§ 18-89. Electrical installation standards.

(a)

The most current National Electric Code shall be the governing authority to guide the installations of all electrical wiring, equipment, and apparatus used to supply power, lighting and heating within the city electric jurisdiction. In the event that the city's code is stricter than the National Electric Code, the City Code shall be the standard.

(b)

The following electrical installations and wiring methods shall be required in the city:

(1)

Meter locations must be approved prior to service.

(2)

The minimum meter loop and panel size on new single-family dwellings shall be 150 amps, with a minimum number of spaces in the entrance panel as required by the National Code. The panel must have four spare circuits for future wiring, and a minimum of 1" trade size conduit shall be installed from the entrance panel to the attic area for future wiring installations.

(3)

Overhead service meter loops shall have a minimum of two-inch rigid steel conduit where the conduit riser extends through the roof, if the service drop is to be attached to it. Except as authorized by the electrical inspector in exceptional circumstances, the riser shall not exceed 24 inches in height above the roof. In the event that the riser must be higher than 24 inches, guy wires shall be secured to the mast from the roof.

(4)

Ground wire is to be run continuously from service equipment to ground rod, and shall be installed in conduit for protection against physical damage.

(5)

The raceway on underground services shall be a minimum of trade size, shall be rigid or PVC conduit, shall be two-inch minimum diameter, and shall be fastened to the wall. A pull rope of at least one-quarter-inch diameter shall be installed in the conduit system for pulling purposes. The electrical inspector may require conduit sizes to be increased due to distance or excessive degree of bends. For 200 amp services a two and one-half-inch conduit shall be required. For larger services, the electrical inspector shall specify the minimum diameter according to good engineering practices.

(6)

All commercial and industrial locations shall be furnished with panel-boards for electrical distribution of branch circuits.

(7)

Meter bases on all services shall be positioned so that the top of the meter base is no more than six feet from finished grade level. Each meter in multi-meter locations at duplexes and apartment complexes shall be labeled with the metered address and unit number. Labels shall be durable for the life of the equipment.

(8)

All electrical installations shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike condition, as determined by the electrical inspector according to good electrical-industry practices.

(9)

A legend (directory) of all branch and feeder circuits that originate within a panel shall be posted on the panel cover. The information shall be typed or written in permanent ink, and must be durable.

(10)

Aluminum conductor wire shall not enter the interior of a building; provided, however, that aluminum service entrance cable of 2/0 and above may be used as feeders to single family or multi-family residences if an exterior meter with a main breaker is present.

(11)

MC and BX cable can be used in branch circuit wiring under the following conditions:

a.

As deemed reasonable and necessary by the electrical inspector, according to good electrical-industry practices.

b.

In branch circuits when the portion of the circuit from the panel to the first outlet in the wall cavity is in a conduit system.

c.

Above ceiling locations for fixture whips.

d.

When fished in wall cavities during remodel work.

(12)

NM, NMC, or NMS (Romex) cable shall not be used in any way in electrical installations in commercial buildings within the city electric jurisdiction.

(13)

Multi-family dwelling feeders must be routed so that there is no access to the feeder.

(14)

The maximum distance of unprotected conductor from the meter to the main disconnect shall not exceed 36 inches as measured along the conductor. In unusual circumstances, the electrical inspector may specify an alternative that is consistent with good engineering practices.

(15)

Lighting fixtures must be kept separate from GFCI protected circuits unless required to be protected by such device.

(16)

Grounding connectors must be installed at the time of the electrical rough-in to reduce the removal of devices at final inspection.

(17)

The minimum wire size for use within a single family dwelling shall be #12; branch circuits shall be 20 amp, minimum 11 circuits.

(18)

Low voltage transformers for doorbells shall not be located behind the chime unit or in the attic of a structure.

(19)

Temporary lighting systems must be incorporated in an approved cable assembly.

(20)

Prior to service connection, the site address must be permanently posted in a location easily visible from the nearest public street that provides direct access to the property.

(21)

Secondary service requirements:

Underground: 24 inches of cover over conduit.

(Ord. No. 07-36, 12-4-2007)