(a) 
The object of this division is to reduce the personal hazard and the fire hazard from electrical causes. To accomplish this, the requirements set forth in this division are intended to provide a minimum standard for electrical work and maintenance in the city.
(b) 
The provisions of this division shall not be construed to apply to the installation, operation, alteration, or repairs of electrical installations or equipment owned and used by an electric light and power company, telephone and/or telegraph company, or railroad company for generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electricity, or for the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.701), adopted 12/28/01)
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Apprentice electrician.
Except as otherwise provided, a person undertaking the learning of the electrical trade and doing electrical work under the direct, constant personal supervision and control of either a licensed master electrician or a journeyman electrician and who has been properly registered with the CEO as provided in this division.
Circuit.
A final two or more wire branch circuit rated at 15 amperes, 120 volt, or as required for load.
Electrical inspector.
The chief electrical inspector and his duly authorized assistants.
Electrical wiring and apparatus.
All materials, devices, machinery, appliances, appurtenances or conductors used in connection with the production of electrical lights, heat or power or the transmission of electrical signals.
Electrical work.
All materials, devices, appliances, machinery, and equipment used in connection with the production, transmission or consumption of electrical energy, together with installing, maintaining or repairing of same.
Journeyman electrician.
Except as otherwise provided, a person undertaking electrical work under the supervision, direction and control of a licensed master electrician and who has been properly registered. The term “journeyman electrician,” however, shall not include an apprentice electrician, and nothing in this division shall be construed as prohibiting an apprentice electrician from doing electrical work under the direct, constant, personal supervision and control of either a licensed master or journeyman electrician.
Maintenance.
The keeping in safe repair and operation of any and all existing installations, apparatus and equipment.
Master electrician.
A person skilled in the planning, supervision, installation, alteration or changing of electric wiring and apparatus and familiar with the rules, laws and regulations governing such and who has been licensed in the manner provided by this division.
Meter loop.
The service entrance conductors, meter base, service breakers or fuses, service disconnect, and the system and equipment grounding.
Outlet.
A point on the wiring system at which current is or may be taken or consumed: lights, receptacles, etc.
Permit electrician.
Any person who has met all requirements for approval and has been granted a license or registration, which includes the privilege of taking out permits to install one or more types of electrical work, as covered by this division.
Spot.
The location at which the power company will install the conductors supplying a customer.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.702), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Records and reports.
The chief electrical inspector, and his assistants, shall keep a complete record of the activities of the electrical inspection division and shall render monthly and yearly reports to the chief executive officer, or to any person duly designated by the chief executive officer.
(b) 
Qualifications.
The chief electrical inspector, and his assistants, shall be well versed in electrical safety requirements generally, and especially those set out in this division, the National Electrical Code, and the safety regulations of the state applying to electrical work.
(c) 
Enforcement authority; right of entry.
The chief electrical inspector, and his assistants, are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this division, and the electrical inspector, and his assistants, are hereby vested with full authority to enter any building or premises and any manhole, subway or plant at any time during business hours and at any and all times in case of emergency in the discharge of their duties. They are authorized to pass upon and decide any questions under the provisions of this division.
(d) 
Answering questions.
The electrical inspector shall answer any relevant questions concerning or give any desired information in respect to the meaning, intent or application of the regulations and rules of this division.
(e) 
Approval of plans and specifications.
The electrical inspector shall, when he deems it necessary to accomplish the objectives of this division, require plans and specifications as prepared by the architect. When such plans and specifications are demanded, it shall be a violation of this division for any person to install any part of the electrical work concerned until the electrical inspector approves the installation.
(f) 
Inspection of electrical work.
The city may, but shall not be required to, inspect all electrical work. The city may rely on a representation by an owner or electrician that electrical work has been completed in compliance with this division; provided that the electrical inspector shall make a thorough inspection of all electrical work within the city from time to time, and where the electrical work is in a dangerous or unsafe condition, or is deemed to be an interference with the work of the fire department of the city, the inspector shall notify the person owning, using or operating such electrical work to place same in a safe, secure and noninterfering condition. Any person failing, neglecting or refusing within a reasonable time to make the necessary repair or changes, and have the necessary work completed within a reasonable time after the receipt of such notice, shall be deemed guilty of violation of this division. Every day which shall elapse after the expiration of such reasonable time until the wires and apparatus are repaired, removed or changed, as required by the electrical inspector, shall be considered a separate offense within the intent and meaning of this division.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.704), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Master electrician’s license required.
No person shall engage in the business of contracting or installing, altering or repairing any electrical work within the city which is regulated by this division unless such person has been issued a master electrician’s license, as specified in this section, except as otherwise set out.
(b) 
Work by journeyman electrician.
A journeyman electrician is a person holding a journeyman’s license. No journeyman electrician shall perform any work except under the direct order and supervision of duly licensed master electrician by whom he is employed.
(c) 
Application for master electrician.
To qualify for a master electrician’s license, the applicant must prove to the satisfaction of the CEO any of the following:
(1) 
Current registration as a master electrician from the state department of licensing and regulation;
(2) 
A picture identification stating name and address;
(3) 
Payment of a fee as stated in the city fee schedule.
(d) 
Expiration of license.
All licenses are to expire on December 31 of each year unless the license has been revoked by the CEO.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.705), adopted 12/28/01; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Applicability.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all electrical signs, outline wiring and to all classes of lighting used for advertising purposes or to attract attention.
(b) 
General standards.
No electrical sign shall be erected, installed or connected to a source of energy within the city unless such sign bears an approval label of the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., or unless it has met the requirements set forth in this section for signs and has an approval card attached by the electrical inspector. All signs erected before an inspection is called for must be open, and means of access shall be supplied by the person erecting the sign.
(c) 
Permit required; approval tag.
No signs or neon tubing shall be installed until a permit has been applied for and issued by the electrical inspector. No sign or neon tubing shall be connected to a source of energy until an approval tag is attached to the same by the electrical inspector.
(d) 
Compliance with National Electrical Code.
No neon or similar tubing and no electrical work regulated by this division shall be fastened to any sign structure which does not comply with section no. 600-21 of the National Electrical Code.
(e) 
Payment of fees.
Fees shall be paid for each sign constructed and for each installation of neon or similar tubing which is installed within the city. Fees are to be paid in full prior to operation.
(f) 
Fee schedule.
Appendix A of this code shall govern all permits and inspection fees.
(g) 
Installation of high tension conductors.
All high tension conductors installed within a building shall be enclosed in approved raceways and shall be equipped with insulation approved for the voltage of the circuit, except:
(1) 
Short connections between the tube terminals, which are enclosed in glass in an approved manner, may be bared conductors; and
(2) 
As set forth in section no. 600-31(f) of the National Electrical Code. Outside the main building walls, the conductor for high tension current shall be equipped with insulation approved for the voltage of the circuit and shall be enclosed in rigid conduit, except that, when conductors are not readily accessible from a standing surface, they may be installed exposed, if supported or [by] approved insulators at intervals not exceeding two feet and so arranged that all required clearance will be maintained permanently. Straight connections between tube terminals may be enclosed in glass and supported in an approved manner.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.706), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Work requiring special license.
No person shall assemble or manufacture any appliances, equipment or apparatus to be used in the city, and which is partly or wholly operated by electricity at a potential of 50 volts or more, unless the same bears an approval label of Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., until such person has been granted a license by the board.
(b) 
Conditions.
Such license shall be limited to the electrical work within or attached to appliances, equipment and apparatus specified on the license and permits. Inspection and inspection fees, as called for in this division, shall be required. A special license shall not include any privilege to do any other electrical work, or to connect to or to disconnect from a source of energy.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.707), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to install, alter, change or repair any electrical work in the city, as covered by this division, without first having applied for and obtained a permit to make such installation, alteration, change or repair. No alteration or change shall be made in the electric wiring or apparatus located within a building nor shall any such electric wiring or apparatus be installed in any building without first securing a permit therefor, except as provided in this section, nor shall any change be made in any wiring or apparatus after inspection without notifying the electrical inspector and securing a new permit therefor.
(1) 
If the duly licensed master electrician on the job is not the owner or a co-owner of the firm, corporation or association engaged in the installation or alteration of electrical wiring or apparatus within the city, the licensed master electrician must be a duly appointed officer of the firm or corporation.
(2) 
No firm, corporation or association shall enter into any contract to do electrical wiring or apparatus installation or permit any employee to make such installations unless the owner, co-owner or duly appointed officer holds a valid master electrician’s license issued by the CEO.
(3) 
No person shall be granted a permit until he has fully complied with all requirements of this division as a permit electrician.
(4) 
Applications for permits shall be on forms furnished by the electrical inspector. All applications for permits and requests for inspection shall be made to the office of the electrical inspector.
(b) 
Exceptions to permit requirement.
(1) 
No wiring, poles, duct lines, guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment [shall be installed, maintained or altered], without first securing a permit therefor from the CEO, except as follows:
(A) 
No permit shall be required for replacing fuses or lamps or the connection of portable equipment to suitable receptacles which have been permanently installed or for repairs to portable appliances.
(B) 
No permit shall be required for the installation, maintenance or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment to be installed by an electric public service company for the use of such company in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale or utilization of electrical energy. However, an electric public service company shall not do any wiring on a customer’s premises other than wiring or repairs to apparatus which is part of the company’s distribution system, including metering equipment, meter cabinets, and meter-related connections wherever located and transformer vaults in which the company’s transformers are located, nor shall any of its employees do any work other than that done for the company as provided in this subsection by virtue of this exception.
(C) 
No permit shall be required for the installation of temporary wiring apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment used by a recognized electrical training school or college.
(D) 
No permit shall be required for the installation and maintenance of railway crossing signal devices, when such is performed by due authority of the railroad and in accordance with the standards of the American Railroad Association and in collaboration with and approval of the city street department.
(E) 
No permit shall be required for installation of electrical bells or other low energy wiring, provided such installation is made by a licensed electrician. Intercom and public address systems shall also be considered low energy wiring.
(F) 
No permit shall be required where specially exempt in this division. No permit shall be required for repairing portable appliances.
(G) 
No permit or license shall be required for minor repairs performed by a homeowner on his or her “homestead,” including such repairs as replacement of sockets, fuses, drop cords, snap switches, and the like.
(H) 
No permit shall be required for replacing flush or snap switches, receptacles, lamp sockets, the installation of lamps or minor repairs on permanently connected electrical appliances and lighting fixtures.
(2) 
Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment for the transmission, distribution or utilization of electric energy for any purpose, the wiring, apparatus, devices and equipment shall be installed or repaired in conformity with this division.
(c) 
Building permit number required.
In all cases requiring building permits, the electrical inspector shall not issue an electrical permit until he has been furnished the building permit number issued by the CEO to the owner or his authorized agent.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.708), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Approval required prior to concealment of work or connection to source of energy.
No electrical work for which a permit is required under this division shall be concealed in any manner from access or sight until such work has been inspected or approved by the electrical inspector. No electrical work shall be connected to a source of energy until the electrical work is completed or has the approval of the electrical inspector.
(b) 
Failure to obtain approval.
Any person having charge of the construction, alteration or repair of any buildings, or any other person who covers or conceals, or causes to be covered or concealed, or any such person who connects, or causes to be connected, any electrical work, for which a permit has been issued or is required, before such electrical work has been inspected and approved, without having notified the electrical inspector at least 24 hours previously, shall be subject to the penalty provided for in this division.
(c) 
Final inspection.
When any electrical work for which a permit is required has been installed, the permit electrician in charge shall deliver to the office of the electrical inspector a request for the final inspection. The electrical inspector may inspect the electrical work.
(d) 
Approval of work.
If the electrical work meets all requirements of this division, the electrical inspector shall immediately make the necessary service records, and allow the city or other utilities to connect the work to a source of supply. Should the electrical work fail to meet the requirements of this division, the electrical inspector shall notify the permit electrician in writing of all the defects. The permit electrician shall, within a reasonable time, correct such defects and notify the electrical inspector. If inspection and reinspection is made, the person taking out the permit shall pay a reinspection fee as provided in appendix A of this code. When any permit electrician fails or refuses to provide a statement of compliance or request a final inspection, the owner of the premises on which the electrical work has been performed may request an inspection, and, upon payment of a reinspection fee by such owner or person, the electrical inspector shall inspect the electrical work as soon thereafter as practicable.
(e) 
Completion of partial work.
When a master electrician does not have the contract for the finishing of the electrical work covered by his permit, he shall make his inspection request to the electrical inspector when his part of the work is completed.
(f) 
Certificate of approval.
A written certificate of approval shall be used [issued], upon request, to a permit electrician to cover any electrical work approved by the electrical inspector.
(g) 
Defects to be promptly corrected.
When a permit electrician is given notice that defects exist in his electrical work, he shall make corrections promptly. If these corrections are not made within thirty (30) days, he shall not be issued any other permits until the defects are corrected and approved by the electrical inspector; provided, however, that a time extension may be granted in writing by the electrical inspector.
(h) 
Responsibility for compliance.
No permit or certificate of inspection shall be conclusive as against the city that the electrical work therein referred to has been installed in conformity with the requirements of the law, but the owner of the premises, the permit electrician, and all other persons concerned shall be obligated to see that all matters, things and acts to which this division and such permit or certificate relates shall conform to the regulations of the city.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.709), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Fees generally.
The fees listed in appendix A of this code and the administrative fee ordinance of the city shall be paid to the city for any electrical work done in the city for which a permit is issued or is required by this division.
(b) 
Requirements for final inspection and provision of utility services.
The CEO will not make the final inspection until all required fees have been paid. No utility services, other than temporary services for construction, or certificate of occupancy will be provided by the city until the statement of compliance has been given or the final inspection has been made and the work approved by the electrical inspector.
(c) 
Authority to set other fees.
When fees are not set up in this section, the electrical inspector shall set fees that are consistent with fees established in this division. Inspection fees are subject to change by the city council at any time.
(d) 
Reinspections.
When any electrical work, as covered by this division, is reported to the electrical inspector as ready for inspection, and upon such inspection the electrical work does not meet the requirements of this division, the permit electrician shall be notified of the defects. After correcting the defects, he shall call for a reinspection and be charged a reinspection fee of up to the initial inspection fee.
(e) 
Payment of fees; accounting.
Unless otherwise stated in this division, all fees shall be delivered to the city and all fees shall be payable during regular business hours at the office of the CEO at the city municipal building. All accounting and records concerning finances covered by this division shall be under the supervision and control of the finance director.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.710), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
No electrical work in the city shall be approved unless the electrical work has been represented as in conformity with this division and the laws of the state, and unless such electrical work has been represented as in conformity with the approved methods of construction for the safety of life and property. When not specifically covered by this division, the regulations as prescribed by the National Electrical Code shall be prima facie evidence of such approved methods, provided that the provisions of this division shall prevail over the National Electrical Code in case of conflicting provisions.
(b) 
All electrical work as covered by this division shall be installed in a safe and secure manner with materials of such kind, quality and capacity as will maintain satisfactory and economical service to both the service and consuming parties. No electrical materials, devices or appliances shall be used or installed in the city unless such materials, devices and appliances are in conformity with the provisions of this division and the laws of the state, and unless same are in conformity with the approved methods of construction for safety to life and property. Unless otherwise covered by this division, conformity of electrical materials, devices and appliances with the standards of Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., as approved by the American Standards Association, and other standards approved by the American Standards Association shall be prima facie evidence that such electrical materials, devices and appliances comply with the requirements of this division.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.711), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Wiring in residential districts.
All structures located within residential districts may be wired in any wiring method approved by the National Electrical Code.
(b) 
Wiring in other districts.
All structures located in any other use or districts, including business, commercial and industrial, shall be wired in one or more of the following approved methods:
(1) 
Standard rigid conduit;
(2) 
Thin wall conduit; and
(3) 
Surface metal raceways.
(c) 
Use of flexible metallic conduits.
Flexible metallic conduits may be used to connect up vibrating equipment, provided it does not exceed six feet in length without prior approval of the electrical inspector, as provided for under subsection (d) of this section. Flexible metallic conduits shall not be enclosed in plaster. Flexible metallic conduits, as the expression is used in this section, means Greenfield, not BX cable. BX cable shall not be used without prior approval in writing from the electrical inspector.
(d) 
Exceptions.
The following exceptions to the wiring methods outlined in subsection (c) of this section shall be recognized:
(1) 
Equipment wired with other methods and which bears the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., label of approval.
(2) 
Wiring methods especially approved in this division.
(3) 
The electrical inspector may approve other methods of wiring, such as special raceways or busways or methods to meet conditions, where the methods named in subsections (b) and (c) of this section are not suitable for the use intended, or where the National Electrical Code requires a certain method.
(e) 
Rigid metal or nonmetallic conduit required for certain installations.
Only rigid metal (not thin wall) and nonmetallic conduit shall be used underground within concrete construction, where exposed to excessive moisture, and where required under the National Electrical Code, except that thin wall conduits may be run through a concrete beam or wall without coupling or connection. Thin wall conduit will be considered as not exposed to weather if run on the ceiling 24 inches or more from the outside edge of an awning or on side walls more than 45 degrees inside from a vertical line at the outside edge of a roof.
(f) 
Metal enclosed systems.
No metal enclosed system shall be installed which does not allow the easy pulling and replacing of the conductors which it encloses.
(g) 
Moved-in buildings.
Moved-in houses and other types of buildings shall be treated as new construction under this division. Old buildings moved within the city limits shall meet the requirements of this division for repair work. New buildings moved within the city limits shall be treated as new construction under this division.
(h) 
Rewiring or additions.
Any rewiring or additions to existing wiring representing over 60 percent of the original outlets’ installation value shall require the total installation to meet the requirements of this division.
(i) 
Wiring material.
All internal electrical wiring will be copper. Aluminum wiring is prohibited.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.712), adopted 12/28/01)
(a) 
Electric service shall only be connected by city personnel or under the supervision of the city by the electrical company authorized to service the property, and only after the wiring of the location has been inspected and approved by the CEO. Upon making an application for services, the applicant covenants that the location will be wired in accordance with the policies and requirements of the city, the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, and all applicable government regulations.
(b) 
The responsible party for any premises, and the contractor for any work performed, shall be responsible for the compliance of such premises and work with the requirements of this division. The responsible party and the contractor shall, by making the application for service, agree that if required changes and corrections are not made within thirty (30) days after such inspection and failure to approve, the city may discontinue service to the property until such changes have been made. The responsible party and the contractor shall, by making the application for service, release the city from any liability of every kind and nature for damage which may occur from defective wiring of said premises or from failure to inspect said wiring, and such permit application shall further be an agreement to hold the city harmless from any and all liability.
(c) 
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued or stay in effect for any premises not in compliance with this division. The CEO may revoke any certificate of occupancy as provided in article 3.02 of this chapter.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.713), adopted 12/28/01)
Where wires or apparatus are found in dangerous or unsafe condition or are deemed to be an interference with the work of the fire department, the electrical inspector or CEO shall notify the person owning, using or operating such to place them in safe, secure and noninterfering condition. Any person failing, neglecting or refusing within a reasonable time after the receipt of the notice, as provided in section 3.02.010, shall be deemed guilty of violation of this chapter, and every day which shall elapse after ten (10) days until the wires and apparatus are repaired, removed or changed as required by the electrical inspector, CEO or fire marshal shall be considered a separate offense within the intent and meaning of this chapter.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.714), adopted 12/28/01)
The chief of the fire department, an electrical inspector, the CEO or a competent person delegated by them or either of them shall have the power to at once cause the removal of all wires or the turning off of all electric current where the circuits interfere with the work of the fire department during the progress of a fire. The electrical inspector is hereby authorized and empowered to cause the turning off of electric current from all conductors or apparatus which are deemed by him to be in an unsafe condition or which have not been installed in conformity with this division.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.715), adopted 12/28/01)
There is hereby adopted by the city, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, removal and maintenance of electric wiring and apparatus, including permits and penalties, that certain electrical code known as the National Electrical Code of the National Fire Protection Association, being particularly the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code, and the whole thereof, save and except such portions as are hereafter deleted, modified or amended, of which no less than one copy has been and now is filed in the office of the city secretary. Such code is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length in this section, and the provisions of such code shall be controlling in the construction, alteration, maintenance or removal of all electric wiring and apparatus within the corporate limits of the city.
(Ordinance 2017-07-10(9B) adopted 7/10/17; Ordinance 2022-05-09(4B) adopted 5/9/2022)
The National Electrical Code is amended as follows:
(1) 
Each reference to “jurisdiction” or location for insertion of name of jurisdiction shall mean the City of Rockdale, Texas.
(2) 
Section 404.2.
See the fee schedule adopted by ordinance of the city.
(Ordinance 28-1201-(1), ex. A (3.703(b)), adopted 12/28/01)