Safety considerations of aerial systems using insulated and covered wire and cable

Insulated and covered wires and cables have been used in aerial power conductor applications for over fifty years. Some have suggested that covered wires and cables should be used in general applications solely for the purpose of providing safety to operating personnel and the general public. This paper discusses factors leading to the conclusion that nonshielded, covered conductors should not be installed solely to assure personal safety. The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) treats covered conductors as bare conductors for purposes of clearances to personnel spaces; such a requirement is strongly supported by this paper