45.1-161.282 - Circuit breakers and switches.

§ 45.1-161.282. Circuit breakers and switches.

A. Automatic circuit breaking devices or fuses of the correct type andcapacity shall be installed so as to protect all electric equipment and powercircuits against excessive overload. Wires or other conducting materialsshall not be used as a substitute for properly designed fuses, and circuitbreaking devices shall be maintained in safe operating condition.

B. Operating controls, such as switches, starters, and switch buttons, shallbe so installed that they are readily accessible and can be operated withoutdanger of contact with moving or live parts.

C. Electric equipment and circuits shall be provided with switches or othercontrols of safe design, construction and installation.

D. Insulating mats or other electrically nonconductive material shall be keptin place at each power-control switch and at stationary machinery where shockhazards exist.

E. Suitable danger signs shall be posted conspicuously at all high-voltageinstallations.

F. All power wires and cables shall have adequate current-carrying capacity,shall be guarded from mechanical injury and installed in a permanent manner.

G. Power circuits shall be labeled to indicate the unit or circuit theycontrol.

H. Persons shall stay clear of an electrically powered shovel or othersimilar heavy equipment during an electrical storm.

I. All devices installed on or after July 1, 2005, which provide either shortcircuit protection or protection against overload, shall conform to theminimum requirements for protection of electric circuits and equipment of theNational Electric Code in effect at the time of their installation.

J. All electric conductors installed on or after July 1, 2005, shall besufficient in size to meet the minimum current-carrying capacity provided forin the National Electric Code in effect at the time of their installation.

K. All trailing cables purchased on or after July 1, 2005, shall meet theminimum requirements for ampacity provided in the standards of the InsulatedPower Cable Engineers Association - National Electric ManufacturersAssociation in effect at the time such cables are purchased.

(Code 1950, §§ 45-82, 45-82.1, 45-82.3, 45-82.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594,§§ 45.1-78, 45.1-80, 45.1-81; 1978, c. 118; 1979, c. 315; 1993, c. 442; 1994,c. 28; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3.)