G28-96 A
emk. Ordinance No. G28-96
AN ORDINANCE
TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION
OF CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,
ILLINOIS:
Section 1 . That Chapter 16 . 24 entitled "Electrical Code"
of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as amended, be and is
hereby further amended to read as follows :
Chapter 16 . 24
Electrical Code
16 . 24 . 010 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED
The standards and specifications, rules and regulations
of the 1990 edition of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) , as contained in the code known as the
"National Electrical Code" , NFPA-70 are hereby adopted as the
rules and regulations for the installation, alteration,
repair, and use of electrical equipment, subject however, to
the additional standards and specifications, rules and
e'' regulations herein set forth, and except 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 Dept. of Code
Administration and in the office of the City Clerk. It shall
be mandatory that all equipment, material, devices, and
appliances covered by the provisions of this code shall be
tested and listed by a standard testing laboratory, of
nationally accepted stature, which performs services equal to,
or greater than, in those performed by the Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. In those instances where it is impossible
to receive such a listing or label, the Department of Code
Administration shall make the determination of acceptability.
16 . 24 . 020 DEFINITIONS
A. "Electrical contractor" , as used in this chapter, 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 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; but the term "electrical contractor" does not
rft include employees employed by any person, firm, or
corporation to do or supervise such work.
B. "Electrical equipment" , as used in this chapter, means
conductors and equipment installed for the utilization 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 .
C. "Owner" , as used in this chapter, shall mean any person
who is the owner of a single family detached residence
where specific electrical work is to be done.
D. "Code Official" , as used in this chapter, means the
officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly
authorized representative.
16 . 24 . 030 DEPARTMENT OF CODE ADMINISTRATION
The Department of Code Administration is responsible for
enforcing the rules and regulations relating to the
installation and alteration and use of all electrical
equipment, as herein provided.
16 . 24 . 040 PERMITS - REQUIRED
A. Any person, firm or corporation installing or altering
electrical equipment shall apply to the Department of
Code Administration for an electrical permit. Electrical
plans and specifications for proposed installation or
alteration of multiple family dwellings ( 3 or more
units) , commercial or industrial, must be submitted to
the Department of Code Administration for approval and
shall be sealed by a registered architect or professional
engineer. The approved plans shall be available on the
job site at all times .
B. Permits for work performed under this code may be issued
only to registered electrical contractors or to the owner
of single family detached residences doing their own
work. Electrical contractors shall furnish bona fide
proof of their current electrical contractors
registration. Owners shall satisfy the prequalification
provisions of the city prior to being granted a permit.
16 . 24 . 050 REGISTRATIONS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
A. Any person, firm or corporation engaging in the business
of electrical contracting shall be registered in a city
or village located within the State of Illinois that
tests consistent with the standards of the National
Electrical Code.
B. Any person desiring to engage in the business of
electrical contracting may make a written application,
pay a nonrefundable examination fee of $100 . 00 and pass
an examination, as provided by the electrical committee.
Upon passing the examination, the committee shall
transmit their approval to the Department of Code
Administration who shall issue a certificate of
registration to the applicant upon payment of an annual
registration fee of $25. 00 .
C. Electrical contractor registrations and permit privileges
may be reviewed and approved, revoked or retested for
reasonable cause, at any time by the electrical committee.
16 . 24 . 060 INSPECTIONS REQUIRED
A. Electrical work shall be inspected prior to being
concealed or covered and upon completion. Failure to
receive an approved required inspection shall result in
the uncovering or opening up for inspection at the
direction of the code official .
14' B. When a temporary or permanent service is installed, the
applicant shall request an inspection. The code official
shall then notify the local utility upon approval of the
work.
C. The Department of Code Administration shall be notified
eight ( 8) regular working hours in advance for service,
underslab, rough and final inspection. When the work has
been approved, a notice of approval will be posted on or
in the building
D. All institutional, commercial and industrial occupancies,
using electricity for lighting, heating and/or power, may
be subject to inspection at least annually. The
Department of Code Administration shall furnish the
person, firm or corporation occupying or in charge of the
premise inspected, a written notice of any required
changes or alterations required. Such changes shall be
made within thirty ( 30) days after receipt of such
written notice. If, in the opinion of the code official,
such changes shall be made sooner, such notice shall be
given. The changes or alterations required by such
notice shall be reinspected by the code official .
16 . 24 . 070 ADOPTION OF LOCAL UTILITY COMPANY INFORMATION AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC SERVICE
A. The provisions of the rules and regulations regarding the
installations, alteration, and use of electrical
emk equipment as last adopted by the electrical supply
company now supplying the city are hereby made a part of
this chapter. A copy of such rules and regulations shall
be on file in the Department of Code Administration.
B. Adoption of metering sequences and location of metering
equipment: The provisions of the rules and regulations
regarding the installation, alteration, and use of
metering equipment as last adopted by the local utility
company now supplying the city and identified as
Operating Instruction are, hereby, made a part of this
chapter; a copy of such rules and regulations being now
on file in the office of the Department of Code
Administration.
16 . 24 . 080 SERVICE CAPACITY AND EQUIPMENT - ALL OCCUPANCIES
A. The minimum service capacity for each dwelling unit shall
be a 100 amp service with a minimum 16 branch circuit
panel . Four ( 4 ) spaces for branch circuits shall be
provided for future use. Split bus, and tandem breakers
are prohibited.
B. The minimum service capacity for each mobile home shall
be a 100 amp service with a minimum 10 branch circuit
#11.` panel . Two (2 ) spaces for branch circuits shall be
provided for future use. Split bus and tandem breakers
are prohibited.
C. Where the disconnecting means is installed within a
building it shall be located within 5 ' of the point where
such conduit enters the building. Refer to N.E .C. 230-6
to determine the point of conduit entry.
D. Service entrance conductors shall be continuous, (without
splice) , from service head to meter fitting and service
disconnecting means . Duplex service entrance conductors
shall have an ampacity of two #1 & one #2 copper
conductors when one service riser is used in an overhead
installation.
All single family and duplex dwellings requiring separate
riser installation shall have a minimum service capacity
of two #2 & one #3 copper conductors .
Note: Revision of services not requiring a change in
service panel may continue the use of tandem
breakers . All other revisions will conform to new
service requirements .
eft E . Service risers shall be steel rigid metal conduit (NEC
346 ) , from service head to disconnecting means .
Electrical metallic tubing may be used for temporary
services .
F. Panels shall be installed in each occupancy. Each
service main breaker must be marked so it is easily
identified as to which unit is being served.
G. The connection from the distribution panels in a mobile
home to the power source shall be installed in 1 1/4" or
larger steel rigid metal conduit.
H. Each mobile home shall have an approved grounding system
to the shell and metal framework. Grounding requirements
shall conform to Section 16 .24 . 100 .
I . Fittings : There shall be no junction or outlet boxes in
a service run. Weathertight fittings shall be used in
service runs from service head to meter cabinets .
Revision of services shall conform to new service
requirements .
16 . 24 . 090 GROUNDING
A. Services shall be grounded to a metallic cold water pipe
and to a supplementary electrode, as provided by the
National Electrical Code (NEC 250-81) .
Where this supplementary electrode is a ground rod, the
rod shall be a minimum 3/4" x 10 feet one piece copper
clad or stainless clad rod driven to a depth of at least
9 ' 6" . Where ground rods are used, there shall be one
( 1) rod installed for services up to 400 amps and two (2 )
rods installed for services larger than 400 amps with
spacing between rods as per the National Electrical Code.
B. Grounding to building fire sprinkler systems is
prohibited.
C. The grounding electrode conductor shall be an insulated
copper conductor. This conductor shall be routed to
avoid physical damage to the conductor (NEC 250-92 ) .
D. A bonding conductor shall be installed around the water
meter on all services .
16 .24 . 100 WIRING METHODS
A. The following wiring methods shall be prohibited:
Cable Trays
Open Wiring On Insulators
Messenger Supported Wiring
Exception: This wiring method may be used for outdoor
ef'` installations only when specifically permitted elsewhere
in this code.
Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Integrated Gas Spacer Cable
Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing
Armored Cable
Metal-Clad Cable
Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable
Shielded Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable
Service - Entrance Cable
Underground Feeder and Branch - Circuit Cable
Power and Control Tray Cable Type TC
Nonmetallic Extensions
Underplaster Extensions
Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit
Manufactured wiring systems shall not be allowed inside
walls, or other nonaccessible building spaces
B. Existing Wiring and Equipment: Existing wiring which
conformed to applicable laws in effect at the time of
installation and has been maintained in good condition,
is not being altered or extended and is being used in a
safe manner, may continue in use.
Existing electrical systems which are of inadequate
capacity shall be replaced with a new system or shall be
supplemented with new wiring and equipment, as necessary,
to meet the requirements of these guidelines .
e 16 . 24 . 110 OUTLET BOXES
(Also see NEC 348-12 and 370-10, 13, 19)
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 minimum free space for the maximum
number of wires indicated in the National Electrical
Code. Boxes shall not be less than 1 1/2" in depth
unless it would be impossible, owing to the construction
of the building. Boxes shall be fitted with covers
and/or plates to form a complete enclosure. Unused and
open knockouts shall be securely closed.
B. All boxes shall be fully accessible in a manner to permit
inspection or modification of wiring contained therein
without removing any portion of the structure or finished
surfaces .
C. 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.
D. A 4" square box shall be used with a suitable flush cover
as outlet demands . Should it be impossible, owing to
construction of the building, a single gem box with the
depth not less than 2 1/2" may be used, provided not more
than one raceway enters . Ganging of Gem boxes is
prohibited in new construction.
E. A 4" octagon box, minimum depth 1 1/2" , may be used in
unfinished basements or garages for lights, commercial or
industrial lighting, when using a 4" porcelain light
receptacle or swivel type cover with rigid conduit stem
to the light bulb socket, provided that not more than two
( 2 ) knockouts are used. A factory-made assembly
consisting of an octagon box may be used for paddle fans
where specifically designed for that purpose.
16 . 24 . 120 FIXTURES AND OUTLETS REQUIRED - RESIDENTIAL
OCCUPANCIES
(Also see NEC 210 & 220)
A. The minimum number of outlets for connection of permanent
lighting fixtures and convenience receptacles in
residential buildings shall be as follows : A light shall
be installed directly over every kitchen sink, bathroom
lavatory, and utility sink in addition to the general
lights in the room. Stairways, halls, passageways,
corridors, garages, patios, and rooms accessible by more
than one ( 1 ) entry or exit shall have a ceiling light or
outlet controlled by three-way or four-way switches . One
( 1) lighting outlet for each 300 square feet, or fraction
thereof, in basements or cellars .
B. All outlet receptacles shall be 3 pole ground type and
shall be installed so that no point along the floor line
in any wall space is more that 6 ' , measured horizontally,
from an outlet in that space including any wall space 2 '
wide or greater, and the wall space occupied by sliding
panels in exterior walls . The receptacle outlets shall,
insofar as practicable, be spaced equal distances apart.
Floor receptacles may be used only by special permission.
A duplex wall receptacle shall be installed in each
hallway, foyer, or stair landing. Outside receptacles
shall be watertight and be of the ground-fault circuit
interrupter type. Electric clothes dryers shall have a
separate circuit and approved receptacle to meet load
requirements .
C. Not less than one ( 1) fixture or wall receptacle in each
room shall be controlled by a wall switch adjacent to
entry doors .
D. An outside light fixture controlled by an interior switch
or by photocell shall be installed at each entrance and
porch.
E . Garages , attached or detached, shall have switch
controlled interior lighting. At least one ( 1) easily
/i* accessible GFCI receptacle shall be provided in each
garage.
F. Each clothes closet or storage area of 6 square feet, or
larger, shall have a ceiling light. Walk-in closets
shall have a light controlled by a wall switch.
G. All new construction shall have at least one ( 1 ) general
lighting circuit for each 500 square feet of area, or
fraction thereof .
16 . 24 . 130 CONDUCTORS
A. The use of aluminum conductors is prohibited.
Exception: This shall not apply to temporary exterior
overhead and direct burial wiring on construction sites
covered by a current electrical permit.
B. All conductors shall be insulated and of a type approved
for the purpose for which they are used.
Exception: Uninsulated conductors may be placed in the
earth for purposes of forming a grounding grid.
C. Conductors installed in raceways which are in concrete
slabs or walls in direct contact with earth, fill, or are
otherwise subject to excessive moisture, shall have not
elk less than type THWN, MTW, and AWM insulation.
D. Connections of conductors to terminal parts shall be
mechanically and electrically secure without damaging the
conductors and shall be made by means of pressure
connectors, ( including set screw type) , or splices to
flexible leads either soldered, brazed, or welded, except
that #8 AWG or smaller conductors may be connected by
means of clamps or screws with terminal plates having
upturned lugs . Terminals for more than one ( 1) conductor
shall be so listed.
E. Conductors shall be so spliced or joined as to be
mechanically and electrically secure. Joints must be
soldered with a fusible metal or alloy, 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 . AWG #12 and #14 wire splices must be
soldered. If the power supply wires to individual
fixtures are cut, then each separate free conductor
(pigtail) , a minimum length of 6" each, shall be provided
and such splices shall conform to this section.
Mechanical connectors may be used to attach light fixture
wires to the free end of power supply conductors
few (pigtails) , or uncut power supply conductors .
16 . 24 . 140 OVERCURRENT PROTECTION - BRANCH CIRCUIT DEVICES
A. Except as may be specifically approved by the electrical
inspector, each occupancy shall be provided with fuse or
circuit breaker type branch circuit overcurrent devices
for the number of circuits as required to serve the
minimum loads stated herein, except that for single
family dwellings, the minimum shall not be less than
one( 1) circuit for every 350 square feet, or fraction
thereof, of floor area. The floor area shall be computed
from the outside dimensions of the building or area
involved, including 1/2 the area of basement, enclosed
porches, garages, and breezeways .
16 . 24 . 150 UNDERGROUND SERVICE
A. Services must be installed underground for all
subdivisions recorded after April 13, 1967 .
B. All detached structures requiring electrical service
shall be served by underground conductors installed per
Section 16 . 24 . 130 of this code in and approved manner and
shall be protected against physical damage.
Exception: Certain existing structures may be served by
overhead conductors only by specific permission of the
code official . This is limited to existing one and two
family residences with an existing detached garage with
concrete or other obstructions preventing underground
access . These conductors shall be listed or labeled
factory made assembly of twisted conductors supported by
a messenger cable. These conductors may be copper or
aluminum.
16 . 24 . 160 RACEWAYS OR CONDUIT
A. All interior installations or alterations shall be
approved metal raceways . All raceways exposed to the
weather shall be rigid steel metal conduit with approved
boxes and fittings . Rigid aluminum conduit can only be
used by special written permission from the code official .
B. Raceways In Concrete: Rigid steel metal conduit, PVC
coated steel conduit, floor duct, and PVC schedule 40 or
80 are the only acceptable raceway types for use in
concrete slabs if the slab is in any manner resting on,
or contacting, the earth. Any permanently exposed risers
emerging from the concrete base or slab shall be rigid
steel metal conduit.
If the slab does not rest on or contact the earth,
additional conduit types approved are electrical metallic
tubing and intermediate metal conduit.
C. Underground Raceways : Rigid steel metal conduit, PVC
coated steel conduit, and PVC schedule 40 or 80 are the
only acceptable raceway types for use underground.
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 shall be used to protect the wires
from abrasion unless the design of the box or fitting is
such as to afford equivalent protection.
F. Intermediate metal conduit shall not be allowed in
hazardous classified areas .
G. Electrical metallic tubing shall be allowed for temporary
services .
16 .24 . 170 ELECTRIC SIGNS AND OUTLINE LIGHTING
A. All signs, and assemblies must be labeled or listed by a
standard testing laboratory. (NEC 600-4 ) .
B. All outdoor electric signs shall be controlled by a
disconnect installed on the outside of the sign and shall
be accessible from outside the structure.
C. On all neon signs, the high voltage transformer and high
voltage equipment shall be installed in approved metal
boxes, and all metal parts shall be grounded to the
equipment grounding conductor.
D. All wiring for permanent freestanding electrical signs
and billboards shall be installed underground.
E. Illuminated temporary or portable signs and associated
feeders shall be connected to a ground fault protected
interrupter type receptacle and shall not be subject to
mechanical injury. Temporary wiring shall not be located
across driveways, parking areas, or areas subject to
vehicular or pedestrian traffic .
16 .24 . 180 CONFLICTS WITH OTHER PROVISIONS
In all instances where the provisions of this code adopted in
this chapter conflict with specific provisions of the
building, plumbing, heating, or fire prevention codes of the
city, either as presently adopted or to be adopted or amended
in the future, the specific provisions of these individual
'► codes shall supersede and take precedence over the conflicting
provisions in this code.
Section 2 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are
hereby repealed.
Section 3 . That this ordinance shall be in full force
and effect immediately after its passage in the manner
provided by law.
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: June 26 , 1996
Passed: June 26 , 1996
Omnibus Vote: Yeas 6 Nays 0
Recorded: June 27 , 1996
Published:
Attest:
b/41wXZ
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
r