The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Board.
Shall mean the building trades board of adjustments and appeals.
Installations.
Shall include all electrical work of any nature performed on, in or near consumers’ premises.
Journeyman Electrician.
Shall mean one skilled and experienced in the actual physical labor involving electrical installations and who does, or who holds himself out as intending to actually do, electrical work under the employment and supervision of a master electrician.
Master Electrician.
Shall include those persons who, being highly skilled in methods and practices of installations, hold themselves out as intending to do installations and propose or do enter into contracts for such installations.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-46)
The provisions of this article shall not apply to electric light, heat and power companies, telephone and telegraph companies, normally operating or operating under franchise or state laws in the installation, maintenance, removal or repair of wires or other equipment used in connection with their business as producers to supply consumer service, and/or street lighting, illumination of public ways, alleys, parks or communications.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-47)
Except as specifically provided otherwise, persons, designated by the city administrator shall enforce the provisions of this article. Unless provided otherwise, the term “enforcement officers” as used in this article shall refer to such persons.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-56)
(a) 
The enforcement officers shall inspect and test electrical installations and systems in all consumer installations when they have reason to believe the same are unsafe, improper, or do not comply with applicable ordinances.
(b) 
The enforcement officers shall inspect all installations, alterations, and repairs of electrical work in consumer installations as provided in this article.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-57)
The enforcement officers shall, when in the performance of their duties, and as far as may be necessary for the performance of their duties, have the right to enter any consumer’s building at all reasonable hours for the purpose of making any tests or inspections of the electrical wiring and appliances therein contained.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-58)
The enforcement officers shall, upon determining that unsafe, improper or unlawful consumer installations exist, immediately notify the owner of said premises or his agents and/or the electrician performing work on said premises, in writing, specifying the exact deficiency existing, and shall allow said parties a reasonable time to correct said deficiency. If corrective action is not begun immediately, or if the deficiency is not corrected within the prescribed time, then the enforcement officers shall, if the public welfare is endangered, order the electricity supply to said premises to be discontinued.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-59)
The enforcement officers shall stop the installation, alteration, operation or repair of any electrical work on or in consumer’s 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. Upon determining that particular work should stop, the enforcement officers shall post a notice to that effect on the consumer’s premises and thereafter no person shall proceed with the installation until the stop work notice has been cancelled.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-60)
(a) 
The enforcement officers 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.
(b) 
The enforcement officers shall report to the board each three (3) months the name of authorized holders of master electrician licenses, master sign electrician licenses and journeyman electrician licenses issued by the board. They shall also report which of the above licensees is bonded, as required by this article, and also the date on which each will expire. This information shall be entered into the minutes of that board meeting. They shall notify the holders of electrician licenses and bonds in writing thirty (30) days before expiration date.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-61)
The enforcement officers shall turn over to the city all payments received by them or by the board.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-62)
The enforcement officers, when acting in good faith and without malice, shall not be liable for damages arising by reason of duties performed under the provisions of this article.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-63)
(a) 
There is hereby adopted by reference the 1984 edition of the National Electrical Code as recommended by the National Fire Association. Copies of such publication are on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) 
No person shall violate any of the standard provisions of the publication adopted by reference in subsection (a).
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-71)
All wiring materials, wiring devices, such as switches, fuses, panels, lighting fixtures, ballast, transformers, conductors, appliances, circuit breakers, and signal devices shall bear the stamp of approval of the National Fire Protection Association or the Underwriters Laboratories.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-72)
(a) 
Service entrance wires shall not be smaller than #4 A.W.G. Copper. Entrance wires will be of sufficient size to carry the capacity of the amperage rating of the panel that is installed. There shall be a three-wire 120/240 volt service on all residential installations but may not be required on residence of five hundred (500) square feet or less, where only two (2) circuits are required. Electric range wire must be no smaller than three No. 6 A.W.G. copper conductors in conduit, or approved cable, complete with approved receptacle. Built-in range surface units, griddle units, ovens or oven will be considered as separate appliances, and conductors to each such unit shall be of copper wire large enough to carry the load and shall be either in conduit or approved cable. There must be installed near each such unit an outlet box with either an approved receptacle or with a suitable cover and cable clamp to support the cable leading to the unit. Electric dryer of 120/240 volts shall be wired with three (3) No. 8 A.W.G. copper conductors or larger if the load requires, in conduit or approved cable complete with approved dryer type receptacle. On all two hundred forty volt circuits the breakers will be located in the same enclosure and will be located side by side or opposite each other and will be labeled in the panel in a legible manner. Each automatic clothes washing machine shall be on a circuit supplying no other load. Any change in electric service or change to new type of service will require an inspection before the electric utility may connect service.
(b) 
In the event an addition is made onto an existing building or residence or additional wiring installed in either, the enforcement officers may require the old wiring be brought up to code specification, if the wiring is creating a hazard that might endanger life. Any new wiring in addition to an existing system or addition in room or rooms, the new wiring shall be in accordance with this article and the service entrance must be brought up to this article. The old wiring may be left as is, provided no new wiring is added to the old system. However, in residences, one circuit may be added without changing the entrance, if the circuit added consists only of one light socket of standard base or one convenience outlet of one and one-half amperage rating, or both, providing the entrance to the panel is in conduit. Only one such addition may be made to a building. This circuit shall be installed in accordance with this article and will require an inspection by the enforcement officers.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-73)
An all-metal service complete with weatherproof entrance from point of entry to distribution panel shall be used.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-74)
All public and commercial buildings and apartments or living area, except one-and two-family dwellings, all wiring must be in rigid metallic conduit, metal tubing or other metallic raceway may be approved by enforcement officers for certain classes of construction.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-75)
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 Number Sixteen A.W.G. gauge shall be used.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-77)
When crossing ceiling joists with nonmetallic sheathed cable wiring, it shall be protected by substantial guard strips which are at least as high as the cable. If attic is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection will only be required within six (6) feet of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance; or alternate, when crossing ceiling joists with nonmetallic sheathed cable in accessible attics the ceiling joists shall be bored with cable fed through bored openings or approved fastener to side ceiling joist.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-78)
No electric welder of the transformer reactance type shall be connected in the city without same is bearing the name place of manufacturer and the current rating, and it must bear the stamp of approval of the National Fire Protection Association or the Underwriters’ Laboratories.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-79)
Where joints are found to be taped but not soldered or spliced with an approved mechanical device, the enforcement officers 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 metallic junction box.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-80)
(a) 
Type “S” fuses (fustats and adaptors) shall be used in all plug, fusable installations; ampere rating must be no larger than the ampere rating of the conductor used. Circuit breaker rating shall not be larger than amphere rating of the conductor used.
(b) 
Fuse panels or circuit breakers, etc., shall not be placed in water heating closets, bathrooms or clothes closets. Fuse panels or circuit breakers may not be located in closets of other types if storage of articles or materials will hinder accessibility, but shall be located where they are readily accessible to tenant.
(c) 
The enforcement officers are authorized to issue special permits for the use of knob and tube wiring in temporary installations, provided, however, that such permits shall state the duration thereof therein. 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 ordinances.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-81)
To be “accessible” as that term is used in the National Electrical Code, an attic shall measure not less than three (3) feet from the top of the ceiling joist to the bottom of the rafter at the highest point.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-82)
Equipment grounding will be required for electric food waste disposal and automatic washers; provided, however, these appliances may be grounded to the neutral conductor if same is an unbroken ground conductor to approved grounded water pipe or driven ground rod and where the maximum voltage to ground does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) volts, or where served by 120-240 volts, three-wire branch circuits, they may be grounded by connection to the grounded circuit conductors, provided the grounded circuit conductors are not smaller than No. 10 A.W.G., for portable stationary electrically heated appliances.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-83)
All metal fixtures installed in bathrooms and kitchens, except in ceilings thereof, shall be grounded; provided, however, that they may be grounded to their neutral wire.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-84)
Ground rods shall be no smaller than five-eighths inches by eight (8) feet long and must be driven at no greater angle than forty-five (45) degrees. It is recommended that in areas where it is too rocky to properly install a ground rod, that some other approved method of grounding be used.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-85)
(a) 
In residential installations, not more than eight (8) current consuming outlets per circuit shall be installed, provided further that the wires forming such circuit shall not be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G.
(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) 
Convenience outlets in any room may be connected back-to-back to a convenience outlet provided the total number of convenience outlets on the kitchen circuit does not exceed the four (4) allowed herein.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-87)
Receptacle outlets for electric irons, percolators, toasters and other electric heating devices in kitchens, breakfast rooms, dining rooms and laundry rooms shall be on a separate circuit from the light fixture outlets and no more than four (4) duplex outlets or eight (8) single split wired outlets, when three (3) wire circuit is used, shall be on one circuit, provided further than the wires forming such circuit shall not be smaller than No. 12.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-88)
(a) 
Outdoor antenna and counterpoise and lead-in conductors shall be securely supported so as to avoid contacts with conductors of other systems. 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 well away from all such circuits so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact. It is recommended that antenna and counterpoise conductor shall be installed as not to cross under electric light or power conductor.
(b) 
Outdoor antennae, such as vertical rods or dipole structures, shall be of non-corrodible materials and of strength suitable to withstand ice and wind loading conditions and shall be located well away from overhead conductors of electric light and power circuits of over one hundred fifty (150) volts to ground so as to avoid the possibility of the antenna or structure falling into an accidental contact with such circuits.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-89)
No person using electric power as a consumer, shall begin any electrical installation or begin any work of installing, erecting or altering material, wiring fixtures or any other apparatus to be used for the utilization of electricity for light, heat and/or power in or on any building or premises within the city or which is connected or is to be connected to city water or city sewer or both, without first securing a permit therefor from the enforcement officers; provided, however, that no permit shall be required for minor work such as repairing flush and tumbler switches, replacing fuses, changing lamp sockets and receptacles; provided further that this section shall not apply to maintenance and repairs on the premises of a person regularly employing a qualified maintenance electrician for that purpose.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-101)
Homeowners and holders of certificates of qualification shall make application for an electrical permit to the enforcement officers, upon proper application for a permit and after payment of required inspection fees, the enforcement officers shall issue the applicant a permit for the proposed work.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-102)
Electrical permit holders whose installations are ready for inspection shall allow the office of the enforcement officers twenty-four (24) hours, Sundays and Holidays excluded, before proceeding with the installations.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-103)
There shall be a minimum of two (2) electrical inspections for all construction. The first inspection to be made after the rough-in work is completed, and thereafter at least one final inspection when electrical fixtures and appliances are installed. The enforcement officers may make, when he deems it necessary, more than two (2) inspections.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-104)
Installations wherein there is wiring to be concealed shall be inspected before concealment. The person installing such wires shall notify the enforcement officers thereof and the wires shall not be covered or concealed until the enforcement officers have approved same.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-105)
The fees which shall be charged by the city and must be paid before a permit for electrical work on a new residential construction is issued or work thereon is done shall be as established by ordinance.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-106)
No person engaged in the business of transmission and sale of electric current to users thereof shall make any connection of their transmission lines with the electric wiring and/or apparatus in any residence or other consumer installation which is within the city or which is connected to or is to be connected to city water or city sewer or both without first having received a certificate of compliance for said installation from the enforcement officers.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-107)
Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the issuance of permits to owners of dwellings for electrical repair work in such dwellings. 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 erections, no person shall be issued a permit under the provisions of this section more frequently than once each two (2) calendar years.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-108)
(a) 
No person shall engage in the occupation of master electrician or master sign electrician within the city or on those buildings which are connected to or are to be connected to city water or city sewer or both, without having a current certificate of qualification authorizing him to do so in his possession, or in case of companies, firms or corporations, utilizing electric service as a consumer, without having a holder of such certificate supervising the actual work being performed.
(b) 
Persons desiring such certificates shall make application to the board. The application shall be presented to the secretary of the board and shall be accompanied by a fee as set by the city council from time to time. All applicants shall provide sufficient proof that for at least two (2) years prior to the time the application is filed that they have worked under the direction and control of a master electrician and that they have held a journeyman’s license during said period of time.
(c) 
The applicant for a master electrician’s certificate shall take an examination prepared by the board and given by the enforcement officers to determine if there should be a certificate of qualification issued. No more than three (3) hours will be allowed to complete the examination. The board will grade the examination and the examination shall consist of questions concerning electrical installations, National Electric Code and other topics related to the occupation of master electricians. The board will notify the applicant in writing, as to the results, within forty-eight (48) hours after the completion of the examination Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, excluded. An applicant who fails the examination may apply a second time, after thirty (30) days, and a third time after six (6) months, and thereafter at six-month intervals. The fee must be paid with each application. An applicant may review his examination results with the board by submitting in writing a request to the board within one week after notification of the results of his examination.
(d) 
An applicant for certification as a master sign electrician shall take an examination prepared by the board and given by the enforcement officers if required to do so by the board. If required to take an examination, the applicant must obtain a score of seventy (70) percent or more in order to obtain a certificate. The examination shall consist of questions concerning the electric signs, the National Electrical Code, the provisions of this article, and any topic related to the business of a master sign electrician.
(e) 
If the applicant is successful in the examination, or of no examination is required, he shall obtain a bond from an approved surety company in the amount of one thousand dollars($1,000.00), payable to the city, and conditioned upon the applicant’s strict compliance with this article.
(f) 
The successful applicant shall also pay to the secretary of the board the fee established by ordinance.
(g) 
Qualified applicants who comply with subsections (a) through (f) shall be issued a certificate of qualification to carry on the occupation of a master electrician or master sign electrician, whichever the application was for. The certificate shall be valid for the calendar year for which it was issued.
(h) 
A certificate may be renewed by paying to the secretary of the board the fee established by ordinance within ten (10) days after the expiration date of the old certificate, upon notification from the secretary of the board. If a certificate of qualification is not renewed it shall thereafter be void.
(i) 
A certificate of qualification shall be issued to an individual and shall not be assignable.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-116)
(a) 
No person shall work as a journeyman electrician without having a license issued by the city in his possession.
(b) 
A person shall make application to the secretary of the board for issuance of such a license. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by ordinance.
(c) 
The applicant shall pass an examination prepared by the board. The examination shall consist of questions concerning electrical installations, National Electric Code and other topics related to the occupation of journeyman electricians.
(d) 
Qualified applicants who comply with the provisions hereof shall pay to the secretary of the board the fee established by ordinance, and shall be issued a license to carry on the occupation of journeyman electrician. The license shall be valid for the calendar year for which it was issued.
(e) 
Licenses may be renewed by paying to the secretary of the board the fee established by ordinance within ten (10) days after the expiration date of the old license, upon notification from the secretary of the board. If a license is not renewed, it shall thereafter be void.
(f) 
A license shall be issued to an individual and shall not be assignable.
(1984 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article IV, Section 6-117)