Traction electrification and NEC compliance: the Portland light rail experience

In 1986, during the final stages of completion of the Tri-Met Banfield Light Rail System in Portland, Oregon, the office of the Oregon Attorney General ruled that light rail systems are not railroads and therefore not exempt from inspection to the National Electrical Code (NEC) by the State authority under the State of Oregon Electrical Safety Law, ORS Chapter 479. The 1997 Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 147, which requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt new regulations related to the application of the NEC and other standards to light rail traction electrification, signals, and communication systems. To that end, Senate Bill 147 Rule Making Committee comprised primarily of members of the State Electrical Board and Tri-Met representatives, has been formed and tasked with examining the issues, advising which standards will apply to light rail installations, and making recommendations how the State should enforce the mandated compliance. This paper discusses specific issues related to traction electrification now before the Rule Making Committee, and how the Committee's decisions could likely affect the Transportation Industry nationwide.