Chapter 1: Introduction

Section 1: Overview

Purpose of Manual

The purpose of this manual is to provide procedures, guidelines, and information concerning highway illumination.

Users of Manual

This manual is intended for use by:
  • planners and designers of highway illumination systems
  • construction and maintenance personnel involved with highway illumination.
Although this manual contains information on electrical circuits, it does not cover the full range of knowledge necessary to design, install, or maintain electrical circuitry.

Training

TxDOT Classroom Courses:
  • TRF 450 TxDOT Roadway Illumination and Electrical Installations.
     This course covers the TxDOT electrical requirements for roadway illumination installations from the electrical service to the controller. TRF 450 is required for certification of contractor personnel to do electrical work on TxDOT highways per Item 7 of TxDOT’s Standard Specifications.
  • TRF 452 Qualified Person in Electric Arc Flash.
     This course provides training on NFPA 70E Article 130 to personnel who are required to examine, adjust, service, or maintain electrical equipment.
  • TRF 453 Electrical Requirements for Installation of Traffic Signals.
     This course covers TxDOT electrical requirements for signal installations from the electrical service to the controller.
TxDOT eLearning:
  • TRF 804 through TRF 827.
     These are short online courses covering various parts of TxDOT’s electrical and illumination systems. A contractor’s electrical certification can be renewed for three years by completing and passing three of these courses.
  • Electrical training videos.
     23 videos covering TxDOT electrical systems and lighting equipment are available on the TxDOT eLearning -
    Electrical Training Videos
    page of the TxDOT website. The videos cover inspection, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and design practices.
Other Training:
  • Electrical Review Team.
     The electrical review team reviews projects under construction in the field for the purpose of educating and training contractors and TxDOT personnel in the practical application of TxDOT specifications and practices. Electrical Review Team visits can be scheduled by contacting the Traffic Operations Division (TRF).

Experience

Personnel with practical electrical experience can provide valuable expertise in the inspection of illumination projects and the maintenance of lighting. Those holding or having recently held an electrical license can help assure conformity with the National Electrical Code and good electrical practices.

References

The following table lists publications that may serve as additional references for issues related to highway illumination.
References Related to Highway Illumination
Publication
Source
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
National Electrical Code
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Internet:
www.nfpa.org
  • Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals
  • Roadway Lighting Design Guide
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
  • IESNA Lighting Handbook: Reference and Application
     (HB-10)
  • IESNA Recommended Practices for Roadway Lighting
     (RP-8-14)
  • IESNA Recommended Practices for Tunnel Lighting
     (RP-22-11)
  • other IESNA publications
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
FAA Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1
L
, “Obstruction Marking and Lighting”
Federal Aviation Administration
Title 43, Texas Administrative Code,
Section 25.11
, “Continuous and Safety Lighting Systems”
Office of the Texas Secretary of State
Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 425, “
Regulation of Certain Outdoor Lighting
.”
Texas Legislature
various electrical standards
Underwriter's Laboratories
various electrical standards
NEMA