ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Manhole Cover

NESC do not require handhole covers to be bonded.

Paul,
Most of the questions on this site involve electrical contractors who are subject to the NEC, not the NESC, and the NEC requires this bonding. Based on the number of deaths and injuries caused each year by unbonded covers in installations under the NESC, it is my opinion that the NESC should be changed to protect the public.
Don

edited to add missing words

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 07-03-2005).]

Handhole, When you put up a pole theres a Handhole Right. The pole is bonded. Is the Cover?? (No) Handholes in the Ground Every one I;ve seen to date have been nonconductive with covers of the same so bonding has not been an Issue. Anyone whos been in any amount of manholes (Larger) knows theres usually a Grounding buss. There usually concrete and openings about 7ft 6 inches to 8ft up. Since deregulation I;ve worked on a LOT of 13.8 -4160 ect so its in the realm of the Electrical contractor.I have never seen a Manhole cover Grounded or seen a Kit to ground one.

I agree with the fact there is no requirement in the NEC or the NESC of bonding the Manhole Cover. On the DOE project I am on the DOE does not come up with Code arguments but come up with incidents where because the action was not taken an incident happened. Our solution to this was to bond the ring of the manhole itself thus providing a bond between the ring and the cover caused by the weight of the cover. BTW there is no requirement either in the code requiring the bonding of Vault or Substation doors.

Paul,
250.4(A)(3)requires this bonding.
Don