• Trevor Bowmer, Ph.D. - Principal, Bunya Telecom Consulting

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is for practical safeguarding of the public and workers during the installation, operation, and maintenance of electric power supply and communications network facilities. This talk will review the postponed schedule for the NESC update and the change proposals submitted to the 2020 Code that reflect notable trends in the NESC for the operation and construction of communications networks. Discussion topics of interest will include (a) span powering rules 224 and 344 and their application to current powering architectures, (b) congestion and clearance issues around 5G wireless antennas/equipment location, (c) ground rod specifications, and (d) grid-connected solar farms. Related industry activities initiated by the NESC Executive Committee and the Secretariat (IEEE) such as progress on the IEEE 5G Joint-Use Guideline will be discussed.