision and Order setting out the standards and rules to regulate works and safety of persons in the vicinity of electricity grids (case S-0001-14).

In 2011, the URA issued the Electricity Safety Standards pursuant to Section 14 of the URA Act. The Electricity Safety Standards were issued by the URA as guidelines for electricity utilities to ensure that electricity is generated and distributed safely to all consumers. Since the issuance of these standards, the electricity utilities and URA staff have identified safety issues that require specific standards and rules to mitigate the occurrence of incidents including causing serious injury or death to any person or serious damage to critical infrastructure. One such safety issue is related to living and working within the proximity of electricity grid. In 2013, UNELCO reported to the URA on several occasions, buildings that were erected or under construction that were too close to the electricity grid, exposing on- site workers as well as inhabitants of the buildings to electrical dangers. UNELCO and the URA met and discussed the safety issue with all stakeholders involved to rectify the situation. To address these critical concerns  and to ensure the safety of  the public and the grid, the Commission has decided to issue these rules.

The Electricity Safety Standards and Rules (Rules) are drafted to provide transparent and clear understanding as to the public's and utilities' respective obligations to conform to and observe the safety Rules. The detailed Rules ensure fairness, transparency and consistency in URA's actions and compliance with due process when addressing complaints of non-compliance of the Rules by utilities', consumers or third parties.

We urge the Government, utilities and all interested persons to support the in implementation of the Rules. We appreciate the cooperation of UNELCO in identifying the safety concerns and in drafting the  Rules.

Sincerely, 

Johnson  Naviti  Matarulapa  Marakipule, Chairman 

Hasso C. Bhatia, PhD, CEO and Commissioner

John Obed Alilee, Executive Commissioner

CONTENTS

Introduction 6

Case information..... 6

Purpose of this document..... 6

Background..... 6

Legal overview..... 7

The Rules 8

1. Introduction         8

1.1.    The Rules       8

1.2.    Objective...... 8

1.3.    Applicability...... 8

1.4.    Contravention  of the Rules...... 9

1.5.    Planned Activity Permit       9

1.5.1    Prospective Construction Work 9

1.5.2    Visual displays or advertisements 10

1.5.3    Aerial  and Earth work:    10

1.5.4    Additional Utility Role and Obligation 10

1.6.    Fee...... 11

1.7.    Obligation of utility to inform the public...... 11

1. Definitions           11
   1. Safety of members of the public and workers in the vicinity of grids.......... 12

3.1.    Safety distances for contractors and other persons...... 12

3.2.    Right  of  the  utility  in  the  event  of  non-compliance  with  distances  by  any  person  or contractor    .......................................... 12

1. Overhead HV grids (power lines).......... 12

4.1.  General guidelines in relation to overhead HV power lines            12

4.2.    Safety distance above ground - Bare HV lines...... 12

4.3.    Safety distance within the vicinity of buildings - Bare HV lines...... 13

4.4.    Safety distance above ground - insulated HV lines...... 14

4.5.    Safety distance in the vicinity of buildings - insulated HV lines...... 14

4.6.    Safety distance from telephone lines - HV lines both bare and insulated...... 15

4.7.    Safety distance from obstacles - HV lines, both bare and insulated......... 15

4.8.    Educational, sporting or open air recreational facilities  in  the  vicinity  of  HV  lines,  both bare and insulated          16

1. Overhead LV power lines. 16

5.1.    General guidelines for overhead LV power lines          16

5.2.    Safety distance above ground - insulated LV lines......... 16

5.3.    Safety distance in the vicinity of buildings - insulated LV lines......... 17

5.4.    Safety distance from telephone lines - Insulated LV lines......... 18

5.5.    Educational, sporting or open air recreational facilities in the vicinity of insulated LV power lines          18

1. Overhead HV and LV grids: In the vicinity of other grids or networks, safety distances from  trees  and miscellaneous  items         18

6.1.    Construction of a new overhead HV power line......... 18

6.2.    Construction of a new overhead LV power line......... 19

6.3.    Dual lines HV (hare conductors) and LV overhead power lines          19

6.4.    Dual lines HV (insulated conductors) and LY overhead power lines......... 19

6.5.    Construction of non insulated HV grids in the vicinity of trees......... 19

6.6.    Construction  of insulated  HV/LV grids in the vicinity   of trees......... 20

6.7.    Grids in operation in the vicinity of trees          20

6.8.    Rules jointly  applicable  to overhead HV and LV power lines......... 21

6.9.    Lighting devices located on poles carrying overhead power lines          21

6.10.    Exceptional  case  of aero-underground  rises          22

1. Underground grids  22

7.1.    General guidelines in respect of underground grids......... 22

7.2.    Safety distance for underground grids......... 22

7.3.    Safety distance between underground grids and other networks or grids......... 22

7.4.    Protection and signage for underground grids          23

7.5.    Underground cabling installed within a construction......... 24

7.6.    Electrical ducts in buildings          24

1. Protection against the risk of contact  25

8.1.   Protection against the risk of indirect contact (contact with masses  accidentally  connected  and live)         25

8.2.    Special provisions  for LV grids........ 25

8.3.    Control/Inspection  of the earths and protection conductors         26

1. Miscellaneous 27

9.1.    General guidelines concerning substations       27

9.2.      Lightening arresters ..................................     27

9.3.                     Limiting the exposure of the public to electro-magnetic fields...... 27

Commission Order .........................................................................,......... 28

Notice  of Grievance .................................... ........,,...,,.....,.........,,,.......,...........,..,,...,......,,,......... 29

Execution Page......... 30

Introduction

Case information

Table  1: Case information

[...] 

Purpose of this document

This document sets out the Final Decision and Commission Order Setting out URA electricity standards and rules to ensure safety of persons working and living in the proximity of electricity grids (URA case S-0001- 14).

Background

Under the Utilities Regulatory Authority Act  (URA  Act)  the  URA  is  mandated  to  ensure  the  provision  of safe, reliable and affordable regulated services, maximize access to regulated services throughout Vanuatu and promote the long tetrn interests of consumers. To achieve its purpose,  the  URA  has  been  specifically  empowered to issue safety standards and rules in relation to  the  safety  of  a  regulated  service  (electricity  service)  and safety orders directing any person  to do or refrain  from doing anything in relation  to the  safety of    a regulated service. Additionally, the URA has the power to employ a safety inspector  to investigate  potential safety hazards and if necessary, take assistance  of law enforcement  to ensure   compliance.

In determining whether to issue any safety standard or safety order, the URA must take into  consideration:

(a)           the cost and convenience of compliance with safety standard/ safety order; and

(b)       the nature and magnitude of the risk that is addressed.

In 2011, the URA issued the Electricity Safety Standards pursuant to Section 14 of the URA Act. The Electricity Safety Standards were issued by the URA as guidelines for electricity utilities to ensure that electricity is generated and distributed safely to all consumers. Since the issuance of these standards, the electricity utilities and URA staff have identified safety issues that require specific standards and rules to mitigate the occurrence of incidents including causing serious injury or death to any person or serious damage to critical infrastructure. One such safety issue is related to living and working within the proximity of electricity grid. In 2013, UNELCO reported to the URA on several occasions, buildings that were erected too close to the electricity grid exposing on site workers as well as inhabitants of the buildings to electrical dangers. UNELCO and the URA met and discussed the safety issue with  stakeholders involved  to address  the   issue and steps to mitigate  the problem.  It was  then decided that UNELCO  draft safety rules related  to activities near the electricity grid. These rules shall set out standards and procedures to ensure safety of persons living or working near or under an electricity grid. It also defines the safety distances of common structures and public areas from the electricity network In May 2014, UNELCO submitted to the URA a proposal setting out parameters of working in the vicinity of the electricity gtid. Relying on the standards drafted by the UNELCO the URA staff has drafted the final rules and recommended for Commission approval.

The Electricity Safety Standards and Rules (Rules) are drafted to provide transparent and clear understanding as to the public's and utilities' respective rights and obligations. The URA Commission is aware that certain actions of the public near and around the grid such as constructing homes, commercial sites, etc. require approvals from certain local Governmental authorities. To ensure public safety, it is imperative  that  authorities involved in such approval also adhere to these Rules.

Further, actions of the public near and around the grid often also involve professionals e.g. engmeers, construction workers, inspectors, etc. All such professionals, workers involved are required to adhere to and apply the Rules.

The detailed Rules ensure fairness, transparency and consistency in URA's actions and compliance with due process when assisting addressing non-compliance complaints by utilities, consumers or other parties.

Legal overview

The legislation governing the generation, transmission, distribution,  sale,  purchase  and  use  of  electricity services in Vanuatu primarily involve the URA Act, the Electricity Supply Act (ESA) and the  Supply  of  Electricity (Districts) Act. The Electricity Cable (Restriction on Passage of Vessels Thereunder) Act regulates passage of vessels under electricity-supply cable between Irririki Island and Port Vila. The Port Vila Electrical Supply Act controls the use and installation of electric light and power at  Port  Vila.  The  said  Acts  are collectively  referred  to  as  'Electricity  Regulatory Acts'.

The Rules do not amend any provision of the Electricity Cable (Restriction on Passage  of  Vessels Thereunder) Act or the Port Vila Electrical Supply Act and persons are required to adhere to the Acts in addition to compliance with the requirements  set out in the Rules.

The URA must exercise its powers and functions under the URA Act so that they are not inconsistent with a provision of any Act pertaining to regulated service, or a provision of the following  contracts:

(a)          the Concession contract for the Generation and Public Supply of Electric Power in Port Vila entered into by the Government with UNELCO  dated 15 August  1986, as amended  till date,

(b)       the Concession contract for the Generation and Public Supply of Electric Power in Malekula Island entered into by the Government with UNELCO  dated 14 July 2000, as amended   till date, and

(c)          the Concession contract for the Generation and Public Supply of Electric Power in Tanna Island entered into by the Government with UNELCO  dated 14July 2000, as amended   till date.

The Rules are not inconsistent with any of the provisions  of the Electricity Regulatory Acts or the   UNELCO electricity contracts referenced above.

The Rules

1. Introduction

1.1.                The Rules

Under the Utilities Regulatory Authority Act (URA Act)  the  URA  is  mandated  to  ensure  the  provision  of  safe, reliable and affordable regulated services, maximize access to regulated services throughout Vanuatu and promote the long term interests of consumers. To achieve its purpose,  the  URA  has  been  specifically  empowered to issue safety standards and rules in relation to  the  safety  of  a  regulated  service  (electricity service) and safety  orders  directing any person  to  do or refrain  from  doing anything in relation  to the  safety  of a regulated service. Additionally, the URA has the power to employ a safety inspector to investigate potential  safety hazards.

To effectively fulfill this function, the URA is adopting and approving these Electricity  Safety Standards  and  Rules  (Rules), which prescribe:

(a)              safe distances  applicable  to persons  working within  the proximity  of an electricity grid;

(b)           safe distances between the network and objects such as infrastructure, non utility cables, designated public areas/zones and vegetation located within the proximity of an electricity grid;

(c)              the conditions that persons have to conform to when working or operating machinery within the proximity of an electricity grid; and

(d)             the roles and responsibility of the utility, the public, Government authorities and the URA in relation to the Rules.

1.2.                   Objective

The URA is adopting these Rules:

(a)               to minimize electricity safety incidents that may occur as a result of people working near or under an electricity grid; and

(b)           to ensure utility activities and other business activities are conducted unhindered without burdening the persons involved.

(c)                 to ensure  fairness,   transparency,  consistency in URA's  actions   with due process when  addressing complaints regarding application  of safety   Rules.

1.3.                  Applicability

The Rules apply to construction of Grids (as defined below) in Vanuatu.

The Rules regulate actions or inactions of persons working in the vicinity of the Grids in Vanuatu to ensure safety of public and Grid.

All professionals, workers, builders and contractors involved in work(s) in the vicinity of the Grid must  adhere to  the Rules.

The Rules  are  to apply to any works  begun  after the commencement  date  of  this  Order;  existing grids  in operation or works begun before the aforementioned date are not concerned.

To ensure public safety, Governmental authorities responsible for approving certain activities by the public in the vicinity of the Grid must also adhere to these Rules. In the event approvals/permits are granted by authorities to the public for works that are in contravention of the Rules, the URA will hold the permit holder responsible and be compelled to issue safety orders against the person  (individual or entity) who requested  the approval/ permit or is carrying out the work.

1.4.                Contravention  of the Rules

In the event of non-compliance with the Rules the URA would be entitled to issue safety orders pursuant to  the URA Act against the person(s) directly or indirectly responsible for non-compliance, including order such person(s) to cease  and desist from performing  certain  actions,  destroy  the  construction  built in contravention  of the Rules, etc. Non-compliance with a safety order will result in an issue of infringement notice and levy of penalty by the URA against such person in accordance with the URA Act and the rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

1.5.                Planned Activity Permit

1.5.1       Prospective  Construction Work

(a)          Prior to commencing construction work (including extension of existing premises or infrastructure) within 10 metres of the Grid, a prospective builder must approach the relevant utility in writing and request for an approval in respect to that proposed construction work. The prospective builder must provide all relevant information to the utility necessary for the utility to review the proposal and give access to the relevant construction site such as location of works, type of activities to be undertaken and  commencement  date. Upon  examination  of information  and inspection  of site, the utility shall determine if the proposal is in compliance with the Rules and shall accordingly issue an approval (Permit). The utility shall complete its examination and inspection and give a reasoned response in writing within 10 (ten) days of the application. The response must clearly and concisely state whether the  proposal is in compliance  or contravenes  the  Rules  and reasons  for the same.

(b)       The utility may inspect the site, but only during normal working hours and by giving the applicant prior notices of when the inspection shall be made. The representative of the utility during the inspection must carry appropriate identification, authorization documents and disclose to the persons on site the reason for the visit.

(c)          In the event the proposed work plan set out in the application contravenes the Rules, the utility must inform the applicant of changes that may be made to the proposed work so that it is in compliance  with the Rules.

(d)         Once a Permit is obtained from the utility, the applicant must implement the project consistent with the plans submitted to the utility. In the event of any material deviation from  the information  provided to the utility that may impact the safety, revised plan should be submitted to the utility and permission obtained.

(e)          If the applicant performs its actions in accordance with the Permit and such actions result in a violation of the Rules, the responsibility shall lie with the utility.

(f)            When issuing the Permit, the utility shall also provide the applicant with updated technical drawings and schematics of the Grid within the vicinity of the areas as stated in the Permit.

(g)       Ifa prospective builder commences construction without first obtaining a Permit, the utility shall not provide it temporary electricity service, or, where appropriate, terminate the electricity source that the person is using for such construction purposes.

1.5.2     Visual displays  or advertisements

No person shall put up a signage, banner, by whatever name called, on the poles, wire,  transformers,  sub­ stations, etc. without first obtaining an authorisation from the utility in accordance with  Rule  1.5.1.  If the applicant performs its actions in accordance  with  the  authorization  and  such  actions  result  in a  violation  of the Rules, the responsibility  shall lie with  the utility.

1.5.3     Aerial  and Earth work:

Prior to undertaking any aerial or earth work including road works, laying of underground telephone cables, installation of overhead telephone lines internet lines, fiber optics, other services or maintenance works, the person must notify the utility in writing at least 10 working days before commencing work. Such intimation must be given on a normal working day.

(a) Once such intimation is received by the utility, it shall be the responsibility of the utility to inspect the site prior to commencement of work and, if necessary, request for information from such person to ensure that such aerial or earth work is in compliance with the Rules. If the utility suspects that the work may be in contravention of the Rules, it must inform the person and URA in writing  immediately and give reasons and corrective measures that may be taken to ensure compliance with Rules.

(b) If such work is in contravention of the Rules and if the utility could reasonably have identified  such violation at the time of its inspection or review  of information  and  failed  to inform  the person  and  URA in accordance with  sub-rule  (a), the responsibility  shall lie with  the utility. 

(c) Notwithstanding anything provided in sub-rule (a), if aerial or earth  work  1s  required  to  be  undertaken immediately on account of an emergency, the person undertaking the work must inform the utility immediately of the emergency. The person and the utility must cooperate in good faith and ensure that the work is carried out safely and in accordance with the Rules. The utility must treat all emergency cases as priority and inspect the site promptly.

For the purposes of this sub-rule an emergency shall mean any situation that requires immediate attention and rectification failing which it may cause serious injury or death to any person, serious environmental pollution or serious damage to critical infrastruchlre.

1.5.4     Additional  Utility  Role and Obligation

In the event of any contravention or expected contravention of the Rules or Permit/ authorization etc., the utility  shall promptly  intimate  the URA  and request  for  a safety  order. The utility  shall timely perform all actions  and  take  such  corrective  measures  as instructed  by URA  in  the  safety  order  and  assist  in  the  swift execution and implementation  of the safety order.

1.6.                 Fee

 The utility shall not charge any fee for issuing a Pennit or for perfonning any actions under the  Rules.

1.7.                 Obligation of utility to inform the  public

 The utility shall display the Rules on its website.

The utility shall quarterly publish an advertisement in a widely circulated newspaper in its concession area so as to remind the public of their obligations under the Rules.

Utility shall keep in all their office(s) copies of the Rules and shall provide them to the public, if so requested, free of charge.

The utility must inform the public by posting on its website of  the department/ designated  person who may  be contacted for any  queries  that  the  public  may  have  in  respect  of  the  Rules  or  application  for Pen:nit/ authorisation, etc.

1. Definitions

Terms used in these Rules shall have the same meaning as assigned to them in the URA Act. The following terms shall have the meaning as set out below:

(i)                         Grids: means HV and LV electricity grids, the public networks for the supply and conveyance of electrical energy and ancillary facilities. These include street lighting facilities jointly connected to a supply grid or otherwise.

(ii)                      Fixtures and fittings: means all the equipment and appliances  (electrical or otherwise)   installed in private  premises  and which  are not works.

(iii) Contractor: means any undertaking carrying  out works  distinct  from the  subcontractors  of the utility.

(iv)                         Buildings: includes any construction on the ground in excess of 3 metres high ordinarily  accessible by persons.

(v)                       Voltage range: (HT = high voltage - HV; BT = low voltage LV; TBT = very low voltage - VLV).

 [...]

1. Safety of members  of the public  and workers  in the vicinity of  grids

3.1.    Safety distances for contractors and other persons

Where work or activities are taking place near grids, contractors and members of the public are prohibited from entering the following areas:

(a)           Within less than 3 metres from HV/LV lines in the case of overhead grid that is not insulated (bare cables)

(b)         Within less than  1metres  from HV/LV lines in the case of insulated overhead grid

(c)           Within less than 0.5 metres from HV/LV lines in the case of underground grid if work is carried out with mechanical gear. Work is allowed if agents of the utility are in attendance on site for control purposes and the work is carried out by hand.

3.2.    Right of the utility in the event of non-compliance with distances by any person or contractor

Where a contractor or a person is found to be working in a restricted area, the operations officer of the utility or his agent is empowered to stop works if there is any imminent risk. A letter is to be addressed to the person concerned setting out the grounds for such decision with recommended solution, with copy to the Utility Regulatory Authority. In the event of dispute on site, the police will be called to enforce compliance with the distances specified in these rules.

1. Overhead HV grids (power lines)

4.1.    General guidelines in relation  to  overhead  HV power lines

(a)          The supply grids are usually designed for three-phase 50 Hz alternating current supply with a nominal voltage of 5.5 kV, 20 kV or 33 kV.

(b) The lines are installed either as bare conductors  or  as  insulated  conductors,  on  reinforced  or  pre­  stressed   concrete   supports,  or  timber   or  metal poles.

(c)           Protection  against direct  contact is ensured by keeping a certain    distance.

(d)          Each support or pole must carry a warning about the danger of lines that have fallen on the ground and the risks of climbing the support.

(e)           Distances from the ground of overhead power lines are indicated for a maximum temperature  of  the lines reached under normal operation, for HV it is set at 40°C.

4.2.    Safety distance above ground - Bare HV lines

The minimum distance to be observed above ground is 6 m vertically and 3 metres sideways.

Figure 1: Safety distance between bare HV conductor and   ground

(a)           The vertical distance may be reduced to 5.5 metres as a result of the natural ground being uneven occurring within a small area along a straight line (a few  square  metres)  causing  an  obstacle  for traffic. Tbis distance is also applicable to HV grids in rural areas  and villages,  with  no  or  minor traffic.

(b)           Across a road open to public vehicle traffic (excluding private roads and  access),  the  minimum vertical distance  to be observed  is increased  to  8  metres.

4.3.    Safety distance within the vicinity of buildings - Bare HV lines

(a)          In the vicinity of all buildings (see definition), the minimum distance to be observed over  and  above is 3.2 metres and sideways 3 metres, except for protruding parts usually accessible to persons (balconies, terraces, footbridges), where the prescribed distance is 6 metres vertically and 3 metres sideways.

Figure 2: Prohibited zone for bare conductor (distances in centimetres)

(b)         Protruding parts of buildings not normally accessible to the public (antennas, signs, lights), premises restricted to electricians, fixtures and fittings such as advertising sign boards, bus shelters, etc. are excluded. In such cases, the minimum distance to be observed in every direction is 3 metres.

(c)           Construction of a new building under a bare HV line is prohibited

4.4.    Safety distance above ground -insulated HV  lines

(a)           The minimum distance to be observed above ground is 5 metres vertically and 1 metres  around.

(b)          The vertical distance may be reduced to 4.5 metres as a result of the natural ground being uneven occurring within a small area along a straight line (a few square metres) causing an obstacle for traffic.

(c)          Across  a road open to  traffic  (excluding private roads  and access),  the minimum vertical  distance   to be adhered to is increased to 8 metres.

Figure 3:Safety distance between public road and insulated HV   line

4.5.    Safety distance in the vicinity of buildings - insulated HV lines

(a)           In the vicinity of all buildings (see definition), the minimum distance to be observed over and above and sideways is 1 metres, except for protruding parts usually accessible to persons  (balconies, terraces, footbridges), where the prescribed distance is 5 metres vertically and 1 metres sideways.

Figure 4: Prohibited zone for HV bare conductor (distances incentimetres)

(b)       Protruding parts of buildings not normally accessible to the public (antennas, signs,  lights), premises restricted to electricians, fixtures and fittings  such as advertising sign boards,  bus  shelters, etc.  are excluded.  In  such cases,  the minimum  distance  to be  observed in every  direction  is 1m.

(c)          Construction of a new building under a insulated HV line is prohibited

4.6.    Safety distance from telephone lines - HV lines both bare and insulated

(a)          Where an HV overhead power line cuts across an overhead telephone line, the power line must run above it, and the minimum distances to be complied with are as  follows:

(i)                2 metres  for bare conductors

(ii)      1metre  for insulated conductors

Figure 5: Safety distance between  telephone line and bare HV  conductor

(b)        Where an HV overhead power line runs alongside an overhead telephone line, both with their own supporting poles, the minimum distance to be complied with  is:

(i)                2 metres  for bare conductors

(ii)       1metre  for insulated conductors

(c)          Telephone lines may be supported, in whole or in part, on the same poles as an HV power line, in which case:

(i)                The power line must be above the telephone line by at least 2 metres for bare or insulated conductors.

(ii)                The insulating level of the telephone line in relation to the mass of the power line must be at least 6 000 V.

(iii)                Any work  on the  telephone  line has  to be  carried  out with  the  consent  of the utility   or in compliance with the terms and conditions specified by the latter under an  agreement.

4.7.    Safety distance from obstacles - HV lines, both bare and insulated

In the case of constructions on the ground not normally accessible to the public  (street lamps, posts, and advertising signs), the minimum distances to be observed  are:

(a)          3 metres for bare conductors

(b)        1 metre for insulated conductors

4.8.    Educational, sporting or open air recreational facilities in  the vicinity  of  HV lines, both  bare  and insulated

(a)          The poles/ supports are not to be installed within the enclosure of any educational or sporting facilities. If this requirement cannot be met, for some exceptional reason, every measure is to be taken so that the area in the immediate vicinity of the poles installed inside such areas is not accessible.

(b)        No conducting pole (steel, concrete, timber with down earth wire, etc) is to be established at less than 10 metres from an open air swimming pool.

1. Overhead  LV power lines

5.1.    General guidelines  for overhead LV power  lines

(a)          The supply grids are usually designed for a three-phase supply of alternating current, 50 Hz, with  a  rated  voltage between  220  and 240 V  (phase-neutral)  and between  380-410 V (phase-phase).

(b)       The  lines  are installed  as insulated  conductors  on  supports  made  of reinforced  or  pre-stressed concrete, timber or steel.

(c)          Protection against direct contact is ensured by the insulation of the cable and the distance.

(d)          Distances &om the ground of overhead power lines are indicated for a maximum temperature of  the lines reached under norrnal operation, for LV it is set at 40°C.

5.2.    Safety distance above ground -insulated LV lines

(a)            The minimum distance to be observed above ground is 5 metres vertically and 0.3 metres around.

Figure 6: Safety distance between ground and insulated LV  line

(b)       The vertical distance may be reduced to 4.5 metres as a result of uueven ground occurring naturally within  a small area along a straight line  (a few square metres)  causing an obstacle  for  traffic.

(c)          This basic distance may be reduced to 4 metres over restricted passages between building  frontages, if such passages are not used by vehicles in excess of that height. This distance is also applicable for LV grids in rural areas and villages, with no or minor traffic.

(d)         Across a road open to traffic (excluding private roads and access), the minimum vertical distance to be observed is increased to 6 metres.

Figure 7: Safety distance between public road and insulated LV line

5.3.                 Safety distance in the vicinity of buildings - insulated LV lines

(a)          Insulated conductors along a front wall: The minimum distance is set at 1 metre, however safety distances need to be observed in relation to windows and any other metallic component. The conductors are to be kept out of reach by placing effective obstacles or through insulation. In particular, they must be protected  from the shock of metal hand-tools all along their height below  2 metres  down to the ground.

(b)         Insulated conductors overhanging or sideways: In the vicinity of all buildings (see definition), the minimum distance to be observed in all directions is 1 metres, except for protruding parts usually accessible to people (balconies, terraces, footbridges), where the prescribed distance is 5 metres vertically and 1 metres sideways.

Figure 8: Prohibited zone for LV bare conductor (distances in centimetres)

(c)           No connector is to be within reach in those areas accessible by persons, the minimum distance being 2 metres.

5.4.       Safety distance from telephone lines - Insulated LV lines

(a)           Where an overhead LV power line cuts across a telephone line, the power line must be located above, at a minimum distance of 1 metre except for grids outside Efate where the distance allowed is 2 meters.

(b)        Where a LV overhead power line runs alongside an overhead telephone line, both with their own supporting poles, the minimum distance to be complied with is  1metre.

Figure 9: Safety distance between LV overhead line and telephone line

(c)          Where a LV overhead power line and a telephone line are supported by common poles, the power line is to be located above at a minimum distance of 0.25 metres.

5.5.      Educational, sporting or open air recreational facilities in the vicinity of insulated LV power lines

Overhead LV power lines stretching over educational, sporting or open air recreational facilities must  be installed as insulated conductors.

1. Overhead HV and  LV grids: In  the vicinity of other grids  or networks,  safety distances from trees and miscellaneous items

6.1.    Construction of a new overhead HV power line

Where a new HV line cuts across or runs alongside an existing HV or LV line, the minimum distance to be observed is:

(a)          2 metres if the HV line is a bare conductor

(b)        1 metre if the 2 lines are insulated conductors

6.2.    Construction of a new overhead LV power line

(a)           Where a new LV line as insulated conductor cuts across or runs alongside an existing HV line, the minimum distance to be observed is:

(i)                     2 metres  if the HV line is a bare   conductor

(ii)                     1metre if the 2 lines are insulated  conductor

(b)       Where a new LV line as insulated conductor cuts across or runs alongside an existing LV line, the minimum distance to be observed is  1 metre.

6.3.    Dual lines HV (bare conductors) and LV overhead power lines

'Where a LV line, as bare or insulated conductor, and an HV line as bare conductor  are both installed on the same poles or share at least one pole, the following requirements  are to be complied  with:

(a)           The LV conductors are to be located below the HV conductors, at least 1 metres below on the poles.

(b)       On each pole, between the two power lines, a warning device is to be installed so as to remind any workers called upon to work on the LV line of the danger that the HV line presents for   them.

(c)          The insulating level of the LV line in relation to the pole must be at least 6 000 V.

(d)         This provision is not applicable on HV-LV aerial substation.

6.4.    Dual lines HV (insulated conductors) and LV overhead power lines

Where a LV line, as bare or insulated conductor, and a HV line as insulated conductor are  both installed on the same poles or share at least one pole, the following requirements are to be complied with:

(a)          The LV conductors are to be located below the HV conductors,  at an interval of at least  1 metre on the poles

In addition, at least one of the following three requirements  must be  met:

(a)           The insulating level of the LV line in relation to the pole is to be at least 6 000 V.

(b)        The carrier of the overhead cables bearing the HV line (line to ground) is isolated from the pole by an insulating material at a level of at least 6 000 V.

(c)           The pole is not considered to be a conductor  (timber, for  example).

6.5.    Construction of non insulated HV grids in the vicinity of trees

For  the  construction   of  LV lines  as  non-insulated   conductors   and  as  suspended  insulators,  it 1s

necessary to trim tree branches  appropriately in order to comply with the following distances:

(a)          For trees growing over and above the grid, the branches must be at a distance of more than 5  metres away from the cables sideways, in zero wind conditions, and must not overhang, this is prohibited.

(b)       For trees remaining at a height below the grid, the branches must be at a distance of more than 3 metres away from the cables, in all directions, in zero wind conditions.

6.6.    Construction of insulated HV/LV grids in the vicinity of trees

(a)          For lines established as insulated conductors, the branches, in zero wind conditions, must be more than 1 metre away from the cables, in all directions, and not overhang the power line, this is prohibited.

6.7.    Grids in operation in the vicinity of trees

(a)          For HV grids as bare conductors, the minimum distance to be observed is not to be less than 2 metres in all directions, under conditions of maximum temperature (40 °C) and zero wind. No overhanging branches over the power line, this is prohibited.

Figure 10: Safety distances between trees and bare HV  conductors

(b)        For grids as insulated conductors (HV and LV), the minimum distance is 1 metre (Note: Guard against the risk of rubbing and deterioration of the insulating material).

(c)           Regular inspections of the overhead lines that are bare conductors are to be carried out in order to detect any faults/ deficiencies and assess the trimming and felling of trees that may be necessary, especially in the case of trees that are dead or dying and likely to fall on the lines. The dates and findings of such inspections are to be recorded in a book or kept together in a file available to the inspection division.

6.8.    Rules jointly  applicable to overhead HV and LV power lines

(a)          Safety distance in respect  of waterways  (river and  sea):

(i)                    In the absence of any river or maritime navigation regulations, the safety distance overhead is 8 metres.

(ii)                     Where a mast height 'h' is specified in river or maritime navigation regulations, the  safety  distance  overhead  is 'h'.

(b)        Pyrotechnic establishments: The minimum distance of HV/LV grids from such establishments is (excluding the service connection):

(i)                    20 metres for bare conductors

Figure 11: Safety distance of bare over heard power lines from Pyrotechnic establishments

(ii)                      10 metres for insulated conductors

Figure 12: Safety distance of insulated over heard power lines from Pyrotechnic   establishments

(c)           Premises where inflammable products are stored: It is forbidden  to have HV/LV  lines running  over specified areas of liquid or gaseous inflammable products.

6.9.    Lighting devices located on poles carrying overhead power lines

Lighting devices and their accessories, when installed on poles carrying overhead power lines must be located at least 2 metres away from the bare HV conductors.

6.10.    Exceptional case of aero-underground rises

Insulated conductors can be located at heights below the height prescribed in the preceding sections as long as they run along a support or a building. Appropriate  mechanical  protections  (steel  tube,  section ...) must safeguard the cables from the shocks of metal hand-tools, from 0.5 metres below ground level up to 2 metres above, at least.

1. Underground grids

7.1.    General guidelines in respect of underground grids

(a)           Buried electricity ducts are to be protected against damage caused by subsiding soil, contact with hard items and the shock of metal hand-tools.,

(b)       As a rule, cables  are laid within  the public  domain reserve,  and preferably  beneath   footpaths.

7.2.    Safety distance for underground grids

(a)           Cables are buried with or without additional protection (conduits or bed of sand) down to a minimum depth of 0.65 metres under a footpath or shoulder of a road and 0.85 metres under the surface of a road and any other cases. These measurements are to be taken from the upper part of the cable once laid.

(b)       In the event of any particular constraint, the depth can be reduced  provided  appropriate  mechanical protection means are installed (synthetic conduits embedded in concrete, metallic conduits, . . .) in order to protect the cables from compressive pressure caused by movements  at the surface and shocks that can be caused by tools such as pickaxes or shovels.

7.3.    Safety distance between underground grids and other networks or grids

(a)           A minimum distance of 0.20 metres is to be observed at the junction of two buried electrical ducts and the junction of a buried electrical duct and a telephone cable.

Figure  13: Safety distance between  underground  electrical  ducts and other underground  network

(b)       The following minimum distances are to be observed in the vicinity of a buried electrical duct  (not  being a junction):

(i)       0.50 metres in respect of a telecommunications cable buried directly into the ground.

(ii)       0.20 metres in respect of a telecommunications cable within a sheath.

Figure 14:  Safety distances between underground  conductors and telecommunication   cables

(c)          A minimum distance  of  0.20 metres  is  to  be  observed  in the vicinity  of a buried  electrical  duct and a water pipe, or pipeline, or gas pipe, compressed air  or  steam  pipe  (whether  a  junction  or otherwise).

(d)         Such distances can be reduced provided the facilities are separated by a device ensuring sufficient protection against shocks from metal  hand-tools.

7.4.    Protection and signage for underground grids

(a)           When running across under a road, cables are to be protected by synthetic conduits so as to avoid having to reopen the trenches.

(b)       In any event, a warning mesh is to be placed 0.2 metres above the upper part of the cable or its mechanical protection.

Figure 15:  Placement  distance of warning mesh

(c)          Where cables or sets of cables belonging to different voltage ranges are laid one upon the other, a warning system/ device is to be placed above each  one.

(d)         The warning device is meant to indicate the proximity of a cable, a set of cables or a duct and its direction  and  purpose  in the  event  of  excavation work.

(e)          For electrical ducts, the warning wite mesh is to be in red colour. The colours specified below are reserved for warning devices over buried pipes used for the following purposes:

(i)                    blue:   pressurized   water   -   yellow:   gas   -   brown:    waste   water/          sewerage   -  green telecommunications.

(f) A warning device is not required if the cable is placed in a mechanical protection laid in the underpinning.

(g) Cables can be submersed in swamps, ponds, navigable waterways, streams,  channels  or  other  expanses of water as long as they are protected mechanically, if  necessary,  against  any  risk  of  damage  (anchors, dredging).

7.5.                Underground  cabling  installed within  a construction

(a)           Where electricity ducts are installed in technical tunnels which can be visited but are not accessible to the public, the following provisions must be complied with:

(i)                     The electricity cables and the telecommunication cables are to be installed on separate supports.

(ii)                   The electricity cables for different voltage ranges are to be installed either on separate supports or separated by partition/  dividing wall with appropriate mechanical resistance

(iii)                      The electricity cables or sets of electricity cables are to be clearly marked for reference in order to identify them without any problem.

(iv)                     A minimum distance of 0.40 metres for cables running parallel and 0.20 metres at a junction is to be maintained between electricity cables and telecommunication cables, unless they are sheathed or separated by shelves or partitions resistant to the shock of metal  hand-tools.

(v)                      The accessories of the  electricity  cables  must not generate  any damaging mechanical  effects  on the  outside in the event  of any internal   fault.

(vi)                      The tracks of metal cables, bare metal ducts and other masses must be connected to the same earth conductor.

7.6.                 Electrical ducts in buildings

(a)          The electrical ducts located in buildings other than those where access is restricted to electricians must be kept out of reach by inserting effective obstacles or by insulation. Inparticular, they must  be protected against the shock of metal hand tools along their whole length up to 2 metres above ground.

(b)  When they are set in conduits,  such  conduits must be  designed,  or measures  taken,  so as to ensure that a fire cannot spread out through  them.

(c)  The earth conductor must be connected to the main equipotential link or contact of the   building.

1. Protection  against the risk of  contact

8.1.    Protection against the risk of indirect contact (contact with masses accidentally connected and live)

(a)          Measures must be taken to protect persons from the risks that could arise to  them from simultaneous contact with grounded and conductor components which could show a difference in potential.

(b)       The resistance of the earth is to have a value that is appropriate for the purpose for which the earth is to be used.

(c)          The grounding must be  connected:

(i)                     either to an earth with appropriate resistance (HV and LV)

(ii)                     or to the neutral conductor which is itself earthed as required (LV) if all of the following conditions are met:

• immediate and automatic  removal  of  any  evident  fault  between  phase and neutral by way of protective devices against over-currents

• overall earth resistance of the neutral conductor allowing for a threshold of 1500 volts in relation to the earths of the consumers' fittings and appliances against excess voltages resulting from the transmission  of a HV single phase default to the ground
• no   cut-off   device   on   the  neutral   conductor   when   combined  with   the protection conductor.

8.2.    Special provisions  for LV grids

(a)           Three-phase supply must include a neutral conductor connected to a neutral point and directly earthed.

(b)       In the case of neutralizing of the gtid masses, the main equipotential link of the consumer is to be connected to the neutral, which restricts possible over-voltages on the consumer's wiring and remains consistent with the use of a differential circuit-breaker if the point of separation between the neutral and the protection  conductor of the wiring is located upstream from this  device.

(c)          Two grounding accessible simultaneously by someone must be connected to the same earthing conductor.

(d)         For equipment not to have any grounding, it must be insulated twice or reinforced by construction or installation.

(e)          The neutral conductor for overhead lines must be earthed  at more  than  one point if the length  of the lines exceeds 100 metres and the average number of earthing points along lines serviced by a transformer  station must not be less than one per 200 metres  of line.

(f) The earthing of the neutral conductor must be effected outside the transformer station so that any temporary increases in potential arising out of some insulating defect on the HV sections are not likely to cause an increase in potential on the LV conductors in excess of 1500  volts.

(g) Where  a  cut-off  switch  cutting off both  the neutral  conductor  and the phase  conductors is installed at the exit of the transformer prior to the first earthing of the neutral conductor and the part  of  the  wiring between the transformer and this switch is accessible, the transformer  being live, the neutral  point of the transformer must automatically be united with the  earth  of  the  masses  of  the  transformer  station when  the  switch is  on the  open position.

(h) In order to achieve better separation between the earth of the neutral conductor and that of the station masses, it is necessary to carry out the initial earthing of the neutral conductor at the grid itself, not on the transformer, for instance at the first pole of the LV line exiting from the transformer station, if it is far away enough that the coupling between the earths is low. The other earthings are to be effected preferably at the point of branch circuit or connection accessory of the client.

(i) In the case of grid segments on joint poles (bearing both LV and HV lines), earthing of the neutral conductor on the conductor poles (concrete, metal, etc) is to be avoided so as to prevent any risk of communication behveen the two lines through the neutral conductor in the event of any insulation defect on one of the insulators along the line with the highest voltage; in such case, earthing is to be carried out preferably on those segments that are not on joint poles. In the case of joint grids along a great distance, it is necessary to carry out earthings of the neutral conductor off­ side using insulated cables.

G) The neutral point of the LV grids can be connected to the joint earth in the HV-LV stations connected to the bulk station by underground HV grids.

(k)      Where stations are supplied by overhead HV gtids, the earth to which the neutral of the LV gtids is connected must, as a rule, be electrically separate from the  masses,  unless  the  overall  earth  resistance of the neutral conductor  allows  for the  1 500 volt  threshold  in relation  to  the  earths  of  the consumers' fittings and appliances against excess voltages resulting from  the  transmission  of a fault  on the  single phase HV to the  mass.

(1)  The use  of green  and yellow  cable  for neutral  earthing is  prohibited  and  must  be  reserved  for masses earthing.

8.3.    Control/Inspection  of the  earths  and protection conductors

(a)             Inspection  of the resistance  of the earths  and the continuity of the protection  conductors is to   be carried out in the following  manner:

(i)                     Resistance of the earths: During construction and then at least every ten years for earthing of the masses of an HV-LV station supplied from overhead grids, for the earthing  of  the neutral of a LV overhead gtid and the earthing of the masses of a device placed on a pole carrying an HV overhead power line.

(b)         Continuity of protection conductors and equipotential links:

(i)                      During construction, in any event, and then every ten years at the stations.

(ii)                     If the protection conductor is accessible, continuity can be checked visually, otherwise it  must be done by electrical measuring.

(c)           The results of the inspections and measurements may be recorded in an electronic file and statements thereof are to be kept available for the inspection division.

1. Miscellaneous

9.1.   General guidelines concerning substations

(a)          Buildings or parts of buildings without any security) in which transformers or circuit-breakers  are installed  must  be locked.

(b)       Where there are folding closing doors, the doors must open outwards ; if they open  out onto a  public road or outbuildings of the river or maritime public domain, they should be  able  to be  folded back and attached to the wall face of the building so as to limit their protrusion as much as possible.

(c)           Prominent notices are to be affixed wherever necessary to warn off the public from  entering.

9.2.   Lightening arresters

The use of spark gaps is prohibited in JN, so lightening arresters with variable resistance  should be used to protect against any over-voltages caused by storms. The earth terminals of lightening arresters and spark gaps (LV) are to be connected to the earth   of the masses.

9.3.   Limiting  the  exposure  of the public  to electro-magnetic fields

(a)          The  location  of grid in relation  to areas usually  accessible  to  the  public  under  normal operating

conditions must be such that:

(i)    The electrical field created in such places does not exceed 5  kV/m

(ii)    The associated magnetic field does not exceed 100 µT.

Commission Order

Findings:

1. Commission finds that the safety standards and Rules described above are necessary to ensure public safety and protection of utility infrastructure
2. The Rules fairly fix the responsibility for compliance with the utility, consumers, local authorities  and  persons  involved in electricity  activities  near  the grid and  other utility equipment.
3. The Rules  provide  fair, transparent  and  efficient  manner  to  address  safety incidents,  complaints and mitigation actions

The Commission therefore orders  that:

1. The Rules are approved and adopted.
2. The Rules shall be submitted for gazettal. The URA staff shall inform the utility of the date of gazettal.
3. Effective Date: The Order comes into effect immediately from the date of gazettal.
4. Dissemination of information:

(a)          For public convenience the utility must prepare hard copies of the Rules with a cover  page  reflecting the title of the Rules. Further, the cover page must state that the Rules, S-0001-14, are adopted and approved by the URA and gazetted. The final copy must be submitted to the URA for approval within 10 days of gazettal. Once approved, the document must  be  uploaded  onto  the utility website and copies be kept at all its offices.

(b)        The utility must disseminate the information as required in Rule 1.6 within 15 working days of gazettal and periodically thereafter.

Notice of Grievance

If a utility or any other interested person is aggrieved by this Order, it may request the Commission to reconsider the decision on issues aggrieved upon. A Notice of Grievance should be submitted within 30 days of the Order. The Notice  should contain:

• The issue or issues being contested
  • A detailed description of any facts or matters supporting the grievance
    • Copies of any documents supporting the grievance
    • A detailed description of any alleged error of law
    • A detailed description of  any relevant  change in  facts  or circumstances  since the Final Order  A Notice  of  Grievance  can  be received  until  5th January  2015  and  addressed  to  the Commission. The Notice  may be:
      • delivered in person at the

Office of the Utilities Regulatory Authority VNPF  Compound

Corner Pierre Lamy & Andre Ballande Street Port Vila, Vanuatu

• mailed to

Case S-0001-14

Utilities  Regulatory Authority

P.M.B 9093 Port Vila Vanuatu

• emailed to: Romney Marum

Case Coordinator - 5-0001-14 Utilities Regulatory Authority [email protected]

If the Commission receives a timely Notice of Grievance, it will conduct a review based on established procedures. If upon review the Commission detennines that the grievance is justified, then it shall revoke, amend or vary the decision on the matter complained of.

Execution Page [...]

Utilities Regulatory Authority Vanuatu

You can access the S-0001-14 Final Decision, December 2014 on our website www.ura.gov.vu, or by contacting us by telephone (+678) 23335, email: [email protected] or regular mail at S-0001-14, Utilities Regulatory Authority, PMB 9093, Port Vila, Vanuatu.