All electrical equipment installed or used within the city and within the territory served by Brownfield Municipal Power and Light and all installations of electrical equipment shall be reasonably safe to persons and property and in conformity with the standards provided in the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code of the National Fire Protection Association and with the provisions of this article and applicable state statutes and any rules and regulations issued by authority thereof. A copy of said National Electrical Code referred to herein is on file in the office of the city secretary for reference and inspection and the same is hereby adopted and made a part of this article to the same extent as if set out herein in full. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this article and the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code, the terms of this article shall control.
(Ordinance 2104 adopted 1/2/20)
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them.
Board.
The electrical board of the city.
City.
The City of Brownfield and where applicable the territory served by Brownfield Municipal Power and Light.
Installations.
All electrical work of any nature performed on, in or near consumer’s premises.
(Ordinance 1941 adopted 7/20/06)
The provisions of this article shall apply within the city limits of Brownfield, Texas, and in the territory served by Brownfield Municipal Power and Light as established by the Texas Public Utility Commission regardless of the source of electrical supply.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Nothing contained within this article shall be construed to prevent the issuance of permits to homeowners who wish to perform electrical repair work on the house in which they reside. A homeowner affidavit must be signed by the owner stating that he is the current resident of the property. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the issuance of permits to owners who erect a dwelling in which to live, provided however, that no permit shall be issued under this provision until the owner submits an affidavit showing his ownership of the premises and his bona fide intention to live therein; provided further that in the event of new construction, no person shall be issued a permit under the provisions of this section more frequently than once each two (2) calendar years.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All fees provided for in this article shall be collected by the city secretary or assistants and handled as all other permit fees collected.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
The City of Brownfield shall furnish electricity, upon proper application, in all voltages that are standard for the industry in this area.
(b) 
No residential customer shall be served with three phase electrical service except as follows:
(1) 
Where three phase lines have already been installed adjacent to the property; and
(2) 
With motors of 5 horsepower or larger.
(c) 
No commercial customer shall be served with three phase electrical service except as follows:
(1) 
Where three phase lines have already been installed adjacent to the property; and
(2) 
With motors of 7-1/2 horsepower or larger.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
No electric meter connected by the City of Brownfield shall serve more than (1) one single-family residential dwelling or (1) one commercial building. The electrical inspector shall determine whether an accessory building is an incidental use not requiring an additional meter.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The electrical inspector shall be appointed by the city manager with the approval of the city council and shall hold office until a successor is appointed and duly qualified. Assistant inspectors may be appointed by the city manager whenever occasion demands.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The electrical inspector shall be a competent person of good moral character with knowledge of current and approved methods and practices relating to electrical installations.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The compensation of the electrical inspector and assistants shall be fixed by the city manager.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
The electrical inspector shall have the power to inspect all installations, alterations, and repairs of electrical work done, made or performed pursuant to the provisions of this article.
(b) 
The electrical inspector shall, upon determining that unsafe, improper or unlawful installations exist, immediately notify the owner of said premises, his agents, and any electrician performing work on the premises in writing of the nature of the violation, specifying the deficiency. The electrical inspector shall, if he believes the public welfare is endangered, order the electricity supply to said premises to be discontinued.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this article, or when there is reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any structure or upon any premises, any condition which violates this article, the electrical inspector or his assistants may enter such structure or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed by this article; provided that if such structure or premises be occupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, or persons having charge or control of the structure or premises, and request permission to enter. If such entry is refused, the electrical inspector or his authorized assistants shall obtain an administrative search warrant as provided in Section 18.05 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The electrical inspector shall keep or cause to be kept a record of permits, licenses and inspections required under this article and shall also keep a record of all condemnations of electrical installations.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
The electrical inspector shall stop the installation, alteration, operation or repair of any electrical work on or in premises whenever, in the inspector's opinion, the work is being done in a reckless, careless or unsafe manner or in a manner which violates the provisions of this article.
(b) 
Upon determining that particular work should stop, the inspector shall post a notice to that effect on the premises and thereafter no person shall proceed with the installation until the inspector has cancelled the stop work notice. It shall be unlawful for anyone to remove a stop work notice posted on a job other than the electrical inspector or his assistants.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Certificates of qualification or licenses issued under the provisions of this article shall be issued by the state to qualified applicants.
(Ordinance 1921 adopted 1/3/05)
All certificates of qualification and licenses issued under the provisions of this article shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
(Ordinance 1921 adopted 1/3/05)
The certificate of qualification or licenses issued pursuant to the provisions of this article shall not be transferred or assigned.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All licenses or certificates shall be subject to revocation pursuant to the regulations and procedures adopted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
(Ordinance 1921 adopted 1/3/05)
There is hereby created an electrical board of the city which shall consist of the following members who shall serve without compensation: two (2) master electricians, the city manager and two (2) other members, one of whom must be from the electric utility and another who holds either a master or journeyman license. Members of the board at the time of adoption of this article who do not meet the qualifications stated in this section shall be allowed to serve the remainder of their terms and until such time as their successor is appointed.
(Ordinance 1842 adopted 6/1/00)
Members of the board shall be appointed by the city council for the term of two (2) years. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term of the departed member.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
A quorum shall consist of three (3) members of the board; two of whom must hold either a master's or journeyman's license.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The city secretary shall serve as secretary to the board and shall keep a complete record of all proceedings of the board.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
The board shall meet as soon after appointment as possible and select a chairman; it shall thereafter meet at least once each quarter or as often as necessary.
(b) 
The board shall submit to the city council recommendations and suggestions for the improvement, enforcement and administration of this article.
(c) 
Any person, firm or corporation aggrieved by any interpretation of this article or the National Electrical Code or by any decision or ruling by the electrical inspector under this article shall have the right to make an appeal to the electrical board.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Persons wishing to engage in the electrical business must conform to the provisions of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Unless specifically authorized by other provisions of this article, unlicensed electrical workers or apprentices may not perform electrical installations unless under the immediate supervision of a master or journeyman electrician who is present at the job site.
(Ordinance 1921 adopted 1/3/05)
All oversize loads being transported through the City of Brownfield shall stop at the city limits and call for an escort.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
No person shall begin any electrical installation or begin any work installing, erecting, repairing or altering material, wiring fixtures of any other apparatus to be used for the utilization of electricity for light, heat or power in or on any building or premises covered by this article without first obtaining a permit from the office of the city secretary; provided however, that no permit shall be required for minor work such as repairing flush and tumbler switches, replacing fuses and breakers or changing lamp sockets and receptacles. Prior to the issuance of a permit, or in cases in which there is doubt as to whether a permit is required, one (1) set of electrical plans and specifications shall be submitted to the building official for review. The building official shall have discretion to determine whether a given job qualifies as minor work.
(b) 
A permit may not be transferred from one electrician to another.
(Ordinance 1834 adopted 8/5/99)
The city secretary or her designee shall issue a permit only to persons making electrical installations in their own home and persons holding the required business license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing Regulations.
(Ordinance 1921 adopted 1/3/05)
(a) 
The permit fee for renovations and new construction shall be as provided for in the fee schedule found in the appendix of this code.
(b) 
If by reason of faulty work, negligence or omission or for any other reason a subsequent inspection must be made in excess of the rough-in and final inspection a charge as provided for in the fee schedule found in the appendix of this code shall be made for each inspection.
(Ordinance 1834 adopted 8/5/99)
(a) 
In every case in which a permit is required by this article to undertake electrical work in, on or about any new construction or building renovation within the city, the permit fee charged shall be as provided for in the fee schedule found in the appendix of this code. New construction for the purpose of this section shall mean the erection of a new building or structure or the erection of any addition to an existing building or structure, which has not previously been supplied with electric current. Building renovation for the purpose of this section shall mean the renovation of any existing building or structure where the proposed electrical work amounts to a total rewiring of the existing building or structure.
(b) 
If by reason of faulty work, negligence or omission or for any other reason, a subsequent inspection must be made in excess of the rough-in and final inspection, a charge as provided for in the fee schedule found in the appendix of this code shall be made for each inspection.
(Ordinance 1831 adopted 5/20/99)
Permit holders whose installations are ready for inspection shall give the office of the electrical inspector at least twenty-four (24) hours notice prior to the time of the inspection. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall not be a part of the twenty-four hour period.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
All wiring shall be inspected before concealment. Any person covering or concealing wires before inspection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) 
All structures moved into the city shall meet the provisions of this article and shall be subject to inspection. The structure owner shall remove adequate portions of the walls and ceilings to allow any required inspection. Structure owners may request inspection prior to placement within the city service area provided at least 48 hours advanced notice is given. In addition to all other applicable fees, there shall be charged for out of city inspections the fees as provided for in the fee schedule found in the appendix of this code.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Installation of electrical equipment bearing the seal of approval of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. shall be prima facie evidence that such equipment is reasonably safe to persons and property.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Electric meters shall be installed by the City of Brownfield only upon payment of prescribed deposits. The amount of the meter deposit shall be determined by the city manager and shall be based on the estimated monthly bill or other pertinent factors. The minimum deposit for a residence is set forth in the fee schedule in the appendix of this code and for a commercial or industrial customer as set forth in the fee schedule in the appendix of this code. When a customer terminates electric service the deposit shall be refunded after any unpaid utility bills including, water, sewer, garbage and electric bills have been deducted. No deposit shall be refunded to anyone other than the person making the deposit or that person's legal heirs. No interest shall be paid by the City of Brownfield on the deposits.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All service entrances shall be in a minimum of one and one-quarter inch (11/4") rigid metal or EMT conduit with an approved type weatherhead. In case the service mast is used for the support of service drop conductors it shall be in a minimum of two inch (2") rigid metal conduit.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
When new service is furnished by the city, the electrician and/or contractor will locate the weatherhead so it will be accessible to the nearest city power pole without having to pass over adjacent property.
(b) 
Each electrical meter shall be located in clear view on the exterior wall of any building or residence so that it can be easily serviced and read. A meter shall not be enclosed inside of any part of a building.
(c) 
The City of Brownfield shall furnish, install and maintain overhead service lines to the meter base when it is located as provided in this section of this article. Underground service lines may be used, however, the installation, cost and maintenance of such underground service line is the responsibility of the customer.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
Service entrance conductors shall not be smaller than No. 4 A.W.G. copper. Entrance wires shall be of sufficient size to carry the capacity of the amperage rating of the panel that is installed.
(b) 
There shall be a three wire 120/240 volt service on all residential installations, except residences of 500 square feet or less, where only two circuits are required.
(c) 
Electric range wire shall be no smaller than three No. 6 A.W.G. copper conductors complete with approved receptacle.
(d) 
Built-in range surface units, griddle units, oven(s) will be considered as separate appliances and conductors to each such unit shall be no smaller than No. 10 A.W.G. copper with an outlet box with either an approved receptacle or a suitable cover and cable clamp to support the cable leading to the unit.
(e) 
Each automatic clothes washing machine shall be on a circuit supplying no other load.
(f) 
Any change in electric service or change to a new type of service shall require an inspection before the electric utility may connect service.
(g) 
In the event floor space is added to an existing building or residence or additional wiring is installed, the electrical inspector may require that the old wiring be brought up to code specifications, if in the inspector's opinion the wiring creates a hazard that might endanger life or property. Any new wiring or service equipment and service conductors added to an existing system shall be in accordance with this article; however, in residences one circuit may be added without changing the service point if the circuit consists only of one light socket of standard base or one convenience outlet of 11/2 amperage rating, or both, provided the service point to the panel is in conduit.
(h) 
No keyless pull chain lamp holders shall be allowed in any installation in any structure.
(i) 
Aluminum wire may be used in any installation, provided the size is increased one size over the size copper wire required in this section, and further provided that in no instance shall aluminum wire smaller than No. 8 be used. Any wiring terminated to a meter base shall be copper.
(j) 
An electric dryer of 120/240 volts shall be wired with three No. 10 A.W.G. copper conductors or larger if the load requires, with approved dryer type receptacle.
(k) 
The size of wire from bottom of the meter base to the protective disconnect box for a two wire 120 volt installation shall be sized to correspond to the amperage rating of the switch.
(l) 
No wiring installed for use of 120/240 volts or greater shall be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G.
(m) 
All underground services shall have a disconnect at point of attachment to city power. (Meter in alley or service entrance at pole.)
(n) 
All underground electrical services installed in an alley shall be placed in the space midway between the spaces reserved for gas and sewer.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All metal fixtures installed in bathrooms and kitchens, except in ceilings, shall be grounded; however, they may be grounded to their neutral wire.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The use of ordinary twisted, cotton-covered lamp cord type "C" for pendants or drop lights is hereby prohibited and in lieu thereof reinforced or portable cord not smaller than No. 16 A.W.G. gauge shall be used.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
Receptacle outlets for electric irons, percolators, toasters and other electric heating devices in kitchens shall be on a separate circuit from the light fixture outlets. No more than two duplex outlets or four single split wired outlets shall be on a circuit when a three wire circuit is used and the wires creating the circuit shall be no smaller than No. 12 A.W.G. copper.
(b) 
All receptacles in breakfast rooms, dining rooms and laundry rooms shall be on a separate circuit from the light fixture outlets. No more than four duplex outlets or eight single split wired outlets shall be on a circuit when three wire circuit is used and the wires creating such circuit shall not be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G. copper.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
In residential installations, no more than eight (8) current consuming outlets shall be installed per circuit and the wires creating the circuit shall not be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G. copper.
(b) 
In commercial installations, there shall not be more than four (4) current consuming outlets per circuit, and the conductor forming such circuits shall not be smaller than No. 12 conductor. Total wattage load for each of these circuits shall not exceed eighty (80) percent of the rated current capacity of conductor used.
(c) 
There shall not be more than (6) six current consuming outlets per circuit in circuits requiring ground fault circuit protection.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Convenience outlets in any room may be connected back-to-back to another convenience outlet provided that not more than four (4) convenience outlets shall be allowed on a kitchen circuit.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Ground wires shall be installed for electric food waste disposal and automatic washers; however, these appliances may be grounded to the neutral conductor if same is an unbroken ground conductor connected to an approved grounded water pipe or driven ground rod. Additionally, where the maximum voltage to ground does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) volts, or where the appliance is served by 120/240 volt, 3-wire branch circuits, they may be grounded by connection to the grounded circuit conductors. However, if the circuit is for stationary electrically heated appliances the grounded circuit conductors shall not be smaller than No. 10 A.W.G. copper.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Non-metallic sheathed cable may be used in any electrical installation in residential dwellings of up to six families so long as the structure does not exceed two stories.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
In public and commercial buildings and apartments constructed for more than six families, all wiring must be in rigid conduit; however metallic or non-metallic tubing or metallic or non-metallic raceway may be approved by electrical inspector for certain classes of construction.
(b) 
All underground electrical services installed in a public right-of-way shall be in rigid metal conduit and installed at 90 degrees to meter pedestal.
(Ordinance 1969 adopted 2/7/08; Ordinance 2039 adopted 5/16/13)
Fuse panels or circuit breakers shall be located where they are readily accessible. They shall not be placed in water heating closets, bathrooms or clothes closets. Additionally, fuse panels or circuit breakers shall not be located in other storage areas where stored materials will hinder accessibility.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Type "S" fuses, (fustats and adaptors) shall be used in all plug fusable installations; however, the ampere rating must be no larger than the ampere rating of the conductor used. Circuit breaker rating shall not be larger than ampere rating of the conductor used.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
Outdoor antenna, counterpoise and lead-in conductors shall be securely supported so as to avoid contacts with conductors of other systems.
(b) 
Outdoor antenna, counterpoise and lead-in conductors from an antenna to a building shall not cross over electric light or power circuits and shall be kept away from all such circuits so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact.
(c) 
Antenna and counterpoise conductors shall not be installed where they cross under electric light or power conductors, however, if conditions warrant, the electrical inspector may grant exceptions to this requirement.
(d) 
All metal antenna masts shall be grounded by the approved method.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Outdoor antenna, such as vertical rods or dipole structures, shall be of non-corrodible materials and strong enough to withstand ice and wind loads. They shall be located well away from overhead conductors and power circuits which exceed one hundred fifty (150) volts to ground.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All wiring materials, wiring devices, such as switches, fuses, panels, lighting fixtures, ballast, transformers, conductors, appliances, circuit breakers, and signal devices must bear the stamp of approval of the National Board of Fire Examiners of the "UL" label.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Where joints are found to be taped but not soldered or spliced with an approved mechanical device, the inspector may require all joints be untaped and left untaped until soldered or spliced with an approved mechanical device. It is further provided that such splices and tapes shall be made in an approved junction box.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to intentionally prevent electricity from passing through any electric meter used in connection with the supply of electricity to any consumer by the electric department or to prevent a meter from registering the amount of electricity passing through it, or to otherwise intentionally prevent a meter from duly registering the quantity of electricity supplied, or to divert any electricity from any wires or lines of the electric department or otherwise intentionally use, or cause to be used any electricity, without the consent of the electric department. Additionally, whoever damages or destroys or removes any meter, or any person who retains possession of or refuses to deliver any meter or other appliance loaned to him by the electric department for the purpose of furnishing electricity shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) 
The presence of any device, wires or damage to a meter resulting in the diversion of electricity or prevention of proper registration by the meter shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge on the part of any person benefiting from the existence of such device or damage, and shall further constitute prima facie evidence of intention on the part of such person to defraud.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
All wiring shall be color coded as specified in the 2011 National Electrical Code.
(Ordinance 1969 adopted 2/7/08; Ordinance 2039 adopted 5/16/13)
No electric welder of the transformer reactance type shall be connected in the city unless it bears the name plate of the manufacturer, the current rating, and the stamp of approval of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
No person engaged in the business of transmission and sale of electric current to consumers shall make any connection of their transmission lines with the electric wiring and/or apparatus in any residence or other consumer installation without first having received the electrical inspector's certificate of compliance for said installation.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
No feeder or branch circuit shall be fused with larger fuses than the allowable current carrying capacity of the wire installed on said feeder or branch circuit.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
The electrical inspector is hereby authorized to issue special permits for the use of knob and tube wiring in temporary installations. Temporary permits shall state specific termination date. Upon the expiration of a temporary permit, the holder thereof shall immediately discontinue the use of the installation or shall replace same with an installation complying with applicable provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
No electrical sign shall be erected, installed or connected to a source of energy within the city unless it bears an approval label of the Underwriters' Laboratory, or unless it has met the requirements set forth herein for signs and has an approval card attached by the city electrical inspector. The person erecting the sign shall provide access to all portions of the sign in order that it may be inspected.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
Editor’s note–Former Section 3.666 pertaining to the height and extension of electrical signs has been repealed by Ordinance 1941 adopted July 20, 2006.
All lighting classified as signs, and which is installed outside the main walls of any building shall be on approved circuits.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
When upon inspection or reinspection any sign is found to be dangerous or in an unsafe condition and the owner or user thereof fails to place such sign in safe condition after being notified to do so by the city electrical inspector within the time limits specified, the city electrical inspector shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or user.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)
(a) 
A person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provision found in Section 1.109 of this code for each act of violation and for each day of violation.
(b) 
In addition to proceeding under authority of subsection (a) of this section, the city is entitled to pursue all other criminal and civil remedies to which it is entitled under authority of state statutes or other ordinances.
(Ordinance 1823 adopted 1/7/99)