A Safer & More EconomicalLighting System

4th Edition 2001

Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for

Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals

Published by theAmerican Association of State

Highway and Transportation OfficialsPlease be advised that AASHTOPlease be advised that AASHTOhas published the new has published the new

2001 Standard Specifications 2001 Standard Specifications for Structural Supports forfor Structural Supports forHighway Signs, Luminaires Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals.and Traffic Signals.

The Field Proven Wiring System within the Many Department’s of Transportation Since 1992.

12.5.3 Additional Requirements12.5.3 Additional Requirements

Efforts shallshall be made in all breakaway supports housing electrical Components to effectively reducefire and electrical hazards posed after structureimpact by an errant vehicle. Upon knockdown, the support/ structure shallshall electrically disconnectas close to the concrete foundation (pole base) as as close to the concrete foundation (pole base) as possible.possible.

C)C)

The new specification can be summed up by the sentence, “Upon “Upon knockdown, the structure knockdown, the structure shallshall electrically disconnect as close to the electrically disconnect as close to the concrete foundation (pole base) as possible.”concrete foundation (pole base) as possible.”

A review of your state’s current knockdowns as compared to knockdowns where the [MG]² DOTPLUG breakaway wiring system has been utilized is needed to determine whether or not your state’s current specification adheres to the AASHTO standard specification. The DOTPLUG system can assure your compliance with AASHTO and reduce if not eliminate future liability in the event of injury or death attributed to electrical wiring of a breakaway structure. An assessment of most states has shown their current wiring method or system would not comply with the new criteria. We at [MG]² have a library of photographs depicting knockdowns across the country and would be happy to share same with you. DOTPLUG has been used across the country and in Canada since 1992 to provide the safest and easiest to maintain electrical disconnect in the industry. The DOTPLUG system is the only such system available with a 20-year warranty. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your staff to discuss whether your state is currently compliant with AASHTO, and if not, what we can do to assist you in insuring the safety of the users of your state and municipal highways.

What Is On The Roadway Now?

Why Change?The Physics of a Knockdown Dictate the Need for an

AASHTO Compliant Disconnect Device

Knockdown Remains Using Old Wiring Method

More Knockdowns Using Old Wiring Method

Municipal Hazards

What Can Happen with the Old Wiring System?

Hazards & Problems of Old Wiring Method & Systems that are EliminatedEliminated with the:

DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Cable System Possible electrocution to accident victims, rescue

personnel, pedestrians and law enforcement officials. Possible fire following accident due to sparking wires. Proper pole trajection on disconnect prevented. Delayed rescue efforts due to exposed wire. Lawsuit against DOT, design & consulting engineer or

contractor due to injury or death from a preventable fire or electrocution during accident.

Easy accessibility to expensive solid copper wire for cable thieves.

Hazards & Problems of Old Wiring Method & Systems that are EliminatedEliminated with the:

DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Cable System Damaged splices in adjoining poles. Requirement of securing site prior to installation of new

pole Wire repair or replacement / Fuse and Fuseholder

replacement / Surge Arrester replacement Resplicing all connections after every knockdown Damage to wire or pole from highway mowers One knockdown taking out entire light run which is fed on

same circuit

The DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Wiring System for Roadway Lightpoles

AASHTO

COMPLIANT

The Physics of a Knockdown With The DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Pole Cable System

AASHTO

COMPLIANT

Animation showing the DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Pole Cable System

Versus Conventional Wiring

Click the picture above to see the animation of the DOT•PLUG break-away wiring system

DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Cable System Cable System Vs.Vs. Conventional WiringConventional Wiring

Click the picture above to see the animation of a Conventional Wiring System

DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® System In Use

An “In the Field” Look at the DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® System

An “In the Field” Look at the DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® System

An “In the Field” Look at the DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® System

DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Is The Safest & Most Efficient Breakaway Wiring System

Available

Subsequent Fire or Electrocution EliminatedDOT/Specifier Liability Reduced or EliminatedSite Safe & Secure at Moment of KnockdownTime to Rewire & Restand Pole Greatly Reduced

No MaintenanceInside Pole!

The DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG®® Wiring System has Gained National and International Acceptance as a Safer

& More Efficient Wiring System Discussed in Detail in FHWA Publication # FHWA-HI-

97-026 Wiring Method Taught in National Highway Institute

Course #38034 “Design, Construction & Maintenance of Highway Safety Features & Appurtenances”

Discussed in Detail in McGraw-Hill’s “Highway Engineering Handbook” ISBN#007-008-777-6

DOT • PLUG® Utilized in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Canada

For Further Information on DOT DOT •• PLUG PLUG ®®

Pole Cable Systems Contact:3301 Oak Hill Drive Birmingham, AL 35216 Ph:(205) 823-6688 Fx:(205)823-6615Web: www.mgsquared.comEmail: martin@mgsquared.com

Saves Time

Saves Money

Saves Lives