• 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 and it is revised on a 5 year cycle.  This talk will review the changes in the next 2023 edition of the NESC with a focus on notable trends 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) consolidation of antenna rules under new 238F to help reduce congestion and clearance issues around 5G wireless antennas and facilities, (c) ground rod specifications, and (d) grid-connected solar farms. The related IEEE industry activities on the draft of IEEE 5G Joint-Use Guideline P2939 to better standardize wireless attachment approval process will be discussed.