KERC solicits comments on the Amendment to Clause 4.

0 (c) of Safety
Standards for Distribution System notified along with the Grid Code /
Distribution Code - 2005

Many persons have represented to the Commission regarding power supply

to the buildings constructed below EHT lines.

In order to consider the representations of such persons, the provision under

Clause 4.0 (c) of Safety Standards for Distribution System restricting
construction of buildings below EHT lines requires amendment.

Draft amendment to the above Clause is appended here below.

KERC solicits the views / suggestions of the Stakeholders and all the experts in
the field on the above amendment. The views / suggestions may please be
sent so as to reach the Commission not later than 31st Jan. 2008.

KARNATAKA ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

BANGALORE
Notification No: K.E.R.C. /RP/07/08 dated: 1.1.2008

Sub: Draft amendment to Clause 4.0 (c) of Safety Standards for Distribution
System notified along with the Grid Code / Distribution Code - 2005

Preamble

K.E.R.C. has published the Karnataka Electricity Grid Code – 2005 along with
the Distribution Code and Standards for Transmission System and Distribution
System in Karnataka Gazette on 26.1.2006. General public have represented
to the Commission regarding certain difficulties experienced in
implementation of Safety Standards for Distribution System

In order to consider the representations of the general public, the provision

under Clause 4.0 (c) of Safety Standards for Distribution System restricting
construction of buildings below EHT lines requires amendment. As per Clause
1.3.4 (b) of Distribution Code, the “Review Panel” established by the
Distribution Licensees need to review all such suggestions for amendments to
the DISTRIBUTION CODE and send proposals to the Commission for necessary
action.

The Commission has addressed letters to ESCOMs to establish a “Review

Panel” and review all the suggestions for amendments. Inspite of these letters,
ESCOMs have not established the “Review Panel” and have not sent
recommendation to amend the above provision. D.O. letter has been
addressed to the Chairman of all ESCOMs to instruct all the M.D s. of ESCOMs
to take immediate action to form the “Review Panel” .
“Formation of a Review Panel” by ESCOMs was also discussed in the 18th
Meeting of the Commission Advisory Committee held on 17. 4. 2007. The need
to amend Clause 4.0 (c) of Safety Standards for Distribution System to solve
the problem of applicants seeking power supply for installations constructed
below EHT lines was discussed in the same meeting.

There is a provision under Clause 1.5 of the “Distribution Code” that KERC may
grant exemption depending upon the merits of such matter.

As there is no response from the ESCOMs, and also several representations

have been received from the general public seeking power supply for
installations constructed below EHT lines, it is felt necessary to initiate
necessary action to mitigate the problem of such general public and to take
action to amend the above Clause under the above provision.

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 86(1)(h) of the Electricity Act

2003 (Central Act 36 of 2003) and all powers enabling it in that behalf, the
Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission hereby makes the following
Code further to amend Karnataka Electricity Grid Code - 2005

I. Title and commencement:

a) This Code may be called the Karnataka Electricity Grid Code
(Amendment) - 2008.
b) This shall come into force from the date of publication in the
official gazette of Karnataka and will be in force unless
amended otherwise.

II. Amendments to the following Section of Karnataka Electricity Grid

Code - 2005. The existing provisions of Clause 4.0 (c) of Safety
Standards for Distribution System notified along with the Grid Code /
Distribution Code - 2005as in column 2 of the Table below shall stand
substituted by the provisions as on column 3 of the Table below.

Clause As existing As proposed for amendment

no.
1 2 3
4.0 (c) Buildings shall not be constructed under EHT Lines. 4.0 (c)(i) In case the buildings are constructed / to
In case the buildings are to be constructed near LT or be constructed under EHT Lines,
HT Lines, with bare wires, the following minimum provisions of clearances as stipulated
clearances shall be maintained. under Rule 80 of the IE Rules 1956
(Annex-1) shall be adhered to till the
CEA finalizes the CEA (Measures
relating to Safety and Electric Supply)
Regulations, 2007. Thereafter the
provisions as in the final notification of
the above Regulations of CEA shall be
adhered to.

4.0 (c)(ii) In case the buildings are constructed /

Particulars For LT Lines For 11 KV to be constructed near LT or HT Lines,
(Mtr) Lines with bare wires, the following
(Mtr) minimum clearances shall be
a)Minimum 5.8 6.1 maintained.
 height of Particulars For LT For 11 KV
any Lines (Mtr) Lines (Mtr)
conductor a)Minimum 5.8 6.1
of an height of
overhead any
line across conductor
any street of an
b)Minimum 5.5 5.8 overhead
height of line across
any any street
conductor b)Minimum 5.5 5.8
of an height of
overhead any
line along conductor
any street of an
c)Minimum 4.6 4.6 overhead
height of line along
any any street
conductor c)Minimum 4.6 4.6
(bare) of an height of
overhead any
line erected conductor
elsewhere (bare) of an
d)Minimum 4.0 4.0 overhead
height of line erected
any elsewhere
conductor d)Minimum 4.0 4.0
(insulated) height of
of an any
overhead conductor
line erected (insulated)
elsewhere of an
e)Minimum 3.5(2.5)* 4.5(3.7)* overhead
clearance (Vertical) (Vertical) line erected
of an elsewhere
overhead 1.8(1.2)* 1.8(1.2)* e)Minimum 3.5(2.5)* 4.5(3.7)*
conductor (Horizontal) (Horizontal) clearance (Vertical) (Vertical)
from of an
buildings overhead 1.8(1.2)* 1.8(1.2)*
conductor (Horizontal) (Horizontal)
from
buildings

Note: The clearances indicated in the IE Rules have been increased to have better safety margin in view of
the large number of accidents taking place. In case these clearances cannot be maintained, Ariel Bunched
Cables shall be used
* The figures in brackets are as per IE Rules, 1956.

By order of the Commission

Sd/-
Secretary
Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission.
 Annex-1

Extract of Rule No.80 of the IE Rules, 1956

80. Clearances from buildings of high and extra-high voltage lines-

(1) Where a high or extra-high voltage overhead line passes above or adjacent to any
building or part of a building it shall have on the basis of maximum sag a vertical
clearance above the highest part of the building immediately under such line, of
not less than-
(a) for high voltage lines upto and including 33,000 volts : 3.7 metres
(b) for extra-high voltage lines: 3.7 metres plus 0.3
metre for every additional
33,000 volts or part thereof.

(2) The horizontal clearance between the nearest conductor and any part of such
building shall, on the basis of maximum deflection due to wind pressure, be not
less than-
(a) for high voltage lines upto and including 11,000 volts: 1.2 metres
(b) for high voltage lines above 11,000 volts and up to
and including 33,000 volts: 2.0 metres
(c) for extra-high voltage lines: 2.0 metres plus 0.3
metre for every additional
33,000 volts for part thereof.
[EXPLANATION-For the purpose of this rule, expression “ building” shall be
deemed to include any structure, whether permanent or temporary.]