Township of Radnor, PA Chapter 156 Electrical Standards

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Radnor 1-3-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-29.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 156, Electrical Standards, adopted 2-22-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-09, as amended.

§ 156-1 Adoption of code by reference.

Radnor Township hereby adopts and incorporates herein by reference the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as published by the National Fire Protection Association as the Electrical Code of Radnor Township. These rules and regulations are adopted in an attempt to ensure safe electrical wiring installations, including alterations, repairs, replacements, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto, so as to safeguard the public's health, safety, and welfare. Each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions, and terms of said National Electrical Code, as amended, are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter; with the additions, deletions, and changes prescribed by this chapter.

§ 156-2 Scope.

The following functions shall be covered:

A. The inspection of electrical installations.

B. The review of construction plans, drawings, and specifications for electrical systems.

C. The design, alteration, modification, construction, maintenance, and testing of electrical systems and equipment.

D. The regulation and control of electrical installations at special events, including but not limited to exhibits, trade shows, amusement parks, and other similar special occupancies.

§ 156-3 Definitions.

A. Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted to have common English usage, to give effect to the purposes set forth in § 156-4 below, and to provide reasonable application of this chapter. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

APPLICANT

A person who has filed an application for a permit to engage in electrical work as defined by this chapter.

APPROVED AGENCY

The authorized third-party agency(s) approved by Radnor Township to handle electrical inspections in the Township.

CODE

The Electrical Code of Radnor Township, otherwise known as the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association.

CODE APPEALS BOARD

The Radnor Township Code Appeals Board created, organized, and operated in accordance with Chapter 15, Code Appeals Board, of the Code of the Township of Radnor, as amended.

CODE OFFICIAL

The Director of Community Development charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.

DEPARTMENT

The Department of Community Development of Radnor Township or any authorized agent or employee thereof.

ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

An individual or approved agency designated by Radnor Township to perform electrical inspections within the Township.

ELECTRICAL WORK

Any installation, construction, alteration, or assembly of any device, equipment, apparatus, or any other object which is used or is intended to be used for the transmission of electrical energy or impulse, except when performed by or on behalf of any regulated public utility or any regulated radio or television transmission system. It shall not include the manufacturing of any device, apparatus, or other object used or intended to be used for the transmission of an electrical energy or impulse, but shall include electrical wiring systems connected to swimming pools, air-conditioning equipment, protective signaling devices (fire and burglar), and signs.

EMERGENCY

Circumstances that the Township knows, or has reason to believe, exist and that reasonably can constitute immediate danger to persons or property.

HAZARD

Any condition deemed perilous to life or property that would constitute an imminent danger to the property owner, occupant, or general public, and their respective property.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Any person who shall have qualified and registered as a master electrician in accordance with the terms of this chapter and under the rules and regulations of Radnor Township.

PERMITTEE

Any person to whom an electrical permit is issued.

PERSON

Any individual, family, firm, association, organization, company, corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, unincorporated association, municipal corporation, commonwealth agency, or any other similar entity, or any combination thereof.

TOWNSHIP

The Township of Radnor, Delaware County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE

The standards set forth in 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through 405, adopted under and pursuant to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, Act 45 of 1999 (35 P.S. §§ 7210.101 through 7210.1103), and any codes adopted thereunder, including, but not limited to, the International Building Code and the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.

B. Whenever the code mentions a municipality and no name is given, said municipality shall be construed to mean the Township of Radnor; and when a state is mentioned, the same shall mean the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and where the Department of Electrical Inspection is mentioned, same shall mean the Radnor Township Department of Community Development.

§ 156-4 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide rules and regulations for administration and enforcement of the code. From the date on which this chapter shall take effect, the provisions of the code shall be controlling the construction of all buildings and other structures within Radnor Township.

§ 156-5 Application.

A. New installations. This chapter applies to new installations. All applications for an electrical permit submitted after January 3, 2023, concerning new structures or installations shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

B. Existing installations. Existing electrical installations that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be continued in use unless the Township or approved agency determines that the lack of conformity with this chapter presents a hazard. Where changes are required for the correction of hazards, a reasonable amount of time shall be given for compliance, depending on the degree of the hazard.

C. Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, or repairs to any building, structure, or premises that require electrical work shall conform to the regulations of this chapter applicable to a new building, structure, or installation, without requiring the remaining portions of the existing building, structure, or installation to comply with all the requirements of this chapter. Additions, alterations, installations, or repairs shall not cause an existing building, structure, or installation to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building, structure, or installation as determined by the Township or approved agency. Electrical wiring added to an existing service, feeder, or branch circuit shall not result in an installation that violates the provisions of the code in force at the time the additions are made.

§ 156-6 Occupancy of building or structure.

A. New construction. No newly constructed building or structure shall be occupied in whole or in part in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

B. Existing buildings or structures. Existing buildings or structures that are occupied at the time of adoption of this chapter shall be permitted to remain in use, provided the following conditions apply:

(1) The occupancy classification remains unchanged; and

(2) There exists no hazard in the building or structure as determined by the Township or approved agency.

§ 156-7 Authority and administration.

This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Township as follows:

A. The Department has the authority to render interpretations of the code in order to provide clarification to its requirements.

B. When the use or installation of any electrical equipment is found to constitute a hazard, the Department shall be empowered to have the premises disconnected from its source of electric supply. When such equipment or installation has been so condemned or disconnected, a notice shall be placed thereon listing the causes for the condemnation, the disconnection, or both, and the penalty for the unlawful use thereof. Written notice of such condemnation or disconnection and the causes therefor shall be given to the owners and occupants of such building, structure, or premises. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove said notice; to reconnect the electrical equipment to its source of electrical supply; or to use or permit to be used electric power in any such electrical equipment until such causes for the condemnation or disconnection have been remedied to the satisfaction of the Department.

C. The Township has the authority to delegate to other qualified individuals such powers as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.

D. Other agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this chapter when requested to do so by the Department.

E. The Department shall be authorized to inspect, at all reasonable times, any building, structure, or premises for hazards as set forth in this chapter. In cases where the Department believes an emergency exists, the Department can inspect such structure or premises at any time without prior notification. The Department can require the owner or occupant of the premises or structure containing a hazard to remove or remedy such hazard. Any person(s) failing to comply with such order shall be in violation of this chapter.

F. To the full extent permitted by law, any Township official, employee, or agent engaged in inspection work shall be authorized, at all reasonable times, to enter and examine any building, structure, or premises for the purpose of making electrical inspections. Before entering a premises, such individual shall obtain the consent of the occupant thereof or obtain a warrant authorizing entry for the purpose of inspection except in those instances where an emergency exists. Such persons authorized to enter and inspect buildings, structures, and premises as herein set forth shall be identified by proper credentials issued by the Township or an approved agency.

G. Persons shall not interfere with a Township official, employee, or an approved agency carrying out any duties or functions prescribed by this chapter, and persons shall not use a badge, uniform, or other credentials to impersonate a Township official, employee, or an approved agency.

H. The Department has the authority to require plans and specifications be submitted to it to ensure compliance with this chapter.

I. Whenever any installation subject to inspection prior to use is covered or concealed without having first been inspected, the Department has the authority to require that such work be exposed for inspection. The Department shall be notified when the installation is ready for inspection.

J. The Department has the authority to order the immediate evacuation of any occupied building deemed unsafe when such building has hazardous conditions that present imminent danger to building occupants.

K. The Department has the authority to waive specific requirements in this chapter or permit alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the Department to demonstrate equivalency and that the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose. Each application for a waiver of a specific electrical requirement shall be filed with the Department and shall be accompanied by such evidence, letters, statements, results of tests, or other supporting information as required to justify the request. The Department shall keep a record of actions on such applications, and a signed copy of the Department's decision shall be provided to the applicant.

§ 156-8 Permits, licenses, and approvals.

Electrical permits, licenses, and approvals shall conform to the following:

A. Permits.

(1) Permit to perform work. No person shall perform electrical work in Radnor Township unless he or she first obtains an electrical permit from the Township. An applicant for a permit shall make application on a form supplied by the Township and shall be completed as required by the Building Official.

(2) Authorization. Any activity authorized by an electrical permit issued under this chapter shall be conducted by the permittee or the permittee's agents or employees in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter applicable thereto and in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. No permit issued under this chapter shall be interpreted to justify a violation of any provision of this chapter or any other applicable law or regulation. Any addition or alteration of approved plans or specifications shall be approved in advance by the Township, as evidenced by the issuance of a new or amended permit.

(3) Applications for permits. Applications for electrical permits shall conform to the following:

(a) Applications for permits shall be made to the Township on forms provided by the Township and shall include the applicant's answers in full to inquiries set forth on such forms. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such data as required by the Township, such as plans and specifications, location, etc.

(b) The Township shall review all applications submitted and issue electrical permits as required. If an application for a permit is rejected by the Township, the applicant shall be advised of the reasons for such rejection.

(4) Content. Electrical permits shall be issued by the Township and shall bear the name and signature of the Code Official. In addition, the permit shall indicate the following:

(a) Operation or activities for which the permit is issued.

(b) Address or location where the operation or activity is to be conducted.

(c) Name of the permittee.

(d) Permit number and date of issuance.

(5) Issuance of permits. The Township shall issue electrical permits, certificates, notices, and approvals, or orders pertaining to electrical work or hazards, except that no permit shall be required to execute any of the classes of electrical work specified in the following:

(a) Minor repair and maintenance work that includes the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

(b) Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions. The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply to equipment and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and antennas.

(c) The installation of a temporary system for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

(6) Posting. A copy of the electrical permit shall be posted at each work site as specified by the Township.

(7) Compliance of existing electrical work.

(a) In order to safeguard persons and property against existing hazards and perils of existing defective electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment, the Code Official, or an approved agency authorized by the Code Official, is hereby given the authority and the duty to inspect at reasonable times any building, structure, or premises in the Township to determine whether any completed electrical work is defective or unsafe.

(b) If the Code Official, or an approved agency authorized by the Code Official, determines that any existing electrical work in any building, structure, or premises constitutes a hazard and is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the portion of the existing work which is defective or unsafe shall be discontinued and made to comply with the provisions of this chapter. The Code Official shall serve notice upon the owner or occupant thereof, stating the nature of the violation and that compliance with all requirements shall be achieved within the period of time specified in the notice. The notice may also prescribe a course of remedial action.

(c) If, at the expiration of the time allowed for compliance, the violation has not been corrected, the Code Official shall institute proceedings to collect from the owner or occupant the fines or penalties specified for violations of this chapter.

(8) An electrical permit shall be predicated upon compliance with the requirements of this chapter and shall constitute written authorization by the Township to conduct electrical work. Any permit issued under this chapter shall not take the place of any other license or permit required by other applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules or regulations.

(9) The Township may require an inspection prior to the issuance of an electrical permit. A permit issued under this chapter shall continue until expiration or revocation. The permit shall be issued to one person only and for the location or purpose described in the permit. Any change that affects any of the conditions of the permit shall require a new or amended permit.

(10) Revocation of permit.

(a) The Code Official may revoke any electrical permit when:

[1] Any violation of any provision of this chapter or any other applicable law, ordinance, code, rule, or regulation applicable to the project is found.

[2] Any false statements or misrepresentations were submitted as a part of the application or plans upon which the permit or approval was based.

[3] Any work for which a permit is granted is done in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or not in conformance with any drawings or plans approved by the Township in conjunction with the permit.

[4] Any provision or condition of a permit is violated or not implemented as required.

[5] Any attempt is made to design or install electrical work in violation of this chapter's requirements; service, maintain, operate, sell, or represent for sale a premises, building, or structure that violates the requirements of this chapter; falsify records, reports, or applications in conjunction with any of this chapter's requirements; or conduct any other activity in violation of the requirements prescribed by this chapter.

[6] The permittee creates or allows the creation of any condition or the commission of any act which constitutes or creates a hazard or nuisance.

(b) When the Code Official determines that grounds exist for the revocation of a permit, he or she shall serve notice upon the holder of the permit stating the nature of the violation and that compliance with all requirements shall be achieved within the time specified on the notice. The notice may also prescribe a course of remedial action.

(c) If, at the expiration of the time allowed for compliance, the violation has not been corrected, the Code Official may revoke the permit. Revocation shall occur when the permittee is duly notified by the Township of this action.

(d) Any person who engages in any business, operation, or occupation, or uses any premises, after the electrical permit issued concerning such business, operation, or occupation, or premises has been suspended or revoked, and before such suspended permit has been reinstated or a new permit issued, shall be in violation of this chapter.

(11) Expiration of permits. Every electrical permit issued by the Code Official shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date issued, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days.

(12) Extensions of permits. The Code Official may grant an extension of the permit time period upon presentation by the permittee of a satisfactory reason for failure to start or complete the work or activity authorized by the permit.

(13) Annual permits. In lieu of an individual permit for each installation or alteration, any person regularly employing one or more employees for the installation, alteration, and maintenance of electric equipment in or on buildings or premises owned or occupied by such person may apply for an annual permit. Upon application, an electrical contractor as agent for the owner or tenant shall be issued an annual permit. The applicant shall keep records of all work done, and such records shall be transmitted periodically to the Township.

B. Licenses.

(1) General. It shall be unlawful for any individual to engage in the business of electrical work as a master electrician without first having obtained a license from the Department. Only individuals and not entities can obtain a license.

(2) License application. Application shall be made on a form furnished by the Township and shall include the name and address of the business, partnership or corporation the applicant is employed by or associated with; the name of the individual to be licensed as a master electrician; along with any other information which the Township may require to appropriately process this application.

(3) Lifespan. Licenses shall be valid for a period of one year from the date issued.

(4) Revocation of licenses. Any master electrician's license granted hereunder may be revoked by the Code Official or Code Appeals Board for violation of any part of this chapter; for refusing to make the necessary corrections to work not approved by the Code Official; or for any other sufficient cause.

(5) Misrepresentation. It shall be unlawful for any individual who does not have a master electrician's license issued by the Township to engage in or represent himself/herself as engaged in the business of electrical work within Radnor Township.

(6) Change of place of business. Immediate notice of any change of place of business shall be given by any licensee to the Township.

(7) License for institutions. An individual certified as competent by the Code Official may be licensed as a master electrician for the care, alteration, or addition of the electrical system of a designated manufacturing or mercantile building, institution, hotel, apartment, or similar building, where the continuous services of a master electrician are required, and receive a certificate of license; but, in such case, the individual so licensed shall not do any electrical work in any building or buildings other than those for which he or she is specifically licensed.

(8) Insurance requirements. No license shall be issued to a master electrician unless the applicant files a certificate of insurance with the Department at the time of license application. The certificate of insurance shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policy will not be canceled, materially changed, or not renewed until at least 30 days' prior written notice has been given to Radnor Township. The certificate of insurance must evidence policies of insurance maintained at the expense of the applicant for comprehensive liability, including products/completed operations/broad contractual, and property damage. The policy must provide minimum coverage for each occurrence of $1,000,000.

C. Inspection and approvals.

(1) Upon the completion of any electrical work which has been made under a permit other than an annual permit, it shall be the duty of the person conducting the work to notify the Township or approved agency, who shall inspect the work within a reasonable time.

(2) When the Township or approved agency finds the completed electrical work to be in conformity with this chapter and all other applicable ordinances, rules, and regulations, the Township or approved agency shall issue to the permittee a certificate of approval. Where the issuer of this certificate is an approved agency, a duplicate copy shall be provided to the Township. This certificate shall also authorize the connection to the supply of electricity. When a certificate of temporary approval is issued authorizing the connection of an installation, such certificates shall be issued to expire at a time to be stated therein and shall be revocable by the Township for cause.

(3) When any portion of electrical work is to be hidden from view by the permanent placement of parts of the building, structure, or ground, the person conducting this work shall notify the Township or approved agency, and such work shall not be concealed until it has been approved by the Township or approved agency; provided that on large installations, where such concealment proceeds continuously, the person conducting the work shall give the Township or approved agency due notice in advance, and inspections shall be made periodically during the progress of the work.

(4) At regular intervals, the Township or approved agency shall visit all buildings, structures, and premises where electrical work may be done under annual permits and shall inspect all the work completed under such permits since the date of the previous inspection. The Township or approved agency shall issue a certificate of approval for such work as is found to be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable ordinances, orders, rules and regulations, after payment of all required fees.

(5) If, upon inspection, any electrical work is found not to be fully in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, or any other applicable ordinance, rule or regulation, the Township or approved agency may forward to the person conducting the work a written notice stating the defects which have been found to exist.

(6) Inspections and tests.

(a) Inspections and tests to determine whether the provisions of this chapter have been complied with shall be made by the Code Official or an approved inspection agency, or both. Upon completion of any electrical work, if inspections or tests are done by an approved inspection agency, a certificate of inspection and approval issued by such inspection agency shall be provided to the Code Official.

(b) All decisions as to whether or not electrical work complies with the provisions of this chapter shall be made by the Code Official who is hereby authorized to stop any electrical work in process and order the removal thereof if he or she shall determine that such work is not being installed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

(c) The Code Official is hereby authorized to waive inspection of a portion of or all electrical work for which he or she shall have received a duplicate record of approval from an approved inspection agency certifying that such work complies with the provisions of this chapter. Notice of such waiver of inspection shall be given to the applicant so that the approved work can thereafter be concealed.

(d) The Code Official shall not accept any certificate of inspection from an inspection agency which has not been approved, and registered by the Township. The Code Official shall establish regulations for the qualification of electrical inspection agencies authorized to perform electrical inspections in Radnor Township, which qualification shall include certification of inspectors by a nationally recognized testing agency.

(e) As a part of the permit application, the applicant shall grant the Code Official or approved agency the right to enter and examine the building or premises undergoing electrical work, at reasonable times, and shall grant the Code Official or approved agency free and unhindered access thereto for the purpose of inspecting the same.

D. Fees. Fees for all electrical permits, applications, approvals, registrations, and licenses shall be charged in accordance with Chapter 162 of the Township Code.

E. Occupancy permit. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the Township certifies that all the work done under the electrical permit has been completed in full compliance with this chapter and the issued permit.

§ 156-9 Plan review.

Review of plans and specifications shall conform to the following:

A. The Township or approved agency shall review the construction documents and drawings for all new construction, modification, or rehabilitation.

(1) Review and approval by the Township or approved agency shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility of compliance with this chapter.

(2) Where field conditions necessitate any substantial change from the approved plan, the applicant shall be required to submit the corrected plans to the Township or approved agency for approval.

B. The applicant shall be responsible for ensuring that:

(1) The construction documents include all of the requirements set forth in this chapter and the Uniform Construction Code.

(2) The construction documents and drawings are correct and in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the Uniform Construction Code.

§ 156-10 Violations and penalties; appeals.

A. Violations. Any failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or failure to conform to the requirements of any permit, license, or approval issued hereunder constitutes a violation of this chapter. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

(1) Whenever the Code Official determines that there are violations of this chapter, a written notice shall be issued to the violator to confirm such findings.

(2) In the event that the Code Official determines that a violation has occurred, the Code Official shall provide written notification of the violation to the person responsible for the violation (violator) and the landowner, if applicable. Any violation notice issued pursuant to this chapter shall be served either by personal service upon the violator or owner or mailed to the last known address of the violator or owner. In addition, a copy of such notice shall be posted on the premises containing the violation in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises.

(3) The violation notice shall set forth the nature of the violation(s) and establish a time limit for correction of these violation(s). Failure to comply within the time specified shall subject the violator or other responsible party to the penalty provisions of this chapter. All such penalties shall be deemed cumulative and shall not prevent the Township from pursuing any other remedy available to it.

(4) If the notice of violation is not complied with within the time specified in the notice, the Code Official shall institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct, or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

B. Enforcement. The Code Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this chapter. All inspections regarding compliance with the approved plan and permit shall be the responsibility of the Code Official or other qualified persons designated by the Township.

(1) A set of the approved plans shall be on file at the premises throughout the duration of the electrical work. Periodic inspections may be made by the Code Official or designee during construction.

(2) Adherence to approved plan. It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any electrical work on any property except as provided for in the approved plan and pursuant to the issued permit and the requirements of this chapter. It shall be unlawful to alter or remove any electrical work or portion thereof required by the approved plan or to allow the property to remain in a condition which does not conform to the approved plan or this chapter.

(3) Suspended and revoked permits.

(a) A suspended permit shall be reinstated by the Township when:

[1] The Code Official or approved agency has inspected and approved the corrections to the electrical work;

[2] The Code Official or approved agency has inspected and approved the work eliminating the hazard, nuisance, and/or violation;

[3] The Code Official is satisfied that the violation of the law, ordinance, code, rule, and/or regulation has been corrected; and/or

[4] The permittee has come into full compliance with the suspended permit.

(b) A permit that has been revoked by the Township cannot be reinstated. The permittee may apply for a new permit under the procedures outlined in this chapter.

C. Public nuisance. The violation of any provision of this chapter is hereby deemed a public nuisance.

D. Penalties.

(1) Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter or who fails to carry out an order made pursuant to this chapter or violates any condition attached to a permit, approval, or certificate shall be subject to the penalties established under this chapter.

(2) Failure to comply with the time limits of an abatement notice or other corrective notice issued by the Township shall result in each day that such violation continues being regarded as a new and separate offense.

(3) Any person who shall violate a provision of this chapter or shall fail to comply with the requirements thereof, or who shall install, repair, or alter an electrical system in violation of an approved plan or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit issued under this chapter, shall upon conviction be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

(4) In addition, the Township may institute injunctive, mandamus or any other appropriate action or proceeding at law or in equity for the enforcement of this chapter. Any court of competent jurisdiction shall have the right to issue restraining orders, temporary or permanent injunctions, mandamus, or other appropriate forms of remedy or relief.

E. Means of appeal.

(1) General. Whenever the owner or contractor involved in the installation, repair, or alteration of an electrical system takes exception to the decision of the Code Official in refusing to approve a permit or submitted plans as required by this code, such owner, contractor, or duly authorized agent or attorney may within 30 days after such decision take an appeal therefrom to the Code Appeals Board. Such appeal shall be in writing, state the decision of the Code Official and the reasons for the exception taken thereto, and shall be filed with the Department. The appeal shall be heard pursuant to and consistent with the practices and procedures established for or by the Code Appeals Board, as well as the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. A written decision to affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Code Official shall be issued by the Code Appeals Board and duly recorded, with such decision being final.

(2) Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The Code Appeals Board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.

(3) Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Code Appeals Board may appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County within 30 days of the issuance of that decision.

(4) Appeals fee. The fee for such an appeal shall be charged in accordance with Chapter 162 of the Township Code.

§ 156-11 Connection to electricity supply.

A. Authorization. Except where work is done under an annual permit and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to make connection to a supply of electricity or to supply electricity to any electrical equipment installation for which an electrical permit is required or that has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected.

B. Special consideration. By special permission of the Township, temporary power shall be permitted to be supplied to the premises for specific needs of the construction project. The Code Official shall determine what needs are permitted under this provision.

C. Notification. If, within 10 business days after the Department or approved agency is notified of the completion of the electrical work, other than a temporary approval installation, the Department or approved agency has neither authorized connection nor disapproved the work, the supplier of the electricity is authorized to make connections and supply electricity to such work.

D. Disconnection. Where a connection is made to electrical work that has not been inspected, as outlined in the preceding subsections of this section, the supplier of electricity shall immediately report such connection to the Department. If, upon subsequent inspection, it is found that the work is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, the Department shall notify the person making the installation to rectify the defects and, if such repairs are not completed within the specified time, the Code Official shall have the authority to cause the disconnection of that portion of the work that is not in conformity.

§ 156-12 Inspector's qualifications.

A. Certificate. All electrical inspectors shall be certified by a nationally recognized inspector certification program accepted by the Department. The certification program shall specifically qualify the inspector in electrical inspections. No individual shall be employed as an electrical inspector unless that individual is approved by the Township, except that any individual who on the date on which this chapter went into effect was serving as a legally appointed electrical inspector of the Township shall, upon application and payment of the prescribed fee and without examination, be issued a special certificate permitting him or her to continue to serve as an electrical inspector for the Township.

B. Experience. Electrical inspector applications shall demonstrate the following:

(1) Have a demonstrated knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in the installation of electric equipment.

(2) Be well versed in the approved methods of construction for safety to persons or property.

(3) Be well versed in the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the ordinances of the Township relating to electrical work and be well versed with the code.

(4) Have had at least 10 years' experience as an electrical inspector or 15 years in the installation of electrical equipment. In lieu of such experience, the applicant shall be a graduate in electrical engineering or of a similar curriculum of a college or university considered by the Department as having suitable requirements for graduation and shall have had two years' practical electrical experience.

C. Recertification. Electrical inspectors shall be recertified as established by provisions of the applicable certification program.

D. Revocation and suspension of authority. The Department shall have the authority to revoke an inspector's authority to conduct inspections within the Township.

§ 156-13 Liability for damages.

This chapter shall not be construed to affect the responsibility or liability of any party owning, designing, operating, controlling, or installing any electrical equipment for damages to persons or property caused by a defect therein, nor shall the Township or any of its employees be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection, reinspection, or other examination authorized.