MnDOT Policies

Electrical Advisory Committee Process

For Electrical Code Compliance in the Right of Way Policy #OE021

Effective Date: December 19, 2022

Print Committee Process (pdf)

Introduction

This document provides the process for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Electrical Advisory Committee’s review of Request for Evaluation Forms when equipment and wiring methods meeting the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) listing requirements are not reasonably available, or are impractical to construct in the field.

Definitions

Electrical Services Section Master of Record

The master electrician registered by MnDOT with the MN DOLI who is responsible for the performance of electrical work by MnDOT personnel in the trunk highway right of way in accordance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes §§326B.31 to 326B.399, all rules adopted under these sections, and all orders issued under §326B.082.

Master Electrician

An individual having the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to perform and supervise any electrical work, and who is licensed as a Class A master electrician by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MN DOLI) (Minn. Stat. §326B.31, subd. 9).

Committee Membership

As identified in the Electrical Code Compliance in the Right of Way Policy, the MnDOT Electrical Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum, consist of the following members:

1. Central Office of Traffic Engineering Representative (chair)
2. Regional Traffic Management Center Representative
3. Metro District Traffic Engineer Representative
4. Greater Minnesota District Traffic Engineer Representative
5. Metro Electrical Services Section Electrician
6. Greater Minnesota Electrical Services Section Electrician
7. Transportation System Management - Traffic Data & Analysis Representative
8. Electrical Services Section Master of Record

Committee Meetings

The Electrical Advisory Committee convenes on an as-needed basis when a Request for Evaluation is received. The Committee chairperson shall schedule a meeting within 30 days of receiving a Request for Evaluation. The Committee chairperson shall make every effort to schedule the meeting at a date and time when all Committee members are available.

Approval Process

1. Submit request
   The office or district shall submit the Request for Evaluation Form to the Electrical Advisory Committee when electrical equipment and wiring methods meeting the requirements of the NEC and NRTL listing requirements are not reasonably available or are impractical to construct in the field. All required documentation must be included with the submission. Third parties must work through the MnDOT office or district to initiate a Request for Evaluation.
2. Committee review
   Members of the Electrical Advisory Committee will review the Request for Evaluation Form and supporting documentation to determine whether there is a feasible way to meet the NEC. A solution that meets the NEC, including NRTL listing requirements is always the goal, however, not every situation will meet the NEC. In situations where the Electrical Advisory Committee determines that it is not feasible or practical to fully comply with the NEC, the Committee will evaluate the proposed recommended alternative solutions, analyze risk, come to a consensus, and forward the final recommendations to the Electrical Services Section Master of Record for approval. The Committee must keep public and employee safety as a priority, along with operation and maintenance needs.
3. Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)
   The Electrical Services Section Master of Record meets with a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry to discuss the recommended solution, if required by the MOU.
   • If the solution uses a product that has gone through the Electrical Advisory Committee evaluation and is listed on the MnDOT Approved Products List or is in the Department of Administration Procurement State Contract, it does not need approval by DOLI. (See the Memorandum of Understanding between MnDOT and DOLI – MnDOT Contract #1051186.) (MOU)
   • If the solution includes a process or method that is not in the NEC, it must be approved by DOLI.
4. Final Decision
   The Electrical Services Section Master of Record makes the final decision on the solution and notifies the Office of Traffic Engineering and the MnDOT Electrical Advisory Committee.
5. Documentation
   The Office of Traffic Engineering documents all Requests for Evaluation and the final solution on the Office of Traffic Engineering iHUB page and notifies the requestor.