Conflict between IEEE 386 and ASTM F855-the perspective from the regulatory side

In January 1994, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a standard on the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems (29 CFR 1910.269). Paragraph (n)(4)(i) of /spl conint/1910.269 requires protective grounding equipment to be capable of conducting the maximum fault current that could flow at the grounding point for the time necessary to clear the fault. A note following this provision indicates that guidelines for the design of protective grounding equipment are contained in ASTM F855. This OSHA standard appears to make ASTM F855 the controlling standard for the design and application of cables used for temporary grounding purposes. However, the requirements in this standard exceed those in IEEE 386 for separable connector devices that are commonly used by utilities for protective grounding of underground distribution systems. The author discusses this conflict, how OSHA attempts to interpret and apply industry standards in its rule making, and what options may be available to address this conflict.