Part XII. Electricity—Surface and Underground
4VAC25-40-2015. Installation of electrical circuits; supervision of electrical work.
A. Electrical equipment and circuits shall be installed in accordance with the standards in the National Electrical Code, unless provided for in this part.
B. All work on new electric systems or modifications to existing electric systems performed in accordance with the National Electrical Code and this part shall be done by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified electrical repairman or other appropriately licensed electrical repairman. Routine maintenance of electrical systems and equipment where no changes are being made to the system or the equipment may be performed by a competent person who has received task training in the work from an appropriately licensed or certified electrical repairman.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294, and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 4, eff. November 30, 2018.
4VAC25-40-2020. Fuses or circuit breakers to be used.
Circuits shall be protected against excessive overloads or short circuits by fuses or circuit breakers of the correct type and capacity.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.1, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2030. Switches to be provided.
Electric equipment and circuits shall be provided with switches or other controls. Such switches or controls shall be of acceptable design and construction and shall be properly installed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.2, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2040. Trailing cables of mobile equipment.
Individual overload protection and short circuit protection shall be provided for the trailing cables of mobile equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.3, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2050. Current-carrying capacity.
Power wires and cables shall have adequate current carrying capacity and shall be protected from mechanical injury.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.4, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2060. Running over cables.
Mobile equipment shall not run over trailing cables, unless the cables are properly bridged or protected.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.5, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2070. Distribution boxes.
Distribution boxes shall be provided with disconnect switches.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.6, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2080. Making connections under load.
Trailing cable and power cable connections to junction boxes shall not be made or broken under load.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.7, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2090. Insulating wires and cables.
Power wires and cables shall be adequately insulated where they pass into or out of electrical compartments.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.8, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2100. Avoiding power lines.
Telephone and electric signal wires shall be protected from contacting energized power lines.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.9, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2110. Electrical transmission wires.
Electrical transmission wires shall be covered, insulated, or placed to prevent contact with low-potential conductors.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.10, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2120. Splices in cables.
Splices in power cables, including ground conductor, where provided, shall be:
1. Mechanically strong with adequate electrical conductivity;
2. Effectively insulated and sealed to exclude moisture; and
3. Provided with mechanical protection and electrical conductivity as near as possible to that of the original.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.11, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2130. Shovel trailing cables.
Shovel trailing cables shall not be moved with the shovel dipper unless cable slings or sleds are used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.12, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2140. De-energizing electrical equipment.
Electrically-powered equipment shall be de-energized before mechanical work is done on such equipment. Power switches shall be locked out or other measures taken which shall prevent the equipment from being energized without the knowledge of the individual working on it. Suitable warning notices shall be posted at the power switch and signed by the individuals doing the work. Such locks, tags or other devices, shall be removed only by the person who installed them or by authorized personnel after ensuring that affected persons are in the clear.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.13, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2150. De-energizing power circuits.
Power circuits shall be de-energized before work is done on such circuits unless hot-line tools are used. Suitable warning signs shall be posted by the individuals who are to do the work. Switches shall be locked out or other measures taken which shall prevent the power circuits from being energized without the knowledge of the individuals working on them. Such locks, signs, or preventative devices shall be removed only by the person who installed them or by an authorized person.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.14, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2160. Labeling of switches.
Principal power switches shall be labeled to show which units they control, unless identification can be made readily by location.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.15, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2170. Clearance around equipment.
At least three feet of clearance shall be provided around all parts of stationary electric equipment or switch gear where access or travel is necessary.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.16, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2180. Nonconductive electrical safety mats.
Dry, wooden platforms, insulating mats, or other electrically nonconductive material shall be kept in place at all switchboards and power-control switches where shock hazards exist. However, metal plates on which a person normally would stand and which are kept at the same potential as the grounded, metal, noncurrent-carrying parts of the power switches to be operated may be used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.17, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2190. Posting danger signs.
Suitable danger signs shall be posted at all major electrical installations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.18, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2200. Access by authorized persons.
Areas containing major electrical installations shall be entered only by authorized persons.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.19, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2210. Guarding accessible equipment.
Electrical connections and resistor grids that are difficult or impractical to insulate shall be guarded, unless protection is provided by location.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.20, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2220. Grounding equipment.
All metal enclosed, electrically-operated circuits or equipment shall be grounded back to the on-site source from which the electric circuit originates, and which is effectively connected to the earth or provided with equivalent protection.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.21, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2230. Grounding metal fences and buildings.
Metal fencing and metal buildings enclosing transformers and switchgear shall be grounded.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.22, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2240. Frame grounding.
Frame grounding or equivalent protection shall be provided for mobile equipment powered through trailing cables.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.23, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2250. Testing after installation or repair.
Continuity and resistance of grounding systems shall be tested immediately after installation, repair, and modification; and annually thereafter. A record of the resistance measured in each equipment ground conductor, grounding electrode conductor, and the earth around the grounding electrode shall be made, and the most recent test record shall be available upon request by the director or division mine inspector.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.24, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2260. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.25, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2270. Correcting dangerous conditions.
Electric equipment and wiring shall be inspected by a competent person as often as necessary to ensure safe operating conditions. When a potentially dangerous condition is found, it shall be corrected before equipment or wiring is energized.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.26, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2280. Dust-proof and water-proof electrical equipment.
Electric motors, switches, and controls exposed to damaging dust or water shall be of dust tight or watertight construction.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.27, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2290. Inspection and cover plates to be kept in place.
Inspection and cover plates on electrical equipment and junction boxes shall be kept in place at all times except during testing or repairs.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.28, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2300. Handheld electric tools.
Handheld electric tools shall not be operated in excess of 130 volts.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.29, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2310. Extension lights.
Portable extension lights and other lights that may present a shock or burn hazard shall be guarded.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.30, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2320. Lamp sockets.
Lamp sockets exposed to the weather shall be of weatherproof type.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.31, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2330. Removing or replacing fuses.
Fuses shall not be removed or replaced by hand in an energized circuit, and they shall not otherwise be removed or replaced in an energized circuit unless equipment and techniques especially designed to prevent electrical shock are provided and used for such purpose.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.32, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2340. Fuse replacement tools.
Fuse tongs or hot line tools shall be used when fuses are removed or replaced in electrical circuits.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.33, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2350. Trailing cables to be clamped.
Trailing cables shall be clamped to machines in a manner to protect the cables from damage and to prevent strain on the electrical connections.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.34, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2360. Storing surplus trailing cables.
Surplus trailing cables to shovels, cranes, and similar equipment shall be stored in cable boots or on reels mounted on the equipment or otherwise protected from mechanical damage.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.35, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2370. Operating controls.
Operating controls shall be installed so that they can be operated without danger of contact with energized conductors.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.36, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2380. Design of switches and boxes.
Switches and starting boxes shall be of safe design and capacity.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.37, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2390. Lightning grounds.
Lightning-arrester grounds on trolley tracks shall be connected to earth at least 25 feet from the underground mine opening.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.38, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2400. Overhead power lines.
Surface overhead power lines shall be installed and maintained as specified by the National Electrical Code.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.39, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2410. Incompatible line installations.
Telegraph, telephone, or signal wires shall not be installed on the same crossarm with power conductors. When carried on poles supporting power lines, they shall be installed as specified by the National Electrical Code.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.40, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2420. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.41, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.
4VAC25-40-2430. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.42, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.
4VAC25-40-2440. Protecting power lines.
Power lines, including trolley wires, and telephone circuits, shall be protected against short circuits and lightning.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.43, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2450. Bare power line precautions.
Where metallic tools or equipment can come in contact with bare power lines, the lines shall be guarded or de-energized.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.44, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2460. Transformer requirements.
Transformers shall either be totally enclosed, placed at least eight feet above the ground, installed in a transformer house, or surrounded by the substantial fence at least six feet high and at least three feet from any energized parts, casings, or wiring.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.45, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2470. Transformer enclosures to be locked.
Transformer enclosures shall be kept locked against unauthorized entry.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.46, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2480. Lightning arrester for telephone circuits.
A lightning arrester shall be provided where telephone circuits enter a mine; mine telephone extensions in surface buildings shall be provided with a lightning arrester for each circuit entering the building.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.47, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2490. Lightning arrester for power circuits.
Each exposed power circuit that leads underground shall be equipped with a lightning arrester of an acceptable type at or near the point where the circuit enters the mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.48, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2500. Moving equipment near power lines.
Electric wiring shall be installed in a manner to prevent fire and contact hazards. When equipment must be moved or operated near energized power lines and the clearance is less than 10 feet, the lines shall be de-energized or a warning sign posted or other precautionary measures shall be taken. Also see 4VAC25-40-3890.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.49, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2510. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 12.50, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.