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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 75-1835 ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE NO. 75-1835 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STANDARDS GOVERNING ELECTRICAL WORK; REQUIRING A PERSON TO BE LICENSED BEFORE PERFORMING SUCH WORK AND PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; DEFINING TERMS; SPECIFIC STANDARDS ADOPTED AS PART OF THIS CODE; REPEALING ORDINANCE #69-1047 OF THE CITY OF PLAINVIEW, AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AND PART OF ORDINANCE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; CREATING THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND PROVIDING FOR HIS QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES; PROVIDING FOR DEPUTIES; PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO INTERPRET THE CODE AND PROVIDING FOR APPEAL FROM SUCH INTERPRETATION; PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR'S RIGHT OF ENTRY; CREATING A BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND PROVIDING FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDING FOR REMOVAL ~ND REFILLING VACANCIES; DECLARING A QUOR~I~M; ESTABLISHING THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AS SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS; PROVIDING FOR SUPPLIES; GIVING THE BOARD RULE MAKING POWERS; PROVIDING FOR EXAMINATIONS AND EXAMINATION PROCEDURES; ESTABLISHING GROUNDS FOR REJECTION OF APPLICATION; AUTHORIZING THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES, PROVIDING GROUNDS THEREFORE AND PROVIDING FOR APPEALS THEREFROM; ESTABLISHING LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS THEREFROM; PROVIDING FOR EXAMINAT:ION, LICENSE AND RENEWAL FEES; DECLARING LICENSES NOT TRANSFERABLE; PROVIDING FOR MASTER AND MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN TO EXECUTE BOND; PROVIDING FOR APPRENTICE ELECTRICIANS AND FOR THEIR DIRECT SUPERVISION; REQUIRING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS AND INSPECTION FEES; ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS; DECLARING A VIOLATION TO CONSTITUTE A MISDEMEANOR; PROVIDING FOR LICENSES BONDS AND PERMITS HELD BEFORE PASSAGE OF THIS ORDINANCE TO CONTINUE IN EFFECT; REPEALING CLAUSE; SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND DIRECTING PUBLI- CATION OF THE DESCRIPTIVE CAPTION OF THIS ORDINANCE WITH THE PENALTY PROVISIONS FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE: WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Plainview has found that the present Electrical Code of the City of Plainview has become obsolete, and WHEREAS, the City Council appointed the Board of Electrical Examiners to prepare recommendations for the City Council in regard to a new Electrical Code. WHEREAS, the Board of Electrical Examiners recommend the follow- ing Code be adopted as the Electrical Code for the City of Plainview. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLAINVIEW: Section 1. That the Electrical Code 1969 Edition same being Ordinance No. 69-1047 of the City of Plainview, be and the same is hereby repealed. ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF PLAINVIEW, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 75-18 35 ADOPTED: July 8, 197S Price Per Copy $ .oo Cd) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (J) (k) ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR. Electrical Inspector shall mean the duly appointed Electrical Inspector of the City and all duly appointed assistant electri- cal inspectors except when it applies to the Secretary of the Board since only the Electrical Inspector shall be Secretary of the Board'of Electrical Examiners unless he specifically appoints an Assistant Electrical Inspector to serve in his absence. FIXTURE. Fixture shall mean a unit which supports a means of illumination. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION shall mean the installation of wiring devices or equipment for the distribution, transmission or utilization of electrical energy. MASTER ELECTRICIAN shall mean a person who, himself being highly skilled in methods and practices of electrical installations, proposed to do instal- lations, proposed to do installations and to enter into agreements or contracts for such installations, and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code. JOURNEYMA~ ELECTRICIAN shall mean one skilled and ex- perienced in the physical labor involved in electri- cal installations, and who, does, or holds himself out as intending to do, electrical installations under supervision of a Master Electrician, and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code. MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN. The term Master Sign Electrician shall mean a person who is skilled in the methods and practice of electrical installations, who proposes to do sign installations and to enter into agreements or contracts for such installations, and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code. JOURNEYMAN SIGN ELECTRICIAN shall mean one skilled and experienced in the physical labor involved in electri- cal installations of signs and who, does, or holds himself out~ .as intending to do electrical installations under the ~p~rvi~ion of a Master Sign Electrician and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code. MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN shall mean one who is employed by one employer to maintain and to repair existing electri- cal installations in designated building or buildings under one ownership and who does not otherwise engage himself as either a Master, Journeyman, or Apprentice Electrician, and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code. -5- SECTION 2 : ELECTRICAL CODE CHAPTER 1. CHAPTER 2. CHAPTER 3. CHAPTER 4. CHAPTER 5. CHAPTER 6. CHAPTER 7. CHAPTER 8. GENERAL ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND ASSISTANTS BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS LICENSES AND BONDS PERMITS AND INSPHCTIONS INSTALLATION REGULATIONS OFFENSES AND PENALTIES SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; EFFECTIVE DATE CHAPTER 1. GENERAL 1.1 IN GENERAL This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as "The Electrical Code of the City of Plainview". 1.2 SCOPE OF THIS CODE All electrical work installed within the City of Plainview shall be installed in conformity with the provisions of this Code and it is hereby declared to be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to install any electrical work in violation of the provisions of this Code. 1.3 ADMINISTRATION The administration and enforcement of the provisions of this Code shall be vested in the City Electrical Inspector, who will be under the administrative supervision of the Building Official of the City of Plainview. 1.4 DE~INITIONS For the purpose of this Code the following words shall have the following meanings: (a) APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN. "Apprentice Electrician shall mean one who assists a Master or Journeyman Electrician in installations and who works under the constant super- vision of a Master or a Journeyman Electrician, and who holds a license issued under the provisions of this Code". (b) BOARD. The term "Board" shall mean the City of Plainview Board of Electrical Examiners. (c) DIRECT SUPERVISION. The term "direct supervision" shall be construed tO mean supervision of work by a supervisor who shall be either a licensed ~ourneyman Electrician or a licensed M~ster Electrician, who shall be actually present at the job site or installation at all times. (i) NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE shall mean the 1975 Edition of the National Electrical Code, (NFPA70-1975), as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association. (m) OPENING OR OUTLET shall mean the location where a ceiling light, a bracket light, a wall light, a porch light, or a flood light is to be mounted; also, it shall mean any electrical consuming opening or outlet. (n) SECRETARY. Secretary shall mean the Secretary of the Board of Electrical Examiners, the duly appointed Electrical Inspector, or a duly appointed Assistant Electrical Inspector who has been specifically appointed by the Electrical Inspector to serve in his absence. 1.5_ APPLICATION OF CHAPTER. It shall be unlawful for any person to make any electrical instal- lation or to make any alteration, repair or addition to an exist- ing electrical installation except as provided in this chapter. 1.6 EXEMPTIONS. (a) SIGNAL WORK. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the fire and police signal installations, or other similar installations, installed and maintained by the electrical department of the City. (b) FRANCHISES. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to electric light, heat and power companies, telephone and telegraph companies or other communication companies, operating under City franchise or state or federal laws in the installation, maintenance, removal or repair of wires or other equipment used in connection with their business or plants. (c) MANUFACTURERS OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Nothing herein shall be construed to'prohibit manufacturers of elec- trical apparatus or equipment from carrying on reason- able electrical experiments with materials and products within the confines of their own premises and all installations therein; provided further that the electrical inspector may require the manufacturer to make whatever changes he believes necessary for the protection of public life, welfare, and property. (a) STREET LIGHTING. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to installations in connection with the illuminating of public streets, alleys or parkways by the city, the Texas Highway Department or the public electric utility company. -4- 1..7 VIOLATIONS (a) (b) (c) (d) FIRST OFFENSE. Any person violating any of the terms or provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalty. UPON CONVICTION OF THE SECOND VIOLATION of this chapter by a licensed person, in addition to a fine, the Board of Electrical Examiners shall, if it deems necessary or desirable, hold a public hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not the person's license should be revoked. If the license is revoked the person may not apply for a subsequent license until twelve months after the date of the public hearing. UPON CONVICTION OF A THIRD VIOLATION in addition to the fine, the person so convicted shall have his license revoked, and be barred permanently from being issued a license under this Code. NO REFUNDS WHEN LICENSE REVOKED. If for any reason a M~ster~ E. lectrician, Master Sign Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Sign Electrician, Apprentice Electrician or Maintenance Electrician license is revoked, no portion-of the license fee will be refunded. -S- ~THR2ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND ASSISTANTS 2.1, OFFICE CREATED; REQUIREMENTS; APPOINTMENTS; SALARY. (a) OFFICE CREATED: ASSISTANTS AUTHORIZED. There is hereby created the office of the Electrical Inspector of the city within which may be Assistant Electrical Inspectors. (b) CITY ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND DEPUTY ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS. The person chosen to fill the office of Electrical Inspector or Deputy Electri- cal Inspector shall be of good moral character, shall be possessed of such executive ability as is requisite for the performance of his duties, and shall have a thorough knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in the installation of electrical equip- ment; shall be well versed in approved methods of construction for safety to persons and property, the statutes of the State of Texas relating to electri- cal work and any orders, rules, and regulations issued by authority thereof, and the National Electrical Code, as approved by the National Fire Protection Association. (c) APPOINTMENT. The Electrical Inspector and the Assistant Electrical Inspectors shall be appointed by the City Manager with the approval of the Mayor and Council. SALARY. The salaries of the Electrical, Inspector and his assistants shall be fixed by the Mayor and Council. 2.2 ASSISTANTS; ASSIGNMENTS, DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION. The Assistant Electrical Inspectors shall receive their assignments from the Electrical Inspector and shall perform their duties under the direction and supervision of the Electrical Inspector. 2.3~ RIGHT OF ENTRY; IDENTIFICATION. RIGHT OF ENTRY. The Electrical Inspector shall, when in the performance of his duties, and as far as may be necessary for the performance of his duties, have the right to enter any consumer's premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of making any tests or inspections of the electrical wiring, appliances or equipment contained therein. -6- IDENTIFICATION. When on duty, the Electrical Inspector shall carry a means of identification furnished by the City and shall show same upon the request of any person at the job site. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES. The Electrical Inspector, 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 Code. 2.5 RECORDS; FUNDS. ~REQUIRED RECORDS. The Electrical Inspector shall keep, or cause to be kept, a written record of all of the following which are required to be issued or performed under the provisions of this Code: (1) Permits (2) Licenses (3) Inspections (4) Condemnations (5) Disconnects of electrical installations re- sulting from condemnations. (b) MONEYS RECEIVED. The Electrical Inspector shall turn over to the General Fund of the City of Plainview all moneys and payments received by his office and from the Board of Electrical Examiners. 2..6 INSPECTIONS - CONSUMER INSTALLATIONS; TIME OF MAKING. (a) THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR SHALL inspect all electri- cal installations which shall include alterations, repairs, and additions in compliance with the pro- visions of this Code. (b) HE SHALL be allowed twenty-four hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays recognized by the City, from receipt of the request from the home- owner or~.t~ Electrician, which ever holds the permit to make such inspection. THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR SHALL make inspections of existing electrical installations when he reasonably believes they are unsafe, improper, and constitute a hazard to life or property. -7- -2.7 TAGS INDICATING APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL. (a) ATTACHING GREEN OR RED TAGS OR CARDS. At the time of making the inspection the Electrical Inspector shall attach a green tag or card to an approved installation and shall attach a red rag or card to a disapproved installation. (b) REMOVING OR DAMAGING TAGS. It shall be a violation of this Code to remove, deface, damage or mutilate a tag UNSAFE, IMPROPER OR UNLAWFUL INSTALLATIONS - NOTICE; DEFAULT. (a) THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR SHAL~, upon determining that unsafe, improper, or unlawful electrical installations exist, immediately notify the owner of the premises, his agent, or the Electrician performing work on the premises. The notice shall be in writing, specifying the exact deficiency existing, and shall allow the parties a reasonable time, as determined by the Electrical Inspector, to correct the deficiency. DEFAULT; electricity ordered discontinued. If cor- rective action is not begun immediately or the defi- ciency is not corrected within the prescribed time, the Electrical Inspector shall, if h.e believes pub- lic welfare endangered, in writing order the electri- cal supply to the premises discontinued. WORKED ORDERED STOPPED; POSTING NOTICE (a) RECKLESS, CARELESS, UNSAFE MANNER; VIOLATIONS OF CODE. The Electrical Inspector shall stop the installation, alteration, operations or repair of any electrical work on or in any consumer's premises when, in the Inspector's opinion, the work is being done in a reckless, careless, or unsafe manner or in a manner which violates the pro- visions of this Code. POSTING NOTICE ON PREMISES. Upon determining that particula~ work should stop., the Electrical Inspector shall post a notice to that effect on the consumer's premises and thereafter no person shall proceed with the installation until the Electrical Inspector has cancelled the stop-work notice. (c) (d) EFFECT OF POSTING RED TAG OR CARD. The posting of a red tag or card on the premises shall constitute a stop-work notice, as stated on the red tag. REMOVING OR DAMAGING. It shall be a violation of this Code to remove, deface, damage or mutilate, or conceal the stop-work notice. -8- CHAPTER 3 BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS 3.1 -CREATED; MEMBERSHIP CREATED. There is hereby created a Board of Electrical Examiners for the City to be appointed by the Mayor and City Council. CcD MEMBERSHIP; COMPENSATION. The Board of Electrical Examiners shall consist of seven members as follows: Two Master Electricians, Two Journeyman Electricians, One member who is an employee of the local electrical utility company (currently known as the Southwestern Public Service Company) and Two other members who, in the opinion of the Mayor and City Council, are qualified, through education and practical experience, to perform the duties of an electrical examiner. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation. ~ Four members of this Board shall constitute a quorum. 3.2 APPOINTMENT; TERM (a) FIRST BOARD. For the first board appointed after the enactment of this Code, four of the seven members, comprised of one Master Electrician, one Journeyman Electrician, one member who is an 6mployee of the local electrical utility company and one of the other two outside members shall be appointed for a term of two years, the three other members, comprising the other Master and Journeyman Electrician and the remain- ing outside member, shall be appointed for a term of one year. (b) REGULAR TERM. Thereafter, the members shall be appointed for two year terms. (d) VACANCIES. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor and City Council for any unexpired term. MAXIMUM TERM. No member shall serve or hold office longer than two consecutive full two year terms. REMOVAL (a) (b) CAUSe. When good cause exists, a member may be re- moved from office by the Mayor and City Council. ABSENCE. Any member who is absent four consecutive regular meetings, without just cause, shall be con~ sidered as having resigned and shall be replaced by the Mayor and City Council. -9- ~3.4 OFFICERS; MEETINGS (a) OFFICERS. The Board shall meet as soon after appointment as possible and select a chairman and a vice-chairman from within its number. MEETINGS. The Board shall meet at least once each month. The meeting night will be on the third Tuesday of each month; however, this may be Changed to meet the convenience of the major- ity of the Board. 3.5 (c) ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AS SECRETARY. The Electrical Inspector shall serve as Secretary to the Board without compensation and shall keep a complete written record of all proceedings of the Board. He shall not have any voting power within the Board. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) RECOMMENDATIONS. The Board shall submit to the Mayor and City Council written recommendations and suggestions for the improvement, enforcement and administration of this Code. (c) EXAMINATION RULES. The Board shall adopt rules, regulations and policies for the examination and re-examination of applicants for electrical licenses. No rule, regulation, or policy shall be applicable unless it has been incorporated in the minutes of a regular meeting df the Board prior to its application. EXAMINATION qUESTIONS. The Board shall prepare the questions for all examinations. 3.,6 (d) GRADING PAPERS. ...... TheBoard shall grade the examination papers for Master and Journeyman Electricians, Master and Journeyman Sign Electricians, and Maintenance Electricians. This grading shall be conducted by the full Board or a committee consisting of one Master Electrician, one Journeyman Electrician, and one other member, to be appointed by the Chairman. Examinations graded by such committee shall be voted upon at the next regular meeting of the Board. Ce) ISSUANCE OF LICENSES. The Board shall cause the issuance of appropriate licenses to successful applicants. AS A BOARD OF APPEALS. The Board of Electrical Examiners shall act as the Electrical Appeals Board both to interpret the meaning of this Code, and also to settle differences of interpretation of this Code between the Electrical Inspector and any permit holder or prospective permit holder. -10- 4.1 4.2 CHAPTER 4 LICENSES ELECTRICAL LICENSES CLASSIFICATION. There is hereby created the following classification of electrical licenses which will be designated as follows: Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Sign Electrician and Maintenance Electrician. ELIGIBILITY FOR MASTER ELECTRICIAN AND MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN 4.S 4.4 4.5 4.6 ~ICENSEt To be eligible to hold a license as a Master Electri- cian or a Master Sign Electrician within the City of Plainview, each applicant for such license shall be a high school graduate or the equivalent thereof, and shall have had two years of Journey- man level experience under the supervision of a licensed and bonded Master Electrician and shall have passed an examination for Journeyman Electrician, be the holder of a Journeyman Electrician's License, and shall demonstrate his professional competency by passing an examination for Master Electrician with a minimum grade of 70% on an examination to be held and conducted by the Board. ELIGIBILITY FOR JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN AND JOURNEYMAN SIGN ELECTRICIAN LICENSES. To be eligible to hold a license as a Journeyman Electrician each applicant for such license shall be a high school graduate, or the equivalent thereof, and shall have had four years experience as an Apprentice in electrical construction under the supervision of a licensed and bonded Master Electrician and shall demonstrate his qualification by passing an examination with a minimum grade of 70% to be held and conducted by the Board. ELIGIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE. To be eligible for a license as a-Maintenance Electrician within the City of Plainview the applicant for such a license shall provide evidence of his ability to perform his work for a specific employer and demonstrate his qualifications by passing an examination by a minimum grade of 70% to be held and conducted by the Board of Electrical Examiners. INTERPRETATION OF ELIGIBILITY. All qUestions arising concern- ing the eligibility of any applicant for an examination under this Code, shall be decided by a majority vote of the full Board of Electrical Examiners. ELEVATOR ELECTRICIAN'S LICENSES shall be issued by the Board upon {he ~plihan{~'~having (i-)submitted evidence of his qualifications and experience and ability in matters pertain- ing to the wiring of electric elevators; (2) furnished a bond in the amount of $1,000.00, conditioned as provided in this Code; and (S) paid a license fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00), which shall be effective for one year from the date of issuance, and which may be renewed annually on the payment of Ten Dollars, ($10.00). Any decision of the Board as to the qualification of the applicant may be appealed to the City Council under the same procedure provided in this Code. -11- APPLICATION FOR ELECTRICAL LICENSE. Each applicant for any of the classes of electrician's licenses provided for herein shall make a written application designating the type of license which applicant seeks, upon forms prepared and furnished by the Board of Electrical Examiners and shall file same in the office of the Secretary of said Board. Ail blanks provided on said application forms shall be filled in by the applicant with the information sought, or with an explanation as to why applicant's circumstances justify omission of such information. The Board shall review each application and after approval of the appli- cation, the applicant shall be notified as to the time and place of such examination following the day his application is approved. Upon approval for examination, the applicant shall complete the examination within ninety (90) days, otherwise an new application must be completed and approved by the Board. 4.8 .~XAMINATION FEES. The following schedule of fees shall be charged each applicant for electrical license and said fee shall be paid to the Secretary of the Board of Electrical Examiners on or be- fore taking the respective examination. The fees required to be paid herein are in addition to the license' fees which are herein- after required. The examination fees herein required shall not be returnable to the applicant for any reason and all sums collected by the Secretary of the Board shall be paid over to the General Fund of the City of Plainview. Master Electrician and Master Sign Electrician the sum of $50.00. Journeyman Electrician or Jo~rney- man Sign Electrician the sum of $5.00. Maintenance Electrician the fee of $5.00. 4~9 EXAMINATION PROCEDURES. Each applicant for an electrician's license shall report at the time and place specified by the Board of Electrical Examiners for examination and each applicant shall take the examination prepared by the Board under such supervision as the Board may~direct. 4.10 LICENSE FEES. Each successful applicant for an electrician's license shall pay the following respective fees: Mas'ter Electri- cian or Master Sign Electrician the sum of $100.00, Journeyman Electrician of Journeyman Sign Electrician the sum of $20.00, Maintenance Electrician the sum of $15.00. The fees herein enumerated and required by this section shall be paid and delivered to the Secretary of the Board of Electrical Examiners within 30 days after the applicant is notified that he has passed the exam- ination. Complete re-application and re-examination will be re- quired if such fee is not paid and required bond posted within the time herein specified. Ail lice~s'e's fee collected by the Secretary of the Board shall be paid over to the General Fund of the City of Plainview. 4.11 4.12 4.12 4.13 MASTER ELECTRIAN OR MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN BOND. In addition to the fee hereinabove enumerated all holders of Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician License as a condition precedent to the issuance of such license shall execute a bond as required by this Code. EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL. Each license issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire at midnight on December 31 of the year for which it is issued and application for the renewal thereof shall be made in such form as the Board of ElectricAl Examiners shall prescribe. Applications for renewal of said licenses may be made between the first day of October and the 31st day of December. RENEWAL FEES. Th{ issued under the pr( Electrical Inspecto~ the General Fund of (a) Master EJ a fee of (b) Journeym~ and Mainl The fee to be paid for the renewal of of such. license is expiration of appli license may be reneh its expiration date of Electrical Examin license. Provided, after a period of tw following fees for the renewal of any license ,visions of this Code shall be paid to the City ' who shall duly pay all fees received into the City of Plainview: ectrician and Master Sign Electrician, Sso.oo, .n Electrician, Journeyman Sign Electrician chance Electrician, a fee of $5.00. rider paragraph (a) and (b) shall be charged ny licenses provided application for renewal ade within the time provided and before ant's license. Provided, however, that any ed during the succeeding twelve months from upon approval of the renewal by the Board ers and payment of the fee for the original further, that no license may be renewed elve months from the expiration date of the original license. period, any person be issued under this the examination for pay the original fee POSSESSION OF LICENS authorized to be iss shall, when on the have in his immediat identification as fu time of the issuance shall upon request pl Electrical Inspector the identification r, Electrician and Mast, posted in a prominen' business the certifi, by the Electrical In After the expiration of such twelve month desiring any electrical license authorized to Code shall be required to qualify by taking such class of license as may be desired, and for such license. The holder of any electrical license ~ed under the provisions of this Code )b site of any electrical installation, ~ possession the wallet size license rnished by the Electrical Inspector at the of his license, and such license holder resent same for identification to the or any of his deputies. In addition to ~quirement in this section each Master Dr Sign Electrician shall cause to be ; place at their respective place of :ate of qualification which is issued pector at the time his license is issued. -13- 4.14 4.15 LICENSES - NOT TRANSFERRABLE. It shall be unlawful for any person ho~ng an Ele6trician's license authorized to be issued under the provisions of this Code to transfer the same or allow the use of same directly or indirectly by any other person for the purpose of doing electrical work or for obtain- ing a permit to do electrical work. MASTER ELECTRICIAN AND MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN BOND - REQUIRED. Immediately upon the approval of the issuance of a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician license the applicant shall be notified and before the license shall be issued, a bond executed by the applicant, as principal, and a surety company authorized to do business in this state, as surety, shall be furnished to the City Electrical Inspector in the principal sum of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars and payable to the City of Plainview, and to any person with whom the principal has contracted to perform electrical work, and to any person who may be damaged or injured by faulty workmanship or defective materials by the principal. -14- Said bond to be substantially as follows: ELECTRICIAN' S BOND STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT: That we, of Plainview, Texas as principal, ' as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto the City of Plainview, Texas, in the penal sum of One Thousand and No/100 ($1,000.00) Dollars to be paid to the City of Plainview, its certain attorneys, successors and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these present. Sealed with our seals and dated this day of A.D., 19 WHEREAS, the said ha~ made or is about to make application to be licensed to engage in the business of elec- trical wiring in the City of Plainview, Texas, which license has been or is about to be granted in accordance with the laws. NOW, THEREFORE, the conditions of this obligation are such that if the said shall for a period of one year from the date hereof, comply with Ordinances of the City of Plainview, and perform the work of electrician under the said license and indemnity and save harmless the City of Plainview from all damage arising from negligence or carelessness of the said his agents, servants or employees in doing same, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law. In testimony whereof, the said Principal has hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, and the said Surety has caused these present to be sealed with its corporate seal and attested by its Attorney-in-fact the day and year first above written. This the day of 19 PRINCIPAL SUPd~'I'Y BY: APPROVED THIS DAY OF ATTORNEY-IN-FACT , 19 BUILDING OFFICIAL AGENCY --ADDRESS - 15 .... BOND -,NO . If the preceeding bond is signed by an officer of the Surety Com- pany, there must be furnished for our file a certified extract from the by-laws of said Company showing that this person has authority to sign such obligation. If signed by an Attorney. in Fact, there must be a certified copy of the power of attorney for our files. 4.16 PERMANENT PLACE OF BUSINESS. Every Master Electrician and MaSter Sign Electrician licensed under this Code shall have and maintain a definite place of business. 4.17 LICENSES N0.T TRANSFERRABLE. It shall be considered a viola- tion of this section for a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician to engage in the performance of electrical work with a Journeyman or Apprentice other than in the usual employer-employee relationship. 4.18 MASTER ELECTRICIAN OR MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN TO SUPERVISE WORK. 4.19 4.20 Each Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician shall be responsible for all electrical work installed under permits secured by him in the City, and shall maintain supervision over all other Journeymen and Apprentices working directly under him on any project. CALLING FOR INSPECTIONS. It shall be the duty of the Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician or his authorized re- presentitive to make application for all permits herein required, and to call for all rough and final inspections necessary under this Code. ·COPE OF MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE. The Maintenance Electrician's License shall not be construed in any way to allow the holder thereof to install any new circuit, out- let, or additions, or to perform any electrical work for which a permit is required, or to perform any work required by this Code to be performed by a Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician~ Journeyman Electrician, or Journeyman Sign Electrician. (a) Falsification of an experience record shall be justification for the Board's refusal to issue a license or to cancel a license if a'license has been issued. If a license is cancelled due to the falsification of an experience record, no refund of any portion of the license fee shall be made. (b) The Board shall issue to the Maintenace Electri- cian a license which he shall have on. his person at all times when engaged in the duties of Maintenance Electrician. -16- 4.21. 4.22 4.23 (c) The license shall permit the holder to perform the duties of a Maintenace Electrician only on the premises of the owner by whom he is employed. Any violation of this requirement shall result in the cancellation of his license. (d) He shall not perform the duties of a Journeyman Electrician or of a Master Electrician. (e) 1. No person shall allow the use of his Main- tenance Electrician's License, directly or indirectly, by any other person for any purpose. In addition to the penalty provided herein any person convicted of violation of this provision shall forfeit his license and it shall there- after be void. Re-application for a Maintenance Electrician's license may not be made within one year from the date of forfeiture. LOCATION OF WORK. Each .license issued to a.Maintenance Electri- cian shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the license is issued, and the location of the premises in or on which the maintenance work is to be done, and the date the certificate was issued, and no work shall be done at any location except that named in the license. RENEWAL REQUIRED WHEN LQ~ATION CHANGED. Every holder of a Maintenance Electrician's License shall notify the ElectricaI Inspector immediately when such holder makes any change in his employment, giving in such notice the name of his new employer and the location of the premises in or on which he is to be employed to perform electrical maintenance work. Any decision of the Board as to the qualifications of the applicant may be appealed to the City Council under the same procedure provided in this Code. SCOPE OF APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE. (a) APPRENTICE qUALIFICATIONS AND .EXPERIENCE. Anyone desiring to do work as an Apprentice Electrician shall be able to read and write the English language. (b) CITY APPRENTICE WORK PERMIT. Everyone desiring to do work as an Apprentice Electrician within the City shall register with the City Electrical Inspector and obtain from such office an Apprentice Work Permit. -17- Such permits shall expire on the thirty-first (31) day of December of each calendar year, and may be renewed by application therefor to the Electrical Inspector and payment of a one dollar renewal fee. (c) POSSESSION OF AN APPRENTICE WORK PERMIT. Every Apprentice Electrician shall keep such permit in his possession and on his person at all times when engaged in work on any electrical installation pro- ject site. WORKING UNDER SUPERVISION. Every Apprentice shall undertake electrical work only when engaged under the direct supervision of a Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician, Journeyman Electrician or Journeyman Sign Electrician. SCOPE. OF ELEVATOR ELECTRICIAN LICENSE. No person other than a Master Electrician or a Journeyman Electrician under the super- vision of a Master Electrician shall install and wire an electric elevator unless he has first been issued an Elevator Electrician's license. "Installation~'t for the purpose of this division shall mean only the electrical work on the elevator side of the feed wire connection to the controller, including the control board, elevator motors, signals and signal lights, and all other wiring required for the control and operation of the elevators. The term shall not include the routine maintenance of installed elevators. -18- PERMITS. 5.1 5.2 5.3 CHAPTER S. PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ELECTRICAL WORK GENERALLY. It shall be unlawful for any person to begin any work of installing, erecting or altering material, wiring, fixtures, or other apparatus to be used for the utilization of electricity for light, heating or power in or on any building or premises in the City without first securing a permit from the Electrical Inspector. PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. No permit shall be required for minor work such as repairing flush and snap switches, re- placing fuses or changing lamp sockets and receptacles. This Code shall not be construed to require a permit for maintenance work on the premises of a person regularly employing a maintenance electrician for that purpose. APPLICATION BLANKS. Application blanks for permits on electrical work shall be filled out and filed with the Electrical Inspector. These blanks will be furnished by the Electrical Inspector. ISSUANCE AND CONTENTS OF PERMITS. When the fee required by this Code is paid, when all license and bond require- ments of this Code have been complied with, and when the plans and specifications of the proposed electrical work have been approved, the Electrical Inspector shall issue a permit to the applicant which shall state the kind of work to be done and the address of the-building where the work is to be done. Such permit shall be without effect as to any work not therein described or as to any place other than described: (a) A home owner shall make application on a standard form for a permit to make an electrical installa- tion. The homeowners application shall state that the electrical installation will be made in a single unit dwelling in which he resides or will reside on completion if the single unit dwelling is under construction, that he will make the electrical installation himself accepting no help from outside parties, and that he has not obtained a permit to make an electMical installa- tion within the past two years. Any other informa- tion which the Board believes necessary or de- sirable may be required to assist them in enforc- ing strict compliance with the provisions of this Code. The homeowner shall furnish such proof of ownership as the Board may require. -19- 5.4 S.S S.6 Permits issued to homeowners shall be valid only for work done at the residence occupied by the homeowner at the time of permit issue. Permits for commercial buildings, leased, or rented property shall be issued only to a Master Electrician. Fals'ification of an application for permit by a Master Electrician or a home owner shall be justification for the Board to refuse to issue a permit or to cancel a permit if one has been issued. PERMITS TO BE ISSUED TO ~L~STER ELECTRICIANS. Permits for electrical work shall be issued to a Master Electrician upon application signed by a Master Electrician. Where electrical work is being performed under an assumed name, or trade name, permits Will be issued only upon application of the Master Electrician representing such firm or association bearing sub- stantially the following notation: "To (name of Master Electrician) for (name of company) ". The Master Electrician whOse name appears on the permit shall be responsible for all violations of the Code that occur on such project. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS WHEN REQUESTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR. The plans and specifications of the electrical work of all new buildings or buildings to be re- modeled in which electrical wires are to be installed will be submitted to the Electrical Inspector by the owner or architect for his approval before the permit will be issued. Ail such plans shall specify the size of feeders and sub-feeders and their length when there are more than four branch circuits. When, according to such plans and specifications, the electrical work specified complies with the provisions of this Code, the Electrical Inspector shall approve the plans and specifications therefore in writing. If any changes are required by the Electrical Inspector, he shall attach a list of such requirements to the plans or specifications. When such plans and specifications have been corrected, they shall be resubmitted for approval. PERMIT FOR TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS. When a permit to install work of a temporary character, for a time to be specified in such permit, and not in any case to exceed thirty days shall have been issued by the Electrical Inspector, a strict compliance with the rules of permanent work will not be exacted, provided the character of the work is entirely safe for the period de- signated in the permit. No temporary work or alterations shall be allowed on live circuits unless protected by a proper switch and fuse. Should the temporary electrical installation be needed beyond the $0 day period, subsequent permits may be issued. An inspection shall be made before the issuance of any subsequent permit, and each subsequent permit shall be for a period not to exceed 30 days. -20~ 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 READY-BUILT HOMES. Where buildings are constructed in lumber yards or on premises within the city limits, other than where the building is on a permanent foundation, and where such build- ing is to be moved into and located within the city limits, wiring installations shall be made by a bonded and licensed Master Electrician, in conformity with this Code and permits shall be applied for. CHANGING OR REPLACING FIXTURES. After the original inspection of fixtures, if fixtures are changed or replaced with other fixtures where circuit wires without change of size are run directly into the receptacle of the changed or replaced fixtures, no fixture permit or inspection shall be required, provided such work is done by persons licensed under this Code to do so. However, if such change or replaced fixtures require a change in the size of wire, a permit and inspection shall be required. EMERGENCy WORK NECESSIATING NEW WIRING. In case of emergency necessitaiing the immediate new wirin~ or repairs to electrical wiring, at a time when the office of the Electrical Inspector is closed, the work may be carried out without first obtaining a permit. Thereafter, a written application shall be submitted to the Electrical Inspector for a permit during the next day that such office is open. Before the permit shall be issued, all requirements for its issuance must be complied with. EXPIRATION OF PERMIT. (a) Every permit shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the installation authorized by such permit is not commenced within ninety days from the date of such permit or if the installation autho- rized by such permit is suspended or abondoned, at any time after the work is commenced, for a period of sixty days. (b) Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be obtained, the fee therefore shall be one- half the amount paid for the original permit. SURRENDER OF PERMIT. A Master Electrician or homeowner who has obtained an electrical permit shall surrender said permit to the Electrical Inspector within sixty days of the issuing date of the permit to be eligible for a refund of the permit fee, provided no work has begun on the electrical installation. ROUGH-IN INSPECTION. Ia) The licensed Master Electrician or home owner shall be responsible for notification to the Electrical Inspector when the electrical installation is ready for a rough-in inspection. An electrical installation shall be considered ready for rough-in inspection at such time that all raceways, panel board cabinets, service equipment, outlet boxes, junction boxes, con- ductors and conductor splices are installed and before concealment. (b) There shall be a rough-in inspection, and a final inspection on each electrical installation. For -21- 5.12 5.13 5.14 (b) cont'd. the owner, whose installation is ready for inspection, shall allow the Electrical Inspector's office twenty- four hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and ~alidays recognized by the City excepted after notification to inspect, before proceeding to work on the electrical installation. For minor extensions and additions which in the judge- ment of the Electrical Inspector adequate inspection is possible after completion of the work, a rough-in inspection will not be required. (d) The licensed Master Electrician or homeowner shall be responsible for notifying the Electrical Inspector for completion of an electrical installation and re- questing a final inspection. A final inspection shall be made before a certification of compliance is given. (d) A certification of compliance shall be obtained on every electrical installation before the electrical installation is tied to the power ~upp~y of an exist- ing installation or to the Power Company service lines. FINAL INSPECTION. Upon application of the Master Electrician or his authorized representative in charge of the project, the Electrical Inspector shall make a final inspection of the in- stallation and if such work is found to comply with this Code, a certificate of inspection shall be issued stating that the work has been done according to the provisions of this Code and the rules governing the respective class to which it belongs. Such certificate shall not relieve the Master Electrician of responsi- bility for any defective work that may have been concealed or escaped the notice Of the Electrical Inspector. PURPOSE OF RED, GREEN, AND YELLOW TAGS. At the completion of the initial or rough-in inspection, the Electrical Inspector or his deputy shall, if such installation is approved, cause a green approval tag to be affixed to a visible and accessible point on the electrical work approved. If such inspector determines that such installation is not acceptable, he shall affix to such electrical work a red "violation" tag which shall have printed thereon in substance a warning that the work or installation will not pass inspection, and that it is a violation of City Ordinances to conceal or continue any of the electrical work until the installation is re-inspected and approved. If upon re-inspection, the violation has been satisfactorily corrected, the Electrical Inspection shall then cause the red violation tag to be removed and green approval tag to be affixed in its place. The same process shall be followed upon the final inspection with a red violation tag to be affixed if the installation is not approved. Approval on final inspection, or final re-inspection -22- 5.15 5.16 shall be denoted by placing a green approval tag on the approved installation. Whenever a red violation tag is affixed on the installation, at either the rough-in or final inspection, the Electrical Inspector shall note on the back of such tag the precise violation involved and such other factual information as the Electrical Inspector may feel necessary to inform the Master Electrician of the specific items that need to be corrected. No person, firm or corporation engaged in any work at the building site shall ever cause, allow or suffer electrical work to be covered over unless same bears an inspection tag showing final approval, nor shall any red, green or yellow inspection tag be affixed to any electrical work by anyone other than a City Electrical Inspector or his deputies. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, destroy, or deface a red, yellow or green tag, or for any lather, carpenter, or any other person to conceal any wiring or conduit which has not been approved as indicated by the presence of the inspection tag. The Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to require any person, firm or corporation to uncover any wiring or electrical equipment which has been concealed without the knowledge or permission of the Electrical Inspector. TIME OF MAKING INSPECTIONS. Upon receipt of an application re- questing-inspection, the Master Electrician or home owner, whose installation is ready for inspection, shall allow the Electrical Inspector's office twenty-four hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, recognized by the City excepted after notification to inspect, before proceeding to work on the electrical installation. CLEARANCE FROM ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR BEFORE FURNISHING CURRENT BY UTILITY COMPANY; RECONNECTION OR DISCONNECTED SERVICE. It shall be unlawful for any utility company operating in the City to fur- nish current to any new building, tent, structure or outdoor wir- ing of any kind, nature or description without first obtaining a clearance from the City Electrical Inspector, stating that such wiring is approved and a permit has been issued for use of current. 5.17 FEES-- NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND/OR REMODELING. The follow- ing fees 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; the permit fee shall be a sum equal to one-half of one cent ($0.0050) per square foot of floor space in the construction as planned. When more than one re-inspec- tion is required a re-inspection fee of $2.50 for each re-inspection will be charged. 5.18 FEES--ALL OTHER TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION. The following fees shall be Ch~g~' b~]~e' City fbi' ~i1" ~e~- k~a' classes of construction not covered by the preceeding section, and must be paid before a per- mit is issued or work done: -23- Minimum Fee $ 2.50 New Installations - 1 to 10 Outlets 2.50 Next 100 Outlets .10 each Ail over 100 Outlets .05 each Low Voltage Transformers .25 each Altering or Changing Meter Loop 1.00 each Motel and Hotel Kitchen Equipment, including but not limited to Deep Fryers, Toasters, waffle bakers, etc. .50 each Water Heaters .50 each Welders 1.00 each Unit Heaters or Airconditioners minimum .50 ~each New Fixtures on existing openings 1 to 5 fixtures 1.00 each Ail over 5 fixtures .05 ~e~ch Gasoline Pumps - new installations or change 1 to 5 1.00 each All over 5 Pumps .50 each Electric Stove 1.00 each Clothes Dryer .50 each Clothes Washer .50 each Combination Washer and Dryer 1.00 each Garbage Disposal .50 each Dishwasher .50 each Motors, Fans, and Heat Pumps-fractional H.P. Including 1H.P. .SO Motors, Fans and Heat Pumps-over 1 H.P. to and including 5 H.P. 1.00 each Motors, Fans and Heat Pumps-over 5 H.P., 506 per H.P. or fraction thereof-Maximum 3.00 each Low Voltage Control System-each relay or switching device-same as outlet Sign Connections - - Outside Neon Signs - t to 5 transformers 3.00 each Additional Transformers .SO each Interior - illuminated outdoor signs 3.00 each X-ray equipment requiring separate service 5.00 each -24- 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 FEE FOR INSPECTION OF ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS. In addition to the stipulated fee for motors, there shall be an inspection fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) for each passengar elevator and escalator, and Three Dollars ($3.00) for each freight elevator. Permits for elevator and escalator installation shall be taken out and paid for by the Master Electrician. FEE FOR CARNIVALS, CIRCUSES, ETC. Carnivals, circuses or other places of amusement using structures composed wholly or partially of canvas or similar materials shall be considered as temporary for a period not exceeding fifteen days. Any construction work shall be done by a bonded and licensed Master Electrician who shall take out a permit and pay the Ten Dollar fee. FEE FOR EXIT-OR EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS. In addition to the s~{'~'~-~~¥or outlets, motors, etc., there shall be an in- spection fee of Two and one-half Dollars ($2.50) for each exit lighting system or emergency lighting system installed. Permits for exit and emergency--lighting systems shall be taken out and paid for by a Master Electrician. FEE EXEMPTIONS NO EXEMPTIONS. -25- CHAPTER 6. INSTALLATION REGULATIONS 6.1 STANDARD; NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES. All installations hereafter installed within the corporate limits of the City of Plainview shall be done in a first class workman- like manner in accordance with the National Electrical Code, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Secretary, and is made $spart,. of this chapter, with the additions and deviations therefrom-contained in this Code. 6.2 MINIMUM SIZE WIRE; EXCEPTIONS. Nothing less than No. 12 AWG copper wire will be permitted within the corporate limits of the City, with the following exceptions: (a) That ground wire in nonmetallic cable shall be in accordance with the National ElectriCal Code. For special circuits such as controls, public address systems, or sound systems, annuciators and signals. Ordinary switch legs for lighting systems will not be construed as control wiring. (c) No. 6 and above aluminum wire may be used in Commercial and Residential wiring providing it is installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. 6.3 NONMETALLIC SHEATHED CABLE, KNOB AND TUBE, OR ARMORED CABLE. WHERE USE ALLOWED. Nonmetallic sheathed cable, knob, or tube, or armored cable wiring may be used in installations of one or two-family dwellings, provided that this is not in conflict with requirements governing within restricted areas such as fire zones. (b) WHERE USE NOT ALLOWED. Nonmetallic sheathed cable or armored cable will not be permitted in surface installations where such cable is exposed to mechanical injury without being encased in a metal raceway. (c) TOWNHOUSE OR ROWHOUSE UNITS. In "Townhouse" or "Rowhouse" units separated by a two-hour fire wall meeting Uniform Build- ing Code requirements, romex wiring methods may be used. Ail electrical wiring in common or Party walls are to be placed in conduit. Electrical outlets, boxes, and fixtures installed in connnon walls shall not be less than 18 inches apart hori- zontally or vertically. (d) APARTMENT BUILDINGS. Apartment buildings of more than four dwelling units shall have all wiring encased in approved raceways. -26- 6.4 6.5 6.6 FLEXIBLE METALLIC CONDUIT OR GRBENFIELD~ The use of flexible metallic conduit or greenfield will not be permitted for use as a general wir- ing system, but. may be used for special types of connections, such as Connecting motors, appliances, recessed fixtures or where space limits the use of larger raceway for short runs or extensions, with the ap- proval of the Electrical Inspector. LAMP CORP. The use of ordinary twisted pair cotton covered lamp cord Type C will not be approved for use as drop lights, pendants nor portable lamps, but reinforced or approved portable cords no smaller than No. 16 AWG shall be used. WIRING IN BATHROOMS, KITCHENS OR LAUNDRY ROOMS. (a) WALL SWITCHES. All Lights i~ Bathrooms, Kitchens, or Laundry rooms shall he controlled by wall switches, located where they cannot be readily reached from bathtub, sink lavatory or shower whenever possible to do so. METAL FIXTURES: GROUNDING. All metal fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens, except ceilings thereof, receptacles and switches, shall be grounded. They shall not be grounded to their neutral wire. 6.7 PANEL BOARDS; LOAD CENTERS; SEPARATE CIRCUIT REQUIREMENTS. Cc) £d) (e) SIZE OF PANELS. All panels must be large enough to accommodate the present load requirements and have at least two spare:circuits for future use. FUSED PANELS. Fused panels must be equipped with tamperproof fuses and bases, commonly known as fustats, or Type S. fuses. LOCATION OF PANELS. Panels or circuit breakers shall not be placed in water heater closets, bathrooms, or other locations where they will not be readily accessible to tenants or users. WASHING MACHINES; SEPARATE CIRCUIT. Separate circuits of No. 12 wire will be required for each washing machine. They must also be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code. KITCHEN CIRCUITS; MAXIMUM LOAD. A maximum of four receptacles will be allowed on each circuit in a kitchen. HEATERS. All bathroom or other type electrical heaters of one thousand watt capacity or larger must be wired on separate circuits from all other wiring, and fused with the proper size fuses or breaker type disconnects. SIGNS. All outdoor electric signs must be wired on separate circuits from other lighting. A minimum of No. 12 AWG copper wire shall be used, and the proper number of circuits shall run to supply a multiple circuit installation as outlined in the National Electrical Code. -27- 6.8 WINDOW-TYPE REFRIGERATION UNITS. Window unit refrigeration coolers of one thousand watts or more must be wired on separate circuits from any other appliance or lighting circuits with the proper size wire and fuses or circuit breakers for their load requirements. 6.9 CHANGES IN LOCATION OR USE. (a) CHANGE IN LOCATION. Should any residence or building be moved from one location to another and should the wiring be nonconform- ing to the new location, the residence or building shall be rewired. CHANGE IN USE. Should the occupancy of a residence be changed entirely from residential to another use, the wiring shall be made to conform to the requirements of the new use. CONDUIT INSTALLATION FROM PANEL. A one inch empty conduit shall be installed from the panel to the attic or from the panel to below the first floor of every new or completely remodeled installation. When installed from the panel to the attic, the conduit shall be extended to a point providing 30 inches clearance between ceiling-joi~t and-rafters when possible. 6.10 MOVING METER LOCATIONS. When meters are moved from inside to out- side locations in existing construction, metal raceways will not be required if fused panel or circuit breakers are also moved to the outside and the existing service conductors from old panel location are used as branch circuit conductors from new to old panel or switch, or if a fused switch or breaker is installed outside to protect existing feeders to existing panel or breaker. 6.11 WIRING ENCASED. IN METAL RACEWAYS; WHERE REQUIRED. Ail installations hereafter installed within the number one and two fire limits of the City as defined in Chapter 16, Plainview City Code, and all instal- lations made in public buildings, churches, schools, theaters, skat- ing rinks, halls for dancing or entertainment, hotels, motels, apartment buildings of more than four dwelling units, hospitals, asylums, gasoline service stations, warehouses, stores, and business buildings, of all kinds including, but~not limited to, all retail, wholesale, industrial, and manufacturing establishments, buildings of fireproof and mill construction, combined apartments or residences, or business buildings, and all buildings subject to excess moisture and gases, all grain elevators and buildings where hay or grain is stored or kept, and all 3 phase installations shall have all wiring encased in metal raceways. 6.12 GASOLINE SERVICE STATIONS, GRAIN STORAGE AND GRAIN ELEVATORS; ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. All installations made in service stations must be installed in metallic raceways with the proper tYPes of ex- plosive-proof fittings, boxes, etc. Separate runs of conduit will be required for all gasoline pump installations and no separate lighting or sign circuits will be permitted in these conduits. Ail -28- installations made in grain elevators or grain storage buildings must be installed in metallic raceways with explosion-proof or dust- tight boxes and fittings as required by the National Electric Code. 6~1S~ POSTS FOR TRAILERS OR CONSTRUCTION METERS. (a) SPECIFICATIONS. Posts for trailers or construction meters shall not be less in size thmn a 4" x 4", and shall extend not less than three feet into the natural ground and shall extend to such a height as to permit a clearance of ten feet between the ground the service wires, and shall be adequately braced against the pull of the service wires. E~UIPMENT FOR BRANCH CIRCUITS~ The post shall be equipped with a meter socket, raintight service, ground wire, switch or panel to afford sufficient branch circuits to serve power tools and special equipment to be used. (c) RECEPTACLES TO SUPPLY CURRENT. Receptacles shall be used to supply current to extension cords and tools. 6.14 JOINTS, SPLICES, AND TAPS. (a) WHERE PERMISSIBLE. Joints and splices shall be made only in approved boxes, fittings or cabinets. INSULATING MATERIAL. When making joints, splices or taps, the insulating material used to cover the joint, splice or tap shall be equal or greater than that which was removed. SOLDERED OR MADE UP WITH APPROVED MECHANICAL DEVISES. Ail joints, splices or taps shall be soldered or made up with underwriters' approved mechanical splicing devices with approved splice caps or wire nuts. TAPE. When tape is used to insulate a joint, splice, or tap, only underwriters' approved rubber or plastic tape shall be used. Friction tape shall be used only to hold other insulating tapes in place and as a protective covering. When a fixture is spliced to branch circuit conductor, only underwriters' approved wire nuts shall be used. (e) PROTECTION. Ail joints, splices, and taps shall be protected against mechanical injury. 6.15 NEON BORDER LIGHTING TRANSFORMERS. Transformers which supply current to neon border lighting shall be enclosed in a metal box with a weather proof lid and with working space sufficient to install or to remove the trans-formers with their wires and appurtenances. ~29- 6.16 EXIT LIGHTING FOR PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY. (a) TYPE OF PLACE REQUIRING. Exit lighting shall be provided in all places of assembly. Places of assembly include, but are not limited to, all buildings or portions of buildings used for gathering together 50 or more persons in commercial places of assembly and 100 or more persons in noncommercial places of assembly. (b) EXIT. An exit is a continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way, and shall include intervening doors, doorways, corridors, exterior exit balconies, ramps, stairways, smoke- proof enclosures, horizontal exits, exit passageways, exit courts, and yards. (c) LOCATION OF EXIT SIGNS. Exit lights shall be placed at all required exits and at any other points in the building to indicate clearly the direction of egress. (d) DESIGN. Each exit light fixture shall be designed with two lamp holders. (e) .~EQUIRED WATTAGE. Exit lamps shall be of not less than fifteen watts nor more than twenty-five watts. The total wattage of exit light lamps per circuit shall not be more than one thousand six-hundred and fifty (1650) watts. (f) LETTERING AND COLOR. Every exit sign shall have the word "EXIT" in plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high with the principal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 inch wide. The glass shall be red and white, or green and white. SERVICE AND WIRING. The service for the exit light system shall be ahead of the main line fuses. The exit lighting system shall be kept entirely independent of all other wir- ing systems and equipment,amd shall not, enter the same race- ways or cabinets of other sy§-i'~m§-~xd~e~t in cases of automatic transfer switches. (h) SWITCH. Automatic transfer switches shall be the only switch- ing devices permitted in the exit lighting system. The automatic transfer switch shall be accessible only to authorized personnel and shall be controlled from one point only. PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS. Permits for installation, addition, alteration or erection of emergency lighting systems or exit lighting systems shall be applied for and plans approved be- fore any work is begun. Floor plans, occupancy, and occupancy loads or other essiential information shall be submitted with the application to aid in determining compliance with this article. A final inspection of emergency lighting systems or exit lighting systems shall be made and the installation approved before the building or structure is placed in use. -30- 6.17 SERVICE ENTRANCE AND SERVICE DROPS. (a) ALL METAL: EXTENT. An all metal service entrance, complete with rain-tight entrance equipment, from the point of contact with the power company service drop conductors to the distri- bution panel and to all sub-panels shall be used. S. B. or other similar cables will not be accepted for service entrance use. (b~ CONDUCTORS: CLEARANCE. Service drop conductors to buildings may not be installed with less than ten feet clearance from ground, floor, platform or projection from which they may be reached. Where the point of entry to the building does not meet this requirement, .then an approved bracket or method of support to obtain this clearance shall be installed. If a mast is used, the minimum requirement is two inch rigid steel conduit. On mast installations, the point of attachment for the service cable may be eighteen inches above the roof, under certain conditions. SEE: National Electrical Code. (c) INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS. Where service entrance equip- ment is installed outside a building, a minimum clearance of four and one-half feet must be maintained from the ground or any other floor or platform to the bottom of such equipment. (d) DISCONNECTING SWITCHES. Ail disconnecting switches set on the exterior of buildings shall be equipped with a dead front panel. (e) SIZE OF CONDUCTORS: CERTAIN RESIDENCES. Service entrance conductors shall be rated for 100 AMP or more, except in residences of seven hundred square feet or less where not more than two single pole circuits are employed, then No. 6 AWG copper wire will be accepted. Where this is installed, the panel must have two spare circuits. The square footage of the residence shall be determined by outside dimensions including all covered porches, covered patios, all attached utility rooms, storage rooms, garages, and attached carports. (f) EXCESS LOADS: DETERMINATION OF TYPE OF CONDUCTORS. When load requirements are gre.ater than the carrying capacity of No. 2 wire, then the service conductors shall be determined according to the National Code. (g) INSTALLATIONS REQUIRING MORE THAN SIX CIRCUITS. In all instal- lations where mor~ than six circuits or feeders are required, either 2 or 3 wire, a disconnect or circuit breaker must be installed for each set of service entrance conductors. (h) GAS PIPING. Gas piping shall not be used for an electrical ground nor shall electrical circuits utilize gas piping, cas- ing of controls, panels or other metal parts in lieu of wir- ing. This provision shall not apply to low voltage control and ignition circuits and to electronic flame detection de- vice circuits incorporated as part of the appliance. -31- 6.18 ELECTRIC RANGES AND CLOTHES DRYERS. PJtNGES. For electric ranges with ovens and cooking tops combined in one unit, a minimum of No. 6 wire will be re- quired, with the proper size fuses or breaker type dis- connect. Where oven and cooking tops are installed in separate installations, they shall be considered as two separate appliances and wired and fused separately accord- ing to load requirements. Ail range and dryer instal- lations must have equipment grounding, the use of neutral wire of these appliances will be permitted for grounding. No. 10 wire will be the minimum allowed in such instal- lations. S. E. cable will be protected from mechanical jury when outside in residential range or dryer instal- lations to gain entry below floor or into attic space in existing construction. Cb) CLOTHES DRYERS. The same requirements will be in effect for dryers as for ranges, as outlined above, with a mini- mum of No. 8 AWG wire in all new construction. No. 10 wire will be accepted for dryers installed in existing structures, where the capacity of dryer is known to be thirty amperes or less. (c) USE OF cIRCUIT LIMITED. No other appliances may be used on range or dryer circuits. 6.19 TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS. PURPOSES. The electrical inspector is hereby authorized to issue special temporary permits for the use of knob and tube, nonmetallic cable, or armored cable, for temporary installations in areas where metal raceways are required. (b) EXACT LOCATION AND DURATION. Such permits shall state the exact location and duration thereof. The length of time for a temporary permit shall be determined by the electri- cal inspector. Cc) U~E~ DISCONTINUED ON EXPIRATION. Upon the expiration of a temporary permit, the holder thereof shall immediately discontinue the use of the temporary installation. 6.20 OUTLETS PER CIRCUIT. DWELLING-TYPE OCCUPANCIES. In every kitchen, family room, dining room, breakfast room, living room, parlor, library, den, sun room, bedroom, recreation room, or similar rooms., -32- receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space, including any wall space 2 feet or more in width and the wall space occupied by sliding panels in exterior walls. The wall spaced afforded by fixed room dividers, such as free-standing bar-type counters, shall be included in the 6 foot measurement. In the kitchen and dining areas a receptacle outlet shall be installed at each counter space wider than 12 inches. Counter top spaces separated by range tops, refrigerators, or sinks shall be considered as separate counter top spaces. receptacles rendered inaccessible by the installation of stationary appliances shall not be considered as these re- quired outlets. Receptacle outlets shall, insofar as practicable, be spaced equal distances apart. Receptacle outlets in floors shall not be counted as part of the required number of receptacle outlets unless located close to the wall. At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed in the bathroom adjacent to the basin location. For a one-family dwelling, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed outdoors. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each basement and attached garage. Outlets in other sections of the dwelling for special appli- ances, such as laundry equipment, shall be placed within 6 feet of the intended location of the appliance. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for the laundry. EXCEPTION NO. 1: In a dwelling unit that is an apartment or living area in a multifamily building where laundry facilities are provided on the premises that are available to all build- ing 'occupants, a laundry receptacle shall not be required. EXCEPTION NO. 2: In other than single-family dwellings where laundry facilities are not to be installed or permitted, a laundry receptacle shall not be required. EXCEPTION NO. 3: A dwelling that is a unit in a hotel, motel, motor court, or motor hotel, a laundry receptacle shall not be required. - 33- 6.21 6.22 As used in this Section a "wall space" shall be considered a wall unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings. Each wall space two or more feet wide shall be treated individually and separately from other wall spaces Within the room. A wall space shall be permitted to include two or more walls of a room (around corners) where unbroken at the floor line. The purpose of this requirement is to minimize the use of cords across doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings. The receptacle outlets required by this Section shall be in addition to any receptacle that is part of any lighting fix- ture or appliance, located within cabinets or cupboards, or located over 5 1/2 feet above the floor. Cb) Guest rooms in hotels, motels, and similar occupancies shall have receptacles installed in accordance with Dwelling Type Occupancy. SEE: SECTION 6.20 (a), page 32. COMMERCIAL. For commercial installations, not over one thousand six hundred and fifty watts per circuit shall be installed. Outlets for heavy duty lamp holders shall be rated at not less than five hundred watts per opening and other out- lets shall be rated not less than three hundred watts. In no case shall the wattage exceed more than eighty per cent of the rated current-carrying capacity of the conductors used. Special purpose outlets, where load requirements are known, shall be wired as outlined in the National Electrical Code for the equipment to be used. Receptacle outlets shall be limited to five per circuit for each ten feet, regardless of the number of receptacles unless the load requirements are known to be greater than one thousand six hundred fifty watts. RACEWAYS. (a) pTEEL .TU~ING; E.M.T. OR THIN WALL CONDUIT. Steel tubing, E.M.T. or thin wall conduit will be approved, when National Electrical Code approved watertight fittings are used, for burial in concretd'0r masonry, but will not be approved for burial in earth fill, such as laid beneath slabs in dirt, caliche, etc. (b) DIRECT BURIAL CABLES. When cables (approved for such instal- lations) are buried in dirt or earth fills, they shall be buried at a minimum depth from the finished surface of at least twenty-four inches. FOR OTHER INSTALLATIONS SEE ARTICLE 300-5 NEC (1975). FIRE DAMAGE. (a) INSPECTION'REQUIRED. Where, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal or Electrical Inspector, a fire originated due to faulty electri- cal wiring, overloading of wiring or equipment or any unauthor- ized electrical installation, it shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to inspect the premises involved. -34- 6.23 6.24 REINSTATEMENT OR RECONNECTION WHEN LINES CUT. Where lines or electrical services have been cut in the fire fighting process, no electrical service shall be reinstated or reconnected until the premises conform to the provisions of this Code. (c) DISCONNECTION ORDERED UNDER HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. Where the lines have not been cut in the fire fighting process, and the Fire Marshal or Electrical Inspector deems such premises to be dangerous or hazardous to life and property, he shall order the electrical service to be disconnected immediately and remain disconnected until such defects have been corrected, to the satisfaction of the Electrical Inspector. FLUORESCENT FIXTURES. (a) MULTI-TUBE FIXTURES. When fluorescent strip lighting or multi-tube fixtures of any type are installed end to end, no wiring except the circuits supplying, current to the fixtures may be installed, using fixtures for wireways. (b) NUMBER OF CIRCUITS. A maximum of three circuits shall be permitted in such installations. INSULATION TEMPERATURE. Wire used through fixture raceway must have an insulation temperature rating of at least seventy-five degrees centigrade of one hundred and sixty- five degrees Fahrenheit. RECESSED FIXTURES. Recessed lighting fixtures for incandescent lamps not oquipped with attached splice boxes must be connected to a pull box set especially for such fixture with asbestos covered or other approved wire to withstand up to one hundred and fifty degrees centi- grade. Outlet boxes to be set at least twelve inches from fixture and connection to fixture with flexible metal conduit at least four feet in length and not to exceed six feet. -35 7.2 7.4 CHAPTER ~. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES UNLAWFUL TO DO ELECTRICAL WORK UNLESS LICENSED. It shall be unlawful for any person to do, or undertake to do, any electri- cal work within the corporate limits of the City unless licensed under the provisions of this Code, except where such person is expressly exempted from the licensing provisions of this Code. UNLAWFUL WORK; FALSE CLAIMS. (a) It shall be unlawful for any licensed electrician to perform or hold himself out as being able to perform any type or class of electrical work not expressly included under cover- age of his license. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to advertise or to hold out or to state to the public or to any customer, either directly or indirectly, that any electrical work or installation complies with the City Electric Code unless such work has in fact been inspected and approved by the City Electrical Inspector. UNLICENSED ELECTRICIANS. It shall be unlawful for any licensed electrician to allow any unlicensed electrician or unregistered apprentice to work at any job site or electrical installation project under his control or supervision. GENERAL PENALTY; CONTINUING VIOLATIONS. Whenever in this Code an act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense or a misdemeanor, or whatever in such Code the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any act is hereby declared to be un- lawful, the violator of any such provision of this Code shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding two hundred dollars. Each day any violation of this Code shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. -36- CHAPTER 8. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; EFFECTIVE DATE 8.1 PRESENT LICENSES AND BONDS TO CONTINUE IN EFFECT. Ail licenses, bonds and permits lawfully held at the time this Code goes into effect shall continue in effect until their date of expiration as if they had been secured under the terms of this Code. Such shall be governed by the terms of this Code from and after the date it becomes effective. 8.2 SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any provisions of this ordinance or of the Code hereby adopted or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the Code and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. 8.3 REPEALER CLAUSE. All other Codes or parts of Codes inconsistent with or conflicting with the terms hereof are hereby repealed. 8.4 CONSTRUCTION AGAINST IMPLICIT REPEAL. This Code being a general code intended as an unified coverage of its subject matter, no part of it shall be deemed to be impliedly repealed by subsequent codes if such construction can reasonably be avoided. 8.5 ~UBLICATION The City Secretary is authorized and directed to cause the publi- cation of the descriptive caption of this Code together with the penalty provision as an alternative method of publication as provided by law. This Code shall become effective and be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law. PASSED -37-