(a) No high-voltage line shall be regarded as deenergized for the
purpose of performing work on it, until it has been determined by a qualified
person (as provided in §77.103) that such high-voltage
line has been deenergized and grounded. Such qualified person shall by
visual observation (1) determine that the disconnecting devices on the
high-voltage circuit are in open position, and (2) insure that each
ungrounded conductor of the high-voltage circuit upon which work is to be
done is properly connected to the system grounding medium. In the case of
resistance grounded or solid wye-connected systems, the neutral wire is the
system grounding medium. In the case of an ungrounded power system, either
the steel armor or conduit enclosing the system or a surface grounding field
is a system grounding medium;
(b) No work shall be performed on any high-voltage line which is
supported by any pole or structure which also supports other high-voltage
lines until: (1) All lines supported on the pole or structure are deenergized
and grounded in accordance with all of the provisions of this §77.704-1 which
apply to the repair of deenergized surface high-voltage lines; or (2) the
provisions of §§77.704-2 through 77.704-10 have been
complied with, with respect to all energized lines, which are supported on
the pole or structure.
(c) Work may be performed on energized surface high-voltage lines
only in accordance with the provisions of §§77.704-2 through
77.704-10, inclusive.
