Superseded by 516-2003. General recommendations for performing maintenance work on energized power lines are provided. Technical explanations as required to cover certain laboratory testing of tools and equipment, field maintenance and care of tools and equipment, and work methods for the maintenance of energized lines and for persons working in the vicinity of energized lines are included.

This guide provides general recommendations for performing maintenance work on energized power lines. It is not intended to include all of the proven practical methods and procedures; however, these selected comprehensive recommendations are based on sound engineering principles, engineering safety considerations, and field experience by many utilities. Included are technical explanations as required to cover certain laboratory testing of tools and equipment, field maintenance and care of tools and equipment, and work methods for the maintenance of energized lines and for persons working in the vicinity of energized lines.

The purpose of this guide is to: a) Present, in one guide, sufficient details of some of the methods and equipment presently in use to enable the performance of safe, energized-line maintenance. b) Direct attention to appropriate standards and other documents for the acquisition of knowledge on the care and use of required tools and equipment. c) Provide guidance for establishing a safe work area, taking into consideration the physical effects of the work area on personnel. It is not intended that this guide should replace present proven utility practices or imply that these recommendations are superior to existing practices and, therefore, should be universally adopted as utility standards. This compilation of many accepted practices is presented specifically in the form of a guide to be used by those electric power utilities and agencies that are seeking guidance in establishing methods and procedures for maintenance of energized power lines.