CLEARANCES In constructing overhead distribution lines, the utility company must consider the terrain as well as man-made obstacles

such as railroads (see Figure 5-2). For reasons of safety, the voltage of the wires to be strung must be considered. The higher the voltage, the farther away it must be strung from people, traffic, and other wires. The National Electric Safety Code has set forth specifications governing these clearances. These specifications usually pertain to class voltage values. Table 5-1 uses these class values rather than actual voltages in use. Suppose a 15-kV-distribution line must cross a railroad. According to the specifications given, it must be 30 feet above the ground. In other words, its minimum clearance is 30 feet. But then, a few blocks away, it need only cross a well-traveled street. Here the minimum clearance drops to 22 feet. Sometimes, wires must cross other wires. Here the voltages of both must be considered to make certain that there is no overstrain on the insulation and no flashover. For instance, if a 750-V wire must cross another 750-V wire, there need only be 2 feet between (see Figure 5-3).
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