G18-09 • Ordinance No. G 18-09
AN ORDINANCE
ADOPTING THE NFPA 70 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE, 2005 EDITION,
AS THE ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF ELGIN
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1976, as amended, be and is hereby repealed.
Section 2. That Chapter 16.24 entitled "Electrical Code" be and is hereby added to the
Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as amended, to read as follows:
Chapter 16.24
ELECTRICAL CODE
Sections:
16.24.010 Adopted-Exceptions.
16.24.020 Definitions.
16.24.030 Department of Code Administration.
16.24.040 Permits-Required.
16.24.050 Registrations of Electrical Contractors.
16.24.060 Inspections Required.
16.24.070 Adoption of Local Utility Company Information and Requirements for
Supply of Electric Service.
16.24.080 Service Capacity and Equipment-All Occupancies.
16.24.090 Grounding.
16.24.100 Wiring Methods.
16.24.110 Outlet Boxes.
16.24.120 Fixtures and Outlets Required-Residential Occupancies.
16.24.130 Conductors.
16.24.140 Over current Protection.
16.24.150 Underground Service.
16.24.160 Raceways or Conduit.
16.24.170 Electric Signs and Outline Lighting.
16.24.180 Conflicts With Other Provisions.
16.24.010 ADOPTED-EXCEPTIONS.
That a certain document,one(1)copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Elgin, being marked and designated as the NFPA 70 National Electric Code, 2005 Edition, as
published by the National Fire Protection Association, be and is hereby adopted as and shall be
• known as the Electrical Code of the City of Elgin,regulating and governing installations of electric
• conductors and equipment within or on public or private buildings or other structures, including
mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings, and other premises such as yards,
carnival, parking and other lots, and industrial substations; and each and all of the regulations,
provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of the NFPA 70 National Electric Code, 2005 Edition,
are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof,as if fully set out in this ordinance,with the
additions, insertions, deletions and changes prescribed in this chapter. 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, 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.
The following words and phrases used in this code shall have and include the several meanings given
in this section:
CODE OFFICIAL: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and
enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: 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
include employees employed by any person, firm, or corporation to do or supervise such work.
ELECTICAL EQUIPMENT: 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.
OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any person who is the owner and occupant of a single-family detached
residence, not being used for any rental purposes, where specific electrical work is to be done.
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(three(3)or
• more units),commercial or industrial buildings,structures or equipment,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-occupant of single-family detached residences doing their own
work,except that all service installations and upgrades shall be done by registered electrical
contractors. Electrical contractors shall furnish bona fide proof of their current electrical
contractors registration. Owner-occupants shall satisfy the pre-qualification 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.
D. Prior to being allowed to take the City of Elgin Electrician License Exam,an applicant must
provide written verification from a currently licensed Illinois electrician who has been tested
on NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, stating that the applicant has a minimum of four years
full-time, hands-on experience working in the electrical trade.
16.24.060 INSPECTIONS REQUIRED.
A. Electrical work shall be inspected prior to being concealed or covered,and upon completion
of the work. Failure to receive an approved required inspection shall result in the uncovering
or opening up of the area for inspection of the work at the direction of the code official. All
safety and code compliance of work performed shall be the continuing responsibility of the
permit applicant. A final inspection approval is required by the City of Elgin. The permit
applicant shall be responsible for insuring that a final inspection is completed by the City of
Elgin's appropriate inspector immediately upon completion of the permitted project. A
permit which does not show any inspection to confirm continuing work for over a six (6)
• month period shall be considered expired. A renewal fee may be paid to extend the permit
• prior to its expiration.
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 premises inspected,a written notice of any required changes or alterations required. Such
changes or alterations 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
providing for the time in which to make such changes or alterations shall be given. The
changes or alterations required by such notice shall be re-inspected by the code official.
16.24.070 ADOPTION OF LOCAL UTILITY COMPANY INFORMATION AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC SERVICE.
The provisions of the rules and regulations regarding the installations,alteration,and use of electrical
• 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.
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 20 branch circuit panel. Four(4) spaces for branch circuits shall be provided for
future use. Split bus and tandem breakers are prohibited. Panel schedules and load
calculations shall be required for each installation.
B. The minimum service capacity for each mobile home shall be a 100 amp service with a
minimum 12 branch circuit 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 feet
• of the point where such conduit enters the building.
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D. Service entrance conductors shall be continuous( p
without splice),from service head to meter
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fitting and service disconnecting means. Duplex service entrance conductors shall have an
ampacity of two 41 and 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 and 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.
E. Service risers shall be a minimum of 1 '/4 inch in size. Additionally, service risers shall be a
minimum of 2 '/2 inches in size, and shall be rigid steel conduit, when used as a support for
the service drop. Roof plates shall not be used as a service drop support.
F. Panels shall be installed in each occupancy in newly constructed buildings. 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 '/4 inch or larger steel IMC or rigid metal conduit.
H. Each mobile home shall have an approved grounding system to the shell and metal
framework.
• 1 Fittings: There shall be no junction or outlet boxes in a service run. Weather tight 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. Where this supplementary electrode is a ground
rod,the rod shall be a minimum'/4"x 10' one-piece copper clad or stainless clad rod driven
to a depth of at least 9 feet 6 inches. 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.
D. A bonding conductor shall be installed around the water meter and shut-off valves on all
services.
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E. An equipment bonding jumper shall be used to connect the grounding terminal of a
igrounding-type receptacle to a grounded box in accordance with NEC 250-146 (deleting
exception a through d).
F. Electrical continuity at service equipment where concentric or eccentric knockouts are used
shall be assured by the use of bonding-type (i.e., grounding) bushings.
G. All raceways in other than residential occupancies shall contain an insulated grounding
conductor sized in accordance with the National Electrical Code and bonded to all metallic
boxes, wiring devices, motors, utilization equipment, and all devices requiring grounding.
H. Spas, hot tubs,hydro-massage bathtub pumps and equipment shall be bonded to the nearest
continuous metallic cold water pipe. Their dedicated circuits shall be GFCI circuit breaker
protected at the panel.
16.24.100 WIRING METHODS.
A. The following wiring methods shall be prohibited:
Armored Cable;
Cable Trays;
• Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring;
Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing;
Integrated Gas Spacer Cable;
Liquid tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit;
Messenger Supported Wiring
Exception: Listed factory-assembled aerial cable may be used for outdoor
installations only when specifically permitted elsewhere in this code;
Metal-Clad Cable;
Nonmetallic Extensions;
Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable;
Open Wiring On Insulators;
. Power and Control Tray Cable Type TC;
Shielded Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable Service —Entrance cable;
Under plaster Extensions;
Underground Feeder and Branch - Circuit Cable.
Manufactured wiring systems shall not be allowed inside walls,or other inaccessible building spaces.
B. When services are upgraded in existing residential occupancies,all new and existing wiring
in exposed areas shall be installed in conduit. Existing flexible wiring methods concealed in
walls may be exposed for a maximum of eighteen inches (18") in exposed areas in order to
connect to the new wiring system. 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 this code.
C. Vegetation shall not be used to support any electrical wiring except for seasonal temporary
wiring such as Christmas decorations.
16.24.110 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 minimum free space for the maximum number of wires
indicated in the National Electrical Code. Boxes shall not be less than 1 1/2 inches 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-inch square box shall be used with a suitable flush cover as outlet demands. Should this
requirement be impossible,owing to construction of the building,a single gem box with the
depth not less than 2 '/2 inches may be used, provided not more than one raceway enters.
Ganging of gem boxes is prohibited in new construction.
E. A 4-inch octagon box, minimum depth 1 '/2 inches,may be used in unfinished basements or
garages for lights, commercial or industrial lighting, when using a 4-inch 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.
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, basements, 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. Basements or
cellars shall have one(1)lighting outlet for each 300 square feet,or fraction thereof. All new
installed bedroom ceiling lighting outlet boxes shall be steel fan-rated minimum 35-pound
support.
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 than 6 feet,measured horizontally, from an outlet in
that space, including any wall space 2 feet wide or greater and the wall space occupied by
fixed panels in exterior walls. The receptacle outlets shall, insofar as practicable,be spaced
equal distances apart. Floor receptacles may be installed in each hallway, foyer, or stair
landing. Outside receptacles shall be watertight and be an approved receptacle to meet load
requirement.
• 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 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.
H.. Smoke detectors shall be installed in each sleeping room, outside of each separate sleeping
area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling,
including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
16.24.130 CONDUCTORS.
A. The use of aluminum conductors is prohibited.
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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: Un-insulated 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 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 48AWG 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. Insulation piercing-type splicing devices shall be prohibited. All
splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equal to
that on the conductors. If the power supply wires to individual fixtures are cut, then each
separate free conductor(pigtail), a minimum length of 6 inches each, shall be provided and
such splices shall conform to this section.
16.24.140 OVER CURRENT PROTECTION.
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 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 one-half(1/2) the area of basement, enclosed
porches, garages, and breeze ways.
B. Disconnects shall be installed within sight for all fractional horsepower motors,paddle fans,
and water heating equipment. In commercial occupancies,disconnects shall be installed for
all water heating equipment.
C. On new installations,the permit applicant shall include load and fault current calculations to
show methods utilized which will insure that the available fault current will not exceed the
ratings of all devices and equipment.
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• 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 an 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 Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) or 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: IMC or 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 IMC or rigid steel metal
conduit. If the slab does not rest on or contact the earth,an additional approved conduit type
is electrical metallic tubing.
C. Underground Raceways: IMC steel or rigid metal conduit, PVC coated steel conduit, and
PVC schedule 40 or 80 are the only acceptable raceway types for use underground. Direct
burial cable methods shall be prohibited.
D. Raceway fittings: All raceway fittings locknuts, bushing, 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.
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H. All raceways shall be securely fastened by means of an approved electrical fastener to the
building structure at least every ten (10) feet and within three (3) feet of every box.
16.24.170 ELECTRIC SIGNS AND OUTLINE LIGHTING.
All wiring for permanent free standing electrical signs and billboards shall be installed underground.
16.24.180 CONFLICTS WITH OTHER PROVISIONS.
When the provisions of this chapter conflict with any other provision of the Elgin Municipal Code
regulating the same subject matter, the more stringent or restrictive provision shall apply.
Section 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of
this ordinance be and are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effective immediately after its
passage in the manner provided by law.
Ed Schock, Mayor
• Presented: April 8, 2009
Passed: April 8, 2009 e�
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 �
Recorded: April 9, 2009
Published: April 10, 2009 '
Attest:
Diane Robertson, City Cl k
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