Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-16
ELECTRIC PRESSURE.
a. BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE SEN
ATE LOOKING TO ITS CONTROL.
An Important Measure Designed to Pro-
tect Persons and Property from the
Dangerous Current.

Mr. Lovenstein introduced bill in the
Senate Yesterday for the prevention of
danger from electric currents.
The measure is one Of Importance to all
cities where electricity is used either as
motive power or for lighting purposes.
1t provides that in all electric circuits or
parts of circuits, whether in whole or in
part under or above ground, the electric
pressure used shall not exceed the follow
ing amounts: The non-pulsating con-
tlnuOus current to pressure not exceeding
500 volts; the pulsai'ag continuous cur
rent TO pressure not exceeding 800 volts:
the alternating current 70 pressure not
exceeding 200 volts. according TO the nature
OF the current used.
10 PREVENT P1REs.
For the purpose Of preventing fires It
shall be unlawful after the lst day Of April,
1880. tO maintain any Of the wires or CIR
cults in this section mentioned except in
accordance with the provisions of tins act.
Nj telephone and other circuits, other
than those for the distribution of electric
light. heat. and power. which are IN part
O1tside Of the premises of the user. shall
b. continuously equipped with adequate
and proper fusble strips. or equivalent de-
vices sufficient 70 break the circuit, should
a current of dangerous strength be re-
caived, inserted in such circuit as they
enter the premises of the user
SHALL BIZ DEEMED NUISANCE.
ANY electric circuit, or part thereof, or
any substance or thing for the conducting
of electricity forming part Of an electric
circuit. which shall be kept or maintained
contrary TO the provisions Of this act, shall
L laf .. l.. 80, 1,ot rf
as public nuisance, and the various local
boards and officers of this State now
charged with the duty Of abatlng public
nulsances, dangerous 10 health. life, or pro-
perty. are hereby charged with the duty OF
removing any electric circuit. or part ofa cir
cult. or anv substance or thing for the con-
Quoting of electricity forming part OF q
circuit which shall be kept or maintained
or used contrary 10 the provisions OF this
act. Such duty shall be performed on like
terms as to expense and other matters as
apply concerning nyother public nuisance
dangerous TO health, life, or property, pro-
vided that nothing herein contained shall
be construed, expressly or lmphedly,, to
limit or abrdge any powers or duties whlch
said local boards or officers now have IN
the premises.
THE PENALTIES.
Should any person or corporation violate
any of the provisions of section l OF this
act such person or corporations shall, IN
addition 20 the remedies and proceedings
| hereinbefore specified be liable to forfeit
to the Commonwealth of Virginia the sum
/ of $500, and m action for such penalty
may be brought if such violation should
| continue at intervals of ten days until the
person or corporation guilty of such viola
/ tion shall discontinue such violation. No
/ action or proceeding brought, or judgment
/ entered or satisfied, shall be bar to any
| future proceeding or action, founded upon
| violations occurring subsequent to the
/ commencement Of a previous action, and
/ actions may BIZ brought from time to time
as herein specified while violations shall
/ continue.
HOW TO BE BROUGHT.
An action may be brought for tho penal
/ ties in the last section prescribed by the
respective COmmOnwealth's attorneys
! within whose districts violations shall oc-
cur. The action shall be in the name of
! the Commonwealth and shall be brought
in the Circuit or Corporation Court. II
Shall be the duty of the Commonwealth
/ attorneys TO bring such action whenever II
shall come to their knowledge that this
oct has been violated.
The act is to be in force from it's passage,
This bill was prepared by one of the
most clear-headed members of tho Rich
mOnd bar. The Senate referred 1t to the
proper committee.