SECTION 45.1-161.194. Trailing cables  

A. Trailing cables used underground shall be flame-resistant cables.

B. Trailing cables shall be provided with suitable short-circuit protection and means of disconnecting power from the cable. Power connections made in other than intake air shall be by means of permissible connectors.

C. Temporary splices in trailing cables shall be made in a workmanlike manner, mechanically strong, and well insulated.

D. No more than one temporary, unvulcanized splice shall be allowed in a trailing cable.

E. Permanent splices or repairs in trailing cables shall be made as follows:

1. They shall be mechanically strong with adequate electrical conductivity and flexibility;

2. They shall be effectively insulated and sealed so as to exclude moisture;

3. The finished splice or repair shall be vulcanized or otherwise treated with suitable materials to provide flame-resistant properties and good bonding to the outer jacket; and

4. If the cable has metallic shielding around each conductor, then the new shielding shall be equivalent to that of the original shielding.

F. Trailing cables shall be protected against mechanical damage. Trailing cables damaged in a manner that exposes the insulated inner power conductors shall be repaired promptly or removed from service.

Code 1950, § 45-82.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-84; 1978, c. 118; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28 ; 1999, c. 28 ; 2005, c. 28 .