PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

Trailing cables used in coal mines must meet the Secretary’s rules for being flame-resistant. Each live (ungrounded) wire must have short‑circuit protection by an automatic circuit breaker or an equally effective device approved by the Secretary. Switches that cut power must be clearly labeled and built so you can tell by looking that the power is off. If two or more trailing cables join the same distribution center, the setup must prevent a cable from being hooked to the wrong‑size breaker. You may make only one temporary splice in a trailing cable, and that cable can be used only for the next 24‑hour period. No temporary splice is allowed within 25 feet of the machine, except on cable reel equipment. Temporary splices must be well made, strong, and insulated. Permanent splices must be strong, conductive, flexible, sealed against moisture, and treated to be flame‑resistant. Cables must be clamped to protect them and kept clear of mobile equipment. Do not connect or disconnect cables to junction boxes while they are under load. Splice = joining wires that were cut.

Title 30, §866

Mineral Lands and Mining, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Requirements established for flame resistant cables

Trailing cables used in coal mines shall meet the requirements established by the Secretary for flame-resistant cables.

(b)Circuit breakers; markings and visual observation of position of disconnection devices

Short-circuit protection for trailing cables shall be provided by an automatic circuit breaker or other no less effective device approved by the Secretary of adequate current-interrupting capacity in each ungrounded conductor. Disconnecting devices used to disconnect power from trailing cables shall be plainly marked and identified and such devices shall be equipped or designed in such a manner that it can be determined by visual observation that the power is disconnected.

(c)Distribution center junctions; safety connections

When two or more trailing cables junction to the same distribution center, means shall be provided to assure against connecting a trailing cable to the wrong size circuit breaker.

(d)Temporary splices; usable period; exceptions; quality

One temporary splice may be made in any trailing cable. Such trailing cable may only be used for the next twenty-four hour period. No temporary splice shall be made in a trailing cable within twenty-five feet of the machine, except cable reel equipment. Temporary splices in trailing cables shall be made in a workmanlike manner and shall be mechanically strong and well insulated. Trailing cables or hand cables which have exposed wires or which have splices that heat or spark under load shall not be used. As used in this subsection, the term “splice” means the mechanical joining of one or more conductors that have been severed.

(e)Permanent splices; quality

When permanent splices in trailing cables are made, they shall be—

(1)mechanically strong with adequate electrical conductivity and flexibility;

(2)effectively insulated and sealed so as to exclude moisture; and

(3)vulcanized or otherwise treated with suitable materials to provide flame-resistant qualities and good bonding to the outer jacket.

(f)Clamping of cables

Trailing cables shall be clamped to machines in a manner to protect the cables from damage and to prevent strain on the electrical connections. Trailing cables shall be adequately protected to prevent damage by mobile equipment.

(g)Making and breaking of connections to junction boxes

Trailing cable and power cable connections to junction boxes shall not be made or broken under load.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section operative 90 days after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

§866 Trailing Cables

Summary

Title 30, §866

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Citations & Metadata