The title of this article shall be the city electrical code, and it may be so cited. It will be referred to in this article as “this code.”
(1994 Code, sec. 156.01(A); Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
This code shall govern all installations of electrical conductors or equipment hereafter made and all existing installations which are hereafter altered or for which the use changes. This code shall apply to all such installations within the corporate limits of the city and to all such installations outside the city where such conductors or equipment are connected with the electric distribution lines of the city electric department.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.01(C); Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
(a)
Adoption.
The latest edition of the National Electrical Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, a copy of which is on file in the office of the city secretary, shall be the electrical code of the city. As new editions of the National Electrical Code are published by the National Fire Protection Association, the same shall become the city electric code unless otherwise amended herein.
(b)
Amendments.
Amendments to the National Electrical Code:
Section 230-70.(A)(1), Readily accessible location, shall be amended to read: | |
(a) | Readily accessible location. A single service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location outdoors nearest the service point. |
(1994 Code, sec. 156.01(B), (D); Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96; Ordinance 2017-26 adopted 12/1/17)
The spirit and intent of this code is to protect the city and its citizens and all persons served by the distribution lines of the city electric department from the installation of workmanship, materials, and devices that may endanger life and property; therefore, all installations shall be approved from the standpoint of good mechanical workmanship as well as good electrical workmanship.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.13; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural includes the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine, and the feminine includes the masculine. Words used in the National Electrical Code shall have the meanings assigned to them therein. Words relating to buildings and building use when not otherwise separately defined shall have meanings which conform to the meanings set out in building ordinances of the city, if set out; otherwise, they shall have their usual meaning.
A person who is learning the trade of an electrician and who works only under the direct supervision of a journeyman electrician or master electrician, and who has registered as an apprentice as hereinafter provided.
Inspection and acceptance by the electrical inspector as having met the requirements of this code.
An individual or authorized representative of a firm or corporation who is licensed as hereinafter provided to do work as permitted under the specific provisions of this code.
A structure which stands alone or which is cut off from adjoining structures by unpierced firewalls extending through the roof.
A wire or cable or other form of metal suitable for carrying electrical current or potential.
The abiding place of one or more persons in which the use and management of sleeping quarters and all appliances for cooking, ventilating, heating, or lighting are under one control, including attached or detached garages and accessory buildings for such use.
The chief electric inspector of the city and his authorized assistants.
Any act in connection with the installing, altering, repairing, and/or maintaining of electrical wiring, conduits, apparatus, or other electrical installation designed or capable of carrying electrical energy, and which ordinarily requires the use of tools.
A person licensed as a journeyman electrician in compliance with the requirements of this code, who works for and under the general supervision and direction of a master electrician doing electrical work contracted for by the master electrician.
The act of keeping in a safe operating condition or moving and relocating any conductor or piece of equipment used inside or outside, attached or connected to any building, but does not include addition to or replacement of an existing system or branch thereof.
A person whose electrical work is limited to the keeping in safe repair or moving and relocating of electrical equipment within a plant or property, and who is the owner or tenant or permanent employee of the owner of the plant or property.
A person licensed as a master electrician in compliance with the requirements of this code, who is engaged in the business of installing or repairing or contracting to install or repair wires, conductors, and equipment used within or on buildings for the transmission of electrical current for electric light, heat, power, or signaling purposes, together with the fittings for same, and who performs such electrical work by himself and/or by the employment of a journeyman or apprentice electrician under his direction.
The service entrance conductors, meter base, service overcurrent units, service disconnects, and the system and equipment grounding.
Any device rated in horsepower.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.02; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96; Ordinance adopting 2016 Code)
Any person who violates any provisions of this article shall upon conviction thereof be punished by fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code, and if such a person is a holder of a license the license may be revoked. Each day’s continuance of a violation of any provisions of this article shall be deemed a separate offense, punishable as stated in this section.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.99; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96; Ordinance adopting 2016 Code)
(a)
The electrical inspector is hereby designated as the person responsible for the administration and enforcement of the city electrical code and shall discharge the duties and have the authority as herein provided.
(b)
The electrical inspector and his assistants shall not own, be connected with, or have any material interest in any business regulated by the code, nor shall he or his assistants hold any office or official position in any organization whose members are required to be licensed or registered under this code. This shall not be construed to prevent him or his assistants from holding membership in such organizations.
(c)
The electrical inspector shall, upon application on the proper forms, grant permits for the installation of electrical wiring, devices, and equipment, and upon the payment of the required fees, he or his assistants shall make inspections of all new electrical installations and make reinspections of any existing electrical installation at such time as he may deem necessary for the purposes of the safe guarding of life and property.
(d)
The electrical inspector and his authorized assistants shall have the following official duties:
(1)
To enforce the provisions of the code.
(2)
To issue such permits and collect such fees as shall be provided for under the provisions of this code. All monies collected shall be transmitted forthwith to the city treasurer.
(3)
To enter any house or premises to examine any electric wiring or installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, or equipment therein, in the performance of his official duties and upon the presentation of proper credentials and during reasonable hours or while any electrical wiring, fixtures, or equipment are being installed therein.
(4)
To order the electric service disconnected where improper or defective wiring exists or where electrical construction or equipment has been installed without a permit as required herein.
(5)
To order compliance with the provisions of this code where a change of occupancy occurs in a building which requires changes or alterations to the existing wiring.
(6)
To disconnect electric service or services in cases of emergency, where necessary for safety of persons or property, or where electrical equipment may interfere with the work of the fire department.
(7)
To attach to electric equipment or electrical meters any official notice or seal to prevent the use of electricity. It shall be unlawful for any person to use any such seal or break, change, destroy, tear, mutilate, cover, or otherwise deface or injure any such official notice or seal posted by the electrical inspector.
(8)
To order all persons to cease and desist doing any work being done without a permit, where required, and/or where such work is otherwise being done in violation of this code.
(9)
To keep such records of permits, licenses, special rulings, and other matters which he may deem necessary for the proper discharge of his duties.
(10)
To require, when deemed necessary to accomplish the objective of this code, plans, specifications, and a complete feeder layout of large or special installations of electric work. When such plans, specifications, and layouts are demanded, it shall be a violation of this code for any person to install any part of the electric work concerned until the electrical inspector approves the installation.
(11)
To inspect all electrical work within the city or connected to the city electric distribution system.
(12)
To disconnect or order the discontinuance of electrical service to such wiring, devices, and/or equipment for the installation of which a permit is required until a certificate of approval has been issued by the electrical inspector authorizing such connection and the use of such wiring, devices, or equipment.
(e)
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the electrical inspector or his assistants in the lawful discharge of their duties or to prevent or in any manner attempt to prevent them from carrying out the provisions of this code.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.04; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
(a)
Master electricians.
The holder of a master electrician’s license shall have the right to engage in the business of installing wiring and electrical apparatus inside or on any building or buildings for use in connection with electric lights, heat, or power. A master electrician shall be responsible for obtaining all permits and shall be responsible for all layouts and technical supervision of all electrical work.
(b)
Journeyman electricians.
The holder of a journeyman electrician’s license shall work only under the supervision of a licensed master electrician and shall not independently engage in the business of contracting for electrical work.
(c)
Supervision required.
A master or journeyman electrician shall be in direct “on the job” supervision of all actual work of installing, maintaining, altering, or repairing any electrical conductors or equipment for which a permit is required under this code.
(d)
Supervisory limit.
All apprentice electricians shall work under the direct supervision of a master or journeyman electrician. Not more than five apprentices may be under the supervision of any one journeyman on any job. If the electrical inspector determines that such supervision is not being maintained, he or she may, in addition to filing a complaint in municipal court for violation of this code, also order the work stopped until proper supervision has been instituted.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.07; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
(a)
Required; exceptions.
(1)
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, it shall be unlawful for any person to install or cause to be installed, or to permit any person to install, any electrical wiring, fixtures, or equipment within or on any building, structure, or premises, publicly or privately owned, or to make any alterations, additions, changes, or repairs within the scope of this code, without first having procured a permit therefor issued by the electrical inspector.
(2)
There shall only be one permit issued or outstanding at the same time for any one installation of electrical equipment.
(3)
No meter loop shall be connected to any electrical distribution service system unless a permit shall have been obtained and the fees paid. The electrical distribution system shall be notified prior to the permanent installation of the meter loop.
(4)
No permit shall be required for the following:
(A)
The making of minor repairs, such as replacement or minor repairs of lamps, sockets, fuses, drop cords, snap switches, or other similar items.
(B)
The connection of portable electrical equipment to suitable permanently installed receptacles.
(C)
Replacement of a motor by another motor of the same horsepower and rating, solenoid valves, low pressure controls, or other controls when the electrical supply to the same is or has been properly installed by a licensed electrician.
(D)
The installation of electrical conductors or equipment to be installed by or for a public utility company in the generation, transmission, sale, or use of electrical energy; nor [for] the use of such corporation in the transmission of messages.
(E)
Any work involved in the manufacturing, testing, servicing, altering, or repairing of electrical equipment or apparatus, except that this exception shall not include any permanent wiring.
(F)
No permit shall be required for the installation of wiring devices or equipment for a telephone, telegraph, district messenger, or tele-autograph system, or any signaling system operating at 32 volts or less.
(b)
Application; payment of fees.
(1)
Application for permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the chief electrical inspector and shall contain:
(A)
The date the application is submitted.
(B)
Name of person under whose authority the application is made.
(C)
The exact address where the work is to be done.
(D)
The name of the owner or occupant of the location of work.
(E)
Whether the work will consist of a new installation or addition to or alteration of an old installation.
(F)
The size of conductors to be used in computing the required sizes of such conductor.
(G)
When required by the electrical inspector, complete plans and specifications for the installation.
(H)
Other pertinent information required by the chief electrical inspector.
(I)
No deviation shall be made from the installation so described without the written approval of the electrical inspector.
(2)
Applications for permits will only be accepted when presented during normal working hours of the inspection department. Applications must be presented in person.
(3)
The permit and inspection fees provided for in this code shall be paid to the city before the issuance of a permit and before any work is begun. Unless otherwise stated, all such fees shall be delivered to the office of the electrical inspector. The fees set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code shall be paid for all new electrical work, repairs, renewals, and additions.
(c)
Persons eligible to obtain permits.
(d)
Issuance.
When the electrical inspector finds the application to be correct and the diagram and plans or specifications are approved, and when the required fees have been paid, he shall cause the permit to be issued. Upon receipt of such permit, the permittee may start the proposed job and make the installation described in his application, requesting inspection by the electrical inspector in proper sequence as the work progresses. If the plans relating to electrical wiring or installation are found to be incorrect or faulty, they shall be disapproved and the electrical inspector shall notify the applicant, listing the corrections necessary to comply with the code.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.08; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96; Ordinance 02-15 adopted 8/1/02; Ordinance 2015-04, sec. 4, adopted 1/30/15; Ordinance adopting 2016 Code)
(a)
No electrical work for which a permit is required shall be concealed in any manner from access or sight until such work has been inspected and accepted by the electrical inspector, and no electrical work shall be connected to a source of energy until such electrical work is completed and all outlets supplied with approved devices or covers, except the connection of fixture wiring.
(b)
All requests for inspection shall be made 48 hours before the electrical work concerned is to be concealed or connected to service, as the case may be. It shall be the duty of the person, firm, or corporation authorized by issuance of a permit to contact the electrical inspector. The electrical inspector shall inspect the installation within 48 hours. When the permit electrician refuses to request a final inspection, the owner or person in control of the premises on which electrical work has been performed may request the final inspection.
(c)
(1)
If the electric wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment is found to be faulty or incorrectly or defectively installed, the electrical inspector shall post a red tag in the service switch stating what violations exist. He shall notify the responsible party in writing of changes necessary to be made in order that the work may conform to this code. The notification shall also state the time within which such changes, repairs, or alterations shall be made. If such changes, repairs, or alterations are not made by the person so notified within the time set forth in such notice, the electrical inspector shall report such failure to the city attorney for such action as may be necessary to protect lives, welfare, and property.
(2)
When such red tag has been posted and until it has been removed by the electrical inspector, it shall be unlawful to cover any part of the electrical installation. The permittee shall within 48 hours from time of notification make or start to make the changes ordered and shall proceed with the work until same is completed. Upon completion thereof and payment of the reinspection fee, the permittee shall notify the electrical inspector to the effect that faulty work has been corrected. A reinspection shall then be made, and if the work is found to comply with this code, a signed inspection card noting thereon the date of approval of the work [shall be issued]. If the electrical inspector shall again find the work incorrectly installed, the permittee shall be notified in the same manner of necessary changes. The permittee shall again pay a reinspection fee. If the permittee fails to correct the faulty work within a reasonable time, the electrical inspector shall refuse to issue any such person any further permits until said work in question is corrected and approved.
(d)
(1)
If upon inspection it is found that all work covered by the permits is completed and complies with the provisions of this code, the electrical inspector shall issue to the permittee a green tag of final approval, which shall be posted in the service switch box. This will authorize connection of service and the use of the installation. Such authorization shall be sent to the utility furnishing the electrical service.
(2)
A white tag may be issued authorizing the connection and use of a certain specific portion of an incomplete installation. When a certificate is issued authorizing the connection and use of temporary work, such certificate shall be issued not to exceed 120 days and shall be revocable by the electrical inspector at his discretion.
(3)
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than the electrical inspector or employees of the city electrical department, to remove any notification tag as provided by above, until after connection has been made to the electrical service and the installation is in use.
(e)
When a master electrician does not have the contract for the finishing of the electrical work covered by his permit, he shall deliver his final inspection request in writing when his part of the electrical work is completed and must state in writing the part of the electrical work installed by him.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.09; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
(a)
Inspections of wiring and equipment.
The electrical inspector shall make a thorough inspection of all electrical wiring and electrical apparatus to be served by the electrical distribution system, wherever deemed necessary and where wires or electrical apparatus are in dangerous or unsafe conditions, or are in violation of the requirements of the code.
(b)
Approval required prior to connection.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring, devices, or equipment for the installation of which a permit is required, until a certificate of approval has been issued by the electrical inspector authorizing such connection and the use of such wiring devices or equipment.
(c)
Reconnection.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring devices or equipment which has been disconnected by the electrical inspector [until a certificate has been obtained from the electrical inspector] authorizing the reconnection and use of such wiring, devices, and equipment.
(d)
Payment for wiring and poles for new construction.
Prior to connection of any new construction, payment must be made in advance of all wiring and erection of utility poles necessary for the connection to the city electric distribution system.
(e)
Changing location of meter.
If alterations in the building or wiring require changing the location of the meter, the utility department shall be notified before the meter is disconnected. Contractors, licensees, or any other person shall not handle nor in any way interfere with the meters or their connections or close meter loops, except approved employees of the electrical department.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.10; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)
(a)
The contractor or master electrician shall secure from the electric utility department the location at which the services are to be brought out of the building and the method and type of metering desired by them. In the case of power services, the electric utility department shall be notified before work is begun of the amount of power consumption estimated and type of equipment to be used.
(b)
The electric utility department shall be consulted in regard to space required for all metering purposes, and its ruling will be approved by the electrical inspector. All other questions of meter installation must meet the joint approval of the electric utility department and the electrical inspector.
(1994 Code, sec. 156.11; Ordinance 96-07 adopted 7/2/96)