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 serving and consuming parties. Any and all electrical work for light, heat, power or other purpose placed in or on any building or structure in the city limits shall be installed in conformity with the rules and regulations as laid down in the National Electrical Code as approved by the American Engineering Standards Committee and in conformity with the additional rules and regulations as set forth in this division, the statutes of the state, and the rules and regulations issued under the authority of the state statutes. Where local rules and regulations are set forth in this division, they shall take preference over any rules conflicting therewith.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 201, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
Protection.
Circuit protection shall consist of non-tamperable fuses or circuit breakers. The amperage rating shall correspond with the amperage rating of the circuit on which it is used. The electrical inspector shall require the installation of non-tamperable type over-current devices on existing circuits which are protected with plug fuses wherever the actual connected load on the circuit exceeds the maximum ampere rating of the circuit or wherever there exists evidence of willful over-fusing or fuse tampering.
(b) 
Dwellings.
(1) 
On all lighting circuits, either commercial or residential, in no case shall the neutral be broken through the switch rather than the hot wire.
(2) 
Kitchens in each dwelling unit, including each kitchen of a multiple-family apartment, shall have one or more 3-wire, 115-volt, twenty (20) ampere circuits, each 3-wire circuit supplying not more than six (6) duplex receptacles. These circuits shall be installed in every new or remodeled kitchen. These circuits shall not extend beyond the kitchen or dining area, or be used for any major appliances.
(3) 
All remaining receptacles and lights must be equally divided on twenty (20) ampere circuits. Not more than eight (8) outlets and lights shall be connected to any circuit and no single circuit shall supply an area of more than five hundred (500) square feet.
(4) 
Single-phase air conditioning units operating at less than 230 volts and rated fifteen (15) amperes or more shall be wired on a separate circuit with no. 10 conductors; if rated ten (10) amperes or less it shall be wired with no. 12 conductors and shall be on a separate circuit. All such units rated larger than fifteen (15) amperes shall be 230 volts and on a single circuit. No such units shall be added to a service or feeder that does not have correct capacity required by this division.
(c) 
Buildings other than dwellings.
In buildings other than dwellings, one circuit shall not supply more than the following number of current-consuming outlets, except where detailed wiring and lighting plans, which meet the requirements of the N.E.C. and this division, are approved by the electrical inspector:
(1) 
In retail space, offices, schoolrooms, study halls, churches, and similar loads, maximum 6 ceiling outlets.
(2) 
Show windows, cafes, rooming houses, tourist courts, motels, nurseries and rent homes, maximum eight (8) ceiling outlets.
(3) 
Wall outlets and receptacles not supplied by subsection (1) of this subsection, maximum six (6) outlets.
The word “circuit” as used in this section shall apply to a two-wire circuit rated twenty (20) amperes, 115 volts. No circuit shall be loaded beyond eighty percent (80%) of its capacity, and where other circuits are used such circuits shall meet the requirements of the N.E.C. and this division.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 202, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
Grounding of service shall meet specifications as outlined in article 250 of the National Electrical Code Handbook and specifically sections H (Grounding Electrode System) and J (Grounding Conductors).
(b) 
All service equipment must be wired with the neutral running continuous from the service through the meter cabinet to the disconnect switch-neutral bar. The neutral and disconnect enclosure must be grounded to a 5/8th-inch galvanized ground rod not less than 8 feet long and driven not less than 8 feet (8') into the ground per article 250.
(c) 
Ground conductor sizing shall be as per table 250-94 in the N.E.C. Handbook.
(d) 
All electrical circuit outlets shall be grounded (bonded).
(e) 
When using PVC or other non-conducting conduit the ground conductor must be pulled through intact.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 203, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
Not more than eight (8) current outlets shall be connected to a twenty (20) ampere general use branch circuit.
(b) 
Not more than three (3) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to a fifteen (15) ampere branch lighting circuit.
(c) 
Not more than four (4) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to a twenty (20) ampere lighting circuit.
(d) 
The unit values and the demand factors herein are based on 100% power factor and may not provide sufficient capacity for the installation contemplated. In view of the trend toward higher intensity lighting systems and increased loads due to more general use of fixed and portable appliances, each installation should be considered as to the load likely to be imposed and the capacity increased to insure safe operations.
(e) 
There must be a means of disconnecting all permanent appliances within sight of the appliance. Freestanding only. Built-in excepted.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 204, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
All buildings must have one and not more than six (6) main line disconnect(s) located not more than thirty-six inches (36") from the meter and placed not more than seven (7) feet or less than four and one-half feet (4-1/2') above the first floor or ground elevation and mounted on the outside of the building or structure.
(b) 
The main line disconnect for a one-family dwelling shall not have a rating of less than 100 amperes, as outlined in articles 230-79(d) and 230-41(b) of the N.E.C. Handbook.
(c) 
The main breakers or switches shall be housed in a separate enclosure which provides room for the main disconnect only on commercial installations. A main breaker may be used in the panel for residential if the panel does not exceed three (3) feet in distance from the meter and is located on the outside of the structure.
(d) 
A building or other structure served shall be supplied with only one service. More than one service will only be allowed as outlined in article 230-2 of the N.E.C. and where allowed a permanent plaque or directory shall be installed at each service drop or lateral or at each service location denoting all other services on or in that building or structure and the area served by each. Such labeling is the responsibility of the owner of that building or structure. Service will be disconnected on all multi-services improperly labeled.
(e) 
As per article 230-82 N.E.C., no circuits or equipment shall be connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means.
(f) 
The service conduit and wires leading from the outside of the customer’s building to the meter cabinet and main line switch are to be supplied, owned and controlled by the property owner, but the installation of service drops and the connection of these wires to the supply lines is to be made by the electric service agency owning and operating the supply lines. The owner must provide a location for brackets or other attachments to the building to which the service wires are to be connected. Such a location must be above and not more than eighteen inches (18") from the service conduit outlet. On residences of two or more stories, the location shall be as is practical on the building, but in no event shall it be more than twenty-five feet (25') or less than ten feet (10') from the ground, and it must be located so as not to be within reach from any porch or stairs landing.
(g) 
Service conduit extending through the roof and used for a service support shall be sealed at the roof with lead or aluminum flashing and extend a minimum of eighteen inches (18") above the roof. Such service conduit shall be anchored just before entering the roof. One and one-quarter inch (1-1/4") conduit shall extend a maximum of twenty-four inches (24"), and one and one-half inch (1-1/2") conduit a maximum of thirty-six inches (36"), above the roof support.
(h) 
All entrance service conductors supplying other than a dwelling shall be enclosed in galvanized conduit without pull box or fitting, except approved fittings.
(i) 
Conductors sized according to table 310-16, N.E.C. (Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors) will be allowed between the point where the service drops for the electrical supply agency are to terminate on the owner’s premises and the main line entrance switch, and such wire must be enclosed in rigid galvanized metal conduit, not smaller than one and one-fourth inches (1-1/4"); no less than two feet (2') of each conductor shall be left at the service head for connection to the service wire from the electrical supply agency’s service drop.
(j) 
All service entrance conductors and main service over-current units supplying dwellings with demand load in excess of 10 kW shall have a minimum current-carrying capacity of one hundred (100) amperes including the one hundred (100) ampere panel.
(k) 
Four-wire delta meter loops shall be allowed where three-phase primary is available and where some other type three-phase service is not already available, provided the following requirements are met:
(1) 
Minimum loop conductor capacity for the conductors serving residential lighting shall be one hundred (100) amperes plus three-phase load. Minimum loop conductor capacity for the three-phase leg shall be #6 stranded copper or equivalent.
(2) 
The freak leg shall always be terminated on the leg on the right marked “red.”
(3) 
All residential, commercial, and industrial three-phase installations must be approved by the electrical inspector before installation.
(l) 
Each piece of entrance equipment used on a grounded system shall be equipped with an approved neutral bar. Service entrance main disconnect and over-current units shall be located as specified in the N.E.C., article 230-72, and shall terminate in a one hundred (100) ampere main line disconnect within thirty-six inches (36") of the meter and outside of the building except in underground networks where the disconnect shall be within twenty-five feet (25') of the service entrance.
(m) 
Service heads shall terminate above and within eighteen inches (18") of the service spot on the building where the structure will permit, or, if service is underground, service heads shall terminate six inches (6") above the secondary rack on the city pole for overhead services. Service conduits shall terminate at the service junction box for underground network services. Not less than two feet (2') of each conductor shall be left at the service head for connection to the service drop. The electrical supply agency shall designate by suitable marker the point of contact at a position on the building convenient to the service pole, and the point of contact shall be a minimum of ten feet (10') and a maximum of eighteen feet (18') clearance from the ground.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 205, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
All meter loops for the installation of electric meters to measure service rendered by the electrical supply agency shall be in meter cabinets furnished by the electrical supply agency, and installed by the owner or his agent. Said meter loops must be ahead of or on the line side of the main line switch.
(b) 
No meter loop shall be placed in a washroom, toilet room, storage closet, or carport, garage or any similar locations, nor over plumbing fixtures, machinery, or other interfering obstructions.
(c) 
Where two or more meter outlets are grouped or are on the same building, each meter outlet shall be neatly and permanently marked to show the location it serves. Where one or more meter outlets are added to a group or on a building, the person making the addition shall identify the old and the added outlets.
(d) 
All multiple-occupancy buildings shall have meter loops grouped at an outside location which shall be readily accessible to meter readers and testers at all times.
(e) 
Where one service drop supplies more than one building, meter loops and entrance equipment shall be grouped on the first building contacted by such service.
(f) 
Meters shall be set on the outside of buildings at a point not more than six feet (6') nor less than five feet (5') from the ground to the dial of the meter. Closed-in rear or front porches are not considered as outdoor locations.
(g) 
Where changes or additions are being made to existing electrical installations, necessitating changes or additions to the service entrance or to the service switch or the meter loop, the service entrance conduit and main line switch and meter loop shall be changed to conform to the provisions of this division.
(h) 
Any electrical supply agency furnishing electric current to the public for heating, lighting, or power shall have the right to install and connect or disconnect and remove their meters and their protective devices at their option without permit.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 206, adopted 2/11/97)
The location of receptacles and the number required in each type of room shall conform to the provisions of the N.E.C., except insofar as the same may be modified by the following:
(1) 
Each wall space over thirty-six inches (36") in length between door casings and which is unbroken by a door or passage shall be provided with one (1) or more wall receptacles so placed that no part of said wall space is over eight feet (8') from a receptacle.
(2) 
Passages to doors or windows shall not be counted as wall spaces for receptacles unless they exceed eight feet (8') in width. Wall space covered by open doors shall not be counted.
(3) 
Receptacle locations falling at a sink or at a gas outlet may be moved one or two feet without penalty or credit; the relocation of a receptacle at a sink shall be towards the adjoining drain board or table.
(4) 
A receptacle shall be provided not further than two feet (2') from each permanently installed ironing board.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 207, adopted 2/11/97)
Conductors shall be sized according to the N.E.C. Handbook and as previously outlined in this division. Special exceptions listed below:
(1) 
No conductor that is smaller than no. 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) size shall be used in any electrical work as covered by this division except the following as approved by the N.E.C.:
(A) 
Pendant and portable cords;
(B) 
Fixture wire;
(C) 
No. 14 for individual fixture loads at outlet box;
(D) 
No. 14 for control circuits operating contactors, relays and the like;
(E) 
Wiring within display cases;
(F) 
No. 14 for switch loops controlling light only in residential occupancies;
(G) 
No. 14 in circuits for lighting outlets only containing no receptacles;
(H) 
No. 18 for 24-volt control wiring for air conditioners and bells.
(2) 
A minimum of two (2) #6 conductors shall be used for all service installations having not more than two (2) two-wire circuits except on private single-family residences of less than three hundred (300) square feet.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 208, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
All wiring used exclusively for and which is within a building or that part of the building used exclusively as a dwelling, and which is located outside the fire zone (ordinance found on page 30 of Ordinance Book 1) or city limits, shall be wired with the equivalent of one of the following types of wiring, all as regulated by this division:
(1) 
Thin wall conduit.
(2) 
Standard rigid steel or aluminum conduit.
(3) 
Flexible metallic conduit.
(4) 
Surface metal raceway.
(5) 
Nonmetallic cable.
(6) 
Service entrance cable as limited by the N.E.C.
(b) 
Apartment houses of three (3) stories or less in height, and rooming houses or boarding houses not over one (1) story in height, may be wired as required in subsection (a) of this section; otherwise they shall be wired as required in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) 
All electrical work in the fire zone (ordinance found on page 30 of Ordinance Book) or the city limits, and all electrical work not included in the two preceding subsections, shall be installed with the equivalent of one of the following methods, except as shown in the subsequent subsection, or as otherwise specifically covered by this division:
(1) 
Standard rigid steel or aluminum conduit.
(2) 
Thin wall conduit.
(3) 
Surface metal raceway.
(4) 
Flexible metallic conduit as approved in the N.E.C.
(d) 
Tourist courts, motels, rest homes and nurseries shall be wired as required in subsection (c) of this section.
(e) 
The following exceptions to the above wiring methods shall be recognized:
(1) 
Equipment wired with other methods which meet the standards of and which bear the Underwriters’ Laboratory, Inc., label of approval [as approved] by the electrical inspector;
(2) 
Wiring methods especially approved elsewhere in this division;
(3) 
The electrical inspector may approve other equivalent methods of wiring to meet unusual conditions where the methods named in this section are not suitable for the use intended, or where the N.E.C. requires a certain method.
(f) 
Only approved raceways, except enameled steel conduit and electrical metallic tubing shall be used underground, within concrete construction, and where required under the N.E.C. No weatherproof electrical materials will be considered as not exposed to weather if run on the ceiling twelve inches (12") or more from the outside edge of roofs or awnings or on side walls more than forty-five degrees inside from a vertical line at the outside edge of the roof.
(g) 
Single-family dwellings may be wired using romex type cabling stapled every 4 feet on vertical runs.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 209, adopted 2/11/97)
(a) 
All lighting outlets in kitchens, baths and toilet rooms shall be controlled by a wall switch.
(b) 
Lamp holders in closets, where inflammable materials are likely to be stored, shall be equipped with open-bottomed lamp guards. Lamp guards for this use shall require tools from the lamp holder. Outlets in such closets shall be on the wall over the door, or within ten inches (10") of the door in the ceiling. No drop lamp cords shall be approved in clothes closets.
(c) 
No telephone, telegraph, bell wire or other signal wire shall be run so as to come into contact with or nearer than five inches (5") to any light or power wire, unless such light or power wires are protected by porcelain tubes, romex, metal armor, or conduit. Thermostat or other low voltage control wiring shall be well strapped or supported with insulated staples, supports not to exceed for four feet (4').
(d) 
Wherever new wiring is replacing old wiring, the old wiring must be completely removed, and where said old wiring cannot be removed it must be rendered impossible of future use before final approval shall be given to the new wiring.
(e) 
Where additions are being made, and part of the old wiring remains in use, and defects exist in same, the old wiring must be corrected to meet standards under which it was originally authorized. No additions shall be made which load circuits or feeders beyond the standards established by this division. No load shall be added to any conductor smaller than no. 12.
(f) 
Fuse panels, circuit breakers, etc., shall not be placed in hot water closets, bathrooms, or any similar place where articles may be stored to hinder accessibility. They shall be located where they are readily accessible to tenants.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 210, adopted 2/11/97)