There is hereby adopted by reference the National Electrical Code, 2017 edition, published by the National Fire Prevention Association, which code is also known as NFPA 70, and which code is in full force and effect in the city as if set out fully in this article. A copy of the code shall remain on file in the office of the city secretary.
(Ordinance 19-14 adopted 7/8/19)
For the purposes of this division, the following definitions shall apply:
Dynamo and motor.
Any machine, equipment or device requiring electric power for other than actual lighting.
Outlet.
The outlet to which there is to be or can be connected a lighting fixture or any portable appliance.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-37)
This division shall govern all electrical installations and the operation and maintenance of electric wiring, apparatus and appliances in the city and outside the city where connected with the electric distribution system of the city.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-38)
The following electrical wiring shall be contained and encased in conduit:
(1) 
All wiring for all purposes in buildings situated within the primary fire zone shall be contained and encased in intermediate metal conduit or rigid metal conduit.
(2) 
All wiring in apartment houses of over four (4) apartments.
(3) 
All wiring except residential in any brick, tile, stone, concrete, or wood building.
(4) 
All motor wiring in any building where the motor is one-half (1/2) horsepower or more, the conduit for which shall, in every case, come to and terminate in an approved fitting in an approved location and arrangement. Flexible conduit not exceeding thirty-six (36) inches in length at the motor terminal will be permissible when electrical conditions permit.
(5) 
Conduit will be required on all motor installations, and shall be continuous from feed wire entrance to main line switch, and thence to distributing cabinet, and thence continuous to all openings.
(6) 
All supply wiring for electrical signs.
(7) 
All wiring for inside decorative or display lighting, except where the decorative or display wiring is temporary, and not to be used for any period exceeding fifteen (15) days, in which case the electrical inspector may grant permission for the use of open wiring, provided an assurance is given him that all such wiring will be removed in its entirety at the expiration of the permitted fifteen (15) days’ use, [and if not so removed] it shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to cut off, or have cut off, all electricity supply to the premises where the wiring is located and no reconnection shall be permitted until the defect shall have been fully remedied.
(8) 
Continuous copper ground wire shall be placed in all conduit to serve as a ground.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-39)
(a) 
Meter loops or entrance feed wires must be run in conduit of a size not less than one (1) inch from the entrance point to the main line switch box, which must be properly grounded.
(b) 
Any meter loop of any structure shall be constructed of rigid metal material, and no other form of nonmetallic pipe will be allowed.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-43)
All main fused disconnects must be of the safety type located outside of the building, and each circuit therefrom shall be properly fused and identified within the switch box or within an additional approved and grounded distribution panel of multi-breaker type only.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-44)
Connections shall not be made for three-phase service to electric motors of over fifteen (15) horsepower unless starters are installed to prevent the starting current from exceeding the running current by more than two hundred fifty (250) percent.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-46)
All electric wires now installed or hereafter to be installed or maintained over any street, alley, sidewalk or building within the city, or within any other territory having protection from the city fire department, shall be arranged by their owners in such manner as not to interfere seriously with or obstruct the work of the fire department or in any way interfere with safe use of fire escapes. The fire marshal shall have authority and is hereby empowered to order proper rearrangement of any such interfering or hazardous wire or wires.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-47)
Whenever possible and expedient, signal wires shall not be carried on the same pole with or in dangerous proximity of high-potential wires, and where one (1) pole must carry two (2) or more classes, or where there is a traverse of the systems, the high-potential electric wire shall be placed and maintained not less than four (4) feet above every signal wire. Where it is impossible to provide for such a separation, it shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to enforce an equitable and safe alternative plan.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-48)
(a) 
The city electrical inspector shall have at all times the power to condemn any electrical wiring or apparatus, if and when he finds, upon proper inspection, that such work, material or apparatus has been installed or placed in service without a permit as required by this article, or that the same is unsafe or dangerous to life or property in any manner, in whole or in part, or that the same constitutes a fire hazard. When any such condemnation is made, the electrical inspector shall serve notice in writing upon the owner or operator of such wiring or equipment, allowing a reasonable time for remedying the defects. If, at the expiration of the time allowed on the notification, the defect has not been satisfactorily remedied, the electrical inspector shall cut off, or have cut off, the electric current supply for such premises at once, and no reconnection shall be allowed until all defects have been fully remedied and approved after regular inspection. For all such reinspections, a regular city electrical permit shall be taken out by an electrical contractor.
(b) 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, if the electrical inspector finds that any wiring or apparatus is in such condition as to constitute an immediate hazard and that delay in correcting the condition would be detrimental to the safety of persons or property, he shall have the power, and it shall be his duty, to cut off immediately, or cause to be cut off immediately, without notice, the electric current supply and to prevent any reconnection until the improper or defective electric conditions are made to comply fully with this article and a certificate of approval thereof issued by the electrical inspector.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-49)
Whenever electric service is discontinued to any building or premises within the fire district for any cause whatsoever, reinstatement or reconnection of electric service shall not be made or given by anyone until a clearance is obtained from the electrical inspector, who shall first make sure that no changes or additions have been made to the wiring so as to cause overloading of circuits or fire hazards. No charge shall be made for such clearances.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-50)
Nothing contained within this article shall ever be construed or operate to prevent electrical work being done by a property owner in a building owned and occupied by him as his home, provided that the required permit is paid for and obtained, that the materials, equipment and work are in strict accord with the rules and regulations of this article, and that the electrical inspector’s approval of the work is obtained upon inspection as provided for in this article. The property owner must actually perform the work and no other than the actual owner shall do any part of it, unless the other person is bonded and licensed in full compliance with all of the provisions of this article.
(1987 Code, sec. 5-51)