Safe Installation of Metal Light Poles per NEC or NESC

Utility environments impose electrical installation complications beyond those of residential, commercial or even industrial power facilities covered by the national electrical code (NEC). Outdoor lighting circuits, though having circuit voltages similar to typical NEC installations, must face transferred potential, adjacent high voltages and lightning protection issues that those responsible for the NEC consider outside the scope of that document. This paper will look into the challenges of utility environments in hopes of providing a better understanding of the demands of outdoor lighting installations.