[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township
of Radnor 1-3-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-29.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 156,
Electrical Standards, adopted 2-22-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-09, as amended.
Radnor Township hereby adopts and incorporates herein by reference
the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as published
by the National Fire Protection Association as the Electrical Code
of Radnor Township. These rules and regulations are adopted in an
attempt to ensure safe electrical wiring installations, including
alterations, repairs, replacements, equipment, appliances, fixtures,
fittings and appurtenances thereto, so as to safeguard the public's
health, safety, and welfare. Each and all of the regulations, provisions,
penalties, conditions, and terms of said National Electrical Code,
as amended, are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof,
as if fully set out in this chapter; with the additions, deletions,
and changes prescribed by this chapter.
The following functions shall be covered:
A.
The inspection of electrical installations.
B.
The review of construction plans, drawings, and specifications for
electrical systems.
C.
The design, alteration, modification, construction, maintenance,
and testing of electrical systems and equipment.
D.
The regulation and control of electrical installations at special
events, including but not limited to exhibits, trade shows, amusement
parks, and other similar special occupancies.
A.
APPLICANT
APPROVED AGENCY
CODE
CODE APPEALS BOARD
CODE OFFICIAL
DEPARTMENT
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
ELECTRICAL WORK
EMERGENCY
HAZARD
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
PERMITTEE
PERSON
TOWNSHIP
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE
Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted to have common English usage, to give effect to the purposes set forth in § 156-4 below, and to provide reasonable application of this chapter. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
A person who has filed an application for a permit to engage
in electrical work as defined by this chapter.
The authorized third-party agency(s) approved by Radnor Township
to handle electrical inspections in the Township.
The Electrical Code of Radnor Township, otherwise known as
the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code as published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
The Radnor Township Code Appeals Board created, organized, and operated in accordance with Chapter 15, Code Appeals Board, of the Code of the Township of Radnor, as amended.
The Director of Community Development charged with the administration
and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
The Department of Community Development of Radnor Township
or any authorized agent or employee thereof.
An individual or approved agency designated by Radnor Township
to perform electrical inspections within the Township.
Any installation, construction, alteration, or assembly of
any device, equipment, apparatus, or any other object which is used
or is intended to be used for the transmission of electrical energy
or impulse, except when performed by or on behalf of any regulated
public utility or any regulated radio or television transmission system.
It shall not include the manufacturing of any device, apparatus, or
other object used or intended to be used for the transmission of an
electrical energy or impulse, but shall include electrical wiring
systems connected to swimming pools, air-conditioning equipment, protective
signaling devices (fire and burglar), and signs.
Circumstances that the Township knows, or has reason to believe,
exist and that reasonably can constitute immediate danger to persons
or property.
Any condition deemed perilous to life or property that would
constitute an imminent danger to the property owner, occupant, or
general public, and their respective property.
Any person who shall have qualified and registered as a master
electrician in accordance with the terms of this chapter and under
the rules and regulations of Radnor Township.
Any person to whom an electrical permit is issued.
Any individual, family, firm, association, organization,
company, corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, unincorporated
association, municipal corporation, commonwealth agency, or any other
similar entity, or any combination thereof.
The Township of Radnor, Delaware County, Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
The standards set forth in 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through
405, adopted under and pursuant to the Pennsylvania Construction Code
Act, Act 45 of 1999 (35 P.S. §§ 7210.101 through 7210.1103),
and any codes adopted thereunder, including, but not limited to, the
International Building Code and the International Residential Code
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.
B.
Whenever the code mentions a municipality and no name is given, said
municipality shall be construed to mean the Township of Radnor; and
when a state is mentioned, the same shall mean the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania; and where the Department of Electrical Inspection is
mentioned, same shall mean the Radnor Township Department of Community
Development.
The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide rules and regulations
for administration and enforcement of the code. From the date on which
this chapter shall take effect, the provisions of the code shall be
controlling the construction of all buildings and other structures
within Radnor Township.
A.
New installations. This chapter applies to new installations. All
applications for an electrical permit submitted after January 3, 2023,
concerning new structures or installations shall comply with the requirements
of this chapter.
B.
Existing installations. Existing electrical installations that do
not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted
to be continued in use unless the Township or approved agency determines
that the lack of conformity with this chapter presents a hazard. Where
changes are required for the correction of hazards, a reasonable amount
of time shall be given for compliance, depending on the degree of
the hazard.
C.
Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, or repairs
to any building, structure, or premises that require electrical work
shall conform to the regulations of this chapter applicable to a new
building, structure, or installation, without requiring the remaining
portions of the existing building, structure, or installation to comply
with all the requirements of this chapter. Additions, alterations,
installations, or repairs shall not cause an existing building, structure,
or installation to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance
of the building, structure, or installation as determined by the Township
or approved agency. Electrical wiring added to an existing service,
feeder, or branch circuit shall not result in an installation that
violates the provisions of the code in force at the time the additions
are made.
A.
New construction. No newly constructed building or structure shall
be occupied in whole or in part in violation of the provisions of
this chapter.
B.
Existing buildings or structures. Existing buildings or structures
that are occupied at the time of adoption of this chapter shall be
permitted to remain in use, provided the following conditions apply:
This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Township
as follows:
A.
The Department has the authority to render interpretations of the
code in order to provide clarification to its requirements.
B.
When the use or installation of any electrical equipment is found
to constitute a hazard, the Department shall be empowered to have
the premises disconnected from its source of electric supply. When
such equipment or installation has been so condemned or disconnected,
a notice shall be placed thereon listing the causes for the condemnation,
the disconnection, or both, and the penalty for the unlawful use thereof.
Written notice of such condemnation or disconnection and the causes
therefor shall be given to the owners and occupants of such building,
structure, or premises. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove
said notice; to reconnect the electrical equipment to its source of
electrical supply; or to use or permit to be used electric power in
any such electrical equipment until such causes for the condemnation
or disconnection have been remedied to the satisfaction of the Department.
C.
The Township has the authority to delegate to other qualified individuals
such powers as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement
of this chapter.
D.
Other agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance
in the enforcement of this chapter when requested to do so by the
Department.
E.
The Department shall be authorized to inspect, at all reasonable
times, any building, structure, or premises for hazards as set forth
in this chapter. In cases where the Department believes an emergency
exists, the Department can inspect such structure or premises at any
time without prior notification. The Department can require the owner
or occupant of the premises or structure containing a hazard to remove
or remedy such hazard. Any person(s) failing to comply with such order
shall be in violation of this chapter.
F.
To the full extent permitted by law, any Township official, employee,
or agent engaged in inspection work shall be authorized, at all reasonable
times, to enter and examine any building, structure, or premises for
the purpose of making electrical inspections. Before entering a premises,
such individual shall obtain the consent of the occupant thereof or
obtain a warrant authorizing entry for the purpose of inspection except
in those instances where an emergency exists. Such persons authorized
to enter and inspect buildings, structures, and premises as herein
set forth shall be identified by proper credentials issued by the
Township or an approved agency.
G.
Persons shall not interfere with a Township official, employee, or
an approved agency carrying out any duties or functions prescribed
by this chapter, and persons shall not use a badge, uniform, or other
credentials to impersonate a Township official, employee, or an approved
agency.
H.
The Department has the authority to require plans and specifications
be submitted to it to ensure compliance with this chapter.
I.
Whenever any installation subject to inspection prior to use is covered
or concealed without having first been inspected, the Department has
the authority to require that such work be exposed for inspection.
The Department shall be notified when the installation is ready for
inspection.
J.
The Department has the authority to order the immediate evacuation
of any occupied building deemed unsafe when such building has hazardous
conditions that present imminent danger to building occupants.
K.
The Department has the authority to waive specific requirements in
this chapter or permit alternative methods where it is assured that
equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining
effective safety. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the
Department to demonstrate equivalency and that the system, method,
or device is approved for the intended purpose. Each application for
a waiver of a specific electrical requirement shall be filed with
the Department and shall be accompanied by such evidence, letters,
statements, results of tests, or other supporting information as required
to justify the request. The Department shall keep a record of actions
on such applications, and a signed copy of the Department's decision
shall be provided to the applicant.
Electrical permits, licenses, and approvals shall conform to
the following:
A.
Permits.
(1)
Permit to perform work. No person shall perform electrical work in
Radnor Township unless he or she first obtains an electrical permit
from the Township. An applicant for a permit shall make application
on a form supplied by the Township and shall be completed as required
by the Building Official.
(2)
Authorization. Any activity authorized by an electrical permit issued
under this chapter shall be conducted by the permittee or the permittee's
agents or employees in compliance with all the requirements of this
chapter applicable thereto and in accordance with the approved plans
and specifications. No permit issued under this chapter shall be interpreted
to justify a violation of any provision of this chapter or any other
applicable law or regulation. Any addition or alteration of approved
plans or specifications shall be approved in advance by the Township,
as evidenced by the issuance of a new or amended permit.
(3)
Applications for permits. Applications for electrical permits shall
conform to the following:
(a)
Applications for permits shall be made to the Township on forms
provided by the Township and shall include the applicant's answers
in full to inquiries set forth on such forms. Applications for permits
shall be accompanied by such data as required by the Township, such
as plans and specifications, location, etc.
(b)
The Township shall review all applications submitted and issue
electrical permits as required. If an application for a permit is
rejected by the Township, the applicant shall be advised of the reasons
for such rejection.
(4)
Content. Electrical permits shall be issued by the Township and shall
bear the name and signature of the Code Official. In addition, the
permit shall indicate the following:
(5)
Issuance of permits. The Township shall issue electrical permits,
certificates, notices, and approvals, or orders pertaining to electrical
work or hazards, except that no permit shall be required to execute
any of the classes of electrical work specified in the following:
(a)
Minor repair and maintenance work that includes the replacement
of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment
to approved permanently installed receptacles.
(b)
Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions.
The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply to equipment
and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and antennas.
(c)
The installation of a temporary system for the testing or servicing
of electrical equipment or apparatus.
(6)
Posting. A copy of the electrical permit shall be posted at each
work site as specified by the Township.
(7)
Compliance of existing electrical work.
(a)
In order to safeguard persons and property against existing
hazards and perils of existing defective electrical wiring, apparatus
or equipment, the Code Official, or an approved agency authorized
by the Code Official, is hereby given the authority and the duty to
inspect at reasonable times any building, structure, or premises in
the Township to determine whether any completed electrical work is
defective or unsafe.
(b)
If the Code Official, or an approved agency authorized by the
Code Official, determines that any existing electrical work in any
building, structure, or premises constitutes a hazard and is not in
compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the portion of the
existing work which is defective or unsafe shall be discontinued and
made to comply with the provisions of this chapter. The Code Official
shall serve notice upon the owner or occupant thereof, stating the
nature of the violation and that compliance with all requirements
shall be achieved within the period of time specified in the notice.
The notice may also prescribe a course of remedial action.
(c)
If, at the expiration of the time allowed for compliance, the
violation has not been corrected, the Code Official shall institute
proceedings to collect from the owner or occupant the fines or penalties
specified for violations of this chapter.
(8)
An electrical permit shall be predicated upon compliance with the
requirements of this chapter and shall constitute written authorization
by the Township to conduct electrical work. Any permit issued under
this chapter shall not take the place of any other license or permit
required by other applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules or regulations.
(9)
The Township may require an inspection prior to the issuance of an
electrical permit. A permit issued under this chapter shall continue
until expiration or revocation. The permit shall be issued to one
person only and for the location or purpose described in the permit.
Any change that affects any of the conditions of the permit shall
require a new or amended permit.
(10)
Revocation of permit.
(a)
The Code Official may revoke any electrical permit when:
[1]
Any violation of any provision of this chapter or any other
applicable law, ordinance, code, rule, or regulation applicable to
the project is found.
[2]
Any false statements or misrepresentations were submitted as
a part of the application or plans upon which the permit or approval
was based.
[3]
Any work for which a permit is granted is done in violation
of the provisions of this chapter, or not in conformance with any
drawings or plans approved by the Township in conjunction with the
permit.
[4]
Any provision or condition of a permit is violated or not implemented
as required.
[5]
Any attempt is made to design or install electrical work in
violation of this chapter's requirements; service, maintain,
operate, sell, or represent for sale a premises, building, or structure
that violates the requirements of this chapter; falsify records, reports,
or applications in conjunction with any of this chapter's requirements;
or conduct any other activity in violation of the requirements prescribed
by this chapter.
[6]
The permittee creates or allows the creation of any condition
or the commission of any act which constitutes or creates a hazard
or nuisance.
(b)
When the Code Official determines that grounds exist for the
revocation of a permit, he or she shall serve notice upon the holder
of the permit stating the nature of the violation and that compliance
with all requirements shall be achieved within the time specified
on the notice. The notice may also prescribe a course of remedial
action.
(c)
If, at the expiration of the time allowed for compliance, the
violation has not been corrected, the Code Official may revoke the
permit. Revocation shall occur when the permittee is duly notified
by the Township of this action.
(d)
Any person who engages in any business, operation, or occupation,
or uses any premises, after the electrical permit issued concerning
such business, operation, or occupation, or premises has been suspended
or revoked, and before such suspended permit has been reinstated or
a new permit issued, shall be in violation of this chapter.
(11)
Expiration of permits. Every electrical permit issued by the
Code Official shall expire by limitation and become null and void
if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180
days from the date issued, or if the work authorized by such permit
is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced
for a period of 180 days.
(12)
Extensions of permits. The Code Official may grant an extension
of the permit time period upon presentation by the permittee of a
satisfactory reason for failure to start or complete the work or activity
authorized by the permit.
(13)
Annual permits. In lieu of an individual permit for each installation
or alteration, any person regularly employing one or more employees
for the installation, alteration, and maintenance of electric equipment
in or on buildings or premises owned or occupied by such person may
apply for an annual permit. Upon application, an electrical contractor
as agent for the owner or tenant shall be issued an annual permit.
The applicant shall keep records of all work done, and such records
shall be transmitted periodically to the Township.
B.
Licenses.
(1)
General. It shall be unlawful for any individual to engage in the
business of electrical work as a master electrician without first
having obtained a license from the Department. Only individuals and
not entities can obtain a license.
(2)
License application. Application shall be made on a form furnished
by the Township and shall include the name and address of the business,
partnership or corporation the applicant is employed by or associated
with; the name of the individual to be licensed as a master electrician;
along with any other information which the Township may require to
appropriately process this application.
(3)
Lifespan. Licenses shall be valid for a period of one year from the
date issued.
(4)
Revocation of licenses. Any master electrician's license granted
hereunder may be revoked by the Code Official or Code Appeals Board
for violation of any part of this chapter; for refusing to make the
necessary corrections to work not approved by the Code Official; or
for any other sufficient cause.
(5)
Misrepresentation. It shall be unlawful for any individual who does
not have a master electrician's license issued by the Township
to engage in or represent himself/herself as engaged in the business
of electrical work within Radnor Township.
(6)
Change of place of business. Immediate notice of any change of place
of business shall be given by any licensee to the Township.
(7)
License for institutions. An individual certified as competent by
the Code Official may be licensed as a master electrician for the
care, alteration, or addition of the electrical system of a designated
manufacturing or mercantile building, institution, hotel, apartment,
or similar building, where the continuous services of a master electrician
are required, and receive a certificate of license; but, in such case,
the individual so licensed shall not do any electrical work in any
building or buildings other than those for which he or she is specifically
licensed.
(8)
Insurance requirements. No license shall be issued to a master electrician
unless the applicant files a certificate of insurance with the Department
at the time of license application. The certificate of insurance shall
contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policy will not
be canceled, materially changed, or not renewed until at least 30
days' prior written notice has been given to Radnor Township.
The certificate of insurance must evidence policies of insurance maintained
at the expense of the applicant for comprehensive liability, including
products/completed operations/broad contractual, and property damage.
The policy must provide minimum coverage for each occurrence of $1,000,000.
C.
Inspection and approvals.
(1)
Upon the completion of any electrical work which has been made under
a permit other than an annual permit, it shall be the duty of the
person conducting the work to notify the Township or approved agency,
who shall inspect the work within a reasonable time.
(2)
When the Township or approved agency finds the completed electrical
work to be in conformity with this chapter and all other applicable
ordinances, rules, and regulations, the Township or approved agency
shall issue to the permittee a certificate of approval. Where the
issuer of this certificate is an approved agency, a duplicate copy
shall be provided to the Township. This certificate shall also authorize
the connection to the supply of electricity. When a certificate of
temporary approval is issued authorizing the connection of an installation,
such certificates shall be issued to expire at a time to be stated
therein and shall be revocable by the Township for cause.
(3)
When any portion of electrical work is to be hidden from view by
the permanent placement of parts of the building, structure, or ground,
the person conducting this work shall notify the Township or approved
agency, and such work shall not be concealed until it has been approved
by the Township or approved agency; provided that on large installations,
where such concealment proceeds continuously, the person conducting
the work shall give the Township or approved agency due notice in
advance, and inspections shall be made periodically during the progress
of the work.
(4)
At regular intervals, the Township or approved agency shall visit
all buildings, structures, and premises where electrical work may
be done under annual permits and shall inspect all the work completed
under such permits since the date of the previous inspection. The
Township or approved agency shall issue a certificate of approval
for such work as is found to be in conformity with the provisions
of this chapter and all other applicable ordinances, orders, rules
and regulations, after payment of all required fees.
(5)
If, upon inspection, any electrical work is found not to be fully
in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, or any other applicable
ordinance, rule or regulation, the Township or approved agency may
forward to the person conducting the work a written notice stating
the defects which have been found to exist.
(6)
Inspections and tests.
(a)
Inspections and tests to determine whether the provisions of
this chapter have been complied with shall be made by the Code Official
or an approved inspection agency, or both. Upon completion of any
electrical work, if inspections or tests are done by an approved inspection
agency, a certificate of inspection and approval issued by such inspection
agency shall be provided to the Code Official.
(b)
All decisions as to whether or not electrical work complies
with the provisions of this chapter shall be made by the Code Official
who is hereby authorized to stop any electrical work in process and
order the removal thereof if he or she shall determine that such work
is not being installed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(c)
The Code Official is hereby authorized to waive inspection of
a portion of or all electrical work for which he or she shall have
received a duplicate record of approval from an approved inspection
agency certifying that such work complies with the provisions of this
chapter. Notice of such waiver of inspection shall be given to the
applicant so that the approved work can thereafter be concealed.
(d)
The Code Official shall not accept any certificate of inspection
from an inspection agency which has not been approved, and registered
by the Township. The Code Official shall establish regulations for
the qualification of electrical inspection agencies authorized to
perform electrical inspections in Radnor Township, which qualification
shall include certification of inspectors by a nationally recognized
testing agency.
(e)
As a part of the permit application, the applicant shall grant
the Code Official or approved agency the right to enter and examine
the building or premises undergoing electrical work, at reasonable
times, and shall grant the Code Official or approved agency free and
unhindered access thereto for the purpose of inspecting the same.
D.
Fees. Fees for all electrical permits, applications, approvals, registrations, and licenses shall be charged in accordance with Chapter 162 of the Township Code.
E.
Occupancy permit. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued
until the Township certifies that all the work done under the electrical
permit has been completed in full compliance with this chapter and
the issued permit.
Review of plans and specifications shall conform to the following:
A.
The Township or approved agency shall review the construction documents
and drawings for all new construction, modification, or rehabilitation.
(1)
Review and approval by the Township or approved agency shall not
relieve the applicant of the responsibility of compliance with this
chapter.
(2)
Where field conditions necessitate any substantial change from the
approved plan, the applicant shall be required to submit the corrected
plans to the Township or approved agency for approval.
B.
The applicant shall be responsible for ensuring that:
A.
Violations. Any failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter
or failure to conform to the requirements of any permit, license,
or approval issued hereunder constitutes a violation of this chapter.
Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.
(1)
Whenever the Code Official determines that there are violations of
this chapter, a written notice shall be issued to the violator to
confirm such findings.
(2)
In the event that the Code Official determines that a violation has
occurred, the Code Official shall provide written notification of
the violation to the person responsible for the violation (violator)
and the landowner, if applicable. Any violation notice issued pursuant
to this chapter shall be served either by personal service upon the
violator or owner or mailed to the last known address of the violator
or owner. In addition, a copy of such notice shall be posted on the
premises containing the violation in a conspicuous place at or near
the entrance to such premises.
(3)
The violation notice shall set forth the nature of the violation(s)
and establish a time limit for correction of these violation(s). Failure
to comply within the time specified shall subject the violator or
other responsible party to the penalty provisions of this chapter.
All such penalties shall be deemed cumulative and shall not prevent
the Township from pursuing any other remedy available to it.
(4)
If the notice of violation is not complied with within the time specified
in the notice, the Code Official shall institute the appropriate proceeding
at law or in equity to restrain, correct, or abate such violation,
or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy
of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this
code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
B.
Enforcement. The Code Official is hereby authorized and directed
to enforce all of the provisions of this chapter. All inspections
regarding compliance with the approved plan and permit shall be the
responsibility of the Code Official or other qualified persons designated
by the Township.
(1)
A set of the approved plans shall be on file at the premises throughout
the duration of the electrical work. Periodic inspections may be made
by the Code Official or designee during construction.
(2)
Adherence to approved plan. It shall be unlawful for any person to
undertake any electrical work on any property except as provided for
in the approved plan and pursuant to the issued permit and the requirements
of this chapter. It shall be unlawful to alter or remove any electrical
work or portion thereof required by the approved plan or to allow
the property to remain in a condition which does not conform to the
approved plan or this chapter.
(3)
Suspended and revoked permits.
(a)
A suspended permit shall be reinstated by the Township when:
[1]
The Code Official or approved agency has inspected and approved
the corrections to the electrical work;
[2]
The Code Official or approved agency has inspected and approved
the work eliminating the hazard, nuisance, and/or violation;
[3]
The Code Official is satisfied that the violation of the law,
ordinance, code, rule, and/or regulation has been corrected; and/or
[4]
The permittee has come into full compliance with the suspended
permit.
(b)
A permit that has been revoked by the Township cannot be reinstated.
The permittee may apply for a new permit under the procedures outlined
in this chapter.
C.
Public nuisance. The violation of any provision of this chapter is
hereby deemed a public nuisance.
D.
Penalties.
(1)
Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter
or who fails to carry out an order made pursuant to this chapter or
violates any condition attached to a permit, approval, or certificate
shall be subject to the penalties established under this chapter.
(2)
Failure to comply with the time limits of an abatement notice or
other corrective notice issued by the Township shall result in each
day that such violation continues being regarded as a new and separate
offense.
(3)
Any person who shall violate a provision of this chapter or shall
fail to comply with the requirements thereof, or who shall install,
repair, or alter an electrical system in violation of an approved
plan or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit issued
under this chapter, shall upon conviction be punishable by a fine
of not more than $1,000. Each day that a violation continues shall
be deemed a separate offense.
(4)
In addition, the Township may institute injunctive, mandamus or any
other appropriate action or proceeding at law or in equity for the
enforcement of this chapter. Any court of competent jurisdiction shall
have the right to issue restraining orders, temporary or permanent
injunctions, mandamus, or other appropriate forms of remedy or relief.
E.
Means of appeal.
(1)
General. Whenever the owner or contractor involved in the installation,
repair, or alteration of an electrical system takes exception to the
decision of the Code Official in refusing to approve a permit or submitted
plans as required by this code, such owner, contractor, or duly authorized
agent or attorney may within 30 days after such decision take an appeal
therefrom to the Code Appeals Board. Such appeal shall be in writing,
state the decision of the Code Official and the reasons for the exception
taken thereto, and shall be filed with the Department. The appeal
shall be heard pursuant to and consistent with the practices and procedures
established for or by the Code Appeals Board, as well as the Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code. A written decision to affirm, modify, or
reverse the decision of the Code Official shall be issued by the Code
Appeals Board and duly recorded, with such decision being final.
(2)
Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based
on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally
adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions
of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form
of construction is proposed. The Code Appeals Board shall not have
authority to waive requirements of this code.
(3)
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Code Appeals Board may
appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County within 30 days
of the issuance of that decision.
A.
Authorization. Except where work is done under an annual permit and
except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful
for any person to make connection to a supply of electricity or to
supply electricity to any electrical equipment installation for which
an electrical permit is required or that has been disconnected or
ordered to be disconnected.
B.
Special consideration. By special permission of the Township, temporary
power shall be permitted to be supplied to the premises for specific
needs of the construction project. The Code Official shall determine
what needs are permitted under this provision.
C.
Notification. If, within 10 business days after the Department or
approved agency is notified of the completion of the electrical work,
other than a temporary approval installation, the Department or approved
agency has neither authorized connection nor disapproved the work,
the supplier of the electricity is authorized to make connections
and supply electricity to such work.
D.
Disconnection. Where a connection is made to electrical work that
has not been inspected, as outlined in the preceding subsections of
this section, the supplier of electricity shall immediately report
such connection to the Department. If, upon subsequent inspection,
it is found that the work is not in conformity with the provisions
of this chapter, the Department shall notify the person making the
installation to rectify the defects and, if such repairs are not completed
within the specified time, the Code Official shall have the authority
to cause the disconnection of that portion of the work that is not
in conformity.
A.
Certificate. All electrical inspectors shall be certified by a nationally
recognized inspector certification program accepted by the Department.
The certification program shall specifically qualify the inspector
in electrical inspections. No individual shall be employed as an electrical
inspector unless that individual is approved by the Township, except
that any individual who on the date on which this chapter went into
effect was serving as a legally appointed electrical inspector of
the Township shall, upon application and payment of the prescribed
fee and without examination, be issued a special certificate permitting
him or her to continue to serve as an electrical inspector for the
Township.
B.
Experience. Electrical inspector applications shall demonstrate the
following:
(1)
Have a demonstrated knowledge of the standard materials and methods
used in the installation of electric equipment.
(2)
Be well versed in the approved methods of construction for safety
to persons or property.
(3)
Be well versed in the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and the ordinances of the Township relating to electrical work and
be well versed with the code.
(4)
Have had at least 10 years' experience as an electrical inspector
or 15 years in the installation of electrical equipment. In lieu of
such experience, the applicant shall be a graduate in electrical engineering
or of a similar curriculum of a college or university considered by
the Department as having suitable requirements for graduation and
shall have had two years' practical electrical experience.
C.
Recertification. Electrical inspectors shall be recertified as established
by provisions of the applicable certification program.
D.
Revocation and suspension of authority. The Department shall have
the authority to revoke an inspector's authority to conduct inspections
within the Township.
This chapter shall not be construed to affect the responsibility
or liability of any party owning, designing, operating, controlling,
or installing any electrical equipment for damages to persons or property
caused by a defect therein, nor shall the Township or any of its employees
be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection,
reinspection, or other examination authorized.
