[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Sanford 8-1-2017 by Order No. 17-103.14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction — See Ch. 90.
Fire protection — See Ch. 128.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
Electrical inspector of the City or any deputy, assistant or acting inspector designated by the City Manager.
[1]
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Any person who customarily performs the work of installing or repairing electrical wires, conduits, fixtures, equipment and other appliances in the employment of a master electrician and who holds a valid journeyman electrician's license issued to him by the Electricians Examining Board pursuant to 32 M.R.S.A. § 1101 et seq., as amended.
LIMITED LICENSE
A limited electrician's license to install and service the electrical work related to a specific type of electrically operated equipment or to specific electrical installations issued by the Electricians Examining Board pursuant to 32 M.R.S.A. § 1101 et seq., as amended.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Any person who customarily performs the work of installing or repairing electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and other electrical equipment and holding a valid master electrician's license issued by the Electricians Examining Board pursuant to 32 M.R.S.A. § 1101 et seq., as amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "Board," as amended 5-7-2019 by Order No. 19-258-01, and the definition of "City," both of which immediately preceded this definition, were repealed 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01.
A. 
An electrical permit is required for the installation, alteration, or addition of any electrical wiring, device, appliance or equipment within or on any building, structure or premises within the territorial limits of the City of Sanford.
B. 
An electrical permit is required before the electrical utility company may activate the electricity to a new permanent service, new temporary electrical service, and new underground secondary service and when an electrical service has been disconnected, deactivated, or inactive for more than one year. Any utility corporation must require proof of permit prior to connecting power to the installation.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
C. 
Permits shall be issued only to a master electrician or a limited license electrician limited to the specific electrical installations authorized by such licenses. A permit may be issued to homeowners to do wiring in a single-family residence, provided that the following conditions are met:
(1) 
The homeowner must obtain a permit and have all work inspected.
(2) 
The single-family home must be owned by the individual doing the electrical work and be that person's bona fide personal abode or will be in the event that it is to be constructed.
D. 
Emergency work may be undertaken without first obtaining a permit and a permit must be obtained on the next day the office is open following commencement of such work.
E. 
Exceptions.
(1) 
No permit shall be required to do minor repair work such as, but not limited to, the following:
(a) 
The replacement of existing fuses and circuit breakers by licensed electricians and bona fide single-family homeowners;
(b) 
The replacement of existing switches, sockets, and outlets by licensed electricians and bona fide single-family homeowners;
(c) 
Repairs to entrance service equipment by the utility; and
(d) 
Repairs or installation of radio and low voltage equipment.
(2) 
No permit shall be required for the replacement of lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles which have been permanently installed. A "suitable receptacle" is hereby defined as one having the proper wiring and capacity to fulfill the electrical requirements of the portable device.
(3) 
No permit shall be required for the installation, alteration or repair of wiring, devices, appliances or equipment for the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence through the facilities of any duly chartered telephone, telegraph or radio company.
(4) 
No permit shall be required for the installation, alteration or repairing of electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment installed by a public utility for the use of such public utility in the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy; nor for the work of such utilities in installing, maintaining and repairing on the premises of customers, service connections, meters and other apparatus and appliances remaining the property of such utilities after installation; nor for work by a public utility in connection with the lighting of public or private ways, alleys, parks or squares.
A. 
Application for an electrical permit, describing the work to be done, shall be made in writing on standard forms provided by the City to the Electrical Inspector by the person installing the work. The application shall state the name and address of the person for whom the work is to be done and shall be accompanied by such plans and specifications as may be necessary to determine whether the installation as described will be in conformity with the requirements of this chapter, and if the applicant has complied with the provisions of this chapter, a permit for such installation shall be issued.
B. 
The electrical permit, when issued, shall be for the installation as described in the application, and no major deviation shall be made from the installation so described without the written approval of the Electrical Inspector.
C. 
No permit issued under this chapter shall be transferable except with the written approval of the Electrical Inspector.
A. 
An electrical permit shall be issued only when the proper fee has been paid. Any person who commences any work for which a permit is required without having first obtained a permit shall pay a belated fee in addition to the customary fee for the permit. A belated fee shall not be assessed for emergency work.
B. 
The fees for permits under this chapter shall be paid by the applicant for such permits in accordance with a fee schedule established by the City Council.
Any permit issued under this chapter shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six months after the issuance of the permit, if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time of commencing the work, or if the authorized work is not completed within 12 months. The Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to extend a permit for the commencement of authorized work beyond the six months or the completion of authorized work beyond the 12 months when such a request is determined reasonable by the Electrical Inspector.
Any person performing electrical work as regulated by this chapter and 32 M.R.S.A. § 1101 et seq., as amended, shall carry his or her electrical license issued by the Electricians Examining Board and upon request shall display it to the Electrical Inspector. Failure to display a license after a reasonable opportunity to do so shall be deemed evidence of a violation of this chapter.
Whenever any electrical work or wiring is found to have been installed without a proper permit having first been secured, or not to be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the Electrical Inspector shall order the person having charge of that installation to have it corrected immediately. If that person refuses or neglects to do so, the Inspector may apply to an appropriate court for injunctive relief.
In accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4171 et al., the Electrical Inspector shall enforce the provisions of this chapter so that wires, conduits, fixtures, apparatus, equipment and other appliances carrying or using electricity for light, heat, power, transmission of sound and communications purposes shall be so installed, constructed and guarded as to reduce as far as practicable the danger to life and property.
In accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4172, the Electrical Inspector may enter any building within the municipality with the permission of any person having control of such building, or may apply to a court to do so in order to discharge his or her official duties, for the purpose of making any inspection of original installations of electrical equipment, alterations or additions to existing electrical equipment, reinspection or test of the installation or maintenance of electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment contained therein.
A. 
Whenever the Electrical Inspector determines that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter, an order to correct such violation shall be issued to the person (hereinafter "violator") owning or having any control of any land, building, structure, sign, licensed or permitted business or operation which is in violation.
B. 
Any notice under this chapter shall describe the violation, including a reference to the chapter section violated, specify that reasonable period within which the violation must be corrected, and state the potential consequence if the violation is not corrected. The notice shall also advise the violator of any right to appeal to the Board with respect to the Electrical Inspector's determination that a violation exists for which the violator is responsible.
C. 
The Electrical Inspector may, upon evidence of noncompliance with an order or decision of the Board request that appropriate legal action be instituted.
Any person who violates this chapter shall be subject to penalties and fines pursuant to 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4452 et seq., and 32 M.R.S.A. § 1105 et seq. Each day a violation continues for more than 10 days after notice has been served shall be assessed a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $2,500. Fines shall be assessed for specific violations for each day such violations continue.
A. 
Whenever the Electrical Inspector determines that an existing electrical service, conductors, fixtures, equipment and any other aspects of electrical systems pose a danger to life or property because of defectiveness or defective installation or upon making an inspection of an original installation or alteration or addition to existing lighting, heating or power systems is defective, the Electrical Inspector may require that the electrical service be disconnected to the building or premises or that the electrical current be disconnected from such addition or alteration.
B. 
The electrical service or current-shall not be reconnected until such defects are remedied to the satisfaction of the Electrical Inspector.
Upon notice from the Electrical Inspector that any work on any building, structure, equipment, etc., is being undertaken contrary to the provisions of this chapter or in an unsafe and dangerous manner, such work shall be immediately stopped. The stop-work order shall be in writing and shall be served in accordance with § 116-10, Orders to correct violations, and shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
Any person aggrieved by an order of the Electrical Inspector may request a hearing before the Board of Appeals by filing a written petition for such hearing with the Code Enforcement Office within 10 days of the date of receipt of the order.
Electrical work must be performed in accordance with the more stringent standards of this chapter and 32 M.R.S.A. § 1101 et seq. When the Electrical Inspector finds that electrical work is being performed contrary to this requirement, he or she shall issue a stop-work order and shall notify the permit holder that future violations of this section shall result in the notice of violation and/or the initiation of a land use complaint and 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4452 et seq., as amended.
A. 
An inspection is required before the electrical wiring is enclosed. It shall be unlawful for any person to cover or conceal, or cause to be so covered or concealed, any wiring for which a permit has been issued or is required before such wiring has been inspected by the Electrical Inspector.
B. 
All new work shall be inspected before it is concealed by wall or ceiling paneling. The electrical permit holder or owner, or both, shall be held responsible if the inspector has not been notified for an inspection. The Electrical Inspector may insist on exposing such concealed work.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
The electrician making the installation or alteration shall notify the Electrical Inspector when the installation is ready for inspection. Upon application being made for the inspection of any electrical work for which a permit has been issued, the Electrical Inspector shall make a careful examination of all such work in order to determine whether it has been done in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. The Inspector shall inspect the installation within a reasonable time so as not to cause undue delay in the progress of the construction contract or installation. The Electrical Inspector shall determine whether the installation complies with all applicable statutes, ordinances and rules.
In any case where defective work is found, the Electrical Inspector shall furnish to the person to whom the permit for the work was issued an oral or written notice of defect indicating the defective work and the nature of such defects. A written notice shall be at the request of the person to whom the permit was issued and shall be the method by which a reinspection process shall be initiated.
When the Electrical Inspector finds the work for which a permit was issued was completed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, the Electrical Inspector shall record such findings and, when required, shall issue in writing a certificate of approval therefor, which shall identify the premises and the work covered by the permit and shall show that such work has been properly completed.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
All electrical installations shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and the approved standards for safety to life and property. Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, conformity with NFPA 70 (National Fire Protection Association), National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, shall be deemed as conforming with approved standards for safety to life and property with the following amendments or deletions to the articles of the referenced Code:
A. 
Article 100. Dormitory unit definition.
Dormitory Unit. A building or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for any number of persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities.
B. 
Article 200.6(D) Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors.
200.6 Means of Identifying Ground Conductors.
(D)
Grounded Conductors of Different Systems. Where grounded conductors of different systems are installed in the same raceway, cable box, auxiliary gutter, or other type of enclosure, each grounded conductor shall be identified by system. Identification that distinguishes each system grounded conductor shall be permitted by one of the following means:
(1)
One system grounded conductor shall have an outer covering conforming to 200.6(A) or (B).
(2)
The grounded conductor(s) of other systems shall have a different outer covering conforming to 200.6(A) or 200.6(B) or by an outer covering of white or gray with a readily distinguishable colored strip other than green running along the insulation.
(3)
Other and different means of identification as allowed by 200.6(A) or (B) that will distinguish each system grounded conductor.
The means of identification shall be permanently posted where the conductors of different systems originate.
C. 
Article 210.5(C)(1)(b) Identification for branch circuits.
210.5. Identification for Branch Circuits.
(C)
Identification of Underground Conductors.
(1)
Branch Circuits Supplied from More Than One Nominal Voltage System.
(b)
Posting of Identification Means. The method utilized for conductors originating within each branch-circuit panel board or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment. The label shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved and shall not be handwritten.
D. 
Article 210.8(B) and (F). Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
210.8. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
(B)
Other Than Dwelling Units. All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150-volt or less to ground, 50 amperes or less, and all receptacles supplied by three-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 50 amperes or less, installed in the locations specified in 210.8(B)(1) through (B)(12) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(F)
Outdoor Outlets. All outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8(A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuit rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
Exception: Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required on (1) lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C), (2) heat pumps, (3) sewer pumps, or (4) water pumps.
E. 
Article 215.12(C)(1)(b). Identification for Feeders.
215.12. Identification for Feeders.
(C)
Identification of Ungrounded Conductors.
(1)
Feeders Supplied from More Than One Nominal Voltage System.
(b)
Posting of Identification Means. The method utilized for conductors originating with each feeder panelboard or similar feeder distribution equipment shall be permanently posted at each feeder panelboard or similar feeder distribution equipment.
F. 
Article 230.2(E). Identification for Number of Services.
230.2. Number of Services.
(E)
Identification. Where a building or structure is supplied by more than one service, or any combination of branch circuits, feeders, and services, a permanent plaque or directory shall be installed at each service disconnect location and at each outside electrical meter location denoting all other services, feeders, and branch circuits supplying that building or structure and the area served by each. See 225.37.
G. 
Article 230.67. Surge Protection is deleted.
H. 
Article 334.10(3). Uses Permitted.
334.10. Uses Permitted.
(3)
Other structures permitted to be of Types III, IV, and V construction. In buildings or structures with interior finished walls and/or ceilings, cables shall be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a fifteen-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.
I. 
Article 334.12(A)(2) is deleted.
J. 
Article 338.12. Uses Not Permitted.
338.12 Uses Not Permitted.
(B)
Underground Service-Entrance Cable. Underground service-entrance cable (USE) shall not be used under the following conditions or in the following locations:
(1)
For interior wiring of branch circuits and feeders originating and terminating within the same building.
(2)
For aboveground installations except where USE cable emerges from the ground and is terminated in an enclosure at a location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and the cable is protected in accordance with 300.5(D).
K. 
Article 400.12(4). Uses Not Permitted.
400.12. Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cords, flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used for the following:
(4)
Where attached to building surfaces.
Exception to (4): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with 368.56(B) and 590.4. Flexible cord and cable shall also be permitted to have one connection to the building surface for a suitable tension take-up device. Length of the cord or cable from the supply termination to the take-up device shall be limited to six feet. Strain relief cable grips shall be provided for the cord or cable at the equipment terminations.
L. 
Article 406.9(C). Receptacles in Bathtubs and Shower Space.
406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.
(C)
Bathtub and Shower Spaces. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.
M. 
Article 625.40. Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit.
625.40. Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit. Each outlet installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit. Each circuit shall have no other outlet.
Exception: Installations that comply with documented manufacturer installation instructions.
N. 
Article 702.4 Capacity and Rating.
(B)
System Capacity.
(2)
Automatic Transfer Equipment. For other than single-family dwellings, where automatic transfer equipment is used, an optional standby system shall comply with 702.4(2)(a) or (2)(b) in accordance with Article 220 or by another approved method.
(a)
Full Load. The standby source shall be capable of supplying the full load that is transferred by the automatic transfer equipment.
(b)
Load Management. Where a system is employed that will automatically manage the connected load, the standby source shall have a capacity sufficient to supply the maximum load that will be connected by the load management system.
No copper-clad aluminum wire smaller than size No. 6 A.W.G. may be used to conduct electricity. Sizes larger than No. 6 A.W.G. may be used with mechanical lugs and connectors approved for this purpose by the Electrical Inspector.
All new single-family residences shall have an entrance switch rated no smaller than one-hundred-ampere capacity and dwelling units may have an entrance switch rated no larger than two-hundred-ampere capacity.
A. 
For more than one family or multiple residences, an entrance switch conforming to the National Electrical Code requirements shall be considered the minimum.
B. 
In cases of multiple apartments where the main switch is deemed inaccessible by the Fire or Electrical Inspector, an accessible location will be required.
A. 
It is required on all new and alteration work to use tamperproof fustat plugs or circuit breakers to eliminate overfusing on branch circuits.
B. 
The Electrical Inspector shall be authorized in cases of oversized fusing to require that fustat or circuit breaker panels replace existing plug fuse panels.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Order No. 21-514-01]
Every person owning, leasing or operating wires as described in this chapter shall, within 48 hours after notice served by the Electrical Inspector, make such substitution or repairs of posts, supports, crossarms, or stays for the safe carrying of such wires as may be required by the Inspector.