§866 Trailing Cables

Summary

Requires trailing cables in coal mines to meet the Secretary’s rules for flame-resistant cable. Each ungrounded conductor must have short-circuit protection by an automatic circuit breaker or another device the Secretary approves with enough current-interrupting capacity. Power disconnects must be clearly marked and must let you see that power is off. When two or more trailing cables meet at the same distribution center, there must be a way to stop a cable from being hooked to the wrong-size breaker. Only one temporary splice is allowed in any trailing cable, and that cable may be used only for the next twenty-four hour period. No temporary splice may be made within twenty-five feet of the machine, except on cable reel equipment. Temporary splices must be neat, strong, and well insulated. Permanent splices must be strong, conductive, flexible, sealed against moisture, and treated (for example vulcanized) to be flame-resistant and bond to the outer jacket. Cables must be clamped to machines to prevent damage and strain and protected from mobile equipment. Connections to junction boxes must not be made or broken while carrying load.