ELECTRICITY RULES, 1956
.—(1) These rules may be called the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.
(2) They shall come into force at once.
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1. Vide S.R.O. 1455, dated 26th June, 1956, published in Gazette of India, Pt. II, Sec. 3, dated 26th June, 1956, p. 147.
.—(1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “the Act” means the Indian Electricity Act, 1910;
(b) “accessible” means within physical reach without the use of any appliance or special effort;
(c) “ampere” means a unit of electric current and is the unvarying electric current which when passed through a solution of nitrate of silver in water, in accordance with the specification set out in Annexure I, deposits silver at the rate of 0.001118 of a gramme per second; the aforesaid unit is equivalent to the current which, in passing through the suspended coil of wire forming part of the instrument marked “Government of India Ampere Standard Verified” when the suspended coil is in its sighted position, exerts a force which is exactly balanced by the force exer
.—(1) A supplier or a consumer, or the owner, agent or manager of a mine, or the agent of any company operating in an oil-field or the owner of a drilled well in an oil-field or a contractor for the time being under contract with a supplier or a consumer to carry out duties incidental to the generation, transformation, transmission, conversion, distribution or use of energy may authorise any person for the purpose of any or all of the following, namely:—
Sub-rule (2) of rule 36, clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 51, clause (a) of sub-rule (1) and 1[clauses (h) and (i) of sub-rule (2) of rule 64], sub-rule (2) of rule 110, sub-rules (1) and (4) of rule 121, sub-rule (4) of rule 123, rule 124 and sub-rule (8) of rule 125.
2[(2) No person shall be authorised under sub-rule (1) unless he is competent to perform the duties assigned to him an
No person shall be appointed to be an Inspector, unless—
(a) he possesses a degree in electrical engineering or its equivalent from a recognised University or Institution; and
(b) he has been regularly engaged for a period of at least eight years in the practice of electrical engineering of which not less than two years have been spent in an electrical or mechanical engineering workshop or in generation or transmission or distribution of electricity, or in the administration of the Act and these rules, in a position of responsibility:
Provided that the appropriate Government may, for a period of seven years commencing on the date the Indian Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 1986 are brought into force, also appoint a person possessing recognised Diploma in Electrical Engineering an
.—(1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint as many officers as it thinks fit to assist an Inspector.
2[(2) The appropriate Government may, by a separate notification in the Official Gazette, authorise certain officers appointed under sub-rule (1) for the purposes of 3[sub-rule (4) and sub-rule (6) of rule 3,] sub-rule (3) and sub-rule (4) of the rule 5, rule 9, rule 10, clause (c) of sub-rule (1) of the rule 32, clause (b) of sub-rule (1) and clause (c) of sub-rule (2) of rule 46, 4[sub-rule (1) of rule 49, 3[sub-rule (3) of rule 51, sub-rule (3) of rule 59,] sub-rule (6) of rule 61 and clause (b) of sub-rule (5) of rule 67].]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 523, dated 28th March, 1966 (w.e.f. 9-4-1966).
[(1)] No person shall be appointed as an officer to assist an Inspector, unless —
3[(a) (i) he possesses a Degree in Electrical Engineering or its equivalent from a recognised University or Institution; and
(ii) he has been regularly engaged for a period of at least three years in the practice of electrical engineering, of which not less than one year has been spent in an electrical or mechanical engineering workshop or in generation or transmission or distribution of electricity, or in the administration of the Act and these rules, in a position of responsibility:
Provided that the appropriate Government may relax the requirements of experience in case of officers otherwise well qualified.
OR
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.—(1) Any Inspector or any officer appointed to assist an Inspector may enter, inspect and examine any place, carriage or vessel in which he has reason to believe that there is any appliance or apparatus used in the generation, transmission, transformation, conversion, distribution or use of energy and may carry out tests therein.
(2) Every supplier, consumer, owner and occupier shall afford at all times all reasonable facilities to any such Inspector or officer to make such examinations and tests as may be necessary to satisfy himself as to the due observance of the provisions of the Act, the terms of the licence (if any) and these rules.
(3) Every supplier and every owner of a generating station or of a high/extra-high voltage installation shall, if required so to do by an Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and
.—(1) An appeal against an order served under these rules shall lie—
(a) if the order is served by an officer appointed to assist an Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A, to the Inspector;
(b) if the order is served by an Inspector to the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be.
(2) In the case of an order of an Inspector on an appeal preferred to him under clause (a) of sub-rule (1), a further appeal shall lie to the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be.
(3) Every appeal made under sub-rule (1) shall be in writing, shall be accompanied by a copy of the order appealed against and shall be presented within 3 months of the date on which such order has been served or delive
1) The fees set out in Annexure-II shall be payable in respect of the services therein mentioned where the tests are carried out by comparison with the Government of India Standards referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 2.
(2) The Central Government or the State Government as the case may be, may levy such fees for testing and inspection and generally for the services of Inspectors or any officers appointed to assist the Inspector as it may from time to time by general or special order, direct; and may, if it thinks fit, remit any fee or any portion thereof.
Where an Inspector is called in to decide any difference or dispute and where a fee for such service is recoverable, the Inspector shall decide by whom such fee shall be payable.
An Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A may require a supplier or an owner to submit to him for examination any records of tests made in connection with his works and he shall comply with such requisition. Similarly, a supplier or an owner may require the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A to submit to him for examination any records of tests made by the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A in connection with his works and the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A shall comply with such requisition.
An Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A may require a supplier to submit to him a list of all persons supplied with energy by him, the addresses at which such energy is supplied, the month of connecting services, the voltage of supply, the connected load, the purpose of supply and the name of contractor carrying out the installation work and the supplier shall comply with such requisition.
.—(1) Every application for a licence shall be signed by or on behalf of the applicant and addressed to such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf and it shall be accompanied by—
(a) six copies, in print, of the draft licence as proposed by the applicant, with the name and address of the applicant and of his agent (if any), printed on the outside of the draft;
(b) three copies, each signed by the applicant, of maps of the proposed area of supply and of the streets or roads in which the supply of energy is to be compulsory, which shall be so marked or coloured as to define any portion of such area and streets or roads which are under the administrative control of any local authority and shall be on a scale—
(i) of not less than 10 centimetres to a ki
The applicant shall deposit at his own office and of his agents (if any) and at the office of every local authority invested with the administration of any portion of the proposed area of supply—
(a) copies of the maps referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 11 for public inspection; and
(b) a sufficient number of copies of the draft licence to be furnished to all persons applying for them at a price not exceeding twenty-five 1[***] paise per copy.
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1. The word “naye” omitted by G.S.R. 256, dated 26th March, 1983.
The draft licence shall contain the following particulars:—
(a) a short title descriptive of the proposed undertaking together with the address and description of the applicant, or in the case of a firm, the names of all the directors or partners of the firm;
(b) a Statement of the boundaries of the proposed area of supply;
(c) if the generating station is situated or is to be situated outside the area of supply or if any intervening area not included in the area of supply is to be crossed, a list of the streets not included in the area of supply along or across which electric supply lines are to be laid down or placed;
(d) the proposed limits within which and the conditions under which the supply of energy is to be compulso
The form of draft licence contained in Annexure-III may, with such variation as the circumstances of each case require, be used for the purposes of rules 11 and 13 and if used, shall be sufficient.
.—(1) The applicant shall, within fourteen days from the submission of the application under rule 11, publish notice of his application by public advertisement and such advertisement shall publish such particulars as the State Government may specify.
(2) The advertisement shall be headed by a short title corresponding to that given at the head of the draft licence and shall give the addresses of the offices at which, under rule 12, copies of maps therein referred to may be inspected and the copies of draft licence perused or purchased and shall state that every local authority, company or person, desirous of making any representation with reference to the application to the State Government, may do so by letter addressed to such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf within three months of the date of issue of the first advertisement.
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Any person who desires to have any amendment made in the draft licence shall deliver a statement of the amendment to the applicant and to such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf within the time allowed under sub-rule (2) of rule 15 for the submission of representations referring to the application.
If any person locally interested objects to the grant of a licence applied for under the Act, the State Government shall, if either the applicant or the objector so desires, cause a local enquiry to be held of which the notice in writing shall be given to both the applicant and the objector:
Provided that the State Government may refuse such an enquiry if in its opinion the objection is of a trifling or vexatious nature.
When the State Government has approved a draft licence, either in its original form or in a modified form, such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf shall inform the applicant of such approval and of the form in which it is proposed to grant the licence.
On receiving an intimation in writing from the applicant that he is willing to accept a licence in the form approved by the State Government, the State Government shall publish the licence within two months by a notification in the Official Gazette, together with a statement that it has been granted.
The date of a notification under rule 19 shall be deemed to be the date of commencement of the licence.
When a licence has been granted, three sets of maps showing, as regards such licence, the particulars specified in clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 11 shall be signed and dated to correspond with the date of the notification of the grant of the licence by such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf. One set of such maps shall be retained as the deposited maps by the said officer and of the remaining two sets, one shall be furnished to the State Electricity Board constituted under section 5 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, and the other to the licensee.
.—(1) Every person who is granted a licence, shall within thirty days of the grant thereof—
(a) have adequate number of copies of the licence printed;
(b) have adequate number of maps prepared showing the area of supply and the compulsory areas specified in the licence;
(c) arrange to exhibit a copy of such licence and maps for public inspection at all reasonable times at his head office, his local offices (if any), and at the office of every authority within the area of supply.
(2) Every such licence shall, within the aforesaid period of thirty days supply free of charge one copy of the licence and the relevant maps every local authority within the area of supply and shall also make necessary arrangements for the sale of printed c
If a licensee desires the written consent of the State Government under sub-section (5) of section 12 to enable him to open or break up the soil or pavement of any street (which is repairable neither by the Central or the State Government nor by a local authority), or any railway or tramway, he shall apply for such consent in writing to such officer as the State Government may designate in this behalf and shall describe accurately the street, railway or tramway, which he seeks power to open or break up and the names of the persons or designations of the authorities by whom such street is repairable or who are for the time being entitled to work such railway or tramway; and the extent to which he proposes to open or break up the same.
.—(1) If a licensee desires that any alterations or amendments should be made in the terms and conditions of his licence under sub-section (1) of section 4A, he shall submit a written application to the officer designated by the State Government under rule 11 and shall within fourteen days from the submission of the application publish notice of his application by public advertisement;
and the provisions of sub-rules (2), (3) and (4) of rule 15 shall apply to such publication.
(2) The State Government shall within six months of the date of submission of the application either approve of the alterations or amendments in the form proposed by the licensee or in any other modified form which he accepts or rejects. When the State Government has approved of the alterations or amendments either in the form proposed by the licensee or in any
Copies of plans or sections such as are referred to in Clause XVI of the Schedule to the Act shall be supplied by the licensee to every applicant at a price not exceeding one rupee per 1000 square centimetres.
.—(1) Every licensee, unless exempted under section 11, shall cause the accounts of his undertaking to be made upto the thirty-first day of March each year.
(2) Such licensee shall prepare and render an annual statement of his accounts in accordance with the provisions of section 11 within a period of six months from the aforesaid date, or such extended period as the State Government may authorise after it is satisfied that the time allowed is insufficient owing to any cause beyond the control of the licensee; and the statement shall be rendered in quadruplicate if the State Government so desires.
(3) The accounts shall be made up in the prescribed forms set out in Annexures IV and V and shall be rendered in Indian currency. All the forms shall be signed by the licensee or his accredited agent or manager.
.—(1) Without prejudice to the powers conferred by section 21 on the State Government in this behalf, the model conditions of supply contained in Annexure VI may, with such variations as the circumstances of each case require, be adopted by the licensee for the purpose of sub-section (2) of that section with the previous sanction of the State Government.
(2) The licensee shall always keep in his office an adequate number of printed copies of the sanctioned conditions of supply and shall, on demand, 1[sell such copies to any applicant at a price fixed, on cost basis, from time to time].
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Requisitions under sub-clause (4) of Clause V or sub-clause (5) of Clause VI, as the case may be, of the Schedule to the Act shall be made in the form set out in Annexure VII or Annexure VIII.
[(1) All electric supply lines and apparatus shall be of sufficient ratings for power, insulation and estimated fault current and of sufficient mechanical strength, for the duty which they may be required to perform under the environmental conditions of installation, and shall be constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained in such a manner as to ensure safety of 2[human beings, animals and property].]
(2) Save as otherwise provided in these rules, the relevant code of practice of the 3[Bureau of Indian Standards] 4[including National Electrical Code] if any may be followed to carry out the purposes of this rule and in the event of any inconsistency, the provision of these rules shall prevail.
(3) The material and apparatus used shall conform to the relevant specifications of the 3[Bureau of Indian Standards] where such spec
(1) The supplier shall ensure that all electric supply lines, wires, fittings and apparatus belonging to him or under his control, which are on a consumer’s premises, are in a safe condition and in all respects fit for supplying energy and the supplier shall take due precautions to avoid danger arising on such premises from such supply lines, wires, fittings and apparatus.
(2) Service-lines placed by the supplier on the premises of a consumer which are underground or which are accessible shall be so insulated and protected by the supplier as to be secured under all ordinary conditions against electrical, mechanical, chemical or other injury to the insulation.
(3) The consumer shall, as far as circumstances permit, take precautions for the safe custody of the equipment on his premises belonging to the supplier.
1) The supplier shall provide a suitable cut-out in each conductor of every service-line other than an earthed or earthed neutral conductor or the earthed external conductor of a concentric cable within a consumer’s premises, in an accessible position. Such cut-out shall be contained within an adequately enclosed fireproof receptacle.
Where more than one consumer is supplied through a common service-line, each such consumer shall be provided with an independent cut-out at the point of junction to the common service.
(2) Every electric supply line other than the earth or earthed neutral conductor of any system or the earthed external conductor of a concentric cable shall be protected by a suitable cut-out by its owner.
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Where the conductors include an earthed conductor of a two-wire system or an earthed neutral conductor of a multi-wire system or a conductor which is to be connected thereto, the following conditions shall be complied with:—
(1) An indication of a permanent nature shall be provided by the owner of the earthed or earthed neutral conductor, or the conductor which is to be connected thereto, to enable such conductor to be distinguished from any live conductor. Such indication shall be provided—
(a) where the earthed or earthed neutral conductor is the property of the supplier, at or near the point of commencement of supply;
(b) where a conductor forming part of a consumer’s system is to be connected to the supplier’s earthed or earthed neutral conductor, at the point
.—(1) The supplier shall provide and maintain on the consumer’s premises for the consumer’s use a suitable earthed terminal in an accessible position at or near the point of commencement of supply as defined under rule 58:
Provided that in the case of medium, high or extra-high voltage installation the consumer shall, in addition to the aforementioned earthing arrangement, provide his own earthing system with an independent electrode:
Provided further that the supplier may not provide any earthed terminal in the case of installations already connected to his system on or before the date to be specified by the State Government in this behalf if he is satisfied that the consumer’s earthing arrangement is efficient.
(2) The consumer shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent mechanical d
Where bare conductors are used in a building, the owner of such conductors shall—
(a) ensure that they are inaccessible;
(b) provide in readily accessible position switches for rendering them dead whenever necessary; and
(c) take such other safety measures as are considered necessary by the Inspector.
The owner of every medium, high and extra-high voltage installation shall affix permanently in a conspicuous position a danger notice in Hindi or English and the local language of the district, with a sign of skull and bones 1[of a design as per the relevant ISS No. 2551] on—
(a) every motor, generator, transformer and other electrical plant and equipment together with apparatus used for controlling or regulating the same;
(b) all supports of high and extra-high voltage overhead lines which can be easily climb-upon without the aid of ladder or special appliances;
Explanation.—Rails, tubular poles, wooden supports, reinforced cement concrete poles without steps, I-sections and channels, shall be deemed as supports which cannot be easily climbed upon for the purposes
.—(1) Before any conductor or apparatus is handled adequate precautions shall be taken, by earthing or other suitable means, to discharge electrically such conductor or apparatus, and any adjacent conductor or apparatus if there is danger therefrom, and to prevent any conductor or apparatus from being accidentally or inadvertently electrically charged when persons are working thereon.
Every person who is working on an electric supply line or apparatus or both shall be provided with tools and devices such as gloves, rubber shoes, safety belts, ladders, earthing devices, helmets, line testers, hand lines and the like for protecting him from mechanical and electrical injury. Such tools and devices shall always be maintained in sound and efficient working conditions:
1[***]
(2) No person shall
Every person owning a vehicle, travelling crane or the like to which energy is supplied from an external source shall ensure that it is efficiently controlled by a suitable switch enabling all voltage to be cut off in one operation and, where such vehicle, travelling crane or the like runs on metal rails, the owner shall ensure that the rails are electrically continuous and earthed.
.—(1) Flexible cables shall not be used for portable or transportable motors, generators, transformer rectifiers, electric drills, electric sprayers, welding sets or any other portable or transportable apparatus unless they are heavily insulated and adequately protected from mechanical injury.
(2) Where the protection is by means of metallic covering, the covering shall be in metallic connection with the frame of any such apparatus and earth.
(3) The cables shall be three core type and four core type for portable and transportable apparatus working on single phase and three phase supply respectively and the wire meant to be used for ground connection shall be easily identifiable.
.—(1) Where the supplier or the owner has brought into use an electric supply line (other than an overhead line) which is not completely enclosed in a continuous metallic covering connected with earth and is insulated or protected in situ by composition or material of a bituminous character—
(i) any pipe, conduit or the like into which such electric supply line may have been drawn or placed shall, unless other arrangements are approved by the Inspector in any particular case, be effectively sealed at its point of entry into any street box so as to prevent any flow of gas to or from the street box; and
(ii) such electric supply line shall be periodically inspected and tested where accessible, and the result of each such inspection and test shall be duly recorded by the supplier or the owner.
(1) Street boxes shall not contain gas pipes, and precautions shall be taken to prevent, as far as reasonably possible, any influx of water or gas.
(2) Where electric supply lines forming part of different systems pass through the same street box, they shall be readily distinguishable from one another and all electric supply lines at high or extra-high voltage in street boxes shall be adequately supported and protected so as to prevent risk of damage to or danger from adjacent electric supply lines.
(3) All street boxes shall be regularly inspected for the purpose of detecting the presence of gas and if any influx or accumulation is discovered, the owner shall give immediate notice to any authority or company who have gas mains in the neighbourhood of the street box and in cases where a street box is large enough to admit the entrance
The owner of every generating station, sub-station, junction-box or pillar in which there are any circuits or apparatus, whether intended for operation at different voltages or at the same voltage, shall ensure by means of indication of a permanent nature that the respective circuits are readily distinguishable from one another.
The owner of the every installation including sub-station, double pole structure, four pole structure or any other structure having more than one feed, shall ensure by means of indication of a permanent nature, that the installation is readily distinguishable from other installations.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 529, dated 11th July, 1986 (w.e.f. 19-7-1986).
The owners of all circuits and apparatus shall so arrange them that there shall be no danger of any part thereof becoming accidentally charged to any voltage beyond the limits of voltage for which they are intended.
Where A.C. and D.C. circuits are installed on the same support they shall be so arranged and protected that they shall not come into contact with each other when live.
.—(1) Fire buckets filled with clean dry sand and ready for immediate use for extinguishing fires, in addition to fire extinguishers suitable for dealing with electric fires, shall be conspicuously marked and kept in all generating stations, enclosed sub-stations and switch stations in convenient situation. The fire extinguishers shall be tested for satisfactory operation at least once a year and record of such tests shall be maintained.
(2) First-aid boxes or cupboards, conspicuously marked and equipped with such contents as the State Government may specify, shall be provided and maintained in every generating station, enclosed sub-station and enclosed switch station so as to be readily accessible during all working hours. All such boxes and cupboards shall, except in the case of unattended sub-stations and switch stations, be kept in charge of responsible persons who are traine
.—(1) Instructions, in English or Hindi and the local language of the district and where Hindi is the local language, in English and Hindi for the restoration of persons suffering from electric shock, shall be affixed by the owner in a conspicuous place in every generating station, enclosed sub-station, enclosed switch-station and in every factory as defined in clause (m) of section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948) in which electricity is used and in such other premises where electricity is used as the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector may, by notice in writing served on the owner, direct.
(2) Copies of the instructions shall be supplied on demand by an officer or officers appointed by the Central or the State Government in this behalf at a price to be fixed by the Central or the State Government.
(3)
If any accident occurs in connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy in or in connection with, any part of the electric supply lines or other works of any person and the accident results in or is likely to have resulted in loss of human or animal life or in any injury to a human being or an animal, such person or any authorised person of the State Electricity Board/Supplier, not below the rank of a Junior Engineer or equivalent shall send to the Inspector a telegraphic report within 24 hours of the knowledge of the occurrence of the fatal accident and a written report in the form set out in Annexure XIII within 48 hours of the knowledge of occurrence of fatal and all other accidents. Where practicable a telephonic message should also be given to the Inspector immediately the accident comes to the knowledge of the authorised officer of the State Electricity Board/Supplier or other person concern
.—(1) No electrical installation work, including additions, alterations, repairs and adjustments to existing installations, except such replacement of lamps, fans, fuses, switches, low voltage domestic appliances and fittings as in no way alters its capacity or character, shall be carried out upon the premises of or on behalf of any 2[consumer, supplier, owner or occupier] for the purpose of supply to such 2[consumer, supplier, owner or occupier] except by an electrical contractor licensed in this behalf by the State Government and under the direct supervision of a person holding a certificate of competency and by a person holding a permit issued or recognised by the State Government:
Provided that in the case of works executed for or on behalf of the Central Government and in the case of installations in mines, oil fields and railways, the Central Government and in other cases the
.—(1) (a) Where an installation is already connected to the supply system of the supplier, every such installation shall be periodically inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding five years either by the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector or by the supplier as may be directed by the State Government in this behalf or in the case of installations belonging to, or under the control of the Central Government, and in the case of installation in mines, oilfields and railways by the Central Government.
2[(aa) the periodical inspection and testing of high voltage and extra high voltage installations belonging to supplier, shall also be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years by the inspector or any officer appointed to assist the inspector.]
(b) Where the supplier is directed by the Central or the State
.—(1) Upon receipt of an application for a new or additional supply of energy and before connecting the supply or reconnecting the same after a period of six months, the supplier shall inspect and test the applicants installation.
The supplier shall maintain a record of test results obtained at each supply point to a consumer, in a form to be approved by the Inspector.
(2) If as a result of such inspection and test, the supplier is satisfied that the installation is likely to constitute danger, he shall serve on the applicant a notice in writing requiring him to make such modifications as are necessary to render the installation safe. The supplier may refuse to connect or reconnect the supply until the required modifications have been completed and he has been notified by the applicant.
Where any consumer or occupier installs a generating plant, he shall give a thirty days notice of his intention to commission the plant to the supplier as well as the Inspector:
Provided that no consumer or occupier shall commission his generating plant of a capacity exceeding 10 KW without the approval in writing of the Inspector.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 218, dated 18th April, 1995 (w.e.f. 29-4-1995).
[(1) The supplier shall not connect with his works the installation or apparatus on the premises of any applicant for supply unless he is reasonably satisfied that the connection will not at the time of making the connection cause a leakage from that installation or apparatus of a magnitude detrimental to safety. Compliance with this rule shall be checked by measuring the insulation resistance as provided below:
2[(i) All the electrical equipments shall have the "IR" values as stipulated in the relevant Indian Standards.
(ii) At a pressure of 500 V DC applied between each live conductor and earth for a period of one minute, the insulation resistance of low voltage and medium voltage equipments shall be at least 1 MEGA-OHM or as specified in the relevant Indian Standard.
(iii)
.—(1) If the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector and authorised under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A or the supplier has reason to believe that there is in the system of a consumer leakage which is likely to affect injuriously the use of energy by the supplier or by other persons, or which is likely to cause danger, he may give the consumer reasonable notice in writing that he desires to inspect and test the consumer’s installation.
(2) If on such notice being given—
(a) The consumer does not give all reasonable facilities for inspection and testing of his installation, or
1[(b) When an insulation resistance at the consumer’s installation is so low as to prevent safe use of energy. ]
The supplier may, and if di
.—(1) The energy shall not be supplied, transformed, converted or used or continued to be supplied, transformed, converted or used unless provisions as set out below are observed:—
(a) The following controls of requisite capacity to carry and break the current 2[are placed] after the point of commencement of supply as defined in rule 58 so as to be readily accessible and capable of being easily operated to completely isolate the supply to the installation such equipment being in addition to any equipment installed for controlling individual circuits or apparatus:—
(i) a linked switch with fuse(s) or a circuit breaker by low and medium voltage consumers.
(ii) a linked switch with fuse(s) or a circuit breaker by HV consumers having aggregate installed transformer/appar
).—(1) Before making an application for commencement of supply or recommencement of supply after an installation has been disconnected for a period of six months or more the owner/occupier of a multi-storeyed building shall give not less than 30 days notice in writing to the Inspector together with particulars. The supply of energy shall not be commenced or recommenced within this period, without the approval or otherwise in writing of the Inspector.
(2) The supplier/owner of the installation shall provide at the point of commencement of supply a suitable isolation device with cut out or breaker to operate on all phases except neutral in the 3 phase 4 wire circuit and fixed in a conspicuous position at not more than 2.75 metres above the ground so as to completely isolate the supply to the building in case of emergency.
(3) The owner/
The following provisions shall be observed where energy at medium, high or extra-high voltage is supplied, converted, transformed or used:
(1) (a) All conductors (other than those of overhead lines) shall be completely enclosed in mechanically strong metal casting or metallic covering which is electrically and mechanically continuous and adequately protected against mechanical damage unless the said conductors are accessible only to an authorised person or are installed and protected to the satisfaction of the Inspector so as to prevent danger:
1[Provided that non-metallic conduits conforming to the relevant Indian Standard Specifications may be used for medium voltage installations, subject to such conditions as the Inspector or Officer appointed to assist an Inspector may think fit to impose.]
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.—(1) If any applicant for a supply or a consumer is dissatisfied with the action of the supplier in declining to commence, to continue or to recommence the supply of energy to his premises on the grounds that the installation is defective or is likely to constitute danger, he may appeal to the Inspector to test the installation and the suppliers shall not, if the Inspector or under his orders, any other officer appointed to assist the Inspector, is satisfied that the installation is free from the defect or danger complained of, be entitled to refuse supply to the consumer on the grounds aforesaid, and shall, within twenty-four hours after the receipt of such intimation from the Inspector, commence, continue or recommence the supply of energy.
(2) Any test for which application has been made under the provision of sub-rule (1) shall be carried out within seven days after the rece
1) The cost of the first inspection and test of consumer’s installation carried out in pursuance of the provisions of rule 47 shall be borne by the supplier and the cost of every subsequent inspection and test shall be borne by the consumer, unless in the appeal under rule 52, the Inspector directs otherwise.
(2) The cost of any inspection and test made by the Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector, at the request of the consumer or other interested party, shall be borne by the consumer or other interested party, unless the Inspector directs otherwise.
(3) The cost of each and every such inspection and test by whomsoever borne shall be calculated in accordance with the scale specified by the Central or the State Government as the case may be in this behalf.
Except with the written consent of the consumer or with the previous sanction of the State Government a supplier shall not permit the voltage at the point of commencement of supply as defined under rule 58 to vary from the declared voltage—
(i) in the case of low or medium voltage, by more than 6 per cent, or;
(ii) in the case of high voltage, by more than 6 per cent on the higher side or by more than 9 per cent on the lower side, or;
(iii) in the case of extra-high voltage, by more than 10 per cent on the higher side or by more than 12.5 per cent on the lower side.
Except with the written consent of the consumer or with the previous sanction of the State Government a supplier shall not permit the frequency of an alternating current supply to vary from the declared frequency by more than 3 per cent.
.—(1) A supplier may affix one or more seals to any cut-out and to any meter, maximum demand indicator, or other apparatus placed upon a consumer’s premises in accordance with section 26, and no person other than the supplier shall break any such seal.
(2) The consumer shall use all reasonable means in his power to ensure that no such seal is broken otherwise than by the supplier.
(3) The word ‘supplier’ shall for the purpose of this rule include a State Government when any meter, maximum demand indicator or other apparatus is placed upon a consumer’s premises by such Government.
.—(1) Any meter or maximum demand indicator or other apparatus placed upon a consumer’s premises in accordance with section 26 shall be of appropriate capacity and shall be deemed to be correct if its limits of error are within the limits specified in the relevant Indian Standard Specification and where no such specification exists, the limits of error do not exceed 3 per cent above or below absolute accuracy at all loads in excess of one tenth of full load and up to full load:
1[Provided that for extra high voltage consumers the limit of error shall be ± 1 per cent.]
(2) No meter shall register at no load.
(3) Every supplier shall provide and maintain in proper condition such suitable apparatus as may be prescribed or approved by the Inspector for the examination, testing and regulation of m
The point of commencement of supply of energy to a consumer shall be deemed to be the point at the incoming terminal of the cut-outs installed by the consumer under rule 50.]
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1. Subs. by G.S.R 45, dated 1st January, 1993 (w.e.f. 23-1-1993).
.—(1) The layout of the electric supply lines of the supplier for the supply of energy throughout his area of supply shall under normal working conditions be sectionalised and so arranged, and provided with cut-outs or circuit-breakers so located, as to restrict within reasonable limits the extent of the portion of the system affected by any failure of supply.
(2) The supplier shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid any accidental interruptions of supply, and also to avoid danger to the public or to any employee or authorised person when engaged on any operation during and in connection with the installation, extension, replacement, repair and maintenance of any works.
(3) The supplier shall send to the Inspector 1[or any officer of a specified rank and class appointed to assist the Inspector] notice of failure of supply of such
.—(1) Where any electric supply line for use at low or medium voltage has been disconnected from a system for the purpose of addition, alteration or repair, such electric supply line shall not be reconnected to the system until the supplier or the owner has applied the test prescribed under rule 48.
(2) The provision of sub-rule (1) shall not apply to overhead lines except, overhead insulated cables unless the Inspector otherwise directs in any particular case.
.—(1) The following provisions shall apply to the connection with earth of systems at low voltage in cases where the voltage normally exceeds 125 volts and of systems at medium voltage:—
1[(a) Neutral conductor of a phase, 4 wire system and the middle conductor of a 2 phase, 3-wire system shall be earthed by not less than two separate and distinct connections with a minimum of two different earth electrodes of such large number as may be necessary to bring the earth resistance to a satisfactory value both at the generating station and at the sub-station. The earth electrodes so provided, may be inter-connected to reduce earth resistance. It may also be earthed at one or more points along the distribution system or service line in addition to any connection with earth which may be at the consumer’s premises.]
(b) In the case o
The supply of Energy to every electrical installation other than low voltage installation below 5 KW and those low voltage installations which do not attract provisions of section 30 of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, shall be controlled by an earth leakage protective device so as to disconnect the supply instantly on the occurrence of earth fault or leakage of current:
Provided that the above shall not apply to overhead supply lines having protective devices which are effectively bonded to the neutral of supply transformers and conforming to rule 91 of I.E. Rules, 1956.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 844, dated 31st July, 1985 (w.e.f. 7-9-1985).
Where a medium voltage supply system is employed, the voltage between earth and any conductor forming part of the same system shall not, under normal conditions, exceed low voltage.
.—(1) Before making an application to the Inspector for permission 1[to commence or recommence supply after an installation has been disconnected for one year and above] at high or extra-high voltage to any person, the supplier shall ensure that the high or extra-high voltage electric supply lines or apparatus belonging to him are placed in position, properly joined and duly completed and examined. The supply of energy shall not be commenced by the supplier unless and until the Inspector is satisfied that the provisions of rules 65 to 69 both inclusive have been complied with and the approval in writing of the Inspector has been obtained by him:
Provided that the supplier may energise the aforesaid electric supply lines or apparatus for the purpose of tests specified in rule 65.
(2) The owner of any high or extra-high voltage installat
.—(1) The Inspector shall not authorise the supplier to commence supply or where the supply has been discontinued for a period of one year and above, to commence the supply at high or extra-high voltage to any consumer unless,—
(a) all conductors and apparatus situated on the premises of the consumer are so placed as to be inaccessible except to an authorised person and all operations in connection with the said conductors and apparatus are carried out by an authorised person;
(b) the consumer has provided and agrees to maintain a separate building or a locked weather-proof and fire-proof enclosure of agreed design and location, to which the supplier at all times have access for the purpose of housing his apparatus and metering equipment, or where the provision for a separate building or enclosure is impracticable, the consum
The following additional provisions shall be observed where energy at high or extra-high voltage is supplied, converted, transferred or used, namely:—
(1) Inter-locks.—Suitable inter-locks shall be provided in the following cases:—
(a) Isolators and the controlling circuit breakers shall be inter-locked so that the isolators cannot be operated unless the corresponding breaker is in open position;
(b) Isolators and the corresponding earthing switches shall be inter-locked so that no earthing switch can be closed unless and until the corresponding isolator is in open position;
(c) Where two or more supplies are not intended to be operated in parallel, the respective circuit breakers or linked switches controlling the supplies shall b
.—(1) Before approval is accorded by the Inspector under rule 63, the manufacturer’s test certificates shall, if required, be produced for all the routine tests as required under the relevant Indian Standard.
(2) No new HV or EHV apparatus, cable or supply line shall be commissioned unless such apparatus, cable or supply line are subjected to site tests as per relevant code of practice of the 2[Bureau of Indian Standards].
(3) No HV of EHV apparatus, cable or supply line which has been kept disconnected, for a period of 6 months or more, from the system for alterations or repair shall be connected to the system until such apparatus, cable or supply line are subjected to the relevant tests as per code of practice of 3[Bureau of Indian Standards].
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rules
.—(1) The following provisions shall apply to electric supply lines (other than overhead lines 1[***] for use at high or extra-high voltage:—
(a) The conductors shall be enclosed in metal sheathing which shall be electrically continuous and connected with earth, and the conductivity of the metal sheathing shall be maintained and reasonable precautions taken where necessary to avoid corrosion of the sheathing:
Provided that in the case of thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cables with metallic armour the metallic wire or tape armour shall be considered as metal sheathing for the purpose of this rule:
Provided further that this rule shall not apply to cable with thermo-plastic insulation without any metallic screen or armour.
&nb
[(1) All non-current carrying metal parts associated with HV/EHV installation shall be effectively earthed to a grounding system or mat which will.—
(a) limit the touch and step potential to tolerable values;
(b) limit the ground potential rise to tolerable values so as to prevent danger due to transfer of potential through ground, earth wires, cable sheath fences, pipe lines, etc.;
(c) maintain the resistance of the earth connection to such a value as to make operation of the protective device effective.
(1A) In the case of star-connected system with earthed neutrals or delta connected system with earthed artificial neutral point—
(a) The neutral point of every generator and trans
.—(1) Where energy at high or extra-high voltage is transformed, converted, regulated or otherwise controlled in sub-stations or switch-stations (including outdoor sub-stations and outdoor switch-stations) or in street boxes constructed underground, the following provisions shall have effect:—
1[(a) Sub-stations and switch-stations shall preferably be erected above ground, but where necessarily constructed underground due provisions for ventilation and drainage shall be made and any space housing switchgear shall not be used for storage of any materials especially inflammable and combustible materials or refuse.]
(b) Outdoor sub-stations except pole type sub-stations and outdoor switch-stations shall (unless the apparatus is completely enclosed in a metal covering connected with earth, the said apparatus also being connect
Where platform type construction is used for a pole type sub-station and sufficient space for a person to stand on the platform is provided a substantial hand rail shall be built around the said platform and if the hand rail is of metal, it shall be connected with earth:
Provided that in the case of pole type sub-station on wooden supports and wooden platform the metal hand-rail shall not be connected with earth.
Suitable provision shall be made for immediate and automatic discharge of every static condenser on disconnection of supply.
.—(1) Any person who proposes to use or who is using energy for the purpose of operating a luminous tube sign installation, or who proposes to transform or who is transforming energy to a high voltage for any such purpose shall comply with the following conditions:—
(a) All live parts of the installation (including all apparatus and live conductors in the secondary circuit, but excluding the tubes except in the neighbourhood of their terminals) shall be inaccessible to unauthorised persons and such parts shall be effectively screened.
(b) Irrespective of the method of obtaining the voltage of the circuit which feeds the luminous discharge tube sign, no part of any conductor of such circuit shall be in metallic connection (except in respect of its connection with earth) with any conductor of the supply system or with the pri
.—(1) Where a system having a point connected with earth is used for supply of energy at high or extra-high voltage to an electrode boiler which is also connected with earth, the following conditions shall apply:—
(a) The metal work of the electrode boiler shall be efficiently connected to the metal sheathing and metallic armouring (if any) of the high voltage electric supply line whereby energy is supplied to the electrode boiler.
(b) The supply of energy at high or extra-high voltage to the electrode boiler shall be controlled by a suitable circuit-breaker so set as to operate in the event of the phase currents becoming unbalanced to the extent of 10 per cent of the rated current consumption of the electrode boiler under normal conditions of operation:
Provided tha
.—(1) Any person who proposes to employ or who is employing energy for the purpose of operating an X-ray or similar high-frequency installation, shall comply with the following conditions:—
(a) Mechanical barriers shall be provided to prevent too close an approach to any high-voltage parts of the X-ray apparatus, except the X-ray tube and its leads, unless such high-voltage parts have been rendered shock-proof by being shielded by earthed metal or adequate insulating material.
(b) Where extra-high voltage generators operating at 300 peak KV or more are used, such generators shall be installed in rooms separate from those containing the other equipment and any step-up transformer employed shall be so installed and protected as to prevent danger.
(c) A suitable switch shall b
.—(1) All conductors of overhead lines other than those specified in sub-rule (1) of rule 86 shall have a breaking strength of not less than 350 kg.
(2) Where the voltage is low and the span is of less than 15 metres and is on the owner’s or consumer’s premises, a conductor having an actual breaking strength of not less than 150 kg may be used.
Joints between conductors of overhead lines shall be mechanically and electrically secure under the conditions of operation. The ultimate strength of the joint shall not be less than 95 per cent of that of the conductor, and the electrical conductivity not less than that of the conductor:
1[Provided that no conductor of an overhead line shall have more than two joints in a span.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 730, dated 7th September, 1989 (w.e.f. 30-9-1989).
(1) (a) The owner of every overhead line shall ensure that it has the following minimum factors of safety:-
(i) for metal supports - 1.5
(ii) for mechanically processed concrete supports - 2.0
(iii) for hand-moulded concrete supports - 2.5
(iv) for wood supports - 3.0
The minimum factors of safety shall be based on such load as would cause failure of the support to perform its function (assuming that the foundation and other components of the structure are intact).
The aforesaid load shall be -
(i) equivalent to the yield point stress or the modulus of rupture, as the case may be, for supports subject to bending
.—(1) No conductor of an overhead line, including service lines, erected across a street shall at any part thereof be at a height of less than—
(a) for low and medium voltage lines . . 5.8 metres
(b) for high voltage lines . . 6.1 metres
(2) No conductor of an overhead line, including service lines, erected along any street shall at any part thereof be at a height less than—
(a) for low and medium voltage lines . . 5.5 metres
(b) for high voltage lines . . 5.8 metres
(3) No conductor of an overhead line including service lines, er
[(1)] No conductor of an overhead line crossing a tramway or trolley bus route using trolley wires shall have less than the following clearances above any trolley wire—
(a) low and medium voltage lines . . . 1.2 metres:
Provided that where an insulated conductor suspended from a bearer wire crosses over a trolley wire the minimum clearance for such insulated conductor shall be 0.6 metre.
(b) high voltage lines up to and including
11,000 volts . . . 1.8 metres
(c) high voltage lines above 11,000 volts . . 2.5 metres
(d) extra-high voltage lines
.—(1) Where a low or medium voltage, overhead line passes above or adjacent to or terminates on any building, the following minimum clearances from any accessible point, on the basis of maximum sag, shall be observed:—
(a) for any flat roof, open balcony, verandah roof and lean-to-roof—
(i) when the line passes above the building a vertical clearance of 2.5 metres from the highest point, and
(ii) when the line passes adjacent to the building a horizontal clearance of 1.2 metres from the nearest point, and
(b) for pitched roof—
(i) when the line passes above the building a vertical clearance of 2.5 metres immediately under the lines, and
.—(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
0.30 metre for
every additional
Where conductors forming parts of systems at different voltages are erected on the same supports, the owner shall make adequate provision to guard against danger to linesman and others from the lower voltage system being charged above its normal working voltage by leakage from or contact with the higher voltage system and the methods of construction and the clearances between the conductors of the two systems shall be subject to the prior approval of the Inspector.
.—(1) If at any time subsequent to the erection of an overhead line (whether covered with insulating material or bare), any person proposes to erect a new building or structure or flood bank or to raise any road level or to carry out any other type of work whether permanent or temporary or to make in or upon any building or structure of flood bank or road, any permanent or temporary addition or alternation, he and the contractor whom he employs to carry out the erection, addition or alteration, shall if such work, building, structure, flood bank, road or additions and alterations, thereto, would, during or after the construction result in contravention of any of the provisions of rule 77, 79 or 80, give notice in writing of his intention to the supplier and to the Inspector and shall furnish therewith a scale drawing showing the proposed building, structure, flood bank road, any addition or alteration and scaffolding required
.—(1) No rods, pipes or similar materials shall be taken below or in the vicinity of any bare overhead conductors or lines if they are likely to infringe the provisions for clearances under rules 79 and 80, unless such materials are transported under the direct supervision of a competent person authorised in this behalf by the owner of such overhead conductors or lines.
(2) Under no circumstances rods, pipes or other similar materials shall be brought within the flash over distance of bare live conductors or lines.
(3) No material or earth work or agricultural produce shall be dumped or stored or trees grown below or in the vicinity of bare overhead conductors lines so as to reduce the requisite safety clearances specified under rules 79 and 80.]
For the purpose of computing the vertical clearance of an overhead line, the maximum sag of any conductor shall be calculated on the basis of the maximum sag in still air and the maximum temperature as specified by the State Government under rule 76(2)(d). Similarly, for the purpose of computing any horizontal clearance of an overhead line the maximum deflection of any conductor shall be calculated on the basis of the wind pressure specified by the State Government under rule 76(2)(a) or may be taken as 35o, whichever is greater.
Overhead lines shall not be erected in the vicinity of aerodromes until the aerodrome authorities have approved in writing the route of the proposed lines.
All conductors shall be attached to supports at intervals not exceeding the safe limits based on the ultimate tensile strength of the conductor and the factor of safety prescribed in rule 76:
Provided that in the case of overhead lines carrying low or medium voltage conductors, when erected in, over, along or across any street, the interval shall not, without the consent in writing of the Inspector, exceed 65 metres.
.—(1) Every overhead telecommunication line erected on supports carrying a power line shall consist of conductors each having a breaking strength of not less than 270 kg.
(2) Every telephone used on a telecommunication line erected on supports carrying a power line shall be suitably guarded against lightning and shall be protected by cut-outs.
(3) Where a telecommunication line is erected on supports carrying a high or extra-high voltage power line arrangement shall be made to safeguard any person using the telephone against injury resulting from contact, leakage or induction between such power and telecommunication lines.
1) Where an overhead line crosses or is in proximity to any telecommunication line, either the owner of the overhead line or the telecommunication line, whoever lays his line later, shall arrange to provide for protective devices or guarding arrangements, in a manner laid down in the Code of Practice or the guidelines prepared by the Power and Telecommunication Coordination Committee and subject to the provisions of the following sub-rules:—
(2) When it is intended to erect a telecommunication line or an overhead line which will cross or be in proximity to an overhead line or a telecommunication line, as the case may be, the person proposing to erect such line shall give one month’s notice of his intention so to do along with the relevant details of protection and drawings to the owner of the existing line.
1[(3) Where an overhead lin
(1) Where guarding is required under these rules the provisions of sub-rules (2) to (4) shall apply.
(2) Every guard-wire shall be connected with earth at each point at which its electrical continuity is broken.
(3) Every guard-wire shall have an actual breaking strength of not less than 635 kg and if made of iron or steel, shall be galvanised.
(4) Every guard-wire or cross-connected systems of guard-wires shall have sufficient current-carrying capacity to ensure the rendering dead, without risk of fusing of the guard-wire or wires till the contact of any live wire has been removed.
(10) Lines-crossing trolley-wires-In the case of a crossing over a trolley-wire the guarding shall fulfil the following conditions, namely:-
&
No Service-line or tapping shall be taken off an overhead line except at a point of support:
1[Provided that the number of tappings per conductor shall not be more than four in case of low and medium voltage connections.]
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1. Added by G.S.R. 45, dated 1st January, 1993 (w.e.f. 23-1-1993).
.—(1) All metal supports and all reinforced and prestressed cement concrete supports of overhead lines and metallic fittings attached thereto, shall be permanently and efficiently earthed. For this purpose a continuous earth wire shall be provided and securely fastened to each pole and connected with earth ordinarily at three points in every km., the spacing between the points being as nearly equidistance as possible. Alternatively, each support and the metallic fitting attached thereto shall be efficiently earthed.
1[(1A) Metallic bearer wire used for supporting insulated wire of low and medium voltage overhead service lines shall be efficiently earthed or insulated.]
(2) Each stay-wire shall be similarly earthed unless insulator has been placed in it at a height not less than 3.0 metres from the ground.
.—(1) Every overhead line, (not being suspended from a dead bearer wire and not being covered with insulating material and not being a trolley-wire) erected over any part of street or other public place or in any factory or mine or on any consumers’ premises shall be protected with a device approved by the Inspector for rendering the line electrically harmless in case it breaks.
(2) An Inspector may by notice in writing require the owner of any such overhead line wherever it may be erected to protect it in the manner specified in sub-rule (1).
1[(3) The owner of every high and extra-high voltage overhead line shall make adequate arrangements to the satisfaction of the Inspector to prevent unauthorised persons from ascending any of the supports of such overhead lines which can be easily climbed upon without the help of a ladder or specia
.—(1) The owner of every overhead line 1[,sub-station or generating station] which is so exposed as to be liable to injury from lightning shall adopt efficient means for diverting to earth any electrical surges due to lightning.
2[(2) The earthing lead for any lightning arrestor shall not pass through any iron or steel pipe, but shall be taken as directly as possible from the lightning-arrestor to a separate earth electrode and/or junction of the earth mat already provided for the high and extra-high voltage sub-station subject to the avoidance of bends wherever practicable.
Note.—A vertical ground electrode shall be connected to this junction of the earth mat.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 466, dated 1
1) Where an overhead line ceases to be used as an electric supply line, the owner shall maintain it in a safe mechanical condition in accordance with rule 76 or shall remove it.
(2) Where any overhead line ceases to be used as an electric supply line, an Inspector may, by a notice in writing served on the owner, require him to maintain it in a safe mechanical condition or to remove it within fifteen days of the receipt of the notice.
(1) The rules in this Chapter apply only where energy is used for purposes of traction:
Provided that nothing in this Chapter shall apply to energy used for the public carriage of passengers, animals or goods on, or for the lighting or ventilation of the rolling stock of any railway or tramway subject to the provisions of the Indian Railways Act, 1890 (9 of 1890).
(2) In this Chapter the conductor used for transmitting energy to a vehicle is referred to as the line and the other conductor as the return.
(3) The owner of the line, return, rails or trolley wire, as the case may be, shall be responsible for the due observance of rules 95 to 108.
No person shall supply energy at high or extra-high voltage to any trolley-wire or other conductor used in direct electrical and mechanical connection with any vehicle, except with the written approval of the Central or the State Government, as the case may be, and subject to such conditions as the State Government may think reasonable and proper in the circumstances.
Every line shall be insulated throughout.
.—(1) Where any rails on which cars run, or any conductors laid between or within 0.9 metre of such rails, form any part of a return, such part may be uninsulated. All other returns or parts of a return, shall be insulated, unless they are of such conductivity as to secure the conditions required by sub-rules (2) and (3) of rule 98.
(2) Where any part of a return is uninsulated, it shall be connected with the negative or neutral of the system
.—(1) Where an uninsulated return is in proximity to any metallic pipe, structure or substance not belonging to the owner of the return, he shall, if so required by the owner of such pipe, structure or substance, connect his return therewith at the latter’s expense.
(2) Where the return is partly or entirely uninsulated, the owner shall, in the construction and maintenance of his system, adopt such means for reducing the difference produced by the current between the potential of the uninsulated return at any one point and the potential of the uninsulated return at any other point as to ensure that the difference of potential between the uninsulated return and any metallic pipe, structure or substance in the vicinity shall not exceed four volts where the return is relatively positive, or one and one-third volts where the return is relatively negative.
&n
Where the return is partly or entirely uninsulated, the owner shall keep a continuous record of the difference of potential, during the working of his system, between every junction of an insulated return with an uninsulated return and the point on the route most distant from that junction, and the difference of potential shall not, under normal running conditions, exceed a mean value of seven volts between the highest momentary peak and the average for the hour of maximum load.
Where both the line and the return are placed within a conduit, the following conditions shall be fulfilled in the construction and maintenance of the system:—
(a) where the rails are used to form any part of the return, they shall be electrically connected (at distances not exceeding 30 metres apart), with the conduit by means of copper strips having a cross-sectional area of at least 0.40 sq. cm. or by other means of equal conductivity. Where the return is wholly insulated and contained within the conduit, the latter shall be connected with earth at the generating station or sub-station through an instrument suitable for the indication of any contact or partial contact of either the line or the return with the conduit; and
(b) the leakage-current shall be ascertained daily, before or after the hours of running, when the l
Where both the line and the return are not placed within a conduit, the leakage current shall be ascertained daily before or after the hours of running, when the line is fully charged; and if at any time it is found to exceed 0.3 ampere per km. of single tramway track, the transmission and use of energy shall be suspended unless the leakage is stopped within twenty-four hours.
Precautions to the satisfaction of an Inspector shall be taken by the owner of every vehicle to prevent:—
(a) the access of passengers to any portion of the electric circuit where there is danger from electric shock;
(b) any metal, hand-rail or other metallic substance liable to be handled by passengers, becoming charged.
Where rails on which cars run are used as a return, the current density in such rails shall not under ordinary working conditions, exceed 1.4 amperes per sq. cm. of cross-sectional area.
Every trolley-wire shall be constructed in sections not exceeding 1.6 km. in length, and means shall be provided for isolating each section
No trolley-wire shall be of less cross-sectional area than 0.5 sq. cm. or shall have an actual breaking load of less than 2000 kg.
A trolley-wire or a traction-feeder on the same supports as a trolley-wire shall nowhere be at a height from the surface of the street of less than 5.2 metres except, where it passes under a bridge or other fixed structure, or through or along a tunnel or mineshaft or the like in which case it shall be suspended to the satisfaction of an Inspector.
Every guard wire shall be connected with earth at each point at which its electrical continuity is broken and shall also be connected with the rails at intervals of not more than five spans
.—(1) The owner shall, so far as is consistent with his system of working, keep the following records, namely:—
(a) daily records showing —
(i) the maximum working current from the source of supply;
(ii) the maximum working voltage at the source of supply;
(iii) the difference of potential, as required by rule 99; and
(iv) the leakage current (if any), as required by rule 100 and rule 101, and;
(b) occasional records showing—
(i) every test made under sub-rules (2) and (3) of rule 98;
(ii) every stoppage of leak
.—(1) The rules in this Chapter shall apply only where energy is used in mines as defined in the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952).
1[(2) In mines and oil fields, the rules in this Chapter shall not apply to apparatus above the ground level except where such apparatus may directly affect the safety of the persons employed in underground, open-case and oil fields.]
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1. Subs. by G.S.R. 112, dated 22nd March, 2000 (w.e.f. 15-4-2000).
.—(1) It shall be the duty of the owner, agent, engineer or manager of a mine, or of the agent, engineer of any company operating in an oil field, or of the owner, engineer of one or more drilled wells situated in an oil field, to comply with and enforce the following rules and it shall be duty of all persons employed to conduct their work in accordance with such rules.
(2) Adequate number of authorised supervisors and electricians shall be on duty in every mine or oil-field while energy is being used therein.
1[Explanation.—For the purposes of this rule, the word “engineer” shall—
(a) in the case of a coal mine, have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957;
(b) in the case of a metalliferous mine, have t
.—(1) On or before the first day of February in every year, in respect of every mine or oil-field, returns giving the size and type of apparatus, together with such particulars in regard to circumstances of its use which may be required by the Inspector, shall be sent to the Inspector by the persons specified in rule 110 in the form set out in Annexure-X or XI, whichever is applicable.
(2) The persons specified in rule 110 shall also give to Inspector not less than seven days’ notice in writing of the intention to bring into use any new installation in a mine or oil-field giving details of apparatus installed and its location:
Provided that in case of any additions or alterations to an existing low and medium voltage installation, immediate notice in writing shall be sent to the Inspector before such additions or alterations are broug
.—(1) A correct plan, on the same scale as the plan kept at the mine in fulfilment of the requirements of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952), shall be available in the office at the mine showing the position of all fixed apparatus and conductors therein, other than lights, telecommunication or signalling apparatus, or cables for the same.
(2) A similar plan on the scale not less than 25 cm. to a Km (1: 4000) shall be kept by the manager or owner of one or more wells in any oil-field.
(3) A similar plan on such scale as the Central Government may direct, showing the position of all electric supply lines, shall be kept in the office of any licensee or other person transmitting or distributing energy in a mine or oil-field.
(4) The plans specified under the provisions of this rule shall be examin
.—(1) In a mine illuminated by electricity, one or more flame safety lamps, or other lights approved by the Inspector of mines, shall be maintained in a state of continuous illumination in all places where failure of the electric light at any time would be prejudicial to safety.
(2) Efficient means of communication shall be provided in every mine between the point where the switchgear provided under sub-rule (1) of rule 121 is erected and the shaft bottom or other distributing centres in the mines.
(3) Fire extinguishing appliances of adequate capacity and of an approved type shall be installed and properly maintained in every place in a mine containing apparatus, other than cables, telecommunications and signalling apparatus.
1) Where necessary to prevent danger of mechanical damage transformers and switchgear shall be placed in a separate room, compartment or box.
(2) Unless the apparatus is so constructed, protected, and worked as to obviate the risk of fire, no inflammable material shall be used in the construction of any room, compartment or box containing apparatus, or in the construction of any of the fittings therein. Each such room, compartment or box shall be substantially constructed and shall be kept 1[dry and illuminated and efficient ventilation] shall be provided for all apparatus installed therein.
(3) Adequate working space and means of access, clear of obstruction and free from danger, shall, so far as circumstances permit, be provided for all apparatus that has to be worked or attended to and all handles intended to be operated shall be
Where earthing is necessary in a mine it shall be carried out by connection to an earthing system at the surface of the mine, in a manner approved by the Inspector.
[(1) In the interest of safety, appropriate equipment shall be suitably placed in the mines for automatically disconnecting supply to any part of the system, where a fault, including an 2[earth fault, occurs]. Fault current shall not be more than 750 milliamps in 550/1100 volt systems for undeground/oil fields and 50 amps in 3.3 KV/6.6 KV systems in open cast mines. The magnitude of the earth fault current shall be limited to these specified values by employing suitably designed, restricted neutral system of power supply.]
(2) The operation of the switchgear and the relays shall be recorded daily at the generating station, sub-station or switch station in a register kept for the purpose.
(3) The effectiveness of the switchgear and the protective 3[system shall always be kept and maintained in working order, shall be checked once every th
.—(1) All metallic sheaths, coverings, handles, joint boxes, switchgear frames, instrument covers, switch and fuse covers of boxes, all lampholders (unless efficiently protected by an insulated covering made of fire resisting material), and the frames and bedplates of generators, transformers and motors (including portable motors), shall be earthed by connection to an earthing system in the manner prescribed in rule 115.
(2) Where cables are provided with a metallic covering constructed and installed in accordance with clause (d) of rule 122, such metallic covering may be used as a means of connection to the earthing system.
(3) All conductors of an earthing system shall have conductivity, at all parts and all joints, at least equal to 50 per cent of that of the largest conductor used solely to supply the apparatus, a part of which i
exceeding 6600 volts:
Provided that:
(a) Where hand-held portable apparatus is used, the voltage shall not exceed 125 volts;
(b) Where electric lighting is used:—
(i) in underground mines, the lighting system shall have a mid or neutral point connected with earth and the voltage shall not exceed 125 volts between phases;
(ii) on the surface of a mine or in an open cast mine, the voltage may be raised to 250 volts, if the neutral or the mid point of the system is connected with earth and the voltage between the phases does not exceed 250 volts;
(c) Where portable hand-lamps are used in underground working of mine, the volta
Where energy is transformed, suitable provision shall be made to guard against danger by reason of the lower voltage apparatus becoming accidentally charged above its normal voltage by leakage from or contact with the higher voltage apparatus.]
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1. Subs. by G.S.R. 45, dated 1st January, 1993 (w.e.f. 23-1-1993).
Switchgear and all terminals, cable-ends, cable-joints and connections to apparatus shall be totally enclosed and shall be constructed, installed and maintained as to comply with the following requirements:—
(a) all parts shall be of mechanical strength sufficient to resist rough usage;
(b) all conductors and contact areas shall be of adequate current-carrying capacity and all joints in conductors shall be properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made;
(c) the lodgement of any matter likely to diminish the insulation or affect the working of any switchgear shall be prevented;
(d) all live parts shall be so protected or enclosed as to prevent persons accidentally coming into contact with them and to prevent danger from arc
.—(1) Properly constructed switchgear for disconnecting the supply of energy to a mine or oil-field shall be provided 1[***] at a point approved by the Inspector. During the time any cable supplying energy to the mine from the aforesaid switchgear is live, a person authorised to operate the said switchgears shall be available within easy reach thereof:
2[Provided that in the case of gassy coal seam of degree II and degree III, the main mechanical ventilator operated by electricity shall be interlocked with the switchgear so as to automatically disconnect the power supply in the event of stoppage of main mechanical ventilator.]
(2) When necessary in the interest of safety, appropriate apparatus suitably placed, shall be provided for disconnecting the supply from every part of a system.
(3) W
All cables, other than flexible cables for portable or transportable apparatus, shall comply with the following requirements:—
(a) All such cables (other than the outer conductor of a concentric cable) shall be covered with insulating material and shall be efficiently protected from mechanical damage and supported at sufficiently frequent intervals and in such a manner as to prevent damage to such cables;
(b) (i) Except as provided in clause (c), no cables other than concentric cables or two-core or multicore cables protected by a metallic covering or single core cables protected by a metallic covering and which contain all the conductors of a circuit shall be used—
(1) where the voltage exceeds 125 volts, or
(2) whe
.—(1) Flexible cables for portable or transportable apparatus shall be two-core or multi-core (unless required for electric welding), and shall becovered with insulating material which shall be efficiently protected from mechanical injury. If flexible metallic covering is used either as the outer conductor of a concentric cable or as a means of protection from mechanical injury, it shall not be used by itself to form an earth conductor for such apparatus, but it may be used for that purpose in conjunction with an earthing core.
(2) Every flexible cable intended for use with portable or transportable apparatus shall be connected to the system and to such apparatus by properly constructed connectors:
Provided that for high voltage machines a bolted type connector shall be used and the trailing cable shall be suitably anchored at the mach
The person authorised to operate an electrically driven coal-cutter, or other portable or transportable machine, shall not leave the machine while it is in operation and shall, before leaving the area in which such machine is operating, ensure that the supply is disconnected from the flexible cable which supplies the machine. When any such machine is in operation, step shall be taken to ensure that the flexible cable is not dragged along by the machine:
1[Provided that all portable and transportable machines used in underground mines shall operate on remote control from the concerned switchgear with Pilot Core Protection.]
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1. Added by G.S.R. 45, dated 1st January, 1993 (w.e.f. 23-1-1993).
.—(1) All apparatus shall be maintained reasonably free from dust, dirt and moisture, and shall be kept clear of obstruction.
(2) All apparatus other than portable and transportable apparatus shall be housed in a room, compartment or box so constructed as to protect the contents from damage occasioned by falling material or passing traffic.
(3) Inflammable or explosive material shall not be stored in any room, compartment or box containing apparatus, or in the vicinity of any apparatus.
(4) Should there be a fault in any circuit, the part affected shall be made dead without delay and shall remain so until the fault has been remedied.
(5) While lamps are being changed the supply shall be disconnected.
(6
.—(1) In any part of a coal-seam of the first degree gassiness—
(a) all cables shall be constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner as to prevent risk of open sparking;
(b) at any place which lies in-bye of the last ventilation connection, all 2[signalling or telecommunication and remote control] circuits shall be so constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained as to be intrinsically safe;
(c) all apparatus including portable and transportable apparatus including lighting fittings used at any place which lies in bye of the last ventilation connection shall be flame-proof.
3[Provided that electrically operated or battery operated portable or transportable apparatus such as
.—(1) When shot-firing is in progress adequate precautions shall be taken to protect apparatus and conductors other than those used for shot-firing from injury.
(2) Current from lighting or power circuits shall not be used for firing shots.
(3) The provisions of rule 123 shall apply in regard to the covering and protection of shot-firing cables, and adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent such cable touching other cables and apparatus.
Where electrical signalling is used—
(a) adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent signal and telephone wires coming into contact with other cables and apparatus;
(b) the voltage used in any one circuit shall not exceed 30 volts; and
(c) contact-makers shall be so constructed as to prevent the accidental closing of the circuit.
1[(d) bare conductors, where used shall be installed in suitable insulators.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 45, dated 1st January, 1993 (w.e.f. 23-1-1993)
Haulage by electric locomotives on the overhead trolley-wire system, at medium or low voltage, and haulage by storage battery locomotives may be used with the prior consent in writing of the Inspector, and subject to such conditions as he may impose in the interests of safety.
Where the voltage of an alternating current system exceeds 30 volts, the neutral or mid-point shall be earthed by connection to an earthing system in the manner prescribed in rule 115:
Provided that when the system concerned is required for blasting and signalling purposes, the provisions of this rule shall not apply:
1[Provided further that in case of unearthed neutral system adequate protection shall be provided with the approval of the Inspector.]
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1. Subs. by G.S.R. 253, dated 19th February, 1983 (w.e.f. 7-3-1983).
.—(1) (i) One or more electrical supervisors as directed by the Inspector shall be appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager of a mine or by the agent or the owner, of one or more wells in an oil field to supervise the installation.
(ii) The electrical supervisor so appointed shall be the person holding a valid Electrical Supervisor’s Certificate of Competency, covering mining installation issued under sub-rule (1) of rule 45.
(iii) If the Inspector considers necessary for the compliance with the duties specified in this rule, he may direct the owner or agent of the mine to appoint one or more electricians who shall be persons holding licence under sub-rule (1) of rule 45.
(2) Every person appointed to operate, supervise, examine or adjust any apparatus shall be competent to underta
The provisions of rules 110 to 128 both inclusive and rule 131 shall not apply in any case, where, on grounds of emergency or special circumstances, exemption is obtained from the Inspector. In granting any such exemption the Inspector may prescribe such conditions as he thinks fit.
.—(1) The State Government, or where mine, oil-fields or railways or works executed for or on behalf of the Central Government, are affected, the Central Government, may by order in writing, direct that any of the provisions of rules in Chapter IV other than rules 44A and 46, and all rules in Chapters V, VI, VII, VIII and IX shall be relaxed generally or in particular case to such extent and subject to such conditions as it may think fit.
(2) The Central Government may, by order in writing, direct that any of the provisions of Chapter X of these rules shall be relaxed in any particular case to such an extent and subject to such conditions as it may think fit.
The Inspector, may, by order in writing, direct that any of the provisions of rules 44, 1[50(1)(a), (b) and (d), 50A(2), 51(1)], 61 (2), 63, 64(2), 65, 71 to 73 (inclusive), 76 to 80 (inclusive), 90, 2[118], 119(1) (a), 123(5), 123(7), 2[123(9) and 130], shall be relaxed in any case to such extent and subject to such conditions as he may think fit.
(2) Where the voltage of any system does not exceed 125 volts the Inspector may, by order in writing, direct that any of the provisions of rules 29 to 34 (inclusive), 36 to 39 (inclusive), 83, 92, 94 to 107 (inclusive) shall, in addition to the rules specified in sub-rule (1), be relaxed as regards such systems to such extent and subject to such conditions as he may think fit.
(3) Every relaxation so directed shall be reported forthwith to, and shall be subject to disallowance or revision by,
Where any person other than a non-licensee is supplied with energy by a non-licensee or other person or has his premises for the time being connected to the conductors or plant of a non-licensee or other person, or himself generates energy and uses such energy or part thereof, such person shall be deemed to be a consumer for the purposes of rules 9, 10, 29 to 33 (inclusive), 45 to 70 (inclusive), 87 and 142 and non-licensee or other person shall be subject to all the liabilities imposed on a licensee by these rules.
Where any person is responsible for the observance of any of these rules, every agent and manager of such person shall also be responsible for such observance in respect of matters under their respective controls.
All persons entering in pursuance of the Act or these rules, any building which is used as a human dwelling or a place of worship shall, in making such entry have due regard so far as may be compatible with the exigencies of the purpose for which such entry is made, to the social and religious usages or the occupant of the building entered.
Where, in contravention of rule 56 any seal referred to in that rule is broken—
(a) the person breaking the seal shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees; and
(b) the consumer when he has not himself broken the seal shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty rupees unless he proves that he used all reasonable means in his power to ensure that the seal should not be broken.
Where any electrical installation work of the nature specified in sub-rule (1) of rule 45 has been carried out otherwise than
(a) under the direct supervision of a person holding a certificate of competency issued by the State Government under that rule; and
(b) in the absence of any applicable exemption under the proviso to sub-rule of that rule, by an electrical contractor licensed by the State Government in this behalf, the consumer owner or occupier, the contractor (if any) or the person through whom the work is being or was carried out and the person under whose immediate supervision the work is being or was carried out, shall each be punishable with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees.
a) Where no notice is given under rule 82(1) or the amount of estimate as demanded under rule 82(2) is not deposited, both the persons proposing and the contractor engaged for erecting a new building or structure whether permanent or temporary or for making in or upon any building or structure any permanent or temporary additions or alterations, shall be deemed to have committed a breach of rule 82(1) and shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to three hundred rupees.
(b) If any person commences or continues any work in contravention of rule 82(3), in or upon any such building, structure, flood bank, road or carries out addition or alteration thereto, the person contravening the same shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to three hundred rupees.
In addition to this, the supplier shall, after obtaining the concurrence
Traction works shall not be carried out in the vicinity of geomagnetic observatories and laboratories without the concurrence of the Central Government or of any officer authorised by it in this behalf.]
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1. Ins. by G.S.R. 523, dated 28th March, 1966 (w.e.f. 9-4-1966)
Any person other than an Inspector or any officer appointed to assist the Inspector who being responsible for the observance of any of these rules commits a breach thereof, shall be punishable for every such breach with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees, and in the case of continuing breach with a further fine which may extend to fifty rupees, for every day after first during which the breach has continued.
Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 58, these rules shall be binding on all persons, companies and undertakings to whom licences have been granted or with whom agreements have been made by or with the sanction of Government for supply or use of electricity before the commencement of the Act.
The Indian Electricity Rules, 1937, are hereby repealed:
Provided that any order made, notification issued or anything done or any action taken under any of the said rules shall be deemed to have been made, issued, done or taken under the corresponding provisions of the rules.
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