City of Wichita Falls, TX ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector or chief building official to interpret the sections of this article as may be necessary to administer and enforce this article.

Any person who may be aggrieved by the interpretation of the electrical code rendered by the electrical inspector may appeal the decision of the electrical inspector to the construction board of adjustment and appeals.

Any person seeking to appeal the decision of the electrical inspector rendered in accordance with this section shall comply with the following:

Written notice of the appeal must be made to the construction board of adjustment and appeals within five days of the date on which the electrical inspector rendered his decision.

The appeal must clearly set forth the decision of the electrical inspector, 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 evidence in support of his position.

The written appeal shall be filed with the city clerk.

Within 30 days, the chief building official shall call a regular meeting of the construction board of adjustment and appeals to hear the appeal.

(6)

In an emergency to life or property, which emergency shall be specifically set forth in the written appeal filed with the construction board of adjustment and appeals, the construction board of adjustment and appeals shall render a decision on such appeal within 24 hours from the time such 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 electrical inspector shall be present and shall 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.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-29; 2001 Code, sec. 22-403; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-404 Exceptions.

This article shall not apply to any of the following:

Any electrical work performed by any electrical public utility holding a certificate of service from the state public utility commission and operating within the city.

Any electrical work undertaken by the city in conjunction with street lighting or traffic-control signals.

Any electrical work performed by a telephone, telegraph or district messenger company operating under a franchise issued by the city.

Any electrical work performed by any broadcast transmission business or entity.

The exceptions from this article in this subsection do not, however, authorize any of such classes of business named to perform electrical work for the general public or to do any other type of electrical work except that which is necessary and customary to the class of business involved.

Notwithstanding the exception set forth in subsection (a) of this section, this article shall apply to the wiring and installation for light, heat and power for all buildings containing equipment or housing employees of any class of business excepted by subsection (a) of this section.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to require a property owner to obtain a registration or furnish a certificate of insurance before doing electrical work in or on a building occupied by himself as a single-family residence, provided the following conditions exist:

He has applied for and obtained a permit from the electrical inspector to do the electrical work.

He has presented a set of plans showing the electrical work to be undertaken and such plans are found to conform to this article.

He agrees to call for all inspections required by this article.

He is able to demonstrate to the electrical inspector that he has a working knowledge of this article and the ability to do electrical work in conformance with the provisions of the electrical code.

He agrees to correct any violations of this article found or discovered upon any inspection performed by the electrical inspector.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-37; 2001 Code, sec. 22-404; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-405 Premises involved in fire; reinstatement of service.

It shall be the duty of the fire chief or the fire marshal to have the premises involved in a fire fully inspected by the electrical inspector when the chief of the fire department or the fire marshal determines that a fire originated due to any of the following causes:

Faulty electrical wiring;

Overloading of electrical equipment;

Overloading of electrical lines;

Unauthorized electrical installation; or

Any damage to the electrical system by the fire.

When the electrical inspector finds that a fire has caused damage to the electrical system or originated for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (a) of this section, no electrical service shall be reinstated or reconnected to the property by any electrician or by the owner of such property until such time as the conditions have been repaired in compliance with this article and approved by the electrical inspector.

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

(1966 Code, sec. 14-30; 2001 Code, sec. 22-405; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-406 Improperly installed or defective equipment.

If 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 been installed or connected in violation of this article, it shall be the duty of the electrical 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 electrical inspector.

If 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 chief building official 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 electrical inspector.

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

The date that the inspection was made by the electrical inspector where a violation of this article or a condition dangerous to life or property is found.

The section of this article or the electrical code which the inspection reveals has been violated.

For conditions dangerous to life or property, a brief description of such conditions.

A specified time, not to exceed ten days from the date of the written notice, to correct all 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, it is the duty of the person receiving this notice immediately and without failure to notify the electrical inspector of such fact.

If the owner, tenant or person in possession of the premises identified in the written notice given pursuant to this section fails to take action necessary to correct any and all such violations or conditions dangerous to life or property within the time limit specified in the written notice, the electrical inspector shall take the following action:

The chief building official 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 electrical inspector that all defects have been corrected and such work is verified by inspection.

When the violation of this article found to exist is of such a nature as to cause immediate danger to life or property, the electrical inspector shall issue an order to the public utility supplying such power to immediately terminate such electrical service until such time as all violations are corrected.

If the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot fails to comply with an order of the electrical inspector issued under subsection (d)(1) of this section within three days of receipt of such order, the electrical inspector shall issue his order as provided in subsection (d)(2) of this section to the public utility providing the electrical services.

Notwithstanding any provision set forth in subsections (d)(1) through (3) of this section, when the chief 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 such structures or areas who requires electrical service for life support, the chief building official is authorized to take one or all of the following courses of action:

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

Withhold taking action to terminate electrical service for a reasonable period of time not to exceed ten days.

Terminate all electrical service not necessary for the life support of the person involved.

Request the city attorney to seek a proper court order requiring the relocation of the person involved.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-33; 2001 Code, sec. 22-406; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-407 Liability for defective work.

This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating, controlling or installing any electrical wiring connections, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, machinery, equipment or work, inside or outside, overhead or underground, in the city for damages to any person injured by defects therein, nor shall the city be held as assuming any liability because of the inspection authorized by this article or certificate or permit issued as provided for and regulated.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-34; 2001 Code, sec. 22-407; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-408 Construction against implicit repeal of article.

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

(1966 Code, sec. 14-23; 2001 Code, sec. 22-408; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-409 Control of zoning ordinance.

Whenever there is a conflict between the sections of this article governing signs and the provisions of the city zoning ordinance in appendix B to this code, the provisions of the zoning ordinance shall control.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-24; 2001 Code, sec. 22-409; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-410 through § 22-435. (Reserved)

Subdivision II General Specifications

§ 22-436 General installation of wiring, fixtures and apparatus.

In the installation of all wiring, fixtures and apparatus, the rules and requirements adopted by section 22-401 shall be complied with, together with the rules contained in this article and such additional requirements as may from time to time be adopted.

When an electrician or any homeowner has sought to install any type of electrical equipment and such equipment has been found not to comply with this article, the electrician or homeowner shall have the right to appeal the decision of the chief building official to the construction board of adjustment and appeals. The board shall, upon such hearing, determine whether or not the type of electrical equipment sought to be installed by the electrician or homeowner is equivalent to the sections of this article. When the board determines that the equipment in question is equivalent to that required by this article, it shall enter an order to such effect, and the chief building official shall be governed by the terms of such order in all future cases where the same type of equipment is sought to be installed.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-82; 2001 Code, sec. 22-436; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-437 Wiring.

All electrical wiring shall be installed in rigid metallic conduit, electrical metallic tubing, approved metallic raceways, approved metal-clad cable, approved nonmetallic conduit and raceway or approved multi-outlet assemblies. However, all single-family and multifamily residences not exceeding three stories and outbuildings on the same premises may be wired in nonmetallic sheathed cable as a minimum requirement. However, if any part of a residence or other building is converted to any commercial purposes not within such exceptions, the entire building shall be classified as a business premises, and the entire building shall be rewired. All conduit installed for electrical use shall be installed under the requirements of this article.

Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) shall not be used in any location except where NM cable is acceptable in the city.

Manufactured wiring systems as approved by electrical code adopted in this article shall be acceptable.

No electrical metallic tubing (EMT) shall be permitted in any electrical installation where such tubing is in contact with the ground or earth or is embedded in a concrete slab.

All MC cable shall have a green grounding conductor.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-83; 2001 Code, sec. 22-437; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-438 Size of conductors; aluminum conductor.

Aluminum conductors may be installed on service and feeders only and must be terminated properly using approved compression-type crimp lugs installed with a proper tool and with an approved inhibitor (Petrox).

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

(1966 Code, sec. 14-84; 2001 Code, sec. 22-438; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-439 Residence circuits.

An electrical conduit of not less than three-fourths inch trade size shall be installed from the panel to an accessible crawl space in the attic, under the floor or to the outside of the house if it has no attic and has a concrete floor. This conduit is to facilitate the future installation of the two space circuits to be left open as spares in all residential panels.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-85; 2001 Code, sec. 22-439; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-440 Commercial circuits.

Commercial electrical circuits shall be installed as required by the electrical code adopted in this article.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-86; 2001 Code, sec. 22-440; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-441 Service entrance.

All-metal entrances.

An all-metal complete electrical service entrance shall be used from the point of contact with the electric company to the service switch or distribution panel except as provided in this article. Underground service entrance may be schedule 40 PVC.

Busway entrance.

Installations using a busway as a service entrance shall be made with a totally enclosed busway assembly and accessories approved for use as service entrance equipment and shall have totally enclosed weatherproof construction where used outside of a building.

Overhead service drops.

Overhead service drops shall be installed in accordance with the following:

New installations.

When a new electrical installation is to be served with an overhead service drop, a means of attachment shall be provided. When an electrical installation is started before the electric company facilities are placed, it shall be the responsibility of the electric company to determine the location of the facility from which the service drop for the electrical installation will be installed. The means of attachment shall be a clamp on a service mast or a galvanized hook bolt or eye bolt, rigidly attached to a rafter or stud to give adequate support to the service drop. Landing and meter heights shall comply with the utility company guidelines.

Additions to existing installations.

When an addition is to be made to an existing building that requires that the service entrance be relocated to the new portion of the building, the service entrance shall comply with the rules established for all new installations.

Existing installations.

When the meter loop is changed on an existing installation, the installation shall reasonably comply with the electrical code and this section without altering the roof of the existing building. The means of attachment shall be changed by the master electrician or the homeowner and shall be at the maximum height that can be maintained on the building. The new means of attachment shall be an eye bolt or hook bolt, rigidly attached to a rafter or stud and to give adequate support to the service drop. Other suitable means of attachment, including insulators attached with a single lag screw, may be approved by the electrical inspector if commonly accepted within the trade.

Service mast.

If a service mast is used to attain the height required by the electrical code, the service mast shall be a minimum two-inch IMC or rigid conduit having adequate strength to withstand the strain of the service drop and shall meet minimum standards established by the electric company and approved by the chief building official as defined in the publication, "National Electrical Safety Code," from the electric company.

Providing for metering.

The master electrician or homeowner shall provide for and install facilities to accommodate metering of an electrical installation in accordance with uniform practices established by the electric company in accordance with the franchises granted by the city which conform to this article. The meter enclosure shall be mounted on the outside of a building near the point of contact between the electrical installation and the electric company service lines at a location that does not subject the enclosure to physical damage and will cause the meter to be readily accessible to representatives of the electric company for installing, replacing, removing, inspecting, testing and reading. Exceptions to the outside location may be made only by specific agreement with the electric company and with the approval of the electrical inspector.

(f)

Enclosed metering.

If the addition or alteration of any building encloses the metering installation such that it will no longer be in an accessible outside location, the metering installation shall be relocated to a point outside the addition or alteration, maintaining strict conformance to this article.

(g)

Existing inside metering locations.

Metering installations which are located inside a building shall be moved to an outside location at such time that changes, alterations or additions are made to the service entrance of the electrical installations. Metering installations moved outside shall conform to this article.

(h)

Disconnecting switches.

All disconnecting switches accessible to the general public under 200 amperes shall have raintight and dead-front panels. All disconnecting switches 200 amperes or over that are exposed or accessible to the general public shall have raintight and locked or bolted closed panels.

(i)

Minimum conductor use.

The service entrance shall conform to the electrical code, except that the entrance conductor size shall not be less than the equivalent of number 6 THW copper.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-87; 2001 Code, sec. 22-441; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-442 Underground service entrance.

Conductors.

Electrical conductors and cables on underground service entrances may be installed in approved raceways or may be buried directly in the earth when approved direct burial cables are used.

Mechanical protection.

Rigid metal raceways or electrical metallic tubing shall be used on all underground service entrance conductors to provide mechanical protection where needed. Raceways approved for the purpose shall be provided for underground service entrance conductors entering under any projection of a building, such as, but not limited to, porches, patios, concrete driveways, walkways or pads adjacent to a building which does not provide adequate space between driveways, walkways or pads in order to permit repair or replacement of conductors, and the raceway shall be continuous from the point of entry under any projections to the service entrance switch or panel.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-88; 2001 Code, sec. 22-442; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-443 Underground feeder circuits and branch circuits.

Electrical feeder circuits and branch circuits installed underground shall comply with the full requirements of section 22-442 for underground service entrances.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-89; 2001 Code, sec. 22-443; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-444 Encroachment on public way.

Neither feeder circuits nor branch circuits on any private electrical installation shall extend into or cross over or under any street, alley or public way which has been dedicated for public use, except that an electrical installation which is confined within a building or structure where a license and hold harmless agreement has been approved by the city and projects into or crosses over or under a dedicated street, alley or public way will not be affected by this section.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-90; 2001 Code, sec. 22-444; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-445 Buildings moved to location.

The electrical installation in any building or structure which is moved from outside of the city or within the city shall conform to the requirements of this article as though the building, structure or residence had been newly constructed on the location.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-91; 2001 Code, sec. 22-445; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-446 Building remodeling and additions.

In a building, structure or residence which is altered, remodeled or added to, the electrical installation within the altered, remodeled or added-on portion shall conform to this article.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-92; 2001 Code, sec. 22-446; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-447 Electric signs and outline lighting.

New installation.

All electric signs and outline lighting shall be installed in compliance with the electrical code adopted in this division, this code, and this article.

Existing installation.

The chief building official, when he determines that any electric sign or outline light constitutes a hazard impairing safety of life or property, shall require that the sign or outline lighting installation be revised to meet the minimum standards established by this article and shall specify the time allowed for such revisions. If the required revisions are not completed within the time allotted, the chief building official shall order the electric sign or outline lighting disconnected from the power supply and the installation removed. Failure to comply with such a disconnect or removal order shall constitute a violation of this article.

New installation.

Any electrical installation on an electric sign after such sign is delivered to its permanent location shall be performed by a registered electrician. All new electric sign installations shall also require a permit and inspection and approval of the electrical installation by the electrical inspector.

Sign installations to conform to zoning.

No electrical permit shall be issued for any sign in a district where signs are prohibited by this zoning ordinance in appendix B to this code, nor shall any permit be issued for any sign which does not conform to the zoning requirements of the area in which the sign is to be placed.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-94; 2001 Code, sec. 22-447; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-448 Construction tap service posts.

Specifications.

The post used for a construction electrical tap service shall be equivalent to a four-inch by four-inch structural grade timber and shall have an overall length of not less than 16 feet.

Installation.

The construction tap service post shall be installed such that the post extends not less than three feet into undisturbed earth and shall be securely tamped in place. The post installation shall include supports, braces or guys necessary to maintain the post in a vertical position safely under the strain of the service drop conductors.

Equipment.

The construction tap service post shall be equipped with a raintight service entrance including metallic conduit from a raintight and dead-front service switch or panel board of adequate size to provide sufficient branch circuits to weatherproof receptacles. The service entrance shall have a minimum conductor size of number 6 THW copper wire and shall be grounded in accordance with this article. Receptacles only shall be used to supply power to extension cords, tools and special equipment. Receptacles shall be the grounding type and shall be rated for the voltage and current requirements of the load to be served. All 120-volt receptacles shall be GFI protected.

Load wiring.

All wiring connected to construction tap branch circuit receptacles shall be attached with approved plugs and shall comply with the requirements of the electrical code and this article.

Use restricted.

Construction tap service posts shall be used only for supplying specific construction project loads during the construction period and within the time period specified on the construction tap permit.

(f)

Permits.

Permits for construction tap service post shall only be issued to master electricians.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-95; 2001 Code, sec. 22-448; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-449 Mobile homes and travel trailers.

Electrical service entrance equipment for mobile homes and travel trailers shall be considered as permanent electrical installations and shall meet the full requirements of this article.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-96; 2001 Code, sec. 22-449; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-450 Temporary electrical installations.

Permits.

The electrical inspector is permitted to issue special limited permits for temporary electrical installations where, in his opinion, the installation is necessary or advisable for the benefit and protection of the public.

Wiring methods.

Wiring methods other than those required by this article may be allowed for temporary electrical installations, provided that such wiring methods shall be safe and adequate for the specified purpose and use and to the satisfaction of the electrical inspector.

Time limitation.

Permits for temporary electrical installations shall be for a specified time set by the electrical inspector and shall not exceed 90 days.

Inspection.

Any temporary installation shall be inspected and approved by the electrical inspector before it is connected to a power source. The use of any temporary installation shall be disconnected immediately upon expiration of the permit.

Time extensions.

If the temporary electrical installation is needed beyond the 90-day period, subsequent permits may be issued. An inspection shall be made before the issuance of any subsequent permit, and each subsequent permit shall be for a period not to exceed 90 days.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-97; 2001 Code, sec. 22-450; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-451 Materials and equipment standards.

Approved equipment.

All electrical equipment, including materials, apparatuses, fixtures and appliances used on electrical installations, shall conform to standards set by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and shall bear an Underwriters' Laboratories label or be certified as listed by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.

Equipment use.

Such electrical equipment shall be used only for the specific purpose for which it has been labeled or listed.

Unstandardized equipment.

Electrical equipment which has not been approved or for which standards have not been established by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., may be used on electrical installations, provided such electrical equipment is approved by the electrical inspector.

Unapproved equipment.

The electrical inspector shall deny approval for use of any electrical equipment which is not labeled or listed by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., when he reasonably believes the use of such equipment is unsafe or hazardous.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-98; 2001 Code, sec. 22-451; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-452 Electrical fences.

All electrical fence installations shall require a permit in accordance with section 22-401. The materials and equipment used shall conform to the requirements of section 22-451.

(1966 Code, sec. 14-99; 2001 Code, sec. 22-452; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)

§ 22-453 Low-voltage wiring.

A low-voltage electrical system to be used to operate any mechanical system, air-conditioning unit, central heating unit and other such system shall be installed under the supervision of a registered master electrician. This subsection is not to be construed as including self-generated control systems.

All low-voltage transformers, such as may be used for doorbells, floor furnaces and other such installations, shall be installed in a convenient and readily accessible place.

All wiring, line voltage or low voltage used for data processing or energy control and like systems shall be considered electrical work and must conform to this article.