G-1486 Ordinance No . G-1486
AN ORDINANCE
COMPREHENSIVELY AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE CITY
CODE OF ELGIN TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW ELECTRICAL CODE .
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN ,
ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That Article VIII entitled "Electrical Code" of
Chapter 19 of the City Code of Elgin , Illinois , be , and the same
hereby is , comprehensively amended in the following manner , to-wit :
By repealing the present provisions of said Article VIII of
Chapter 19 in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof , the
following to-wit :
r
E
19-701
ELECTRICAL CODE
ARTICLE VIII ELECTRICAL CODE
701. General Provisions 714. Commercial, Industrial. and
702. Definitions Large Service Installations
703. Electrical Inspection 715. Grounding
Department 716. Outlet Boxes
704. Electrical Commission 717. Outlets Required
Established 718. Conductors
705. Electrical Commission to 719. Over-Current Protection
Make Recommendations 720. Branch Circuits Required
706. Permits Required 721. Conductors - General
707. Certificate for Inspection 722. Underground Service
and Approval 723. Conductors in Raceways or
708. Fees, Permits and Inspection Conduit
709. Registration of Electrical 724. Joints and Connections
Contractors 725. Raceways or Conduits
710. Adoption of Electrical Supply 726. Fixtures
Company "Information and Re- 727. Signs and Border Lighting
quirements for the Supply of 728. Motor and Equipment Con-
e Electric Service" trolleys
729.
711. Connections to Terminals Validity
712. Splices 730. Penalty
713. Service Entrance Capacity and
Equipment Required
19-701. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The standards and specifications, rules
and regulations of the 1971 edition of the National Board of Fire Under-
writers as contained in the code known as the "National Electrical Code"
and as approved by the American Standards Association, are hereby adopt-
ed as the rules and regulations for the installation, alteration, repair
and use of electrical equipment, subject however, to the additional stan-
dards and specifications, rules and regulations herein set forth, and ex-
cept where they are in conflict with the provisions of this code. A copy
of this code shall be on file in the office of the Electrical Inspector
and in the office of the City Clerk. All electrical construction, all
material and all apparatus must be as approved by the Underwriters Lab-
- oratories, which Laboratories are established and maintained by the
American Insurance Association.
19-702. DEFINITIONS.
(a) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. The term "Electrical Equipment" as used in
this ordinance, means conductors and equipment installed for the utili-
zation of the electricity supplied for light, heat or power, but does
not include radio apparatus or equipment for wireless reception of
sounds and signals, and does not include apparatus, conductors and other
equipment installed for or by public utilities, including common carriers,
which are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Commerce Commission for
use in their operation as public utilities.
19-702
(b) ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. The term "Electrical Contractor" as
used in this ordinance means any person, firm or corporation engaged
in the business of installing or altering by contract, electrical
equipment for the utilization of electricity supplied for light, heat
or power, not including apparatus, conductors, or other equipment in-
stalled for or by public utilities including common carriers which are
under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Commerce Commission for use in
their operation as public utilities; but the term, "Electrical Con-
tractor" does not include employees employed by any person, firm or
corporation to do or supervise such work.
(c) OWNER. The term "Owner" as used in this ordinance means any per-
son who is the legal owner of a one or two family residence where
specific electrical work is being done. The person doing any electri-
cal work must be present for all inspections.
19-703. ELECTRICAL INSPECTION DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED. That there is
hereby established an Electrical Inspection Department for the regula-
tion of the installation, alteration and use of all electrical equip-
ment as herein provided. Such Electrical Inspection Department shall
consist of the Electrical Inspector of the City and such other employees
as may from time to time be provided for by the City Council, and shall
be a division of the Department of Engineering and Inspection under the
supervision of the Director of said department. Such Electrical Inspec-
tion Department shall be charged with the duty of enforcing the provi-
sions of the rules and regulations relating to the installation, alter-
ation and use of electrical equipment, as hereinafter provided for and
shall function under the immediate supervision and control of the Elec-
trical Inspector.
19-704. ELECTRICAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHED. That there is hereby created
and established, in the City of Elgin, an Electrical Commission consist-
ing of six members appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent
of the City Council, whose qualifications shall be as follows:
The Electrical Inspector shall be a member and ex-officio chairman of
such Commission; of the other five members, one shall be a registered
professional engineer, one an electrical contractor, one a journeyman
electrician, one a representative of an inspection bureau maintained
by the Fire Underwriters (or if no such representative resides in the
City, then the Chief of the Fire Department) and one representative of
an electricity supply company. Such members shall be appointed for one
year, or until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified
by the City Council.
19-705. ELECTRICAL COMMISSION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. Such Electri-
cal Commission shall recommend safe and practical standards and speci-
fications for the installation, alteration and use of electrical equip-
ment in the City of Elgin, designed to meet the necessities and condi-
tions in this particular locality, shall recommend reasonable rules and
regulations governing the issuance of permits by the Electrical Inspec-
tion Department, and shall recommend reasonable fees to be paid for the
inspection by such Inspection Department of all electrical equipment
installed or altered within this municipality; provided that such stan-
•
19-705
dards and specifications, rules and regulations, and fees shall not
become active until adopted by ordinance duly passed by the Council
of the City of Elgin. All such fees shall be paid to the City of
Elgin, and all permits shall, when issued, be so issued by the Elec-
trical Inspector.
19-706. PERMITS REQUIRED.
(a) It shall be unlawful to install, alter, or use any electrical
equipment in the City of Elgin, Illinois without first obtaining a
permit as herein provided. Any person, firm, or corporation desiring
to install, alter or use any electrical equipment shall apply to the
Electrical Inspector for the necessary Electrical permit. Electrical
plans and specifications for proposed installation or alteration of
apartment dwellings consisting of four (4) or more units and commer-
cial, industrial installations or alterations must be submitted to
the Electrical Inspector for approval. Said plans and specifications
for apartment dwellings consisting of 13 or more dwelling units and
any installation or alteration over $15,000 valuation shall be sealed
by a Registered Architect or Registered Professional Engineer. The
reasonable valuation, estimated cost (labor and material) of the im-
proved value, shall be furnished before the electrical permit can be
issued and when issued, shall be issued by the Electrical Inspector
or with the approval of same, by a Building Official. The Electrical
Inspection Department shall issue permits for installations, or alter-
ations of electrical equipment in all cases where the application
shall have been made in accordance with the rules and regulations
established as above provided. The said Electrical Inspection Depart-
ment shall inspect all such electrical equipment installed or altered
in the City of Elgin and shall conform to the requirements of this
ordinance.
(b) Permits for work performed under this code shall be issued only
to "Electrical Contractors" or "Owner's" of single and two-family resi-
dences. Electrical contractors shall furnish the Electrical Inspector
with bona fide proof of their current Electrical Contractors registra-
tion and a copy of such registration shall remain on file in the In-
spection Department of the City of Elgin, Illinois.
19-707. CERTIFICATE FOR INSPECTION AND APPROVAL.
(a) Any part of any electrical installation or alteration shall not be
concealed or covered up before same has been inspected and approved by
the Electrical Inspector or by his duly authorized person, unless addi-
tional approval has been granted by the enforcing authority. Any person,
firm, corporation, or contractor who violates any portion of this section
shall be charged with the duty of uncovering or opening up for inspection
any such electrical installation or alteration by whatever means is nec-
essary and shall also be subject to the requirements and penalty of Sec-
tion 19-730. When the electrical installation or alteration is ready
for a rough-in inspection, it shall be the duty of the person in charge
of such installation or alteration to properly notify the Inspection
Department. The Electrical Inspection Department shall have eight (8)
regular working hours after such notification to make the necessary in-
spection.
19-707
(b) When the temporary or permanent service is installed it shall
be the responsibility of the person, firm or corporation installing
the electrical work to notify the Electrical Inspection Department,
who shall cause an inspection of the work to be made to assure com-
pliance with the requirements of this ordinance. A certificate will
be issued in duplicate when Code requirements have been met; one copy
to be delivered to the office of the utility company, who will use
this certificate as their authority to energize the service, the other
copy to be retained by the City as a permanent record.
(c) The Inspection Department shall be properly notified eight (8)
regular working hours in advance for service, rough and final inspec-
tions. No inspection shall be considered to be automatic. When the
required inspections have been made and accepted, a notice of approval
will be posted on or in the building. Anyone failing to call for in-
spections shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed in Section
19-707 (a) and/or 19-730.
(d) All buildings within the fire limits in accordance with the ordi-
nance currently in effect and known as the Basic Building Code of the
City of Elgin using electricity for either lighting or power, or both
shall have such installations subject to re-inspection at least annually.
The Electrical Inspection Department shall furnish the person, firm or
corporation in charge of the premises inspected, a written notice of
such changes or alterations as may be required, and such changes shall
be made within thirty (30) days after receipt of such written notice,
unless, in the opinion of the Electrical Inspector, such changes should
be made at once, at the end of which time the Inspection Department
shall re-inspect the changes or alterations mentioned in such written
notice.
19-708
elk
19-708. FEES, PERMITS AND INSPECTION. The fees to be paid for the
inspection of all electrical equipment installed or altered within
the City of Elgin shall be as follows:
Basic Fee
The basic fee for all electrical permits issued . . . . $3.00
Circuits
For the inspection of wiring only for one circuit . . . $3.00
For additional circuits:
2 - 10 $1 00 per circuit
11 - 20 80 per circuit
Over 20 60 per circuit
Fixtures and Outlets
From 1 - 50 $2.00
Each additional 50 fixtures and outlets or
fractional part thereof $1.00
Motors, Generators and Other Apparatus
From 1 - 10 horsepower $3.00
Each additional horsepower .20
Reinspection Fee
For reinspection made necessary for inferior
material or faulty workmanship $5.00
Revision
1 or 2 family revision $5.00
Temporary Electrical Service - Basic Fee only
Electrical Sign $5.00
Mobile Homes or House Trailer, Permanent Electrical
service installations $5.00
Electric Heat $10.00
No permit or fee shall be required for work of less than $150.00
estimated cost, expressly providing, however, that this provision
shall not be applicable to the electrical installation of signs or
temporary electrical service.
19-709. REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS.
(a) REGULATIONS. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or cor-
poration to engage in the business of installing electric conductors
to be used for light, heat or power, or to engage in the business as
an Electrical Contractor before complying with the rules and regula-
tions as herein set forth; provided, however, that if such person,
firm or corporation is registered in another city or village as an
Electrical Contractor and has paid the registration fee as required
by law to such city or village located within the State of Illinois,
then such Electrical Contractor shall not be required to register or
pay a registration fee for the period covered by his certificate to
the City of Elgin.
(b) APPLICATION. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to engage
in the business of an Electrical Contractor must first make a written
application to the Electrical Inspector of the City of Elgin on blank
forms provided for that purpose. When such written application is
properly made out, it shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to
transmit such application to the Electrical Commission of the City of
19-709
Elgin. Following a review of the application and successful passing
of the examination as required by the Electrical Commission, if quali-
fied, the Electrical Commission shall transmit the approval to the
City Clerk of the City of Elgin. The City Clerk shall register the
applicant and issue to such applicant a certificate of registration.
(c) FEE. Such applicant shall pay to the City of Elgin an annual fee
of $25.00 which shall expire on the 31st day of December of the year in
which it was issued.
(d) Electrical Contractors registrations must be reviewed and approved
annually.
19-710. ADOPTION OF ELECTRICAL SUPPLY COMPANY "INFORMATION AND
REQUIREMENTS" FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC SERVICE.
The rules and regulations regarding the installation, alteration, and
use of electrical equipment as last adopted by the electrical supply
company now supplying the City of Elgin, and as last published and
filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, a copy of said last men-
tioned rules and regulations being now on file in the office of the
Electrical Inspector, and the provisions of said rules and regulations
being hereby made a part of this ordinance.
19-711. CONNECTIONS TO TERMINALS. Connections of conductors to ter-
minal parts shall insure a thoroughly good connection without damaging
the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure connectors (in-
cluding set screw type) or splices to flexible leads either soldered,
I
19-711
low
brazed, or welded, except that No. 8 A.W.G. or smaller conductors may
be connected by means of clamps or screws with terminal plates having
upturned lugs.
19-712. SPLICES. Conductors shall be so spliced or joined as to be
mechanically and electrically secure. Joints must be soldered with a
fusible metal or alloy, or brazed or welded, unless an approved splicing
device is used. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors
shall be covered with an insulation equal to that on the conductors.
A.W.G. #12 and #14 wire splices must be mechanically secured, by either
solder, or an approved mechanical connector. Approved in this section
shall mean those devices or connectors approved by the Elgin Electrical
Commission. If the power supply wires to each individual fixture are
cut, then each separate free conductors (pigtails), minimum length of
six (6) inches each shall be provided and such splices shall conform to
above of this section. Mechanical connectors may be used to attach light
fixture wires to free end of power supply conductors (pigtails) or uncut
power supply conductors.
19-713. SERVICE ENTRANCE CAPACITY AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.
1. Single and Duplex Family Dwellings.
(a) The minimum service capacity approved for each dwelling shall
be a 3-wire, grounded neutral, 100 ampere service, or 100 am-
pere split buss, with minimum 10 branch circuit panel for each
dwelling unit. The neutral must be white. Each branch circuit
used shall be properly identified on each panel door. Service
entrance conductors shall be continuous (without splice) from
service head to meter fitting, and service disconnecting means.
Aluminum conductor connections shall be coated with a corro-
sive preventative material before connections are made.
(b) Where the disconnecting means is installed within a building
and where conduit of service entrance is not covered by a
suitable fireproofing material (such as a 2 inch concrete
covering) the disconnecting means shall be located within
five feet of the point where such conduit enters the building.
(c) Rigid galvanized conduit (heavywall) or rigid aluminum conduit
may be used on all services from service head to inside dis-
connecting means. Rigid aluminum conduit threads shall be
coated with an approved compound. Dissimilar metals shall not
be used. Double locknuts with fiber or plastic bushing shall
be used. Revision of service shall conform to new service re-
quirements.
2. Multiple Family Dwellings.
Same requirements as single or duplex unless units have less than
800 square feet living area, and electric heating or electric cook-
ing is not proposed or planned for the future.
If less than 800 square feet with 8 branch circuits or less being
used, a 60 ampere service with an 8 circuit capacity panel may be
19-713
used. Panels shall be installed in each dwelling unit. Each
dwelling service main breaker must be marked so they are easily
identified. Minimum raceway one inch electrical trade size.
Maximum service disconnects shall comply with the current publi-
cation of The National Electrical Code.
The neutral must be white. Conductors shall be continuous (with-
out splice) from service disconnecting means to dwelling unit
distribution panels.
3. House Trailers and Mobile Homes.
The connection from the distribution panels in a trailer or mobile
home to the power source shall be made with a proper cord or con-
duit which has been approved by the City of Elgin.
In addition, each house trailer and mobile home shall have an ap-
proved grounding system to the shell and metal framework.
19-714. COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND LARGE SERVICE INSTALLATION.
(a) Single Occupancy. Installations requiring indoor meter fittings
and/or metering transformers shall have service raceways enter such
compartments as directly as possible.
(b) Multiple Occupancy. Installations requiring indoor meter fittings
All
and/or metering transformers shall have service raceways enter the main
disconnecting means as directly as possible. Full size service conduc-
tors or busway shall be extended to a main service distribution center.
Such distribution center shall consist of (1) service conductor gutter
with appropriate individual main over-current disconnects and metering
facilities, (2) distribution cabinets and panel containing appropriate
main switch and fuse or circuit-breaker circuits, the load sides of
which shall extend the individual metering facilities adjacent to the
distribution center.
(c) Fitting, etc. There shall be no junction or outlet boxes in a
service run except an approved self-locking, weather tight fitting may
be substituted for a conduit bend at the point where the conduit enters
the building or metal cabinet. Weather tight fittings shall be used in
connecting service runs to meter cabinets. All service runs shall be
equipped with weather tight service heads.
19-715 . GROUNDING.
(a) Every conduit installation must be thoroughly grounded to a conti-
nuous water pipe system to water meter, if such water service is avail-
able. Water meter must have shunt installed with proper fittings and
copper wire jumper. The ground wire shall in no case be smaller than
No. 8 A.W. gauge. This ground wire from service switch to water pipe
point of attachment or ground rod, shall be in rigid galvanized steel
conduit or E.M.T. with proper conduit to water pipe or ground rod fit-
ting. If water pipe is not available, an approved ground rod 3/4" x 8'
driven into the earth to a depth of at least 7 feet may be used.
19-715
egm
(b) All raceways, except for services or rigid galvanized heavywall
steel conduit, installed in concrete bases or slab or underneath con-
crete base or slab in contact with the earth, fill or underground,
shall have a ground wire (Green) colored insulation, in compliance
with Article 250-95 of the latest edition of the National Electrical
• Code, and shall be connected as to be mechanically and electrically
secure to the conduit system at its most accessible place of entry
and exit. This also applies to the use of flexicore, etc. , for race-
ways.
19-716. OUTLET BOXES.
(a) An outlet box shall be installed for all types of outlets. All
outlet boxes shall be metal and they shall provide at least the mini-
mum free space for the maximum number of wires indicated in the National.
Electrical Code. Boxes shall not be less than 11 inches in depth. Boxes
shall be fitted with covers and/or plates so as to form a complete en-
closure. Unused and open knockouts shall be securely closed. Raceways
shall not enter a box through a knockout for a small size raceway.
(b) All boxes shall be fully accessible in a manner to permit inspec-
tion or modification of wiring contained therein without removing any
portion or structure or finished surfaces.
(c) Front edges of boxes and covers shall be set as nearly flush with
the finished surfaces as possible, but shall not be more than one-eighth
inch (1/8") back of finished surface.
(d) All outlet boxes shall be independently and solidly supported from
the structure. Raceways entering boxes shall not be construed as proper
support, nor shall the box be the support for the raceway.
(e) A four inch square box must be used with suitable flush cover as
outlet demands. Shoud it be impossible, owing to construction of the
building, a single of the gem type box may be used, provided not more
than one raceway enters.
(f) A four inch octagon box, minimum depth one and one-half inches (11"),
may be used in unfinished basement for lights or for garage lights, com-
mercial or industrial lighting when using a four inch (4") porcelain
light receptacle or swivel type cover with rigid conduit stem to light
bulb socket, providing that not more than two (2) knockouts are used.
(g) Back to back box nipples with lock nuts shall be used between- boxes.
19-717 . OUTLETS REQUIRED.
(a) The minimum number of outlets for connection of permanent lighting
fixtures and convenience receptacles in residential buildings shall be
as follows:
At least one ceiling lighting outlet in kitchen, utility room,
halls and stairwells. One lighting outlet for each 300 square
feet or fraction thereof in basement or cellars.
19-717
(b) Grounded convenience receptacle outlets shall be installed so
that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than
six feet (6' ), measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space
including any wall space two feet (2' ) wide or greater, and the wall
space occupied by sliding panels in exterior walls, excluding that
wall space that may be used by a door being opened to the wall. The
receptacle outlets shall, insofar as practicable, be spaced equal
distances apart.
(c) Three (3) pole grounding receptacles shall be provided for wash-
ing machines, gas clothes dryers, window air conditioning units, out-
side receptacles, etc. Electric clothes dryers shall have a separate
circuit and approved receptacle to meet load requirements. Further,
it shall be the responsibility of all persons installing electrical
work, applicances or machines to insure full case or frame grounding
by a separate grounding cable from the appliance frame or case to the
raceways system or cold water pipe (unless the appliances named in this
paragraph are supplied with a three (3) conductor grounded approved
cord.)
(d) Ceiling lighting outlets in kitchen, bathroom, hallways and stair-
wells shall be controlled by wall switches.
(e) Switches for filament lamps shall be "T" rated not less than 10
amperes capacity, 125 volts.
(f) Switches for inductive loads, such as fluorescent lamps shall be
rated at least twice as great as the load :controlled.
(g) Receptacles shall be rated for the load to be served, but shall
not be less than 15 amperes, 125 volts.
(h) Not less than one fixture or receptacle in each room shall be con-
trolled by a wall switch.
(i) An outside light fixture controlled by an interior switch shall
be installed at each entrance and porch.
(j) Garages attached or detached shall have switch controlled, pro-
perly installed lighting. At least one receptacle shall be provided
for each garage.
(k) Transformers for annunciator or Bell Systems shall not be in-
stalled in attics or concealed places.
19-718. CONDUCTORS.
(a) Electrical conductors shall be of the proper allowable ampacities
to serve the loads connected thereto and shall not be loaded in excess
of the allowable ampacities of insulated conductors in Tables 310-12
and 310-14 of the National Electrical Code. The minimum size conduc-
tor for use in residential wiring systems shall be No. 14 A.W.G. , and
for commercial wiring systems shall be No. 12 A.W.G. , except as per-
mitted by the National Electrical Code for remote control, low energy
power and signal circuits.
19-718
(b) The identified conductor, i.e. , neutral conductor, shall be white
in color and white shall not be used for any other circuit wires. In
circuits carrying a ground wire from cutout cabinet to a branch ground-
ing type outlet, the ground wire shall be green in color and green shall
not be used for other circuit wires.
(c) Conductors in raceways shall be installed in accordance with Table
No. 1 thru Table No. 3 of the National Electrical Code for all new work
and rewiring.
(d) Conductors installed in raceways which are in concrete slabs or
walls in direct contact with earth, or fill, or are otherwise subject
to excessive moisture, shall have not less than type TW insulation.
19-719. OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION.
Over-current protection fuses or trip element devices, shall be in-
stalled in each ungrounded conductor of the system. Protection elements
shall be installed at the point of supply, or immediately adjacent thereto.
Where protection elements are installed adjacent to the point of supply
the conductor rating between shall be of full size of the current carry-
ing capacity of the supply conductors. Conductor size, except for the
branch circuit taps to lighting fixtures, shall not be decreased unless
the protective element is sized for the smaller conductor. No over-
current device shall be installed in the grounded or neutral conductor
except as specifically permitted by the National Electrical Code. All
plug fuses shall be type S as outlined in the National Electrical Code.
All circuit breakers shall be of the Thermal Magnetic type.
19-720. BRANCH CIRCUITS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as may be specifically approved by the Electrical Inspector,
each occupancy shall be provided with fuse or circuit breaker type branch
circuit over-current devices for the number of circuits as required to
serve the minimum loads stated herein, except that for single family
dwellings, the minimum shall be not less than one circuit for every 350
square feet or fraction thereof floor area. The floor area shall be
computed from the outside dimensions of the building or area involved;
including one-half (1) the area of basement, attached approaches, gar-
, ages and breezeways.
(b) There shall be at least two (2) additional separate 20 ampere cir-
cuits to serve the grounded duplex receptacles only in the kitchen of
a dwelling occupancy.
(c) There shall be at least one additional separate 20 ampere circuit
to serve the grounded duplex receptacles only in each dining room,
breakfast room and laundry of a dwelling occupancy.
(d) Additional separate 20 ampere circuits shall be installed as re-
quired to connect dishwasher and disposal equipment, etc. when such
are proposed.
(e) Other Circuits:
19-720
Separate additional branch circuits shall be provided in dwelling
occupancies as required for:
1. Motors and controls on heating plants.
2. Central system air conditioning motors and controls.
3. Electric ranges, built-in range tops and ovens in multiple
family dwelling units will require the same service require-
ments of a single family residence 100 amp. service.
4. Window air conditioning units larger than one-half ton HP approx. )
5. Electric space heaters, 750 watts and larger.
6. Motors and hoppy shops.
7. Well pumps.
19-721. CONDUCTORS - GENERAL.
All conductors shall be insulated and of a type approved for the pur-
pose for which they are used. (It is not hereby intended to prohibit
use of bare wire for balding raceways or equipment to ground. ) The
use of uninsulated wire for neutral conductors is prohibited.
19-722. UNDERGROUND SERVICE.
The underground primary and secondary cable and the service cable are
covered by General Order 160, the Illinois Commerce Commission and there-
fore is under their jurisdiction.
Underground branch circuits shall be installed with approved, direct
underground burial cable, using 3/4" galvanized rigid conduit from point
of entrance to 12" below grade level, using an insulated bushing at the
end of conduit. Minimum depth of branch circuits shall be 24" below
grade. If the branch circuit is installed in rigid conduit, the minimum
depth shall be 4" below grade. Inspection shall be made of branch cir-
cuits before the trench is backfilled.
19-723. CONDUCTORS IN RACEWAYS OR CONDUIT.
The number and size of wires installed in raceways shall not exceed
that as shown in the appropriate tables of the National Electrical Code.
The use of approved lubricants to facilitate pulling conductors into
raceways is permissible. Conductors shall be continuous, without splices
or taps, in raceways between outlets and junction points. All conductors
contained within the same raceways or enclosures shall be insulated for
the maximum voltage of any conductor contained therein.
19-724 . JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS.
(a) At each outlet for connection of a load device, switch or receptacle,
and in boxes where splices and taps are to be made, a minimum of six (6)
inches of free conductor shall be provided for making joints and connec-
tions.
(b) Hazardous Locations. Underwater lighting shall not exceed 30 volts
and shall be wired with not less than No. 14 stranded wire with 600 volt
insulation. All other requirements shall be in accordance with the
National Electrical Code.
19-725
eft
19-725. RACEWAYS OR CONDUITS.
(a) New Work. All new interior installations or alterations shall
be approved metal raceways. All raceways exposed to the weather shall
be in rigid heavy wall conduit and approved type boxes and fittings.
Flexible metal conduit shall comply with Article 350 of the National
Electrical Code except the maximum size and number of copper conduc-
tors in 3/8" flexible metal conduit shall be two number twelves A.W.G.
Rigid aluminum conduit is useful under conditions where certain chemical
fumes or vapors are present which have little effect on aluminum but
have a severe corrosive effect on steel. Conduit and fittings may be
obtained made of an alloy known as Everdur, that has special corrosion-
resisting characteristics.
(b) Old Work. New installation of one or more concealed extensions
and/or additional outlets or open construction due to remodeling or
repair in a single or two-family dwelling shall be in rigid conduit,
electrical metallic tubing or flexible metal conduit, and shall be bonded
to ground. One or more concealed extensions, in more than a twe-family
dwelling shall be minimum one-half (2) inch electrical trade size raceway.
In basements, exposed extensions or additional outlets shall be in rigid
conduit or electrical metallic tubing. Exposed flexible extensions from
basement to upper floor shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in length.
Existing and new installations must comply with the applicable section,
sections or parts of the City of Elgin Electrical Code.
(c) Raceways in concrete or underground. All raceways installed in a
concrete base or slab shall be rigid galvanized heavy wall conduit,
electrical metallic tubing, or approved floor duct. Any permanently
exposed risers emerging from the concrete base or slab shall be rigid
galvanized heavy wall conduit. All raceway connections or fittings
installed under concrete base, slab, or underground, shall be properly
coated on the outside with a rust preventative and/or water-tight material.
Threads shall not be coated. Joints shall be mechanically and electrically
secure. All approved raceways in this section shall conform to 19-716 (b)
of the Elgin Electrical Code. Electrical metallic tubing shall not be
used underground or underneath concrete bases or slabs in contact with
the earth or fill.
(d) Raceway Fittings. All raceway fittings, locknuts, bushings, couplings
or connectors shall provide secure mechanical and electrical joints.
(e) Bushings. Where a raceway enters a box or other fitting, an insulating
bushing should be used to protect the wires from abrasion, unless the design
of the box, or fitting is such as to afford equivalent protection. For
electrical trade size one (1) inch or larger or for installations of more
than 150 volts to ground, insulating bushings shall be used or approved
equal where raceways enter enclosures. Ungrounded conductors of No. 4 or
larger shall conform to Article 373-6 (b) of the National Electrical Code.
(f) Locknuts.
1. Where threaded conduits or fittings enter boxes or enclosures, locknuts
shall be used. Locknuts shall be made mechanically secure. For all race-
19-725
ways one inch or larger and/or involving wiring systems of 150 volts
or more to ground in rigid conduit, one locknut interior to and one
locknut exterior to an enclosure shall be used.
2. Running threads shall not be used.
(g) Old Work - Service Revisions. Wiring in basements shall be in
galvanized rigid conduit or electrical metallic tubing with increased
circuit capacity to meet load requirements of the customer and shall
comply with Section 19-725 (b) of this Code.
One separate circuit for central heating equipment and a minimum of
one 20 ampere circuit to serve one grounding type duplex receptacle
in each kitchen.
Separate grounded circuits for existing washing machine, clothes dryer
or deep freeze. Approved grounded cordrand plug shall be installed on
all major appliances unless so equipped.
19-726 . FIXTURES.
All fixtures must bear the approval stamp of the Underwriters Laboratory.
(a) Fixture wiring on or within fixtures shall be neatly arranged and
not exposed. No conductor to be smaller than No. 18.
(b) Fixture wiring shall be done with an approved type wire where tem-
peratures exceed 60 degrees C. or 140 degrees F. and as indicated on the
Underwriters Label attached to the fixture.
(c) Connections, splices and taps. Fixtures shall be so installed that
connections and splices may be inspected without requiring the disconnection
of any part of the wiring. (See 19-712)
19-727. SIGNS AND BORDER LIGHTING.
(a) All signs must bear the approval stamp of the Underwriters Laboratory.
(b) Sign and border lighting shall be wired with No. 12 wire and maximum
of 1500 watts per circuit will be permitted. Sign and festoon lighting
supply shall be taken only from such points on the wiring system that
correct fusing can be provided for.
(c) All outdoor electric signs shall be controlled by a safety switch
installed on or near sign, accessible to persons in repair service.
(d) On all neon signs, the high voltage transformer and high voltage
equipment shall be installed in approved metal boxes; all metal parts
to be grounded to the conduit.
(e) The wiring on all outdoor signs and billboards shall be encased in
rigid conduit.
19-728
19-728. MOTOR AND EQUIPMENT CONTROLLERS.
(a) On all motor installations where controllers or magnetic switches
are used to start motors, such controllers shall be preceded by a dis-
connecting means of ample capacity.
(b) Motor and equipment controllers shall be located at the device.
(c) Controllers, starters, etc. may be remotely located or hidden from
view when a disconnecting means is installed at the device.
19-729. VALIDITY.
Should any section, clause or provisions of this ordinance be declared
by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not effect the validity of
the ordinance as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so
declared to be invalid.
19-730. PENALTY.
Any person, firm, corporation, or contractor who shall violate any pro-
vision of this chapter or fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with any
order of the said Electrical Inspector or competent person delegated by
him in pursuance of and by authority of any of the provisions herein
eft contained, shall be subject to a fine of not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00)
nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each offense.
r
Section 2 . That all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict
herewith be , and the same hereby are , repealed and of no further
force and effect .
Section 3 . That this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and after its passage as provided by law , and shall
be published in pamphlet form by authority of the City Council .
W. E . Rauschenberger , Mayor
Presented : November 10, 1971
Passed : November 10, 1971
Vote : Yeas 6 Nays 0
Recorded : November 10, 1971
Published : November 10, 1971
Attest:
Margaret A . Glink , City Clerk