(a) 
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.
(b) 
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) shall not be used in any location except where NM cable is acceptable in the city.
(c) 
Manufactured wiring systems as approved by electrical code adopted in this article shall be acceptable.
(d) 
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.
(e) 
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)
(a) 
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).
(b) 
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)
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)
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
Overhead service drops.
Overhead service drops shall be installed in accordance with the following:
(1) 
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.
(2) 
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.
(3) 
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.
(d) 
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.
(e) 
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
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.
(e) 
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)
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
Time limitation.
Permits for temporary electrical installations shall be for a specified time set by the electrical inspector and shall not exceed 90 days.
(d) 
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.
(e) 
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
Equipment use.
Such electrical equipment shall be used only for the specific purpose for which it has been labeled or listed.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
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)
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)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
All other wiring shall conform to the electrical code adopted in this article.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-100; 2001 Code, sec. 22-453; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
Any electrical system or electrical equipment lawfully installed prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived may have its existing use, maintenance or repair continued if the use is in accordance with the original design and location, and such system is not dangerous to public health, safety and welfare and is approved by the electrical inspector.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-101; 2001 Code, sec. 22-454; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)