20 : 10 : 39 : 31 . Metal plate requirements. A metal plate used to make an electrical contact with the floor surface or earth must be square, rectangular, or round, and have a surface area equal to or greater than 16 square inches. A weight of not less than 20 pounds shall be placed on the metal plate and applied evenly across the metal plate and not to the adjacent floor surface or earth. The metal plate shall be placed a distance of not less than 12 inches from any metal equipment making contact with the floor surface or earth. The surface of the metal plate must be clean and free of corrosion before use.

When the metal plate is placed on a floor surface, the surface must be flat. The floor surface shall be cleaned with a wire brush to remove debris and then cleaned with water. A paper towel, or similar material, soaked in saltwater shall be placed between the metal plate and the floor surface.

When the metal plate is placed on the earth, the surface must be flat. Any debris shall be removed and water added to the area, if necessary, to dampen the soil.

Source: 42 SDR 174 , effective June 21, 2016 .

General Authority: SDCL 49 - 47 - 2.

Law Implemented: SDCL 49-47-2 , 49-47-3 .