City of Lubbock, TX Generally

All wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances for the supply of electrical power, for all personal, domestic and commercial purposes in and about buildings or other structures where persons live, work or assemble; all wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances outside such buildings or structures connecting the building with the source of electricity;

The installation, repair and maintenance of all wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances in and about buildings or structures where persons live, work or assemble, for a supply of electricity; and

In-house journeyman electrician.

All other activities, including demolition of structures where energized circuits exist, installations or measures incidental to the distribution or electrical energy which are covered, regulated or in any fashion controlled by the specific sections of this code.

Engineer.

A person who is registered to practice engineering in the State of Texas and is actively engaged in electrical design or consulting services within the State of Texas.

Graduate engineer.

A person who holds a degree in electrical engineering from any accredited college or university.

A person with at least four (4) years’ experience in the electrical trade, who is a full-time employee of a company or business within the City of Lubbock which employs over one hundred (100) persons and who is licensed by the board as hereinafter required.

In-house master electrician.

A person with at least four (4) years’ experience as an in-house journeyman electrician, or a person who is an engineer or graduate engineer as herein defined who is a full-time employee of a company or business within the City of Lubbock which employs over one hundred (100) persons and who is licensed by the board as hereinafter required.

Inspector.

The building official or his designated representative, qualified in electrical code inspections who shall have the duty of inspecting any and all electrical work for code compliance.

Job site.

The specific premises or installation described in the electrical permit under which electrical work is being performed.

Journeyman electrician.

Any person licensed by the board as a journeyman electrician or any person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section 28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section 28.12.066 of this code.

Journeyman sign electrician.

Any person licensed by the board as a journeyman sign electrician or any other person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section 28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section 28.12.066 of this code.

Maintenance electrician.

A person with at least four (4) years’ experience in the electrical trade who is a full-time employee of a company or business and whose duty it is to maintain the existing electrical system, including all fixtures and appurtenances contained in a building, structure, lot or premises owned or operated by his employer.

Master electrician.

Any person licensed by the board as a master electrician or any other person who has been so licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section 28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section 28.12.066 of this code.

Master sign electrician.

Any person licensed by the board as a master sign electrician or any other person who has been so licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section 28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section 28.12.066 of this code.

N.B.F.U.

The National Board of Fire Underwriters.

N.E.C.

The National Electrical Code as adopted by the City of Lubbock, compiled by the National Fire Protection Association.

Residential wireman electrician.

Any person licensed by the board as a residential wireman electrician or any person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section 28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section 28.12.066 of this code.

Signs.

Any physical device, panel or installation attached to or located on a building, premises or structure, used to display any message or communicate any thought or idea and which uses electrical current for its intended operation.

Window sign.

Any tubing containing neon gas located or installed on the inside of any window used to display any message or communicate any thought or idea and which uses electrical current for its intended operation.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-122; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9384, sec. 3, adopted 9/27/1990; Ordinance 10030, sec. 4, adopted 12/11/1997; Ordinance 10228, sec. 4, adopted 9/27/1999; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 3, adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance 2004-O0151, sec. 2, adopted 1/13/2005)

§ 28.12.003 Construction against implicit repeal.

This article being a general ordinance intended as a unified coverage of its subject matter, no part of it shall be deemed to be impliedly repealed by subsequent ordinances if such construction can reasonably be avoided.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-123; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.004 Identification cards.

The building official or his designated representative shall have identification cards in their possession at all times when engaged in the enforcement of this code. Identification cards issued in accordance with this section shall state the name of the individual, the position held by the individual, the date of issuance and contain a statement that the individual is authorized to enforce this code. Identification cards shall be shown upon the request of any person at the job site to be inspected.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-130; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.005 Conflict of interest.

No person discharging the duties of inspector under this code shall be an employer or employee of or have any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any business, firm, company or association engaged in any phase of electrical work within the City of Lubbock.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-132; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.006 Scope.

All electrical work installed within the city shall be installed in conformity with the provisions of this code and it is hereby declared to be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to install any electrical work in violation of the provisions of this code and the National Electrical Code as adopted.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-134; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.007 National Electrical Code–Adopted by reference.

The publication entitled "National Electrical Code", 2014 edition (NFPA 70), published by the National Fire Protection Association, a copy of which, authenticated by the signature of the building official, shall be filed with the city secretary as a public record, is hereby adopted as a part of this code as if fully copied herein in detail, except as modified by the provisions of section 28.12.008 and division 6 of this article. In the event of a conflict with any provision of the "National Electrical Code" and the Code of Ordinances, the Code of Ordinances shall govern. References in this code to the "National Electrical Code" or the "N.E.C." shall mean and refer to the 2014 edition.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-141; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9048, sec. 1, adopted 3/26/1987; Ordinance 9449, sec. 1, adopted 6/13/1991; Ordinance 9640, sec. 2, adopted 9/9/1993; Ordinance 10030, sec. 6, adopted 12/11/1997; Ordinance 10228, sec. 6, adopted 9/27/1999; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 4, adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance 2008-O0089, sec. 1, adopted 11/6/2008; Ordinance 2013-O0056, sec. 1, adopted 6/13/2013; Ordinance 2020-O0020, sec. 1, adopted 2/11/2020)

§ 28.12.008 Same–Amendments.

Arc-Flash Hazard Warning.

Article 110.16 is hereby amended by deleting the entire article.

Available fault current.

Article 110.24 is hereby amended by deleting the entire article.

Article 210.8 Ground-Fault Protection for Personnel.

Article 210.8 is hereby amended to read as follows:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.

Dwelling Units.

All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1) through (9) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

Bathrooms.

Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.

Exception: 15- and 20-ampere simplex receptacles within a garage that are intended only to serve automatic garage door openers, irrigation system controllers and freezers. Where a dedicated freezer space is not indicated or apparent, the freezer exception shall not apply.

Outdoors.

Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting, de-icing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.

Crawl spaces - at or below grade level.

Unfinished basements - for purposes of this section, unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas and the like.

Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently-installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.

Receptacles installed under the exception to 210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G).

Kitchens - where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces.

(7)

Sinks - where the receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the sink

Exception to (7): A 20-amp single (simplex) receptacle outlet for a refrigerator in a kitchen shall not require GFCI protection.

(8)

Boathouses.

(9)

Bathtubs and shower stalls- where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall.

(d)

Branch circuits required - Dwelling units.

Article 210.11(C)(1) is hereby amended to read as follows:

(C)

Dwelling Units.

Small-Appliance Branch Circuits.

In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this section, three or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits shall be provided for all receptacle outlets specified by 210.52(B).

(e)

Article 210.12(A)

is hereby amended by adding an exception as follows:

Exception: A 20-amp circuit supplying a single (simplex) receptacle outlet for a refrigerator in a kitchen shall not require AFCI protection.

(f)

Commercial office space receptacle outlets.

Article 210 III. is hereby amended by adding Article 210.51 to read as follows:

210.51 Commercial Office Space Receptacle Outlets. Office spaces classified as Group "B"-Business by the Building Code shall be provided with a minimum of four (4) duplex convenience receptacle outlets per office, and/or shall be provided with a duplex convenience outlet for each twelve linear feet of usable wall space, with no point along such wall further than 6 feet from an outlet. Floor outlets further than two feet from a wall shall not be counted towards meeting this requirement. In no case shall more than seven (7) duplex convenience outlets be installed on one 20 amp circuit.

(g)

Dwelling unit receptacle outlets - small appliances.

Article 210.52 (B)(1)-(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:

Small Appliances.

Receptacle Outlets Served.

In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the three or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by 210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered by 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.

Exception No. 1: In addition to the required receptacles specified by 210.52, switched receptacles supplied from a general-purpose branch circuit as defined in 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, shall be permitted.

Exception No. 2: The receptacle outlet for refrigeration equipment shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater.

No Other Outlets.

The three or more small-appliance branch circuits specified in 210.52(B)(1) shall have no other outlets.

Exception No. 1: A receptacle installed solely for the electrical supply to and support of an electric clock in any of the rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1).

Exception No. 2: Receptacles installed to provide power for supplemental equipment and lighting on gas-fired ranges, ovens, or counter-mounted cooking units.

Kitchen Receptacle Requirements.

Receptacles installed in a kitchen to serve countertop surfaces shall be supplied by not fewer than three small-appliance branch circuits, any or all of which shall also be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in the same kitchen and in other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1). Additional small-appliance branch circuits shall be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in the kitchen and other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1). No small-appliance branch circuit shall serve more than one kitchen.

(h)

Bathrooms.

Article 210.52(D) is hereby amended to read as follows:

210.52(D) Bathrooms. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms adjacent to the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop, located on the countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet. In no case shall the receptacle be located more than 300 mm (12 inches) below the top of the basin. Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for the application shall be permitted to be installed in the countertop.

(i)

Branch circuit load calculations.

Article 220.10 is hereby amended to read as follows:

220.10 General. Branch-circuit loads shall be calculated as shown in 220.12, 220.14, and 220.16. Additionally, in dwelling units, 20-amp lighting and receptacle loads, other than the three required small appliance circuits specified in 210.11 (C)(1), shall be equally divided on twenty (20)-amp branch circuits.

(j)

Lighting load for specified occupancies.

Article 220.12 is hereby amended by altering Table 220.12 to read as follows:

220.12 Lighting Load for Specified Occupancies. A unit load of not less than that specified in Table 220.12 for occupancies specified therein shall constitute the minimum lighting load. The floor area for each floor shall be calculated from the outside dimensions of the building, dwelling unit, or other area involved. For dwelling units, the calculated floor area shall not include open porches, garages, or unused or unfinished spaces not adaptable for future use.

Informational note: The unit values herein are based on minimum load conditions and 100 percent power factor and may not provide sufficient capacity for the installation contemplated.

Exception: Where the building is designed and constructed to comply with an energy code adopted by the local authority, the lighting load shall be permitted to be calculated at the values specified in the energy code where the following conditions are met:

A power monitoring system is installed that will provide continuous information regarding the total general lighting load of the building.

The power monitoring system will be set with alarm values to alert the building owner or manager if the lighting load exceeds the values set by the energy code.

The demand factors specified in 220.42 are not applied to the general lighting load.

Table 220.12 General Lighting Loads by Occupancy
Type of Occupancy	Volt-Amperes per Square Meter	Volt-Amperes per Square Foot
Armories and auditoriums	11	1
Banks	39^b	3-1/2^b
Barber shops and beauty parlors	33	3
Churches	11	1
Clubs	22	2
Courtrooms	22	2
Dwelling units^a	33	3
Garages- Commercial storage	6	1/2
Hospitals	22	2
Hotels and motels, including apartment houses without provision for cooking by tenants^a	22	2
Industrial commercial (loft) buildings	22	2
Lodge rooms	17	1-1/2
Office buildings	39^b	3-1/2^b
Restaurants	22	2
Schools	33	3
Stores	33	3
Warehouses (Storage)	3	1/4
In any of the preceding occupancies except one-family dwellings and individual dwelling units of two-family and multifamily dwellings:
Assembly halls and auditoriums	11	1
Halls, corridors, closets, stairways	6	1/2
Storage spaces	3	1/4

^a	See 220.14(J)
^b	See 220.14(K)

(k)

Receptacle outlets.

Article 220.14(I) is hereby amended to read as follows:

(I)

Receptacle Outlets.

Except as covered in 220.14(J) and (K), receptacle outlets shall be calculated at not less than 180 volt-amperes for each single or for each multiple receptacle on one yoke. A single piece of equipment consisting of a multiple receptacle comprised of four or more receptacles shall be calculated at not less than 90 volt-amperes per receptacle. This provision shall not be applicable to the receptacle outlets specified in 210.11(C)(1) and (C)(2). In no case shall more than seven (7) duplex receptacles be installed on a single 20-amp circuit in commercial occupancies.

(l)

Raceway seal.

Article 225.27 is hereby amended by deleting the entire article.

(m)

Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals.

Article 230.2 is hereby amended by adding a new subsection (F), as follows:

(F)

Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals.

For every non-residential building where multiple services are authorized and are supplied by underground service laterals, there shall be a designated metering/service location at the rear of such building on the exterior wall. There shall be no point along this wall more than seventy-five (75) linear feet from a metering/service location. No utility service point shall be closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from another utility service point unless otherwise approved. The arrangement and installation of the conductors and equipment shall be as provided for in Figure 230.96 and Article 230.96.

(n)

Point of attachment.

Article 230.26 is hereby amended to read as follows:

230.26 Point of Attachment.

The point of attachment of the service-drop conductors to a building or other structure shall provide the minimum clearances as specified in 230.9 and 230.24. In no case shall this point of attachment be less than 3.0 m (10 ft) above finished grade.

The point of attachment of overhead service drops on a residence or building shall be on the rear of the building (alley side), or at a point agreed upon by the inspector and the serving utility.

(o)

Service masts as supports.

Article 230.28 is hereby amended to read as follows:

230.28 Service Masts as Supports. Where a service mast is used for the support of service- drop conductors, it shall be of adequate strength or be supported by braces or guys to withstand safely the strain imposed by the service drop. Where raceway-type service masts are used, masts shall consist of rigid metallic conduit (RMC) or intermediate metallic conduit (IMC) not less than two (2)-inch trade size, and all raceway fittings shall be identified for use with service masts. Only power service-drop conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast. The point of attachment of the service cable shall be twenty-four (24) inches above the roof.

(p)

Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals.

Article 230.40, Exception No. 1, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Exception No. 1: A building with more than one occupancy shall be permitted to have one set of service-entrance conductors for each service, as defined in 230.2, run to each occupancy or group of occupancies. For non-residential buildings containing multiple occupancies served by underground service laterals in accordance with Article 230.2(F), installation shall be in accordance with Figure 230.96 and Article 230.96.

(q)

Service equipment-General.

Article 230V is hereby amended by adding a new section 230.67 to read as follows:

230.67 Meter Installation.

Each meter socket installation shall be on the outside of the building, residence or other structure and shall be mounted not more than six (6) feet nor less than five (5) feet above the level of the standing space measured to the center of the meter face, except when the device or area for mounting the meter base is provided by the serving utility.

Multi-meter bases of two (2) or more meters at any one location shall have a permanent identification tag (brass, copper or aluminum). Such tag shall be not less than one inch long, one-half inch wide or one inch in diameter. Each tag shall properly identify the unit served by the meter base and be clearly visible. It shall be securely fastened to the meter base, but not the meter base lid. Tags shall be stamped with steel numerical and/or alphabetical figures of at least one-eighth of an inch.

Exception: If visible from the front, non-movable parts of meter base may be stamped for identification.

(r)

Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals.

Article 230 is hereby amended by adding a new article 230.96 to read as follows:

Article 230.96. Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals. Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals shall have all services configured in accordance with 230.96 (1) through (7) and Figure 230.96 below, unless otherwise approved.

Sizing of gutter, wire-way or wire trough.

The contractor shall provide a gutter, wire-way or wire-trough with a minimum size of eight (8) inch by eight (8) inch by six (6) feet or the National Electrical Code requirement, whichever is greater, to contain the service conductors to supply the meter bases and service disconnects at each metering location.

Service disconnecting means.

Each space requiring its own meter shall have its service disconnect and disconnects located at the metering location and there shall be no more than six (6) service disconnecting means at any metering location without the written consent of the building official.

Conductors and raceways.

The contractor shall provide service conductors and raceways from the gutter, wire-way or wire-trough to the point of connection of the serving utility. There shall be one additional four-inch conduit provided from each wire-trough to the point of connection of the serving utility or a terminal junction box adjacent to the metering location. The contractor shall provide an acceptable means for at least six (6) meter taps from the service feed brought to each wire-trough. To insure a proper conductor termination, the service feed conductors from the point of connection of the serving utility to the wire-trough shall be copper. They shall be installed in approved conduit, shall enter the wire-trough from the bottom side toward one end, shall traverse the entire length of the wire-way and shall be terminated on an approved termination lug or block as set forth above.

Sizing of service entrance conductors and equipment.

If the actual load of the building is not known, an assumed load of twenty (20) volt-amperes per square foot shall be used to size the service conductors.

Phase-matching and balancing of load.

All service taps which connect to the building service shall match the phasing of the building service. Service taps connecting to a 3-phase 4-wire building service shall be 3-phase and 4-wire taps. Service taps shall be load balanced before a final inspection is granted and the system shall be balanced back to the building service.

Method of grounding services.

Multi-meter services shall be grounded at the service connection point in the wire way and all service taps shall be grounded to that point. The grounding conductor shall be sized according to the requirements of Article 250 for the service size. Refer to Figure 230.96:

FIGURE 230.96

(s)

Marking.

Article 250.21(C) is hereby amended by deletion of the entire article.

(t)

Grounding electrode system.

Article 250.50 is hereby amended to read as follows:

250.50 Grounding Electrode System. All grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system. Where none of these grounding electrodes exist, one or more of the grounding electrodes specified in 250.52 (A)(4) through (A)(8) shall be installed and used. In new construction, or in any building reconstruction or addition involving the new construction of a concrete foundation containing reinforcing steel that complies with the requirements of Article 250.52(A)(3), a concrete encased electrode shall be provided as part of the grounding electrode system. Where a concrete encased electrode or metallic water piping is used, a supplemental electrode complying with 250.52 (A)(5) shall be provided.

Exception: Concrete-encased electrodes of existing buildings or structures shall not be required to be part of the grounding electrode system where the steel reinforcing bars or rods are not accessible for use without disturbing the concrete.

(u)

Bonding for other systems.

Article 250.68 (C)(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:

A concrete-encased electrode of either the conductor type, reinforcing rod or bar installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3) extended from its location within the concrete to a location above the concrete shall be permitted.

(v)

Bonding for other systems.

Article 250.94 is hereby amended by deleting the entire article.

(w)

Cables and raceways parallel to framing members and furring strips.

Article 300.4 (D) is hereby amended by deleting the entire subsection.

(x)

Underground installations (direct buried conductors and cables).

Article 300.5(A) and Table 300.5 are hereby amended to read as follows:

300.5 Underground Installations.

Minimum Cover Requirements.

Direct-buried cable or conduit or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimum cover requirements of Table 300.5.

Table 300.5 Minimum Cover Requirements, 0 to 1000 Volts, Nominal, Burial in Inches
Location of Wiring Method or Circuit	Type of Wiring Method or Circuit
Location of Wiring Method or Circuit	Column 1 Direct Burial Cable or Conductors	Column 2 Rigid Metal Conduit or Intermediate Metal Conduit	Column 3 Nonmetallic Raceways Listed for Direct Burial without Concrete Encasement or other Approved Raceways	Column 4 Residential Branch Circuits Rated 120V or less with GFCI Protection & and Max. Overcurrent Protection of 20 Amps	Column 5 Circuits for control of Irrigation & Landscape Lightning Limited to Not More than 30V and Installed with Type UF or in Other Cable or Raceway
All locations not specified below	24	6	18	12	6
In trench below 2 inch thick concrete or equivalent	18	6	12	6	6
Under a building	0 (In raceway or Type MC or Type MI cable identified for direct burial)	0	0	0 (In raceway or Type MC or Type MI cable identified for direct burial)	0 (In raceway or Type MC or Type MI cable identified for direct burial)
Under minimum of 4 inch thick concrete exterior slab with no vehicular traffic and the slab extending not less than 6 inches beyond the underground installation	18	4	4	6 (direct burial) 4 (in raceway)	6 (direct burial) 4 (in raceway)
Under streets, highways, roads, alleys, driveways and parking lots	24	24	24	24	24
One-and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas, and used only for dwelling- related purposes	18	18	18	12	18
In or under airport runways, including adjacent areas where trespassing prohibited	18	18	18	18	18

Notes:
1.	Cover is defined as the shortest distance in inches measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried conductor, cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similar cover.
2.	Raceways approved for burial only where concrete encased shall require concrete envelope not less than 2 inches thick.
3.	Lesser depths shall be permitted where cables and conductors rise for terminations or splices or where access is otherwise required.
4.	Where one of the wiring method types listed in Columns 1-3 is used for one of the circuit types in Columns 4 and 5, the shallowest depth of burial shall be permitted.
5.	Where solid rock prevents compliance with the cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installed in metal or nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceway shall be covered by a minimum of 2 inches of concrete extending down to rock.
6.	Service and feeder conductors shall be installed in approved raceways protected in accordance with Column 2 or 3, as applicable.

(y)

Minimum size of conductors.

Article 310.106(A) is hereby amended to read as follows:

310.106(A) Minimum Size of Conductors. The minimum size of conductors shall be as shown in Table 310.106(A), except that no conductor smaller than No. 12 American wire gauge size (12 AWG) shall be used in work governed by this code.

Exceptions:

Pendant and portable cords;

Fixture wire;

No. 14 AWG may be used for individual fixture leads at an outlet box;

No. 14 AWG may be used for control circuits operating contactors or relays of a size approved by the manufacturer and the building inspection department;

Wiring for systems covered under Article 700 (Emergency Systems);

Wiring for systems covered under Article 600 (Electrical Signs);

(7)

No. 14 AWG may be used for the wiring of switch legs in residential occupancies where provided with appropriate over current device.

(8)

Notwithstanding exceptions (1)-(7) above, where permitted elsewhere in this code.

(z)

Conductor material.

Article 310.106(B) is hereby amended to read as follows:

Conductor Material.

Conductors in this article shall be of aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or copper unless otherwise specified.

Exceptions:

Conductors made of aluminum or of an AA-8000 Series aluminum alloy complying with Article 310.4 may be installed on services and feeders only. Aluminum conductors must be terminated properly using approved compression-type crimp lugs installed with a proper tool and with an approved oxide inhibitor. Such conductors may also be used as branch circuit wiring in commercial and industrial applications in No. 4 AWG or larger wire sizes, subject to the further conditions outlined herein.

No aluminum conductors shall be installed on any branch circuits or grounding systems.

(aa)

Uses not permitted (types NM and NMS).

Article 334.12(B) shall be amended to read as follows:

Types NM and NMS.

Types NM and NMS cables shall not be used under the following conditions or in the following locations:

Where exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors

Where embedded in masonry, concrete, adobe, fill, or plaster

In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe and covered with plaster, adobe, or similar finish

Where subject to excessive moisture or dampness.

(bb)

Nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex)-Uses not permitted.

Article 334.12 shall be amended by adding a new subsection (C) to read as follows:

(C)

Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall not be used in any type of commercial building nor shall it be used in residential buildings used as or converted into any commercial use nor in any building used as, or converted into, convalescent homes, nurseries or day-care facilities requiring a license from the State of Texas.

(cc)

Ampacity.

Article 334.80 shall be amended by deleting the second and third paragraphs.

(dd)

Wet locations (receptacles in).

Article 406.9(B)(1) shall be amended to read as follows:

15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles in a Wet location. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. All 15- and 20- ampere, 125- and 250 volt non-locking receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type.

Exception: 15- and 20-ampere, 125- through 250-volt receptacles installed in the following wet locations shall be permitted to have an enclosure that is weatherproof only when the attachment plug is removed:

Those subject to routine high pressure spray washing;

Those customarily designed and located for intermittent, short-term use during periods where rainfall or other detrimental moisture is not present.

(ee)

Ungrounded systems.

Article 408.3(F)(2) is hereby amended by deletion of the entire article.

(ff)

Field identification required.

Article 408.4(B) is hereby amended by deletion of the entire article.

(gg)

Panel board over current device capacity.

Article 408 III. is hereby amended by adding article 408.35 to read as follows:

408.35. Panelboard Spare Circuit Capacity. Panelboards serving dwelling units shall be provided with capacity for two additional 120-volt branch circuits, and shall be provided with a spare conduit of not less than 3/4" trade size installed from the panel to an accessible crawl space in the attic, under the floor, or to the outside of the house where there is no accessible attic or crawl space.

(hh)

Luminaries in specific locations.

Article 410.10 is hereby amended by adding a new subarticle (G), to read as follows:

(G)

Flood lights and other Luminaries on or near the Ground.

Open flood lights or other fixtures containing luminaries installed on the ground or within eight (8) feet of finished grade shall be equipped with a guard or protective device to prevent personal injury from burns or electric shock.

(1983 Code, secs. 6-196, 6-242–6-267; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 16, adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance 2008-O0089, sec. 2, adopted 11/6/2008; Ordinance 2009-O0043, sec. 1, adopted 6/11/2009; Ordinance 2013-O0056, sec. 2, adopted 6/13/2013) See Editor's note for article 28.12, division 6 for history of previous electrical code amendments.

§ 28.12.009 Interpretations; appeals.

It shall be the duty of the building official to interpret the provisions of this code as may be necessary to administer and enforce the provisions hereof.

Any person or persons, jointly or severally, who may be aggrieved by the interpretation of the code rendered by the building official may appeal the decision of the building official to the board.

Any person or persons seeking to appeal the decision of the building official rendered in accordance with this section shall comply with the following requirements:

Written notice of the appeal must be made to the board within five (5) days of the date on which the building official rendered his decision.

The appeal must clearly set forth the decision of the building official, together with the position of the person taking the appeal to the board.

The person seeking the appeal must set forth his reasons in support of his position, together with any evidence he may have in support of his position.

The written appeal shall be filed with the secretary of the board and a copy delivered to the building official.

The building official shall have a period of five (5) days from receipt of the appeal to file a response thereto with the board.

In cases of emergency to life or property, which emergency shall be specifically set forth in the written appeal filed with the board, the board shall render a decision on such appeal within twenty-four (24) hours from the time said appeal is filed with the board. The board shall determine in any such case whether or not a true emergency exists and its decision in this regard shall be final.

(7)

In every case to be heard by the board on an emergency basis the building official shall be present and be allowed to present his position to the board.

(8)

The decision of the board on any appeal taken under this section shall be final and binding.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-135; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.010 Interference with entry of inspector; concealment of wiring, etc.

Right of entry.

Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or whenever the building official or inspector has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or inspector may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official or inspector by this code, provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the building official or inspector shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

Compliance.

When the building official or inspector shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or inspector for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-137; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.011 Violation; notification.

When the building official or inspector observes or if it comes to his attention that any electrical work is installed contrary to or in violation of the provisions of this code, it shall be his duty to immediately notify the responsible master electrician, master sign electrician, other permitted electricians, or the owner or occupant of the premises to immediately correct such installation or cease work on the entire installation until the violation is corrected.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-138; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)

§ 28.12.012 Premises involved in fire; reinstatement of service.

In every case where the chief of the fire department of the City of Lubbock or its fire marshal determines that a fire originated due to any of the following causes:

Faulty electrical wiring;

Overloading of electrical equipment;

Unauthorized electrical installation; or

If a fire originating from any cause results in damage to an electrical system;

it shall be the duty of the fire chief or fire marshal to have the premises involved fully inspected by the building official.

In every case where the building official finds that a fire has caused damage to an electrical system or finds that a fire has originated for any of the reasons set forth in this section, no electrical service shall be reinstalled or reconnected to the property by any electrician or by the owner of such property or any other person until such time as such system has been repaired in compliance with this code. All inadequate, substandard or hazardous electrical conditions shall be repaired to meet present code requirements and be approved by the building official.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the building official may approve temporary electrical service necessary to complete repairs or reconstruction of the property in question.

(1983 Code, sec. 6-136; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9288, sec. 3, adopted 7/13/1989)

§ 28.12.013 Improperly installed or defective equipment.

In the event any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or about any building, facility, installation, premises or lot within the City of Lubbock is found to have been installed or connected in violation of the provisions of this code, it shall be the duty of the building official or inspector to notify in writing the owner of the premises, or the tenant of the premises, or the person in possession of the premises to immediately cease using electrical current in any such violation identified by the building official or inspector.

In the event any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or about any building, facility, installation, premises or lot within the city is found to have fallen into a state of disrepair which would render the use of such electrical equipment dangerous to life or property, it shall be the duty of the building official or inspector to notify in writing the owner of the premises, or the tenant of the premises, or the person in possession of the premises to immediately cease using electrical current in any such violation or condition identified by the building official or inspector.

The written notice required in this section shall state the following:

The date that the inspection was made by the building official or inspector where violations of this code or conditions dangerous to life or property were found.

The section or sections of the code which the inspection reveals have been violated.

In the case of conditions dangerous to life or property, a brief description of said conditions.

A specified time, not to exceed ten (10) days from the date of the written notice, to correct all code violations identified or to correct all conditions identified as dangerous to life or property.

A statement advising the owner, tenant or person in control and possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot that, if there are any persons using the area in question who require electrical service for life support, that it is the duty of the person receiving this notice to immediately and without failure notify the building official of such fact.

(d)

In the event that the owner, tenant or person in possession of the premises identified in the above written notice fails to take action necessary to correct any and all code violations or conditions dangerous to life or property within the time specified in the written notice, the building official or inspector shall take the following action:

The building official or inspector shall serve upon the owner, tenant or person in possession of the property an order to cease use of the property, facility, installation, premises or lot until such time as proof is presented to the building official that all defects have been corrected and such work is verified by inspection; or

In every case where the violation of this code found to exist is of such a nature as to cause immediate danger to life or property, the building official shall issue an order to the public utility supplying such power to immediately terminate such electrical service until such time as all code violations are corrected.

In the event that the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot fails to comply with an order of the building official issued under subsection (1) above set forth within three (3) days of receipt of said order, then in such event the building official shall issue his order as provided in subsection (2) above set forth to the public utility providing the electrical services.

Notwithstanding any provision set forth in subsections (1) through (3) above, when the building official has been notified by the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot that there is a person residing within any of the foregoing structures or areas who requires electrical service for life support, the building official is authorized to take one or all of the following courses of action:

Notify the owner, tenant or person in possession of the structure or area described above to immediately make arrangement to provide an alternative location for the person involved.