[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 11]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR1730.21]

[Page 298]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
    CHAPTER XVII--RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 1730--ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE--Table of Contents
 
           Subpart B--Operations and Maintenance Requirements
 
Sec. 1730.21  Inspections and tests.

    (a) Each borrower shall conduct all necessary inspections and tests 
of the component parts of its electric system, and maintain adequate 
records of such inspections and tests.
    (b) The frequency of inspection and testing will be determined by 
the borrower in conformance with applicable laws, regulations, national 
standards, and Prudent Utility Practice. The frequency of inspection and 
testing will be determined giving due consideration to the type of 
facilities or equipment, manufacturer's recommendations, age, operating 
environment and hazards to which the facilities are exposed, 
consequences of failure, and results of previous inspections and tests. 
The records of such inspections and tests will be retained in accordance 
with applicable regulatory requirements and Prudent Utility Practice. 
The retention period should be of a sufficient time period to identify 
long-term trends. Records must be retained at least until the applicable 
inspections or tests are repeated.
    (c) Inspections of facilities must include a determination of 
whether the facility complies with the National Electrical Safety Code, 
National Electrical Code (as applicable), and applicable State or local 
regulations. Any serious or life-threatening deficiencies shall be 
promptly repaired, disconnected, or isolated in accordance with 
applicable codes or regulations. Any other deficiencies found as a 
result of such inspections and tests are to be recorded and those 
records are to be maintained until such deficiencies are corrected or 
for the retention period required by paragraph (b) of this section, 
whichever is longer.