This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority contained in the Annotated Code of Maryland. This chapter is enacted for the protection and promotion of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cecil County by implementing specific requirements and establishing reasonable safeguards for the installation and repair of electrical systems and equipment. This chapter shall be known as the "Electrical Standards for Cecil County."
[Amended 7-5-2016 by Bill No. 2016-11; 4-2-2024 by Bill No. 2024-09; 6-3-2025 by Bill No. 2025-06]
The 2023-NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) is adopted as the Cecil County Electrical Code.
A.
New installations. This code applies to new installation with construction permits dated after adoption of this code.
B.
Existing installations. Existing installations that do not comply with the provisions of the adopted code shall be permitted to continue in use unless the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) determines that the lack of conformity with the adopted code presents an imminent danger to the occupants. Where changes are required for the corrections of hazards, a reasonable amount of time shall be given for compliance, depending on the degree of hazard.
C.
Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs to any building, structure, or premises shall conform to that required of a new building without requiring the existing building to comply with all the requirements of the adopted code. Additions, alterations, installations, or repairs shall not cause an existing building to become unsafe or to adversely affect the performance of the building as determined by the AHJ. Electrical wiring added to an existing service, feeder or branch circuit shall not result in an installation that violated the provisions of the adopted code at the time the additions were made.
D.
Addendum, exceptions, and clarifications.
(1)
In Subsection 110.14 of the National Electrical Code (2023), add the following sentence to the end of the first paragraph: "Addendum: No aluminum conductors smaller than #6 will be accepted."
(2)
Addendum: All interior and exterior stairways shall be illuminated. Interior and exterior stairways shall have a luminaire installed at each landing of the stairway. Interior and exterior stairways shall have a switch or automatic activation device installed at the top and bottom of each stairway without traversing any risers. Exterior stairways shall have a luminaire installed at the top of the stairway. Basement stairways shall have a luminaire installed at the bottom of the stairway.
(3)
Addendum: Temporary services: The installation of only one 8-foot ground rod shall be required for temporary service.
(4)
Addendum: Enforcing NEC Article 250.52(A)(3), Concrete Encased Electrode, everywhere except where concrete encased electrodes are present in dwelling units.
(5)
Addendum:
Color Code: | 480/277v | BOY (Brown, Orange, Yellow) |
240/120V | BOB (Black, Orange (or tagged or highleg), Blue) | |
120/208V | BRB (Black, Red, Blue) |
(6)
In Subsection 210.8 of the National Electrical Code (2023), add the following exceptions:
Exception 1: Receptacles for submersible pumps are permitted to be installed without GFCI protection when a single dedicated receptacle is utilized, or the device is hardwired.
Exception 2: Receptacles for refrigeration are permitted to be installed without GFCI protection when a single dedicated receptacle is utilized.
(7)
In Subsection 210.12 of the National Electrical Code (2023), add the following exceptions:
Exception: Receptacles for refrigeration and submersible pumps are permitted to be installed without AFCI protection when a single dedicated receptacle is utilized or the device is hardwired.
(8)
In Subsection 250.104(B), add the following clarification: "Gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the building. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.
(9)
Clarification: Vacuum systems that utilize electrical equipment or electrical devices that exceed 50 volts to ground or phase to phase must be installed by a master electrician.
(10)
Clarification: Wireless low voltage systems that are 50 volts or less, that have approved third-party devices and do not include or require permanent wiring will not require an electrical permit or an electrical inspection.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 191-3, Compliance required, as amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-12 and 9-2-2014 by Bill No. 2014-21, was repealed 4-2-2024 by Bill No. 2024-09.
A.
No person may install, replace, or erect any kind of electrical wiring, conduits, or wiring to or repair of electrical elements or circuits of machinery, motors, fixtures, signs, electrically operated heating equipment, elevators, or any other electrically operated apparatus or device in, on or about any premises in Cecil County without having obtained a license and permit as required by the County and/or the state, or having otherwise complied with these regulations, except:
(1)
Any electric light or power company, any railway company, any telegraph or telephone company, or any cable television company or any persons performing electrical work for any such company when such work is a part of the plant or services used by the company in rendering its authorized services to the public or to businesses regulated by the Public Service Commission.
(2)
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to installations or equipment of the United States government.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-12; 5-6-2014 by Bill No. 2014-09; 4-2-2024 by Bill No. 2024-09]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The Cecil County Board of Electrical Examiners.
The Chief of the Division of Permits and Inspections or his designee.
The adopted State of Maryland Electrical Code and Cecil County addendums.
Any course or training in practical techniques, installation procedures and materials based on the latest adopted edition of the National Electrical Code, administered by a State of Maryland or nationally recognized training program, college, trade school, organization or individual approved by the Governing Board.
The County Council of Cecil County, Maryland.
The written authorization from an authorized electrical inspector or inspection agency to the power company in order to connect power to an electrical system.
The Department of Land Use and Development Services.
The Division of Permits and Inspections.
The State of Maryland Electrical Code, which includes the adopted edition of the National Electrical Code and any Cecil County amendments pursuant to this chapter.
An approved application to do electrical work that has been filed with the Division of Permits and Inspections.
The installation, replacement, alteration, addition, or erection of all or part of any electrical wiring, fixture, apparatus, raceway or conduit that generates, transmits, transforms or utilizes electrical energy for light, heat, power or communications.
One or more nongovernmental organizations recommended by the Board of Electrical Examiners and the County Executive and designated by the County as the approved inspection agency or agencies. Such designation shall be by administrative resolution of the County Council upon application by the agency or agencies.
The certificate of inspection issued by the authorized electrical inspector or inspection agency indicating that the installation is in conformity with the code. Copies of the certificate are required to be forwarded to the Department of Permits and Inspections by the electrical inspector or electrical inspection agency of record.
An individual employed by a nongovernmental agency who is licensed through the State Fire Marshal's Office and has been approved by the County to perform electrical inspections. An inspector may also be an individual who is hired by Cecil County as a Cecil County employee who meets the requirements of the specific job description for the position which are equal to or greater than those for a nongovernmental agency inspector.
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board of Electricians to assist in providing electrical services while:
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board of Electricians to provide or assist in providing electrical services while:
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board of Electricians to provide electrical services.
The principal place of business of the company or, if a sole proprietor, the principal place of business of the individual license holder.
See definition for "residence."
A license that is currently inactive and where no electrical services may be provided within any category. For specific limitations, criteria and information see § 191-15 of the Code.