City of Big Lake, TX Electrical Inspector

Certificate of inspection for work covered by permit.

Upon the completion and receipt of final inspection papers covering work upon which a permit has been issued, the electrical inspector’s department shall make final inspection, and if found to comply with this division a certificate of inspection shall be issued stating that the work has been done according to the provisions of this division and the rules governing the respective class to which it belongs.

(b)

Additions to old work.

The electrical inspector may refuse to issue a permit on an addition to old work where the old work is in an unsafe condition, until such a condition is changed to come up to a satisfactory condition, and all light, heat, and power companies shall be notified not to make service connections until they receive clearance permission from the city electrical department.

(c)

Inspection of buildings generally.

Upon the application of any individual and upon the payment of the applicable fee or fees, the electrical inspector shall inspect any building in the corporate limits of this city, and if the work is not safe, a statement of the changes necessary to make it conform to these regulations shall be issued, provided the electrical work in such building or structure has been done by a duly licensed electrician.

(d)

Dangerous wiring.

The electrical inspector may inspect and reinspect all overhead, underground, and interior wires and apparatus conducting current for light, heat and power, and when said apparatus is found to be in a condition dangerous to life or property, he shall notify the owner thereof to replace it in a safe condition within 48 hours, or be subject to the penalties provided in this code; except, in cases where more than 48 hours are required to do such work, the electrical inspector may extend such time. Whenever it shall become necessary, the electrical inspector shall call upon the department of police, which shall assist in the enforcement of this division.

(e)

Inspection of light plants.

It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to inspect all public and isolated light plants now or hereafter in operation at least once in each year, or more often if application is made by the owners thereof. They shall see that any dangerous or defective machinery, wires or apparatus is removed or repaired immediately at the expense of the owner, or his agent, of said property.

(f)

Unused apparatus outside buildings.

It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to cause all dead wires, unused poles or electrical apparatus on the outside of buildings or in streets or alleys to be removed at the expense of the owners thereof by giving said owners written notice.

(g)

Inspection of electric lines.

The electrical inspector shall make a thorough inspection of all lines of all companies owning wires in the corporate limits of this city, at least once each year, and where such lines are defective and dangerous to life and property, he shall notify the company owning same to repair the defective material at once. Any company refusing or failing to make such repairs within 48 hours after notification shall be subject to the penalties provided in this code.

(h)

Inspection of new buildings during construction.

The electrical inspector may be called upon as many times as required to inspect new buildings in the course of construction in order not to delay construction, and must inspect such work within 48 hours from the time notice is received, such time to start from the time stamped upon the ticket by the city secretary, Sundays and holidays excepted.

(i)

Concealed wiring.

The electrical inspector shall have the authority to demand building contractors or other persons in charge to open such work that in any manner conceals electrical wiring that has been closed without his knowledge or permission, and in no case shall the inspector issue clearance until he is satisfied that the work is in accordance with the provisions of this division. The inspector shall also have the right to refuse to issue a clearance on any wiring that is concealed in such manner [that he can] not fully satisfy himself that it has been done in compliance with this division.

(j)

Permits.

The electrical inspector shall issue permits for electrical work in conformity with this division. When he deems it necessary, he may require plans and specifications and a complete feeder layout of electrical work, and when such plans, specifications, and layout 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 proposed installation.

(k)

Notice to repair unsafe installation.

The electrical inspector is authorized to make an inspection of any electrical work within this city at any time, and where he finds any electrical work to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition or is deemed to be an interference with the work of the fire department, he shall notify the person owning, using, or operating such electrical work to place same in a safe, secure, and non-interfering condition. Any person failing, neglecting, or refusing within ten days after receiving such notice to commence the making of necessary repairs or changes shall be deemed guilty of violating this division, and every day which shall elapse thereafter until such person shall commence the making of such repairs or changes shall be a separate offense. At the time the electrical inspector gives the above notice, he shall also notify the public utilities which supply electricity to or through such electrical work of such condition, and, unless the necessary repairs or changes have been made within said period of ten days, it shall be the duty of such public utilities to disconnect the current so supplying such work with electricity.

(1997 Code, sec. 151.16)