Subchapter 5. Electrical Safety Orders
Group 2. High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders
Article 29. Capacitors (Formerly Article 78)

§2890. Switching.

(a) Load Current. Single-pole individually operated or multi-pole group-operated switches used for capacitor switching shall be capable of (1) carrying continuously not less than 135 percent of the rated current of the capacitor installation;

(2) interrupting the maximum continuous load current of each capacitor, capacitor bank, or capacitor installation that will be switched as a unit; and

(3) withstanding the maximum inrush current, including contributions from adjacent capacitor installations.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 460-24 (a).)

(b) Isolation.

(1) A means shall be installed to isolate from all sources of potential each capacitor, capacitor bank, or capacitor installation that will be removed from service as a unit.

(2) The isolating means shall provide a visible gap in the electrical circuit adequate for the operating voltage.

(3) Isolating or disconnecting switches (with no interrupting rating) shall be mechanically interlocked with the load interrupting device or shall be provided with prominently displayed caution signs in accordance with Section 2835 (h) to prevent switching load current.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 460-24 (b).)

(c) Additional Requirements for Series Capacitors. The proper switching sequence shall be assured by use of one of the following:

(1) Mechanically sequenced isolating and bypass switches.

(2) Interlocks.

(3) Switching procedure prominently displayed at the switching location.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 460-24(c).)

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 2-1-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 6).

2. Editorial correction filed 11-2-83 (Register 83, No. 45).

3. Amendment filed 12-10-87; operative 1-9-88 (Register 88, No. 1).