BGE Code Compliance & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1910.269, the minimum approach distance (MAD) for unqualified workers near energized 13.2 kV distribution lines is:
- 1 foot 0 inches
- 2 feet 2 inches
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
OSHA 1910.269 Table R-6 requires unqualified persons to maintain a 10-foot limited approach distance from energized lines up to 50 kV.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard provides guidance on the safe design, installation, and testing of electrical systems in existing facilities, often used during BGE substation maintenance audits?
- NFPA 70 (NEC)
- NFPA 70B (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70E
- NFPA 110
Correct answer: NFPA 70B
NFPA 70B is the Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, covering inspection and testing of existing electrical systems.
Question 3: A BGE crew must work on a 34.5 kV line. Per IEEE Std 516, which tool insulation class is required for live-line work at this voltage?
- Class 0 (1,000V rated)
- Class 2 (17,000V rated)
- Class 3 (26,500V rated)
- Class 4 (36,000V rated) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class 4 (36,000V rated)
IEEE Std 516 specifies Class 4 insulating tools (rated 36,000V) for live-line work on systems up to 36 kV phase-to-ground.
Question 4: Maryland PSC regulations require BGE to restore power to what percentage of customers within 24 hours following a major storm event?
- 75%
- 85%
- 90% (Correct answer)
- 95%
Correct answer: 90%
Maryland PSC outage restoration benchmarks require utilities like BGE to restore approximately 90% of affected customers within 24 hours of a major storm.
Question 5: Which standard defines voltage tolerances on the BGE distribution system, specifying acceptable voltage ranges at the point of customer delivery?
- IEEE Std 1159
- ANSI C84.1 (Correct answer)
- NESC Rule 230
- IEC 61000
Correct answer: ANSI C84.1
ANSI C84.1 establishes the voltage ranges (Range A and Range B) for electric power systems at the point of delivery to the customer.
Question 6: Under the NESC, what is the required minimum working clearance between a lineman and an energized 4 kV conductor when using rubber gloves rated for 7,500V?
- The glove rating alone determines the safe distance
- Contact is permitted within the glove-rated voltage
- The MAD per NESC Table 441-1 must also be observed (Correct answer)
- No additional clearance is needed if PPE is worn
Correct answer: The MAD per NESC Table 441-1 must also be observed
Rubber glove ratings provide protection at the point of contact, but NESC Table 441-1 minimum approach distances must still be respected for the body and other conductive objects.
Question 7: When BGE installs underground residential distribution (URD) cable in a conduit under a public sidewalk, what minimum cover depth does the NEC (Table 300.5) require for PVC conduit (Schedule 80)?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
NEC Table 300.5 requires only 12 inches of cover for rigid PVC conduit (Schedule 80) under a concrete sidewalk.
BGE Code Compliance & Standards 3
Under OSHA 1910.269, the minimum approach distance (MAD) for unqualified workers near energized 13.2 kV distribution lines is: