Ord 111-87 11/3/1987 //i s7
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City of Wichita Falls
1 �LEC ?R]ICA� ORDINANCE
TABLE OE' CONTENTS
Section Page
PREAMBLE 1
14-1 Declaration of Policy 2
ARTICLE I. OFFICE OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
14-2 Office of Electrical Inspector Established 2
ARTICLE II . BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS
14-3 Definition 3
14-4 Board Created 3
14-5 Supplies 4
14-6 Quorum 4
14-7 Rules, Policies 4
14-8 Interpreting the Code 5
14-9 Recommendations for Improvement of Code 5
14-10 Powers & Duties 6
14-11 Violations of the Electrical Code 6
14-12 License Issuance and Renewal 6
14-13 License Generally - Examination of Applicant 7
14-14 Examination Procedures 7
14-15 Grounds for Rejection 8
14-16 Re-Examination 9
14-17 Revocation, Suspension, Procedure 10
14-18 Grounds for Suspension or Revocation 13
14-19 Procedure for Conduct of Hearings 15
14-20 Appeals 18
ARTICLE III. ELECTRICAL CODE
DIVISION 1 . GENERAL 19
14-21 Definition General 19
14-22 Definitions 19
14-23 Construction Against Implicit Repeal 22
14-24 Zoning Ordinance Control 22
14-25 Identification Cards 22
14-26 Delegation of Duties 22
14-27 Conflict of Interest 22
14-28 Scope 23
14-29 Interpretations; Appeals 23
14-30 Premises Involved in Fire - Reinstatement
of Service 24
14-31 Interference with Entry of Inspector;
Concealment of Wiring, Etc. 24
14-32 Violation; Notification 25
14-33 Improperly Installed or Defective Equipment 25
14-34 Liability of Defective Work 27
14-35 National Electric Code Adopted 28
14-36 License - Required 28
14-37 Exceptions 29
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I
Section Page
DIVISION 2. LICENSES GENERALLY 30
14-38 Licenses Required 30
14-39 Present Licenses to Continue in Effect 30
14-40 License or Certificate of Registration from
Other Cities 30
14-41 Unlawful Work; False Claims 31
14-42 Unlicensed Electricians 31
14-43 Classifications of Licenses 31
14-44 Eligibility - Master Electrician 32
14-45 Journeyman Electrician 33
14-46 Industrial Electrician 33
14-47 Master and Industrial Electrician License
Interchangeable 34
14-48 Maintenance Electrician 34
14-49 Application 35
14-50 Examination Appearance 35
14-51 Examination Fee 35
14-52 License Fee and Insurance Requirements 35
14-53 Possession of License 36
14-54 Business Address 37
14-55 Transfer of License 37
14-56 Employment of Journeyman and Apprentice 37
14-57 Journeyman Electrician, Supervision 38
14-58 Notification of Employment 38
14-59 Apprentice - Qualifications, Experience 38
14-60 Work Permit 38
14-61 Supervision of Apprentice Electrician 39
14-62 Expiration of License and Renewal 39
14-63 Vehicle and Other Identification 40
DIVISION 3 . PERMITS GENERALLY 40
14-64 Permit Required 40
14-65 Permit Applications 43
14-66 Permit - Issuance 44
14-67 Plans and Specifications Required 44
14-68 Temporary Installations 46
14-69 Ready-Built Homes 47
14-70 Permit Not Required 47
14-71 Emergency Work Necessitating New Wiring 47
DIVISION 4. INSPECTION GENERALLY 48
14-72 Inspections 48
14-73 Request for Inspections 49
14-74 Procedure for Identifying Inspections 49
14-75 Clearance to Connect Electrical Service 51
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Section Page
DIVISION 5. FEES 52
14-76 License Examination Fees 52
14-77 License Fee 52
14-78 Renewal License Fee 52
14-79 Apprentice Work Permit Fee 53
14-80 Permit & Inspection Fees 53
14-81 Fee Adjustments 54
DIVISION 6. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 54
14-82 Installation of Wiring, Fixtures and
Apparatus - Generally 54
14-83 Wiring 54
14-84 Size of Conductors; Aluminum Conductor 55
14-85 Residence Circuits - Generally 56
14-86 Commercial Circuits - Generally 56
14-87 Service Entrance 56
14-88 Underground Service Entrance 59
14-89 Underground Feeder Circuits and Branch Circuits 59
14-90 Encroachment on Public Way 59
14-91 Buildings Moved to Location 60
14-92 Building, Remodeling and Additions 60
14-93 Residential Use Conversion 60
14-94 Electric Signs and Outline Lighting 60
14-95 Temporary Meter Loops; Construction Tap
Service Posts 61
14-96 Mobile Home and Travel Trailers 62
14-97 Temporary Electrical Installations 62
14-98 Materials and Equipment Standards 62
14-99 Electrical Fences 63
14-100 Low Voltage Wiring 63
14-101 Existing Installation 64
14-102-14-150 - Reserved 64
ARTICLE IV. PENALTIES
14-151 Violation of Chapter Provisions Declared
Misdemeanor; Fine 64
ARTICLE V. SPECIAL CLAUSES
14-152 Savings Clause 64
14-153 Directions to Publish 64
14-154 Repealing Clause; Short Title 64
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1
,
ORDINANCE NO. 111-87
AN ORDINANCE REPLACING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS; ESTABLISHING THE
OFFICE OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR; CREATING THE BOARD OF
ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS; ESTABLISHING A QUORUM; GRANTING RULE
MAKING POWERS TO THE BOARD; SETTING FORTH THE BOARD' S
DUTIES, POWERS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDING FOR THE
EXAMINATION OF ELECTRICIANS; PROVIDING FOR THE GRANTING OF
LICENSES FOR ELECTRICIANS; PROVIDING GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION
AND SUSPENSION OF LICENSES GRANTED AND REJECTION OF
APPLICANTS; ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR REVOCATION AND
SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICAL LICENSE AND OTHER HEARINGS;
PROVIDING FOR APPEALS TO THE BOARD ON QUESTIONS OF
REEXAMINATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE ELECTRICAL CODE;
AUTHORIZING THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO ENFORCE THE
ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS; AUTHORIZING
THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO ACT AS SECRETARY TO THE BOARD
AND ESTABLISHING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUCH POSITION;
PROVIDING FOR AN APPEAL; PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL AND
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD; AND FURTHER PROVIDING
FOR AN ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, WHICH
CODE PROVIDES DEFINITIONS; PROVIDES AGAINST IMPLICIT REPEAL;
COORDINATES WITH THE ZONING ORDINANCE; PROVIDES FOR
IDENTIFICATION CARDS; AUTHORIZES THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO
ENFORCE THE CODE; ESTABLISHES THE SCOPE OF THE ELECTRICAL
CODE; AUTHORIZES THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO INTERPRET THE
ELECTRICAL CODE WITH APPEALS TO THE BOARD; AUTHORIZES
INSPECTIONS OF ELECTRICAL WORK; PROVIDES FOR NOTICE OF
VIOLATIONS; PROVIDES FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE, 1987 EDITION; REQUIRES LICENSES FOR
ELECTRICAL WORK; RECOGNIZES ELECTRICAL LICENSES FROM OTHER
CITIES; ESTABLISHES CLASSIFICATIONS OF ELECTRICAL LICENSES;
PROHIBITS ELECTRICAL WORK NOT AUTHORIZED BY LICENSE;
ESTABLISHES ELIGIBILITY FOR VARIOUS CLASSES OF ELECTRICAL
LICENSES; PROVIDES FOR APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION OF
ELECTRICIANS; PROVIDES AN EXAMINATION FEE; SETS FORTH THE
LICENSE FEES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDES FOR
NOTIFICATION OF THE BUSINESS ADDRESS OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF
ELECTRICIANS; ESTABLISHES RESPONSIBILITY OF MASTER
ELECTRICIANS AND INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIANS FOR THEIR
EMPLOYEES; PROVIDES FOR INSPECTIONS; REQUIRES VEHICLE
IDENTIFICATION; PROVIDES FOR PERMITS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK;
ESTABLISHES FEES; SETS FORTH GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR
ELECTRICAL WORK; AND ESTABLISHES REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL
WORK ON SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL SAFETY CODE, 1987 EDITION; PROVIDING A PENALTY;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
2
CHAPTER 14
ELECTRICAL CODE OF 1987
Preamble, Sec. 14-1
Art. I. Office of Electrical Inspector, Sec. 14-2
Art. II. Board of Electrical Examiners, Sec. 14-3 - 14-20
Art. III. Electrical Code,
Division 1. General, Sec. 14-21 - 14-37
Division 2. Licenses Generally, Sec. 14-38 -
14-63
Division 3 . Permits Generally, Sec. 14-64 -
14-71
Division 4. Inspection Generally, Sec. 14-72 -
14-75
Division 5. Fees, Sec. 14-76 - 14-81
Division 6. General Specifications, Sec. 14-82 -
14-150
Art. IV. Penalties, Sec. 14-151
Art. V. Special Clauses, Sec. 14-152 - 14-154.
Preamble
Sec. 14-1. Declaration of policy.
WHEREAS, the present Board of Electrical Examiners of the
City of Wichita Falls has determined that there is a need to
update and modernize those provisions of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls that establish the
Electrical Code of the City and provide for the Board of
Examiners; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the health and
safety of the citizens of the City of Wichita Falls that such
provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wichita
Falls be kept current with modern electrical codes and
regulations; Now Therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS:
THAT Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances, City of
Wichita Falls, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
Office of Electrical Inspector
Sec. 14-2 'Office of Electrical Inspector Established,
(A) There is hereby established within the Building
Inspection Division of the Planning Department the office of
Electrical Inspector. The Electrical Inspector and
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assistants shall be charged with the enforcement of the
provisions of this code under the direct administration of the
Building and Code Administrator of the City of Wichita Falls.
(B) The electrical inspector and assistants shall be
appointed by the Building and Code Administrator with the
approval of the City Manager. Appointment and removal of the
electrical inspector or assistant electrical inspectors shall
be in accordance with the requirements of this code and the
Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City.
(C) The electrical inspector shall possess adequate
supervisory and administrative abilities as is required for
the performance of duties and shall have a thorough knowledge
of current approved methods and practices relating to the
National Electrical Code and electrical installations. The
electrical inspector shall have at least five ( 5) years
experience as a journeyman or master electrician in the
practice of their trade or as an electrical inspector. In
lieu of such experience the electrical inspector may possess
equivalent qualifications as approved by the Building and Code
Administrator.
(D) Assistant electrical inspectors shall be knowledgeable in
current and approved methods and practices relating to the
National Electrical Code and electrical installations. They
shall have at least two ( 2) years experience as a master or
journeyman electrician in the practice of their trade. In
lieu of such experience an assistant electrical inspector may
possess equivalent qualifications as approved by the Building
and Code Administrator.
(E) An applicant for the positions of electrical inspector
and assistant electrical inspector shall be required to pass
the written examination for Journeyman Electrician as admin-
istered by the City of Wichita Falls prior to employment, or
shall have passed such examination within five ( 5) years prior
to such application.
"ARTICLE II . BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS
Sec. 14-3 . Definition
For the purposes of this article, the "Board" shall mean
the City of Wichita Falls Board of Electrical Examiners.
Sec. 14-4. There is hereby created a Board of Electrical
Examiners for the City of Wichita Falls to be appointed by
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the City Council.
The administration of the appeal and licensing
provisions of the City Electrical Code shall be vested in
the Board.
(A) Membership; The board of electrical examiners shall
consist of seven (7) members, who shall serve without
compensation.
These members shall include, two ( 2) master
electricians, one journeyman electrician, one member who is
an employee of the local electric utility company (currently
known as the Texas Utility Electric Company) , one member who
shall be a representative of industry, one member who shall
be a home builder or otherwise associated with the home
building industry, and one member who shall be designated as
a member at large. This member shall not be connected with
the electrical contracting industry for monetary gain.
(B) Terms of office: The existing Board shall serve its
regular appointed term after enactment of this chapter.
Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of two ( 2)
years; however, no member shall serve for more than three
consecutive terms. Terms shall be staggered, and shall end
on May 31. Members shall serve until their successors are
appointed. The chairman and vice-chairman shall be elected
by the members of the Board annually.
When good cause exist, a member may be removed by the
City Council. Any member absent for four ( 4) consecutive
regular meetings, without cause, shall be replaced by the
Council.
Sec. 14-5. Supplies
The City shall provide the Board with proper books of
record, blank forms, stationary and supplies, proper and
adequate for the conduct of its business.
Sec. 14-6. Quorum
Any four ( 4) of the seven (7) members of the Board
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all
business before the Board except where a greater number is
specifically required by other provisions of this Code.
Sec. 14-7 . Rules, Policies
(A) The Board is directed to adopt such policies and
promulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with
this article, and the City Charter, and the City Electrical
Code, as it may find necessary to expedite the enforcement
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and administration of such duties as are in this Code
delegated to said Board. All policies, rules and regulations
which shall be adopted by said Board shall be reduced to
writing and kept in book form in the office of the Electrical
Inspector and open to the public at all reasonable times.
(B) All master electricians and industrial electricians
currently licensed under the City Electrical Code shall be
notified in writing of any changes to such rules and
regulations.
Sec. 14-8 . Interpreting the Code
(A) In all cases where a proper appeal has been made in
accordance with the provisions of Sec. 14-29 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls the Board is hereby
authorized, empowered and directed to interpret any word,
clause, sentence, paragraph or other provision contained in
the City Electrical Code. When a question arising by appeal
is acted upon by the Board, such action shall be by a majority
vote of the Board hearing said appeal, and the Board' s
decision in each case shall be reduced to writing and filed in
the office of the Electrical Inspector.
(B) Each decision rendered by the Board in accordance with
the provisions of subparagraph (A) of this section shall be
final, subject, however, to such remedy as any aggrieved party
might have at law or in equity.
(C) Any decision rendered by the Board in accordance with
this section may be modified or revoked when the Board finds
that facts and circumstances warrant such action. Any
decision made under this provision which substantially
changes, modifies, or revokes a prior decision of the Board
made under this section shall not become effective until ten
( 10) days after the decision of the Board has been filed in
the office of the Electrical Inspector, unless specifically
ordered to the contrary by the Board.
(D) This section shall never by construed as granting any
legislative power to the Board, such power being exclusively
in the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls.
(E) A copy of any decision of the Board rendered under this
section shall be mailed to every licensed master electrician
or industrial electrician within the City of Wichita Falls
affected by said decision and to any other person designated
by the Board to receive same.
Sec. 14-9. Recommendation for Improvement of Electrical Code
The Board is hereby directed to submit to the City
Council its written recommendations, as necessary, for the
improvement of this article and the City Electrical Code.
6
improvement of this article and the City Electrical Code.
Sec. 14-10. Powers & Duties
The Electrical Inspector shall act as the Secretary of
the Board with the following powers and duties:
(1) To keep and maintain a full record of all
proceedings of the Board.
( 2) To administer oaths in hearings held before the
Board concerning the granting, denying, suspension
or revocation of a license, requested or issued,
pursuant to this article.
( 3) To certify all official acts of the Board.
(4) To issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses and
the production of books and papers at all hearings
before the Board concerning the granting, denying
suspension or revocation of a license, requested
or issued, pursuant to this article.
( 5) To the extent requested by the Board, assist the
Board in keeping all examination procedures and
forms up to date with the provisions of the
Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
( 6) To recommend to the Board questions for inclusion
in examination for licenses authorized by this
article.
(7) To prepare such examination material as may be
requested and approved by the Board for use in the
examination to be given to all applicants for each
class of electrician' s license.
Sec. 14 . 11 . Violations of Electrical Code
It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector of the
City of Wichita Falls to enforce the provisions of the
Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls and to dis-
charge the responsibilities assigned to him by this article.
Sec. 14-12. License Issuance and Renewal
The Board shall, after it has determined that an
applicant has satisfied the requirements of the Electrical
Code of the City of Wichita Falls, instruct the Electrical
Inspector to physically issue the license to which the
applicant has shown himself entitled. The Electrical
Inspector shall further issue all renewal licenses as
authorized by this Code.
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Sec. 14-13 . License Generally - Examination of Applicants
(A) The Board shall, after every applicant has satisfied
the requirements thereof, issue all licenses required by the
Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls. The Board is
hereby empowered to adopt rules and regulations, not
inconsistent with the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita
Falls above described, for the examination and reexamination
of applicants for the following licenses:
( 1) Master Electrician
( 2) Industrial Electrician
( 3) Journeyman Electrician
( 4) Maintenance Electrician
(B) The Board shall fix reasonable times for the
examination or reexamination of all applicants for licenses
under the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
(C) The Board shall furnish all necessary forms to each
applicant who wishes to be licensed in accordance with the
terms of the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
(D) All applications for examination, for any type of
license set forth above, must be filed with the Board thirty
( 30) days before the date of examination and shall be
accompanied by payment of all examination fees.
Sec. 14-14. Examination Procedures
(A) The Board shall prescribe the form substance and length
of the examination for all classes of electricians' licenses
authorized by the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita
Falls. The subject matter of the examination, for every
class of licenses to be issued by the Board, may test the
applicant on the following:
(1) Knowledge of any or all types of electrical
installation authorized by law within the City
of Wichita Falls.
( 2) His knowledge of electricity and diagrams of any
or all types of electrical installations author-
ized by law within the City of Wichita Falls.
( 3) His knowledge and familiarity with the National
Electrical Code as currently adopted by the City
of Wichita Falls.
( 4) His practical and working knowledge of electrical
wirin g and construction.
8
(B) Every examination given by the Board for all types of
electrical licenses shall be structured so that a score of
one hundred (100) percent shall be a perfect score. Every
applicant taking an examination for any type of electrical
license must receive a minimum score of seventy (70) percent
to pass the examination and be eligible for licensing under
the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
(C) The Board may utilize any national testing firm,
corporation or association to prepare and grade all
examinations authorized by the Electrical Code of the City
of Wichita Falls. In every case where the Board utilizes
the services of a national testing firm, corporation or
association the test so provided shall test each applicant
in accordance with subparagraph (B) of this section.
Sec. 14-15 . Grounds for Rejection
Applicants for any type of license examination as set
forth in Sec. 14-13 of this Code may be rejected by the
Board and not examined upon a finding of any of the
following:
(1) That the application contains any false or
misleading statements. When an application
has been rejected for containing a false or
misleading statement knowingly submitted by
the applicant, no new application shall be
considered from such individual for a period of
one ( 1) year.
(2) That the applicant fails or refuses to provide any
information requested on the application form or
forms by the Board.
( 3 ) That the applicant has had his license revoked or
suspended and that the period of such suspension
or revocation has not yet expired.
(4) That the applicant does not possess the qualifi-
cations required for the type of license for which
he desires examination.
( 5) That the applicant, within the twelve ( 12) month
period prior to application, while operating or
working within the corporate limits of the city,
had willfully failed to comply with provisions of
this article or the Electrical Code or had failed
to correct improper electrical installations.
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Sec. 14-16 . Re-Examination
(A) In each case where an applicant has failed to receive a
passing grade of at least seventy (70) percent on an
examination taken by said applicant for any type of license
set forth in Sec. 14-43 of this Code, he may apply for
reexamination as follows:
( 1) The applicant must submit a new application to the
Board and pay all fees for such examination.
( 2) In the case of an applicant' s first reexamination,
the applicant may apply for reexamination
immediately and, provided his application is
approved by the Board in accordance with the
provisions of this Ordinance, shall be scheduled
to take the next regularly scheduled examination
set by the Board.
( 3) In the case of an applicant' s second reexamination
request, the applicant may apply for reexamination
immediately and, provided his application is
approved by the Board in accordance with this
Ordinance, shall be scheduled to take the second
regularly scheduled examination set by the Board
after his application is received.
(4) In the case of an applicant' s third reexamination
request, the applicant shall file his application
with the Board, however, the applicant shall not
be reexamined until he has applied to the Board
for a hearing to show cause why he shall be
reexamined. In every case where the Board holds
a hearing under this subsection the burden of
proof shall be upon the applicant to show cause
why he should be reexamined.
(B) In every case where an applicant for examination has
been rejected to take an examination in accordance with the
provisions of Sec. 14-15 the applicant may apply for a
reexamination as follows:
( 1) The applicant must submit a new application to the
Board and pay all fees for such examination.
( 2) In addition to the requirements set forth in
subparagraph (1) above the applicant shall file
a sworn statement, which statement shall contain
sufficient detail to demonstrate to the Board that
the basis of the Board' s prior rejection has been
corrected by applicant and is no longer a basis
for rejection by the Board of applicant' s request
for examination.
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( 3) The Board shall consider the application and the
sworn statement and determine in each case if
applicant is entitled to examination. In addition
to the application and the sworn statement
submitted by the applicant, the Board shall have
the authority to request of the applicant anv
other information which it deems necessary in
arriving at its decision.
( 4) In every case where the Board has rendered a
decision adverse to the interest of any applicant
applying for reexamination under Sec. 14-16, the
applicant may apply to the Board for a hearing
before the Board to allow the applicant to show
cause why such decision of the Board should be
modified, altered or set aside and the applicant
admitted to examination. In every case where the
Board undertakes such a hearing the burden of
proof shall be upon the applicant. Any request
for a hearing before the Board under this sub-
section must be filed in writing with the Board
within ten ( 10) days of the date of the decision
of the Board.
Sec. 14-17. Revocation, Suspension, Procedure
(A) The Board is hereby authorized either to suspend for a
period of time not to exceed one (1) year or revoke the
license of any electrician licensed by the Board for proper
cause as hereinafter set forth in this Ordinance.
(B) The Board shall follow the following procedures in
exercising the powers set forth in subparagraph (A) of this
section:
(1) In every case where the Board is to determine
whether or not an electrician' s license is to be
suspended or revoked, the Board shall proceed upon
a sworn affidavit of the Electrical Inspector of
the City of Wichita Falls or his designated
representative or upon sworn affidavit of any
person aggrieved by the action of an electrician
licensed by the Board. The affidavit shall set
forth the ground or grounds as hereinafter
set forth upon which the affiant relies to
suspend or revoke the license in question
together with sufficient facts in support
thereof.
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( 2) In each case where the Electrical Inspector or
his designated representative or an aggrieved
person seeks to commence action to suspend or
revoke the license of an electrician licensed
by the Board, they shall prepare the required
affidavit in writing and shall file the ori-
ginal and two ( 2) copies with the Electrical
Inspector of the City of Wichita Falls who shall
note the date and time of filing of said
affidavit and shall forward a copy to the
Chairman of the Board and to the electrician
who is the subject of the allegations. The
Electrical Inspector shall retain one copy of the
affidavit in his files. The Electrical Inspector
shall forward the copy of the affidavit to the
electrician named in the affidavit by certified
mail, return receipt requested.
( 3 ) The electrician named in the affidavit shall have
ten (10) days from the date of receipt of said
affidavit to file a sworn response to the charges
set forth in the affidavit. The electrician in
question shall file the response and two ( 2)
copies with the Secretary of the Board who shall
forward one (1) copy to the Chairman of the Board
and one ( 1) copy to the person filing the
affidavit to which the response is directed. The
Electrical Inspector shall retain the original
response in his office.
( 4) The Chairman of the Board, upon receipt of an
affidavit of complaint for suspension or
revocation of the license of any electrician
licensed by the Board, shall give notice of such
affidavit of complaint to each member of the
Board. After each member of the Board has been
notified of the affidavit of complaint, the Board
shall meet at a regular meeting or a special
meeting called by the Chairman for the purpose of
entering an Order of the Board setting a date and
time at which the Board shall enter upon a hearing
to determine whether or not the electrician in
question should have his license suspended or
revoked. The Board shall cause a copy of its
Order setting a hearing in the matter to be
served upon the electrician named in the affidavit
of complaint by certified mail, return receipt
requested, at least ten ( 10) days prior to the
date of the hearing set by the Board.
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( 5) The Board shall thereafter meet at the time and
place set forth in its Order and enter into a
hearing to determine whether or not the Board
shall order the license of the electrician in
question suspended or revoked.
(6) The Board shall cause a copy of its final Order
to be served upon the electrician in question by
certified mail, return receipt requested, and
shall file a copy of its Order with the Electrical
Inspector.
(7) In each case where the Chairman of the Board has
received the affidavit of complaint, which in the
unanimous opinion of the Board sets forth allega-
tions which would cause immediate danger to life
or property, the Board may, by unanimous vote,
enter its Order temporarily suspending the license
of the electrician named in the affidavit of
complaint for a period of time not to exceed
twenty ( 20) days. In every case where the Board
enters a temporary Order of suspension as herein
authorized, the Board shall enter upon its final
hearing on the merits of the complaint prior to
the expiration of the temporary Order of suspen-
sion.
( 8) In every case where an electrician has had his
license suspended by Order of the Board, he shall
not be eligible to undertake any electrical work
within the City of Wichita Falls during the time
of suspension set forth in the Board' s Order. At
the conclusion of the term of suspension the
electrician' s license shall automatically be rein-
stated or renewed in accordance with the provis-
ions of this Code and he may once again under-
take electrical work within the City of Wichita
Falls.
( 9) In every case where an electrician has had his
license revoked by Order of the Board, he shall
not be eligible to undertake any electrical work
within the City of Wichita Falls until such time
as he has successfully qualified for a new license
as provided in this Ordinance. Any electrician
whose license has been revoked shall be ineligible
to apply for a new license for a period of one (1)
year from the date of the Order of the Board re-
voking his license.
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Sec. 14-18. Grounds for Suspension or Revocation
(A) One or more of the following shall constitute cause for
suspension or revocation for any class of electrical license
issued by the Board:
(1) The failure or refusal by an electrician, after
due notice from the Electrical Inspector or his
designated representative, to correct any elect-
rical work found to be in violation of the
Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
(2) The furnishing of false or incorrect information
in any application submitted to the Board for
licensing under the Board Powers.
( 3) To knowingly cause or allow wiring to be covered
or concealed from sight prior to inspection by the
Electrical Inspector or his designated representa-
tive.
(4) The refusal to uncover or make available for in-
spection by the Electrical Inspector or his desig-
nated representative any electrical wiring or work
inadvertently covered or concealed by the elect-
rician.
( 5) A final conviction in a court of law of any viola-
tion of the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita
Falls.
(6) A plea of nolo contendere entered by any electri-
cian licensed by the Board entered to any com-
plaint or charge against him in which he is
charged with a violation of the Electrical Code
of the City of Wichita Falls and upon which the
Court has entered a judgment of conviction against
the electrician.
(7) The habitual violation of the Electrical Code of
the City of Wichita Falls. ( "Habitual violation"
shall mean three ( 3) or more separate violations
of a similar or identical nature occurring at
separate job sites within any twelve ( 12) month
period, except minor violations of division 6 of
this Code) .
( 8) Any violation of the Electrical Code of the City
of Wichita Falls which violation is a clear and
present danger to life or property.
14
(9) The failure of any licensed master electrician or
industrial electrician to maintain adequate super-
vision over all journeyman and others licensed
under this Code, working directly under or for him
on any project or job for which a permit has been
secured by the master electrician or industrial
electrician. Adequate supervision for the purpose
of this subsection shall mean that the master
electrician or industrial electrician shall
maintain such contact with a job or project for
which he has obtained a permit as necessary to
assure that those electricians under his control
and direction are complying and have complied
with all applicable provisions of the Electrical
Code of the City of Wichita Falls.
(10) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation
of a license issued to a master electrician or a
industrial electrician if the Board finds by a
preponderance of evidence that a master electri-
cian or industrial electrician has obtained a
permit under the Electrical Code of the City of
Wichita Falls and has allowed any other electri-
cian to work upon the job or project for which the
permit was issued other than those electricians
licensed by the Board under his direct employment
and supervision. This subsection shall not apply,
however, in the case of joint venture by
any two or more master electricians provided that
at the time the permit is obtained for the job or
project in question the fact that the project is
to be a joint venture is noted upon the permit at
the time of issuance along with the name and
address of the master electrician who will have
immediate responsibility and control over the job
or project from which the permit is obtained.
( 11) It shall be a ground for revocation of any license
issued to any electrician licensed by the Board
that the electrician in question has had his
license suspended by the Board on two ( 2) separate
occasions within an eighteen ( 18) month period of
time.
( 12) It shall be a ground for suspension of a license
issued by the Board if a holder of a license re-
quired to furnish a certificate of insurance in
accordance with this Code has failed to furnish
said certificate or maintain the requisite
insurance coverage such certificate evidences.
15
(13) It shall be a ground for suspension of any license
issued by the Board if an applicant for renewal of
said license fails or refuses to furnish any info-
rmation requested by the Board in writing concern-
ing the applicant' s ability, training, experience
or performance as an electrician.
( 14) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation
of a license issued to a journeyman electrician
for any such electrician to undertake any
electrical work when such electrical work is not
under the supervision of a master electrician or
industrial electrician.
( 15) It shall be a ground for suspension, only of a
license issued to a master electrician or indust-
rial electrician, for any such electrician to fail
to keep his current phone number and address on
file with the Electrical Inspector.
(16) It shall be a ground for revocation of a license
issued to any class of electrician licensed by the
Board for any such electrician to undertake any
electrical work during the time his license has
been suspended by the Board.
( 17) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation
of a license for any electrician authorized by
this Code to obtain permits for electrical work
to undertake any electrical work without first
obtaining the required permit, unless specifically
authorized by this Code to secure such permit at
a later date.
( 18) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation
of a license issued to any class of electrician
licensed by the Board to perform any electrical
work not authorized to be performed or undertaken
under the terms of the license held by such
electrician.
(19) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation
of a license issued to any master electrician or
industrial electrician to allow any person to per-
form electrical work on a job site for which the
electrician has secured a permit when such person
is not authorized by this Code to perform such
electrical work.
Sec. 14-19 . Procedure for Conduct of Hearings
In all cases where a public hearing is authorized or
required to be held by this Board the following procedures
shall be followed:
16
(1) A record of the entire proceedings shall be made
by tape recording or by any other means of per-
manent recording determined to be appropriate
by the Board.
( 2) In addition to the record of the proceeding made
by the Board, any person appearing before the
Board may at his expense have the proceeding
recorded by a duly certified court reporter. In
every case where a court reporter is employed the
person employing the reporter shall furnish a
transcript of the hearing as produced by the
reporter to the Board at no cost to the Board.
( 3) The Board may grant a continuance of a hearing for
good cause shown.
( 4) The Chairman of the Board or the Board' s Secretary
shall have the power to administer oaths or affir-
mations at any hearing conducted by the Board.
( 5) Notice of any hearing held by the Board shall be
sent to any person affected by certified mail
return receipt requested and be in substantially
the following form:
NOTICE OF HEARING
TO (Name)
ADDRESS
"You are hereby notified that a hearing will
be held before the City of Wichita Falls Board of
Electrical Examiners at
on the day of 19
at the hour of o' clock .m.
The subject matter of the hearing is as follows:
17
You may be present at the hearing and may re-
present yourself or be represented by legal coun-
sel of your choice.
You may present any relevant evidence on your
behalf concerning the subject matter of the hear-
ing and will be given the full opportunity to
cross-examine all witnesses offering evidence
against you.
You may request the issuance of subpoenas
to compel the attendance of witnesses and the
production of books, documents, papers or other
matters by filing a written request for such
subpoena with the Secretary of the Board. "
(6) The Secretary of the Board shall issue all sub-
poenas requested in writing by any party to a
hearing before the Board. It shall, however, be
the obligation of the requesting party to furnish
to the Secretary of the Board all necessary
information for the proper issuance of any
subpoena.
7 The Board itself, in addition to any party to a
( ) Y P Y
hearing held by the Board, may by motion request
a subpoena to be issued to compel the attendance
of any witness or the production of books, papers,
documents or other things in the interest of
fairness.
( 8) The Secretary of the Board shall not issue any
subpoena when the requesting party fails to pro-
vide the necessary information to the Secretary
for its issuance.
(9) The right to cross-examination shall be allowed to
all parties to a hearing held before the Board.
( 10) The right to be represented by legal counsel shall
18
be extended to all parties to a hearing before the
Board.
( 11) The right to call a witness on his behalf shall be
extended to all parties to a hearing before this
Board.
(12) In every case where the subject matter of the
hearing before the Board is the suspension or
revocation of the license of any electrician
licensed by the Board, the burden of proof shall
be upon the person or persons commencing such
action.
(13) During a hearing held before the Board, any member
of the Board shall have the right to direct any
question to either party to such hearing.
(14) Oral evidence shall be taken only on oath or
affirmation of the witness offering such evi-
dence.
(15) Any relevant evidence may be admitted if it is the
type of evidence on which responsible persons are
accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious
affairs, regardless of the existence of any common
law or statutory rule which might make improper
the admission of such evidence over objection in
civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction
in this state.
(16) The Board shall have in mind that it is conduct-
ing an administrative hearing and, consistent with
the provisions of this section, may adopt any
rules necessary to conduct such hearing held
before it.
( 17) The Board shall render its decision in writing
within five ( 5) days of the conclusion of any
hearing held before it.
Sec. 14-20. Appeals
Any person whose license has been revoked or suspended
by action of the Board of Electrical Examiners or any
applicant for any class of electrician' s license who feels
that he has been aggrieved by the action of the Board of
Electrical Examiners because of any alleged arbitrary or
capricious action of the Board of Electrical Examiners, may
appeal this decision to the City Council of the City of
Wichita Falls within ten ( 10) days after the written
19
decision of the Board of Electrical Examiners had been filed
in the office of the secretary of the Board and a copy has
been served on the licensee or applicant for an examination.
The filing of the notice of appeal by the licensee whose
license has been suspended or revoked shall operate to stay
the suspension or revocation order until the City Council
renders its decision.
The Secretary of the Board shall notify the City
Manager upon receipt of written notice of appeal filed in
accordance with the provisions of this section and the City
Manager shall, upon such notice, place the appeal on the
next convenient council agenda in accordance with the
provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wichita
Falls. The City Council may affirm, modify or vacate any
finding of the Board of Electrical Examiners or enter any
order which it may deem necessary. On entry of such order
the Board shall within a reasonable time comply with such
order, not to exceed forty-five (45) days from the execution
of such order by the City Council.
ARTICLE III . ELECTRICAL CODE
DIVISION 1. GENERAL
Sec. 14-21. Definition General
This Article shall be known and may be cited at "The
Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls. "
Sec. 14. 22. Definitions
As used in this Article or any other Article the Code
of Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, the
following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as
hereinafter set forth:
(1) Board: The City of Wichita Falls Board of Elect-
rical Examiners.
( 2) Code: The Electrical Code of the City of Wichita
Falls, Texas.
( 3 ) Direct Supervision: The review and inspection of
all electrical work done by a supervisor, who
shall be either a licensed journeyman electrician,
master electrician, or industrial electrician who
shall be actually present at the job site at all
times while electrical work is in progress.
20
( 4) Electrical Maintenance Work: The keeping in safe
repair and operating condition of any and all
electrical installations, apparatus and equipment
within or without any building or structure or
located in or upon any lot or premises within
the City of Wichita Falls.
( 5) Electrical Work:
(a) All wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurten-
ances and appliances for the supply of
electrical power, for all personal, domes-
tic and commercial purposes in and about
buildings or other structures where persons
live, work or assemble; all wiring, circuits,
fixtures, appurtenances and appliances out-
side such buildings or structure connecting
the building with the source of electricity.
(b) The installation, repair and maintenance of
all wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurten-
ances and appliances in and about buildings
or structures where persons live, work or
assemble, for a supply of electricity; and
(c) All other activities, including demolition
of structures where energized circuits
exist, installations or measures incidental
to the distribution or electrical energy
which are covered, regulated or in any
fashion controlled by the specific section
of this Code.
( 6) Engineer: A person who is registered to practice
engineering in the State of Texas and is actively
engaged in electrical design or consulting ser-
vices within the State of Texas.
(7) Graduate Engineer: A person who holds a degree in
electrical engineering from any accredited college
or university.
(8) Inspector: The Electrical Inspector or his desig-
nated representative, qualified in electrical Code
inspections who shall have the duty of inspecting
any and all electrical work for Code compliance.
(9) Job Site: The specific premises or installation
described in the electrical permit under which
electrical work is being performed.
' 21
(10) Journeyman Electrician: Any person licensed by
the Board as a Journeyman Electrician or any
person who has been licensed by any other City
operating under the "National Electrical Code,"
currently adopted edition (See Sec. 14-35) , or
later edition of said Code and presents to the
Electrical Inspector a certified copy of his
license together with a letter from the Elect-
rical Inspector of the City in which the elect-
rician has obtained his license stating that said
City has adopted and is operating under the afore-
mentioned National Electrical Code and meets the
requirements of Section 14-40 of this Code.
(11) Maintenance Electrician: A person with at least
two ( 2) years experience in the electrical trade
who is a full time employee of a company or busi-
ness and whose duty it is to maintain the existing
electrical system, including all fixtures and
appurtenances contained in a building, structure,
lot or premises owned or operated by his employer.
(12) Master Electrician: Any person licensed by the
Board as a Master Electrician or any other person
who has been so licensed by any other City opera-
ting under the "National Electrical Code,"
currently adopted edition (See Sec. 14-35) , or
later edition of said Code and presents to the
Electrical Inspector a certified copy of his
license together with a letter from the Elect-
rical Inspector of the City in which the elect-
rician has obtained his license stating that said
City has adopted and is operating under aforemen-
tioned National Electrical Code and meets the
requirements of Sec. 14-40 of this Code.
( 13 ) Industrial Electrician: Any person licensed by
the Board as Industrial Electrician or any other
person who has been so licensed by any other City
operating under the "National Electrical Code,"
currently adopted edition (See Sec. 14-35) , or
later edition of said Code and presents to the
Electrical Inspector a certified copy of his
license together with a letter from the Electrical
Inspector of the City in which the electrician
has obtained his license stating that said City
has adopted and is operating under the afore-
mentioned National Electrical Code and meets the
requirements of Sec. 14-40 of this Code.
(14) N.E.C. : The National Electrical Code as adopted
by the City of Wichita Falls, compiled by the
National Fire Protection Association.
22
(15) Sign: Any physical device, panel or installation
attached to or located on a building, premises or
structure, used to display any message or communi-
cate any thought or idea and which uses electrical
current for its intended operation.
Sec. 14-23 . Construction Against Implicit Repeal
This article being a general ordinance intended as a
unified coverage of its subject matter, no part of it shall
be deemed to be impliedly repealed by subsequent ordinances
if such construction can reasonably be avoided.
Sec. 14-24. Zoning Ordinance Control
Whenever there is a conflict between the provisions of
this Code governing signs and the provisions of the zoning
ordinances of the City, the provisions of the zoning
ordinances shall control.
Sec. 14-25 . Identification Cards
The Electrical Inspectors shall have identification
cards in their possession at all times when engaged in the
enforcement of this Code. Identification cards issued in
accordance with this section shall state the name of the
individual, the position held by the individual, the date of
issuance and contain a statement that the individual is
authorized to enforce this Code. Identification cards shall
be shown upon the request of any person at the job site to
be inspected.
Sec. 14-26 . Delegation of Duties
It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector of the
City of Wichita Falls to enforce the provisions of this
article, however, said Electrical Inspector is hereby
authorized to designate qualified employees serving under
his direction and control to assist in the discharge of such
duty.
Sec. 14-27 . Conflict of Interest
No person discharging the duties of inspector under
this Code shall be an employer or employee of or have any
pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any business,
firm, company or association engaged in any phase of
electrical work within the City of Wichita Falls.
• • 23
Sec. 14-28. Scope
All electrical work installed within the City 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 and the N.E.C. as adopted.
Sec. 14-29. Interpretations; Appeals
(A) It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to
interpret the provisions of this Code as may be necessary to
administer and enforce the provisions hereof.
(B) Any person or persons, jointly or severally, who may be
aggrieved by the interpretation of the Code rendered by the
Electrical Inspector may appeal the decision of the
Electrical Inspector to the Board.
(C) Any person or persons seeking to appeal the decision of
the Electrical Inspector rendered in accordance with this
section shall comply with the following requirements:
( 1) Written notice of the appeal must be made to the
Board within five ( 5) days of the date on which
the Electrical Inspector rendered his decision.
( 2) The appeal must clearly set forth the decision of
the Electrical Inspector, together with the posi-
tion of the person taking the appeal to the Board.
( 3) The person seeking the appeal must set forth his
reasons in support of his position, together with
any evidence he may have in support of his posi-
tion.
( 4) The written appeal shall be filed with the Secre-
tary of the Board.
( 5) The Electrical Inspector shall have a period of
five ( 5) days from receipt of the appeal to file
a response thereto with the Board.
( 6) In cases of emergency to life or property, which
emergency shall be specifically set forth in the
written appeal filed with the Board, the Board
shall render a decision on such appeal within
twenty-four ( 24) hours from the time said appeal
is filed with the Board. The Board shall deter-
mine in any such case whether or not a true emer-
gency exists and its decision in this regard shall
be final.
(7) In every case to be heard by the Board on an emer-
• 24
gency basis the Electrical Inspector shall be pre-
sent and be allowed to present his position to the
Board.
(8) The decision of the Board on any appeal taken
under this section shall be final and binding.
Sec. 14-30. Premises Involved in Fire; Reinstatement of
Service
(A) In every case where the Chief of the Fire Department of
the City of Wichita Falls or the Fire Inspector determines
that a fire originated due to any of the following causes:
( 1) Faulty electrical wiring
( 2) Overloading of electrical equipment
( 3 ) Overloading of electrical lines
( 4) Unauthorized electrical installation
( 5) Or any damage to the electrical system by the fire
It shall be the duty of the Fire Chief or the Fire Inspector
to have the premises involved fully inspected by the
Electrical Inspector.
(B) In every case where the Electrical Inspector finds that
a fire has caused damage to the electrical system or,
originated for any of the reasons set forth in this section,
no electrical service shall be reinstated or reconnected to
the property by any electrician or by the owner of said
property until such time as the conditions have been
repaired in compliance with this Code and approved by the
Electrical Inspector.
(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of this section, the Electrical Inspector may
approve temporary electrical service necessary to complete
repairs or reconstruction of the property in question.
Sec. 14-31. Interference with Entry of Inspector; Conceal-
ment of Wiring, Etc.
Right of Entry - Whenever necessary to make an inspect-
ion to enforce any of the provisions of this Code, or when-
ever the Electrical Inspector has reasonable cause to
believe that there exists in any building or upon any pre-
mises any condition or Code violation which makes such
building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the
Electrical Inspector may enter such building or premises at
all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any
duty imposed upon the Electrical Inspector by this Code,
provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he
25
shall first present proper credentials and request entry;
and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall
first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other
persons having charge or control of the building or premises
and request entry. If such entry is refused, the Electrical
Inspector shall have recourse to every remedy provided by
law to secure entry.
When the Electrical Inspector shall have first obtained
a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law
to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons
having charge, care or control of any building or premises
shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as
herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the
Electrical Inspector for the purpose of inspection and
examination pursuant to this Code.
Sec. 14-32. Violation; Notification
When the Electrical Inspector observes or if it comes
to his attention that any electrical work is installed
contrary to or in violation of the provisions of this Code
it shall be his duty to immediately notify the responsible
master electrician, industrial electrician, other permitted
electricians, or the owner or occupant of the premises to
immediately correct such installation or cease work on the
entire installation until the violation is corrected.
Sec. 14-33 . Improperly Installed or Defective Equipment
(A) In the event any part of any electrical equipment or
wiring in or about any building, facility, installation,
premises or lot within the City of Wichita Falls is found to
have been installed or connected in violation of the
provisions of this Code, it shall be the duty of the
Electrical Inspector to notify in writing the owner of the
premises, or the tenant of the premises, or the person in
possession of the premises to immediately cease using
electrical current in any such violation identified by
the Electrical Inspector.
(B) In the event any part of any electrical equipment or
wiring in or about any building, facility, installation,
premises or lot within the City is found to have fallen into
a state of disrepair which would render the use of such
electrical equipment dangerous to life or property, it shall
be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to notify in writing
the owner of the premises, or the tenant of the premises, or
the person in possession of the premises to immediately
cease using electrical current in any such violation or
condition identified by the Electrical Inspector.
(C) The written notice required in this section shall state
the following:
26
(1) The date that the inspection was made by the
Electrical Inspector where violations of this
Code or conditions dangerous to life or property
were found.
( 2) The section or sections of the Code which the
inspection reveals have been violated.
( 3 ) In the case of conditions dangerous to life or
property, a brief description of said conditions.
( 4) A specified time, not to exceed ten ( 10) days from
the date of the written notice, to correct all
Code violations identified or to correct all con-
ditions identified as dangerous to life or pro-
perty.
( 5) A statement advising the owner, tenant or person
in control and possession of the building, facil-
ity, installation, premises or lot that, if there
are any persons using the area in question who
require electrical service for life support, that
it is the duty of the person receiving this notice
to immediately and without failure to notify the
Electrical Inspector of such fact.
(D) In the event that the owner, tenant or person in
possession of the premises identified in the above written
notice fails to take action necessary to correct any and all
Code violations or conditions dangerous to life or property
within the time limit specified in the written notice the
Electrical Inspector shall take the following action:
( 1) The Electrical Inspector shall serve upon the
owner, tenant or person in possession of the
property an Order to cease use of the property,
facility, installation, premises or lot
until such time as proof is presented to the
Electrical Inspector that all defects have been
corrected and such work is verified by inspection,
or
( 2) In every case where the violation of this Code
found to exist is of such a nature as to cause
immediate danger to life or property, the
Electrical Inspector shall issue an Order to the
Public Utility supplying such power to immediately
terminate such electrical service until such time
as all Code violations are corrected.
( 3 ) In the event that the owner tenant or person in
possession of the building, facility, installa-
tion, premises or lot fails to comply with an
Order of the Electrical Inspector issued under
27
subsection ( 1) above set forth within three ( 3 )
days of receipt of said Order, then in such event
the Electrical Inspector shall issue his Order as
provided in subsection ( 2) above set forth to the
Public Utility providing the electrical services.
( 4) Notwithstanding any provision set forth in subsec-
tions ( 1) through ( 3 ) above, when the Electrical
Inspector has been notified by the owner, tenant
or person in possession of the building, facility,
installation, premises or lot that there is a
person residing within any of the foregoing
structures or areas who requires electrical
service for life support, the Electrical In-
spector is authorized to take one or all of the
following courses of action:
(a) Notify the owner, tenant or person in poss-
ession of the structure or area described
above to immediately make arrangement to
provide an alternative location for the
person involved.
(b) Withhold taking action to terminate electri-
cal service for a reasonable period of time
not to exceed ten ( 10) days.
(c) To terminate all electrical service not
necessary for the life support of the person
or persons involved.
(d) To request the City Attorney to seek a proper
Court Order requiring the relocation of the
person or persons involved.
Sec. 14-34. Liability for Defective Work
This Code shall not be construed to relieve from or
lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating,
controlling or installing any electrical wiring connections,
fixtures, appliances, apparatus, machinery, equipment or
work, inside or outside, overhead or underground in the
City, for damages to any person injured by defects therein,
nor shall the City be held as assuming any liability by
reason of the inspection authorized by this Code or
certificate or permit issued as provided for and regulated.
28
Sec. 14-35. National Electrical Code Adopted by Reference
The book entitled "National Electrical Code" , 1987
Edition, (NFPA) No. 70-1987, (a copy which, authenticated by
the signature of the Electrical Inspector, shall be filed
with the Inspection Department as a public record) is hereby
adopted as a part of this Code as fully as if copied at
length in this article. In the event of a conflict with any
provision of the "National Electrical Code" and this Code,
then in such event the provisions of this Code shall
control.
Sec. 14-36 . License - Required
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or
carry on directly or indirectly or to advertise or to hold
himself out as engaging in, or carrying on, electrical work
or to perform any act as a master electrician, industrial
electrician, journeyman electrician, or maintenance
electrician, as defined within this Code, without first
obtaining a license as a master electrician, industrial
electrician, journeyman electrician, or maintenance
electrician as the case may be and as provided for in this
Code.
(B) An electrical contractor shall not engage in any
electrical contracting business within the City unless the
business is under the supervision of a master electrician
who:
( 1) is an owner or full-time employee of the business;
and
( 2) actively supervises the daily operation of the
business; and
( 3 ) is not employed by any other business,company, or
institution at the same time that the electrical
contracting business for which he is "actively and
daily supervising" is performing electrical work
within the City; and
( 4) is authorized to order employees of the business
to correct defects, errors and deficiencies in
electrical work installed or performed by the
business.
(C) A master electrician or industrial electrician shall
not use his license to obtain electrical permits issued
under this Code for any other class of electrician who is
29
not a full-time employee of the master electrician or
industrial electricians company and under his direct
supervision and control. Business records of the electrical
contractor may be required by the Board to substantiate the
master' s involvement with the business.
Sec. 14-37 . Exceptions
(A) The provisions of this Code shall not apply to any of
the following:
(1) Any electrical work performed by any electrical
public utility holding a Certificate of Service
from the Public Utility Commission of the State
of Texas and operating within the City of Wichita
Falls.
(2) Any electrical work undertaken by the City of
Wichita Falls in conjunction with street lighting
or traffic control signals.
( 3) Any electrical work performed by a telephone,
telegraph or district messenger company operating
under a franchise issued by the City of Wichita
Falls.
( 4) Any electrical work performed by any broadcast
transmission business or entity.
The above exceptions from this Code do not, however,
authorize any of the classes of business above named to
perform electrical work for the general public or to do any
other type of electrical work except that which is necessary
and customary to the class of business involved.
(B) Notwithstanding the exception set forth in subpara-
graph (A) of this section, the provisions of this Code shall
apply to the wiring and installation for light, heat and
power for all buildings containing equipment or housing
employees of any class of business excepted by subparagraph
(A) of this section.
(C) Nothing in this Code shall be construed to require a
property owner to obtain a license or furnish a certificate
of insurance before doing electrical work in or on a build-
ing occupied by himself as a single family residence
provided the following conditions exist:
(1) He has applied for and obtained a permit from the
Electrical Inspector to do the electrical work.
30
(2) He has presented a set of plans showing the elect-
rical work to be undertaken and said plans are
found to conform to this Code.
(3) He agrees to call for all inspections required by
this Code.
( 4) He is able to demonstrate to the Electrical
Inspector that he has a working knowledge of this
Code and the ability to do electrical work in con-
formance with the provisions of the Code.
( 5) He agrees to correct any violations of this Code
found or discovered upon any inspection performed
by the Electrical Inspector.
DIVISION 2. LICENSES GENERALLY
Sec. 14-38. License Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to do, or undertake
to do, any electrical work within the City of Wichita Falls
unless licensed to perform such work in accordance with the
provisions of this Code, except where a person is performing
electrical work for a class of business that is exempt from
the provisions of this Code as set forth in Sec. 14-37 of
this article or is a home owner performing electrical work
or wiring on his own residence and is exempt from the
provisions of this Code as set forth in the aforementioned
section of this article.
Sec. 14-39. Present Licenses to Continue in Effect
All licenses and permits lawfully held, filed or issued
at the time that this Code becomes effective shall continue
in effect until the date of their expiration and they shall
be deemed to have been issued, secured or filed in
accordance with the provisions of this Code and all
electrical work prosecuted under such licenses and permits
shall meet the provisions of this Code.
Sec. 14-40. License or Certificate of Registration from
other Cities.
A master electrician, industrial electrician or
journeyman electrician, licensed to perform electrical work
in other cities for at least three ( 3) years preceding
application to the City of Wichita Falls may apply for and
receive a license similar or equivalent to his current
license without taking the required examination under the
following conditions:
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(1) He shall submit evidence satisfactory to a major-
ity of the Board that his current license was
issued by a city operating under the "National
Electrical Code" , currently adopted edition (See
Sec. 14-35) , or later edition of said Code.
(2) He shall submit evidence satisfactory to a major-
ity of the Board that his current license was
issued under conditions not less restrictive than
required by this Code for issuance of such a
license.
(3 ) He shall submit evidence satisfactory to a major-
ity of the Board that an electrician licensed by
the Board would be permitted to apply for and
receive a similar or equivalent license under
reciprocal conditions from the City issuing
applicant' s current licenses.
(4) He shall furnish all necessary certificates of
insurance, pay all license fees and comply with
all other requirements of this Code.
( 5) A license issued under this section may be revoked
or suspended for any of the reasons set forth in
Section 14-18 of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Wichita Falls.
Sec. 14-41. 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 coverage of his license.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person 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 Electrical Code unless
such work has in fact been inspected and approved by the
Electrical Inspector or his designated representative.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person, or the owner,
agent or occupant of premises to aid or abet an electrical
contractor in the violation of this Code or connive in its
violation.
Sec. 14-42. 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.
L
32
Sec. 14-43 . Classification of Licenses
There is hereby created the following classifications
of electrical licenses within the City of Wichita Falls:
( 1) Master electrician' s license qualifying the holder
thereof to install, maintain and repair all types
of electrical equipment and to undertake any and
all types of electrical work and to make contracts
to perform such work.
(2) Industrial electrician' s license qualifying the
holder to undertake all electrical work necessary
for the installation, maintenance and repair of
any type of electrical equipment or wiring
necessary for his employer on the buildings,
grounds, or equipment owned or leased by his
employer. A person holding this license shall
be an employee of a business and shall undertake
electrical work only upon the buildings, grounds,
or equipment of his employer.
( 3 ) Journeyman electrician' s license qualifying the
holder to undertake all types of electrical work
as an employee of and under the supervision of a
licensed master electrician or licensed industrial
electrician.
( 4) Maintenance electrician' s license qualifying the
holder to undertake all work necessary to keep
existing electrical installations, fixtures and
equipment in a proper and safe state of repair and
in compliance with this Code. A person holding
this license shall be an employee of the owner or
operator of a building or group of buildings used
by the owner or operator to conduct his business
and shall undertake electrical maintenance work
only on the building or group of buildings owned
or operated by his employer, however such license
shall not entitle the holder thereof to do any
work requiring an electrical permit.
Sec. 14-44. Eligibility - Master Electrician
To be eligible to hold a license as a master electric-
ian within the City, each applicant for such license shall
possess the following qualifications:
( 1) He shall be a high school graduate or the equiva-
lent thereof and shall have four ( 4) years of
apprentice level experience and five ( 5) years of
journeyman level experience under a master elect-
rician or equivalent in electrical construction,
and
33
( 2) The applicant must furnish the Board conclusive
proof of at least five ( 5) years experience giving
dates and location in the business as a master
electrician, journeyman electrician; whose exper-
ience records meets the requirements for journey-
man electrician as described in this chapter, or a
combination of the two, to satisfaction of the
Board of Examiners. A holder of a completion
certificate from an accredited technical school or
college may be given credit not to exceed three
( 3 ) years of the required five ( 5) years experi-
ence.
( 3 ) Any applicant qualified under subparagraph ( 1) and
( 2) of this section shall, as a condition to the
issuance of the license applied for, demonstrate
his professional competence by passing an examin-
ation to be given by the Board for master electri-
cian with a minimum grade of seventy (70) percent.
Sec. 14-45 . Journeyman Electrician
(A) To be eligible to hold a license as a journeyman
electrician within the City, each applicant for such license
shall possess the following qualifications:
(1) He shall be a high school graduate or the equiva-
lent, and
( 2) He shall have five ( 5) years experience as a full
time apprentice in electrical construction under a
licensed master electrician, or
( 3) He shall hold a vocational school degree in elect-
rical construction from a school with a full time
two year program and have in addition three ( 3)
years of full time experience under a licensed
master electrician working on electrical const-
ruction, or
(4) He shall have four ( 4) years of full time experi-
ence under a licensed master electrician working
on electrical construction and possess a certifi-
cate of completion from a U.S. Government approved
Apprenticeship School.
( 5) Any applicant qualified under subparagraph ( 1) ,
( 2) , ( 3) or ( 4) of this section shall, as a con-
dition to the issuance of the license applied for,
demonstrate his professional competence by passing
an examination to be given by the Board for journ-
eyman electrician with a minimum grade of seventy
(70) percent.
34
Sec. 14-46. Industrial Electrician
To be eligible to hold a license as an industrial
electrician within the City of Wichita Falls, each applicant
for such license shall possess the following qualifications:
(1) He shall be a high school graduate or its equiva-
lent. He shall have four ( 4) years of apprentice
level experience and five ( 5) years of journeyman
level experience under a master electrician or
equivalent in electrical construction.
( 3 ) The applicant must furnish the Board conclusive
proof of at least five ( 5) years experience giving
dates and location in the business as a master
electrician, journeyman electrician; whose exper-
ience records meets the requirements for journey-
man electrician as described in this chapter, or a
combination of the two, to satisfaction of the
Board of Examiners. A holder of a completion
certificate from an accredited technical school or
college may be given credit not to exceed three
( 3) years of the required five ( 5) years exper-
ience.
(4) He shall demonstrate his qualifications for such
license by passing an examination to be given by
the Board, with a minimum grade of seventy (70)
percent, and
( 5) He shall be a full time employee of a company or
business within the City of Wichita Falls.
Sec. 14-47. Master and Industrial Electrician License
Interchangeable
A master or industrial electrician may interchange
their license by applying to the Secretary of the Board.
However both licenses may not be held at the same time.
Sec. 14-48. Maintenance Electrician
To be eligible to hold a license as a maintenance
electrician in the City of Wichita Falls each applicant for
such license shall possess the following qualifications:
( 1) He shall have two years full time experience in
electrical maintenance or other equivalent elect-
rical experience.
( 2) He shall demonstrate his qualifications for such
license by passing an examination to be given by
the Board with a minimum grade of seventy (70)
percent.
35
( 3 ) He shall be a full time employee of a company or
business within the City limits of Wichita Falls.
Sec. 14-49 . Application
Each applicant for any of the classes of electrician' s
license provided for in this article shall make a written
application designating the type of license which the
applicant seeks upon forms prepared and furnished and shall
file same in the office of the secretary of said Board. All
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 application, the
applicant shall be notified as to the time and place of such
examination following the day his application is approved.
Sec. 14-50. Examination Appearance
Each applicant for an electrician' s license shall
report at the time and place specified by the Board for
examination and each applicant shall take the examination
approved by the Board under such supervision as the Board
may direct.
Sec. 14-51. Examination Fee
A fee shall be charged each applicant for examination
for any class of electrical license issued in accordance
with this Code. The examination fee shall be paid to the
Secretary on or before the date of the examination and no
applicant shall be allowed to take the examination until
such fee is paid. The fee required by this section shall be
in addition to any license fee required by this Code. The
examination fee shall not be refundable to the applicant and
the Secretary shall pay over such fee to the General Fund of
the City. The amount of the fee to be charged shall be in
an amount as hereinafter set forth in this Code.
Sec. 14-52. License Fee and Insurance Requirements
(A) Each successful applicant for any class of license
provided for by this Code shall pay a license fee to the
Secretary in the amount as hereinafter set forth in this
Code. The fee to be paid as provided for in this section
shall be paid no later than thirty ( 30) days after an
applicant has been notified that he has passed the examin-
ation taken by the applicant. No applicant shall be
entitled to obtain a permit for or undertake any electrical
work within the City until such time as the fee required by
this section has been paid. The fee herein required shall
be paid to the Secretary who shall pay such fee over to the
General Fund of the City.
36
(B) Insurance required: Any person, company, firm,
partnership, or corporation engaged in the electrical
contracting business in the corporate limits of the City of
Wichita Falls, shall obtain and have in full force and
effect a policy of liability insurance, insuring against
claims or actions for personal injuries or property damage
occurring or claiming to have occurred upon or growing out
of engaging in the electrical contracting business with
limits as follows: Injuries to or death of one person, One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ( $100,000.00) ; injuries to or death
of more than one person, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars
($300,000.00) ; and property damage pertaining to any one
accident or occurrence, Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
($25,000.00) . A current certificate of insurance meeting or
exceeding these limits must be on file in the Electrical
Inspector' s office prior to the issuance of any permit. The
insurance coverage shall include a provision that in the
event such coverage is canceled or reduced, the insurance
carrier shall notify the Electrical Inspector at least ten
(10) days prior to such cancellation or reduction in
coverage.
(C) No electrical permit shall be issued to any master
electrician until such time as the certificate of insurance
required in the section above is filed with the Electrical
Inspector.
(D) It shall not be necessary, however, for a master
electrician to furnish a certificate of insurance as
required by Section 14-52 of this Code, if such electrician
does not actively engage in the electrical business as a
master electrician and files with the Electrical Inspector a
letter so stating. A master electrician may activate his
license at any time by so advising the Electrical Inspector
in writing and furnishing the required insurance
certificate.
(E) Further, the requirements of the subsections above,
including Section 14-52, shall not apply to the following:
( 1) A home owner seeking a home owner' s permit to do
work on his own residence.
( 2) An industrial electrician seeking an in house
electrical permit [See Sec. 14-64( 2) ( 4) ] to do
work outlined by such permit.
Sec. 14-53 . Possession of License
The holder of any electrical license authorized to be
issued under the provisions of this Code shall, when on the
job site of any electrical installation, have in his
immediate possession the wallet size license identification
as furnished by the Secretary at the time of the issuance of
37•
his license, and such license holder shall upon request
present same for identification to the Electrical Inspector
or any of his deputies. In addition to the identification
requirement in this section, each master electrician and
industrial electrician shall cause to be posted in a
prominent place at their respective place of business or
employment the certificate of qualification which is issued
by the Secretary at the time his license is issued.
Sec. 14-54. Business Address
(A) Every master electrician and industrial electrician
licensed under this Code shall file with the Electrical
Inspector a written statement setting forth the current
business address and phone number of said electrician. It
shall be the responsibility of the electrician to advise
the Electrical Inspector of any changes to the information
herein required.
(B) The Electrical Inspector shall not issue any permit
required by this Code to any master electrician or
industrial electrician who has not complied with the
requirements of this section.
Sec. 14-55 . Transfer of License
Any electrical license issued in accordance with this
Code shall be non transferable.
Sec. 14-56. Employment of Journeyman or Apprentice
(A) Every master electrician or industrial electrican shall
be responsible for and exercise supervision and control over
every journeyman electrician or apprentice electrician
performing work upon any job site for which the master
electrician or industrial electrician has secured a permit
in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Consistent
with the responsibility of the master electrician or
industrial electrician to exercise supervision and control
over journeyman electrician and apprentices, no master
electrician or industrial electrician shall use the services
of a journeyman electrician or apprentice on any job who is
not a full time employee of the same company as the master
electrician or industrial electrician.
(B) The Electrical Inspector may require the master
electrician or industrial electrician to produce payroll
records, quarterly federal withholding reports, or other
information to verify the employee relationship.
38
Sec. 14-57. Journeyman Electrician, Supervision
It shall be a violation of this Code and an additional
reason for revocation or suspension of a journeyman' s
license if a journeyman electrician is found to be
undertaking or engaged in performing electrical work in any
case where a permit for such work has not been issued to the
master electrician or industrial electrician who is employed
on a full time basis by the same company as the journeyman
electrician.
Sec. 14-58. Notification of Employment
(A) The holder of a journeyman electrician license shall
notify the Electrical Inspector in writing in the event the
holder of such a license changes places of employment. The
notice shall contain the name, address and phone number of
the new employer together with the date of new employment.
(B) The holder of a maintenance electrician license shall
follow the same procedure as set forth in subparagraph (A)
of this section in the event he changes places of
employment.
(C) The holder of an industrial electrician license shall
follow the same procedure as set forth in subparagraph (A)
of this section in the event he changes places of
employment.
(D) The notification required by this section shall be made
to the Electrical Inspector no later than ten ( 10) days
after the commencement of new employment.
Sec. 14-59. Apprentice - Qualifications, Experience
Every person desiring to do work as an apprentice
electrician shall be able to read and write the english
language and shall be employed by a licensed master
electrician or a company who has in its employ an industrial
electrician licensed by the Board.
Sec. 14-60. Same - Work Permit
(A) Every person desiring to do work as an apprentice
electrician within the City shall register with the
Electrical Inspector of the City. The person desiring to so
register shall furnish to the Electrical Inspector the
following information:
( 1) Name and address
( 2) Current phone number
(3 ) Employers name, address and phone number
39
( 4) Date of employment
Upon receipt of the foregoing information the Electrical
Inspector shall register the person applying in a book kept
in his office for such purposes and issue an apprentice work
permit to the person registered.
(B) In the event that an apprentice electrician changes
places of employment such person shall notify the Electrical
Inspector and provide the information required in Section
14-58 of this Code.
(C) An apprentice work permit shall expire on the thirty-
first day of December of each calendar year and may be
renewed thereafter in accordance with the procedure set
forth in this section.
(D) A fee shall be charged for each apprentice work permit
issued in accordance with the schedule of fees hereinafter
set forth in this Code.
(E) Every person holding an apprentice electrician' s work
permit shall keep same in his possession and on his person
at all times when engaged in any electrical work.
(F) An apprentice electrician' s work permit shall qualify
the holder thereof to undertake electrical work when such
work is done or performed under the direct supervision of
any one of the following:
(1) Master electrician
( 2) Industrial electrician
( 3 ) Journeyman electrician
Sec. 14-61. Supervision of Apprentice Electrician
No class of electrician licensed under this Code shall
have more than three ( 3) apprentice electricians working
under his direct supervision and control.
Sec. 14-62 . Expiration of License and Renewal
(A) Each license issued under this Code shall expire at
midnight on December thirty-first on each calendar year.
(B) Every holder of any class of license issued in
accordance with this Code may make written application for
renewal of his license, provided however, such application
is filed with the Electrical Inspector at least ten ( 10)
days prior to the expiration of his current license.
(C) In the event a license holder fails to file his written
0
40
application for renewal with the Electrical Inspector within
the time herein above set forth the license shall only be
renewed upon approval of the Board.
(D) A renewal of a license shall be done without reexamin-
ation of the license holder.
(E) Application forms for renewal of any license issued in
accordance with this Code shall be furnished by the
Electrical Inspector.
(F) Any license holder who has allowed a period of thirty
( 30) days to elapse between expiration of a license held by
him and an application for renewal shall not be entitled to
renew his license and such person shall be required to be
reexamined by the Board and follow the same procedures set
forth in this Code as if the person was applying for an
original or new license.
(G) A fee shall be charged for each renewal license issued
in accordance with the schedule of fees hereinafter set
forth in this Code.
(H) The Electrical Inspector shall refuse to renew any
license issued in accordance with this Code where the
applicant for renewal thereof fails to complete the required
application, maintain insurance as herein required, and
tender the fees for renewal.
Sec. 14-63 . Vehicle and Other Identification
(A) Each vehicle used in the business of electrical con-
tracting work in the city shall be properly identified by
the placement of a sign or lettering on such vehicle. The
sign shall give the name of the person, corporation, or
company doing business and lettering for such sign shall be
of at least two ( 2) inches in height in contrasting colors.
(B) In addition, all trucks or other vehicles used by any
master electrician shall also have, placed upon the left-
hand side of such vehicle, the license number of the master
electrician, in numbers a minimum height of two ( 2) inches
in size.
(C) Every master electrician shall include his license
number on all printed or written advertising used or
employed by said electrician.
DIVISION 3 . PERMITS GENERALLY
Sec. 14-64. Permit Required
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any
electrical work within the City without having obtained a
41
permit authorizing the person to undertake said work.
(B) There shall only be one ( 1) electrical permit issued or
outstanding at the same time for any electrical work
undertaken at any job site within the City of Wichita Falls,
except the Electrical Inspector shall be authorized to issue
two or more permits for a job site in cases where the
job site is to be done 7
to be undertaken at a '
electrical work
in separate phases and the electrician applying for the
phases of the
permit is to be responsible for one or more p
electrical work, but not the total work required for
completion of the job.
(C) In all cases where a master electrician has obtained a
permit to undertake electrical work and the electrician is
seeking to undertake less than the total electrical work at
a job site, the following requirements apply:
(1) The master electrician shall, prior to the issu-
ance of such permit, supply to the Electrical
Inspector drawings, diagrams or plans which show
the exact scope of the work to be undertaken.
( 2) The master electrician shall be solely responsible
for all electrical work to be undertaken by said
electrician at the job site.
( 3) The master electrician who has obtained a permit
to do electrical work at a job site when such work
is a phase or part of the total work but less than
the total work required at the job site shall do
only such work at the job site authorized by his
permit.
( 4) In every case where there is more than one elect-
rical permit issued for a job site within the
City, where two or more master electricians are
working on different parts or phases of the elect-
rical work at such site, it shall be the joint
responsibility of all such electricians so per-
mitted to see that the individual work undertaken
is compatible with all other electrical work
undertaken at the job site and in conformity with
the approved plans for the job and this Code.
( 5) In every case where two or more master electric-
ians have performed phases or work at a job site
the Electrical Inspector shall make one (1) final
electrical inspection at the job site which shall
cover all electrical work undertaken or done at
the job site and shall not pass the work unless
all electrical work undertaken at the job site is
found to comply with the provisions of this Code.
42
(D) The Electrical Inspector shall issue only one ( 1)
electrical permit per job site for the same or identical
work with the following exceptions:
(1) Where the master electrician has failed to com-
plete the work and such fact is communicated by
the general contractor or property owner.
( 2) Where the Electrical Inspector is notified in
writing by the master electrician that his con-
' tract for the electrical work is no longer in
effect;
( 3) Where the Electrical Inspector has been noti-
fied in writing by the general contractor per-
mitted at the job site that the master elect-
rician originally permitted to do the work at the
job site has been replaced with a new electrician.
( 4) In every case where the Electrical Inspector
determines that a new permit will be issued the
person requiring such permit shall pay the full
fee therefore and no refund shall ever be made on
the original permit issued.
( 5) The Electrical Inspector is authorized to require
any other type of evidence from the general con-
tractor or master electrician which he deems
necessary prior to the issuance of a new elect-
rical permit.
(6) The issuance of a new permit under this section
shall release the first permitted electrician
of any responsibility for compliance with this
Code for work completed by said electrician and
the new permitted electrician shall assume and
become responsible for compliance with this Code
for the entire job site.
(7 ) The Electrical Inspector shall require the owner,
general contractor or sub-contractor or other in-
terested person to execute an indemnity agreement
agreeing to save harmless and defend the City and
Building Official from any and all liability which
may be alleged as a result of the issuance of a
new electrical permit under this section and to
require said agreement to be secured by bonds and
insurance deemed appropriate unless a release is
signed by all parties.
43
(E) The following types of permits for electrical work may
be issued by the Electrical Inspector:
( 1) General Electrical Permit. A general electrical
permit shall only be issued to a master electri-
cian and shall authorize said electrician to per-
form any type of electrical work at a specific
job site for which his license qualifies. (See
Sec. 14-43 of this Code) .
( 2) Home Owners Permit. A home owners electrical per-
mit shall only be issued to a person who owns and
resides in a single family home and may be used by
said home owner to do electrical work on the pre-
mises used by the home owner as his residence.
The Electrical Inspector shall be authorized to
require proof of ownership and residence for any
permit issued under this subsection. .
( 3) In House Electrical Permit. An in house electri-
cal permit shall only be issued to a person
licensed by the Board as an industrial electrician
and shall authorize said electrician to perform
any type of electrical work for his employer for
which his license qualifies. (See Sec. 14-43 of
this Code) . No permit issued to an industrial
electrician shall ever authorize said electrician
to perform any electrical work for any person
other than the employer of said electrician and
upon the buildings, grounds or equipment owned or
leased by said employer.
Sec. 14-65. Permit Applications
Application forms for any type of electrical permit
authorized by Sec. 14-64(E) shall be obtained from the
Electrical Inspector and shall be fully completed by the
individual seeking the permit and returned to the Electrical
Inspector. The Electrical Inspector shall not issue the
permit request if he finds any of the following:
(1) That the proposed electrical work does not comply
with the provisions of this Code.
( 2) Plans and specifications for the work to be done
under the requested permit are insufficient to
allow the Electrical Inspector to determine if the
work proposed to be done under the requested
permit complies with this Code.
( 3 ) The individual is seeking a permit to perform
electrical work which he is not qualified to
perform under the license issued to such person
by the Board.
44
(4) In the case of a home owners permit, the indivi-
dual applying therefore is not the owner and
resident of the premises for which the permit is
sought.
( 5) In the case of a home owners permit, the indivi-
dual seeking the permit has failed to demonstrate
a working knowledge of this Code.
(6) The individual seeking the permit has failed to
furnish the certificate of insurance required by
Sec. 14-52 of this Code, or is such insurance has
been canceled or reduced in coverage. This
defect may be cured by compliance with the terms
of Sec. 14-52 of this Code.
Sec. 14-66. Permit - Issuance
(A) When the permit fee, as hereinafter established in this
Code, is paid and all other applicable provisions of this
Code are complied with, the Electrical Inspector shall issue
the permit requested.
(B) The permit shall specify the following:
(1) The type of permit issued;
( 2) The proposed work to be done;
( 3 ) The location of the job site;
( 4 ) The name and address of the licensed electrician
receiving the permit or, in 'the case of a home
owner, his name and address;
( 5) The name and address of any company, firm,
business, partnership or corporation with whom the
licensed electrician is an officer, employee or
partner;
( 6) The date of issuance and the signature of the
Electrical Inspector or his representative;
(7) The signature of the electrician or home owner
receiving the permit and responsible for Code
compliance.
Sec. 14-67. Plans and Specifications Required
(A) Two ( 2) sets of electrical plans and specifications may
be required by the Electrical Inspector prior to the
issuance of a permit for electrical work in the following
cases:
45
(1) All new construction for which a building permit
is required in accordance with the current Code of
Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls.
( 2) All alterations to existing building or structures
for which a building permit is required in accord-
ance with the current Code of Ordinances of the
City of Wichita Falls.
(B) In addition to the foregoing the Electrical Inspector
may require two ( 2) sets of electrical plans and
specifications in all cases where, in the opinion of the
Electrical Inspector, such plans and specifications are
necessary for the Electrical Inspector to determine if the
proposed electrical work to be undertaken, if a permit is
issued, will comply with the provisions of this Code.
(C) In every case where plans and specifications are
required by this section they shall contain the following
information:
( 1) The size of the feeders and sub-feeders and their
length when there are more than four ( 4) branch
circuits.
( 2) All current connected device locations.
( 3 ) All circuitry to panels.
( 4) All panels and the service entrance must be sized
on the plans.
(D) In addition to the requirements set forth in
subparagraph (C) of this section, the Electrical Inspector
may require the calculations for the plans prior to the
issuance of a permit.
(E) The plans required by this section shall be sealed or
certified as follows:
( 1) All commercial building plans shall bear the seal
of an electrical engineer or a certification by a
master electrician or industrial electrician that
the plans are approved by him. However, all plans
must bear the seal of an engineer licensed to
practice in the State of Texas when required by
the Texas Engineering Practice Act (Art. 3271a
V.A.C.S. ) .
( 2) All other plans shall be approved and bear the
seal or certification of any one of the following
persons:
a. an engineer licensed by the State of Texas
46
b. a master electrician licensed by the Board
c. a master electrician authorized to secure
permits for electrical work
d. a home owner who is performing electrical
work on his own residence
( 3) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, an industrial electrician licensed by
the Board may certify plans for electrical work
for his employer, if such plans do not require
the seal of a licensed engineer in this State
pursuant to the Engineering Practices Act (Art.
3271a V.A.C.S. ) .
Sec. 14-68 . Temporary Installations
(A) The Electrical Inspector is authorized, in addition to
other permits allowed by this Code, to issue temporary
permits for a period of time not to exceed ninety ( 90) days.
All electrical work undertaken under a temporary permit
shall nonetheless comply with all other provisions of this
Code unless the electrician seeking such temporary permit
shall prove to the Electrical Inspector that a lesser
standard will provide a safe installation for the period of
time the permit is enforced.
(B) Upon the expiration of the time set forth in any
temporary permit issued in accordance with this section, the
person obtaining such permit will do the following:
( 1) Apply for and secure a regular permit for electri-
cal work to either complete the temporary work or
bring such work into full compliance with this
Code, or
( 2) Remove all such temporary electrical work
installed or undertaken under the temporary
permit issued and restore the building or pre-
mises to full code compliance.
47
Sec. 14-69. Ready-Built Homes
Where buildings are constructed in lumber yards or on
premises other than where the building is on a permanent
foundation, and where such building is to be moved into and
located within the City limits, wiring installation shall be
made by a insured and licensed master electrician, in
conformity with this Code and permits shall be applied for.
Sec. 14-70. Permit Not Required
(A) No permit shall be required for a licensed electrician
or home owner to undertake minor electrical work, which by
way of illustration and not limitation, is as follows:
( 1) Repair flush and snap switches.
( 2) Replacing fuses.
( 3 ) Changing lamp sockets and receptacles.
( 4) Replacing neon tubing in or on an existing sign
erected in compliance with this Code.
( 5) Changing lamp or ballast.
(B) No permit or license shall be required to attach or
repair electrical wiring or install service to electrical
apparatus or equipment which is a part of a refrigeration,
heating or air conditioning system or unit or any motor unit
driving other equipment. Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed as allowing any person to install new elect-
rical wiring to or in a building or premises in order to in-
stall any of the equipment listed herein and this section
shall be construed to allow a person to connect to existing
wiring only.
(C) No permit shall be required, after original installa-
tion and inspection, to change an electrical fixture repair
or replace same unless the work will require a change in the
size of the wiring supplying current to such fixtures.
Sec. 14-71. Emergency Work Necessitating New Wiring
In case of an emergency necessitating immediate new
wiring or repairs to electrical wiring, at a time when the
office of the building inspection department is closed, the
work may be carried out without first obtaining a permit.
48
Thereafter, a written application shall be submitted to the
building inspection department for a permit during the next
day that such office is open. Before the permit shall be
issued, all requirement for its issuance must be complied
with.
DIVISION 4. INSPECTION GENERALLY
Sec. 14-72. Inspections
All electrical work for which a permit has been issued
in accordance with the terms of this Code shall be inspected
by the Electrical Inspector for compliance with this Code.
The Electrical Inspector in discharging this duty shall make
the following inspections:
(A) Rough-in Inspection. The licensed electrician or home
owner who has secured the permit for electrical work shall
be responsible for notification to the Inspection Department
that the electrical work is ready for a rough-in inspection
at such time that all raceways, panel board cabinets, ser-
vice equipment, outlet boxes, junction boxes, conduit, con-
ductors and conductor splices are installed and ready for
visible inspection. The Electrical Inspector shall refuse
to make any rough-in inspections in every case where the
electrical work has been covered from view.
(B) Final Inspection. The licensed electrician or home
owner who has secured the permit for electrical work shall
be responsible for notification to the Building Inspection
Department that the electrical work is ready for a final
inspection. Electrical work shall be considered ready for
final inspection when such work has passed all prior
inspections made by the Electrical Inspector or when such
work has been corrected to comply with this Code where a
violation has been found to exist upon prior inspection and
where the electrical work has been completed in accordance
to plans and specifications by the licensed electrician or
home owner who has secured the permit. The Electrical
Inspector or his designated representative shall have the
option of requiring the presence of the permitted
electrician or journeyman in charge of the work at any final
inspection.
(C) In addition to the inspection required to be made by
the Electrical Inspector under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
this section, said Inspector is further required to make any
and all additional inspections he shall deem necessary to
insure that all electrical work undertaken or existing in
the City of Wichita Falls is in compliance with this Code.
49
(D) Sign Inspections. The master electrician securing a
permit for electrical work in connection with any sign to be
installed within the City shall be responsible for notifica-
tion to the Electrical Inspector that the electrical work,
permit ermit is issued,which , is ready for inspection.
Electrical work necessary for installation or erection of a
sign shall be considered ready for inspection when all work
necessary for its installation or erection has been
completed by the person holding the permit. The Electrical
Inspector shall have the authority to require a sign to be
opened or uncovered when necessary to complete the inspect
ion required by this subsection.
Sec. 14-73 . Request for Inspections
(A) Every licensed electrician or home owner securing a
permit under this Code to undertake electrical work shall be
responsible to notify the Electrical Inspector of any
requested inspection. The Electrical Inspector shall
complete such inspection within twenty-four ( 24) working
hours after receipt of notice requesting such inspection.
(B) Request for inspection may be made in writing or by
telephone and shall contain or specify the following in-
formation:
(1) the address where the work is located
( 2) the permit number if requested by the Electrical
Inspector
( 3) the electrical contractor' s name and address or
name of home owner
( 4) the type of inspection requested
Sec. 14-74. Procedure for Identifying Inspections
The Electrical Inspector, after completing any inspect-
ion required or authorized by this Code, shall identify the
results of such inspection in the following manner:
(1) If the Electrical Inspector determines upon in-
spection that the electrical work inspected com-
plies in every respect with the provisions of this
Code, he shall attach or affix at a visible and
accessible point a notice which will signify that
the work has been inspected and was found to be in
compliance with the provisions of this Code. The
notice shall be signed by the inspector making the
inspection, dated, set forth the address of the
job site where the inspection was made and author-
ize the electrician or home owner to continue with
the work.
50
( 2) If the Electrical Inspector determines upon insp-
ection that the electrical work inspected does not
comply with the provisions of this Code, he shall
attach or affix at a visible and accessible point
a notice which will signify that the work has
been inspected and was found not to comply with
the provisions of this Code. The notice shall be
signed by the inspector, dated, contain a state-
ment that the work has not passed the inspection,
and containing a warning that it is a violation
of this Code to proceed, with the electrical work
until said work has passed inspection, and that a
reinspection fee will be paid before reinspect-
ion. The inspector shall also note on the back of
the notice the violation or violations of this
Code discovered during his inspection and any
other information deemed relevant.
( 3) In every case where the Electrical Inspector is
requested to make a final inspection on any elect-
rical work, he shall determine at such inspection
if the electrical work complies with the provi-
sions of this Code and is ready to be connected to
a source of electrical current. If the Electrical
Inspector approves and passes the work inspected
he shall attach or affix, at a visible and access-
ible point a notice which shall signify that the
work has been inspected and was found to be in
compliance with the provisions of this Code and is
ready to be connected to a source of electrical
current. The notice shall be signed by the insp-
ector, dated, set forth the address of the job
site and upon issuance the inspector shall notify
the utility company to provide service to the site
in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 14-75 of
this Code.
( 4) In the case of minor violations of this Code where
electrical work will remain open to view the in-
spector may issue a notice of approval with nota-
tions of minor violations. Such notice shall be
attached or affixed at a visible and accessible
point of the work. The notice will signify that
the work has been inspected and minor violations
of this Code were discovered upon inspection. Any
licensed electrician or home owner who has re-
ceived a notice of approval with minor viola-
tions shall make all necessary corrections to the
electrical work found to be a minor violation of
this Code prior to the next inspection by the
Electrical Inspector or within ten ( 10) days after
receipt of the notice whichever period is the
shortest period of time. The notice shall be
signed by the inspector, dated, set forth the
51
location of the job site and point out the items
of work that must be corrected. In the event the
licensed electrician or home owner has failed to
make corrections to electrical work as listed on
the notice within the time period herein, the
inspector in all such cases shall issue a reject-
ion notice following the procedures set forth in
subparagraph ( 2) of this section to said elect-
rician or home owner.
Sec. 14-75. Clearance to Connect, Electrical Service
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person or company to
connect, reconnect or cause connection or reconnection of
electrical service to any building, structure, installation,
construction tap, sign or outdoor lighting system without a
clearance from the electrical inspector, except, a licensed
master electrician connecting service in an emergency as
allowed in Section 14-71 of this Code.
(B) No electric utility company furnishing electric service
within the City of Wichita Falls shall furnish electric ser-
vice in any of the following cases until authorization to
connect has been secured from the Electrical Inspector:
( 1) No new service shall be furnished to any new
building, structure, tent, installation, sign or
outdoor lighting until authorization has been
secured from the Electrical Inspector.
( 2) Where electrical service has been terminated due
to the alteration or repair of any building,
structure, installation, Sign, premises or out-
door lighting until authorization has been se-
cured from the Electrical Inspector.
( 3 ) Where electrical service has been terminated due
to fire, flood, windstorm, earthquake, explosion
or any other similar disaster to any building,
structure, installation, sign, premises or out-
door lighting until authorization has been
secured from the Electrical Inspector.
( 4) Where electrical service has been terminated due
to unsafe electrical conditions existing at or in
any building, structure, installation, sign, pre-
mises or outdoor lighting and the utility has been
made aware of such fact by the Electrical Inspect-
or, the utility will not provide electrical ser-
vice in such cases until authorized in writing by
the Electrical Inspector.
52
( 5) Where electrical service has been discontinued or
there has been a change of occupants to any build-
ing or premise (except private residences and
apartments where service is carried over for a
continuing occupancy) . The utility will not pro-
vide service or leave service connected until
authorization has been secured from the Electrical
Inspector.
DIVISION 5. FEES
Sec. 14-76. License Examination Fee
The following fees are hereby established and shall be
charged and assessed to every applicant for examination for
any class of electrical license authorized to be issued by
this Code:
( 1) Master Electrician license examination $85.00
( 2) Industrial electrician license examination $85.00
( 3 ) Journeyman electrician license examination $50.00
( 4) Maintenance electrician license examination $20.00
Sec. 14-77. License Fee
The following fees are hereby established and shall be
charged and assessed to every applicant for any class of
license authorized by this Code who has successfully
completed the examination for such license and such fees
shall be charged to every licensed electrician who has
failed to renew his license as provided for in Sec. 14-62
(F) of this Code:
( 1) Master electrician license fee $202.50
( 2) Industrial electrician license fee $202.50
( 3 ) Journeyman electrician license fee $ 50.00
( 4) Maintenance electrician license fee $ 20.00
Sec. 14-78 . Renewal License Fee
The following fees are hereby established and shall be
charged and assessed for the renewal of any class of license
authorized by this Code when such license is renewed in
accordance with the provisions of Sec. 14-62 of this Code:
( 1) Master electrician license renewal fee $100.00
( 2) Industrial electrician license renewal fee $100.00
53
( 3 ) Journeyman electrician license renewal fee $20. 00
(4) Maintenance electrician license renewal fee $10. 00
Sec. 14-79. Apprentice Work Permit Fee
There shall be charged and assessed a fee of five
dollars ( $5.00) to every person obtaining an apprentice work
permit fee. There shall also be charged a fee of five
dollars ( $5.00) to every person who has obtained a renewal
of such permit in accordance with. the provisions of Sec.
14-60 of this Code.
Sec. 14-80. Permit & Inspection Fees
( 1) A fee shall be assessed for each permit required
by this Code. Such fee shall be established as
provided in the Development Fee Ordinance adopted
by the City Council, which may from time to time,
adjust and revise the fees established, without
amending this ordinance. All permit fees shall be
paid upon application for permit.
( 2) When any electrical work is commenced within the
City and no permit as required by this Chapter,
has been issued prior to the commencement of such
work, the fee for issuance of the required permit
may be charged and assessed at twice the amount
required by the Development Fee Ordinance. This
subsection shall not, however, apply in any case
where the electrical work has been under taken as
an emergency in accordance with Sec. 14-71 of this
Chapter.
( 3 ) Permit fees as established by the Development Fee
Ordinance shall not be assessed for permits invol-
ving work for any of the Following:
(a) School districts within the City limits of
Wichita Falls
(b) City of Wichita Falls
(c) County of Wichita
( 4) In every case where a permit has been issued and
the electrical work has been inspected by the
Electrical Inspector or his representative and
said Inspector determined upon inspection that the
electrical work failed to comply with the provis-
ions of this Code and issued a rejection notice
for such work pursuant to Sec. 14-74 ( 2) , there
shall be charged a reinspection fee as established
by the Development Fee Ordinance.
54
Sec. 14-81. Fee Adjustments
All fees and charges as established and set forth in
this division are and shall be subject to adjustment in
accordance with the provisions of the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Wichita Falls.
DIVISION 6. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Sec. 14-82. Installation of Wiring, Fixtures and Apparatus-
Generally
(A) In the installation of all wiring, fixtures and appa-
ratus, the rules and requirements adopted by Section 14-35
shall be complied with, together with the rules contained in
this Code and such additional requirements as may from time
to time be adopted.
(B) In every case where an electrician licensed by the
Board or authorized to secure permits for electrical work or
any home owner has sought to install any type of electrical
equipment and such equipment has been found not to comply
with the provisions of this Code, the electrician or home
owner shall have the right to appeal the decision of the
Electrical Inspector to the Board in accordance with the
provisions of Sec. 14-29 of this Code. The Board shall,
upon such hearing, determine whether or not the type of
electrical equipment sought to be installed by the elect-
rician or home owner is equivalent to the provisions of this
Code. In every case where the Board determines that the
equipment in question is equivalent to that required by this
Code, they shall enter an order to such effect and the
Electrical Inspector shall be governed by the terms of said
Order in all future cases where the same type of equipment
is sought to be installed.
Sec. 14-83 . Wiring
All wiring shall be installed in rigid metallic con-
duit, electrical metallic tubing, approved metallic race-
ways, approved non-metallic conduit and raceway or approved
multi outlet assemblies. However; all single-family and
multi-family residences not exceeding three stories and out
buildings on the same premises may be wired in non-metallic
sheathed cable as a minimum requirement. Provided, however,
if any part of a residence or other building is converted to
any commercial purposes not within the above exceptions, the
entire building shall be classified as a business premise
and the entire building shall be rewired. All conduit
installed for electrical use shall be installed under the
requirements of this ordinance.
, 55
(1) PVC conduit, schedule 40 may be used underground
or concealed within structures but shall not be
installed exposed without approval of the elect-
rical inspector.
( 2) Electrical Non-metallic Tubing (ENT) shall not be
used in any location except where NM cable is
acceptable in the City of Wichita Falls.
( 3 ) All flexible metal conduit, except fixture tails
and tails to devices in, equipment rooms as per-
mitted by N.E.C. , shall have a grounding con-
ductor.
( 4) Manufactured wiring systems as approved by N.E.C.
shall be acceptable.
( 5) No electrical metallic tubing (EMT) shall be per-
mitted in any electrical installation where such
tubing is in contact with the ground or earth or
is embedded in a concrete slab.
Sec. 14-84. Size of Conductors; Aluminum Conductor
(A) No conductor smaller than No. 12 American wire gauge
size shall be used in electrical work as covered by this
Code, except the following:
( 1) Pendant and portable cords
( 2) Fixture wire
( 3 ) No. 14 for individual fixture leads at an outlet
box
(4) No. 14 for control circuits operating contractors
or relays or a size approved by the manufacturers
and the building inspection department.
( 5) Wiring for systems covered by Article 700 of the
National Electrical Code.
(6) As specified under electrical signs (Article 600
of the National Electrical Code) .
(B) Aluminum conductors may be installed on service and
feeders only and must be terminated properly using approved
compression type crimp lugs installed with a proper tool and
with an approved inhibitor (Petrox) .
(C) Dwellings. No aluminum conductors shall be installed
on any branch circuits or grounding in dwellings.
56
Sec. 14-85 . Residence Circuits - Generally
(A) Each dwelling unit, including each unit of a multiple-
family apartment, shall have two ( 2) or more twenty ( 20)
ampere circuits supplying all receptacles in the kitchen,
breakfast room, dining room and pantry, which shall supply
no other outlets. The remaining receptacles and lights
shall be installed in accordance with the current National
Electrical Code.
(B) A conduit of not less than three-fourths ( 3/4) inch
trade size shall be installed from the panel to an
accessible crawl space in the attic, under the floor or to
the outside of the house if it has no attic and has a
concrete floor. This conduit is to facilitate the future
installation of the two ( 2) space circuits to be left open
as spares in all residential panels.
(C) All dwellings shall have a ground rod driven into the
ground located on the exterior of the building to supplement
the metal underground water pipe ground or some other
supplemental grounding method approved by the inspector.
(D) Buildings and other structures other than dwellings,
shall be grounded according to the N.E.C.
Sec. 14-86 . Commercial Circuits - Generally
Office spaces in commercial buildings and hotel and
motel guest rooms shall have a minimum of four ( 4) duplex
convenience outlets per office and/or shall have a conven-
ience outlet for every twelve ( 12) lineal feet of usable
wall space. Floor plugs over two ( 21 feet from a wall shall
not be considered in computing the number of outlets
required for the wall spacing. Warehouses areas or storage
areas of a commercial building shall not be required to meet
this provision. In no case shall more than eight ( 8) duplex
convenience outlets be installed on one ( 1) circuit.
Sec. 14-87 . Service Entrance
(A) All Metal Entrances - An all metal complete service
entrance shall be used from the point of contact with the
Electric Company to the service switch or distribution panel
except as provided in this Chapter.
(B) Busway Entrance - Installations using a busway as a
service entrance shall be made with a totally enclosed
busway assembly and accessories approved for use as service
entrance equipment and shall have 'totally enclosed
weatherproof construction where used outside of building.
57
(C) Overhead Service Drop Provisions:
( 1) All New Installations - When a new Electrical
Installation is to be served with an overhead
service drop, a means of attachment shall be
provided by the Master Electrician or the
Homeowner at a location that will allow the
service drop to comply with Article 230-24
through 230-29 of the National Electrical
Code. When an Electrical Installation is
started before the Electric Company facili-
ties are placed, it shall be the responsi-
bility of the Electric Company to determine
the location of the facility from which the
service drop for the Electrical Installation
will be installed. The means of attachment
shall be a clamp on a service mast or a galvan-
ized "hook" bolt or "eye" bolt, rigidly attached
to rafter or stud to give adequate support to
the service drop.
( 2) Additions to Existing Installations - When an
addition is to be made to an existing building
that requires that the service entrance be re-
located to the new portion of the building,
the service entrance shall comply with the
rules established for all new installations.
( 3 ) Existing Installations - When the meter loop is
changed on an existing installation, the install-
ation shall reasonably comply with Article 230-24
through 230-29 of the National Electrical Code and
Section 14-50 of this Chapter without altering the
roof of the existin g building.. The means of
attachment shall be changed by the Master Electri-
cian or the Homeowner and shall be at the maximum
height that can be maintained on the building.
The new means of attachment shall be an "eye" bolt
or "hook" bolt, rigidly attached to rafter or stud
and to give adequate support to the service drop.
Other suitable means of attachment, including
insulators attached with a single lag screw, may
be approved by the Electrical Inspector if
commonly accepted within the trade.
(D) Service Mast - In the event a service mast is used to
attain the height required by Article 230-26 of the National
Electrical Code, the service mast shall be a minimum two-
inch ( 2" ) rigid conduit having adequate strength to with-
stand the strain of the service drop and shall meet minimum
standards established by the Electric Company and approved
by the Board as defined in the publication, "National
Electric Safety Code," from the Electric Company.
58
(E) Providing for Metering - The Master Electrician or
Homeowner shall provide for and install facilities to
accommodate metering of an electrical installation in
accordance with uniform practices established by the
Electric Company in accordance with the franchises granted
by the City of Wichita Falls which conform to the provisions
of this Chapter. The meter enclosure shall be mounted on
the outside of a building near the point of contact between
the electrical installation and the Electric Company service
lines at a location that does not subject the enclosure to
physical damage and will cause the meter to be readily
accessible to representatives of the Electric Company for
installing, replacing, removing, inspecting, testing and
reading. Exceptions to the outside location may be made
only by specific agreement with the Electric Company and
with the approval of the Electrical Inspector.
(F) Enclosed Metering - Should the addition or alteration
of any building enclose the metering installation such that
it will no longer be in an accessible outside location, the
metering installation shall be relocated to a point outside
the addition or alteration, maintaining strict conformance
to the provisions of this Chapter.
(G) Existing Inside Metering Locations - Metering installa-
tions which are located inside a building shall be moved to
an outside location at such time that changes, alterations
or additions are made to the service entrance of the elect-
rical installations. Metering installations moved outside
shall conform to the provisions of this Chapter.
(H) Disconnecting Switches - All disconnecting switches
accessible to the general public under two hundred ( 200)
amperes shall have rain-tight and dead-front panels. All
disconnecting switches two hundred ( 200) amperes or over
that are exposed or accessible to the general public shall
have rain-tight and locked or bolted closed panels.
(I) Residential Service Entrance Size - Where a service
entrance is installed on a single or two-family residence,
the service entrance conductor shall be three wire and have
a rating of not less than 100 amperes. The service discon-
necting equipment shall carry a rating of not less than 100
amperes, 120 volt, three wire.
EXCEPTION: In a residence of seven hundred (700) square
feet or less in which the load as determined in accordance
with Article 220 of the National Electrical Code allows a
lessor service entrance, the rating of the service conductor
and disconnecting equipment may be reduced with the approval
of the Electrical Inspector, but in no case shall the
L
59
service entrance conductor be less than the equivalent of
Number 6 THW copper or the service disconnecting equipment
carry a rating of less than 60 amperes where a switch is
used, or of less than 50 amperes where a circuit breaker is
used.
(J) Minimum Conductor Use - Where a service entrance is
installed on any electrical installation other than that
provided for in subsection (I) , the service entrance shall
conform to the National Electrical Code, except that the
entrance conductor size shall not be less than the equiva-
lent of Number 6 THW copper.
Sec. 14-88. Underground Service Entrance
(A) Conductors - Conductors and cables on underground ser-
vice entrances may be installed in approved raceways or may
be buried direct in the earth when approved direct burial
cables are used. The minimum depth for any underground
service conductor shall be thirty-six inches ( 36" ) measured
from finished grade.
(B) Mechanical Protection - Rigid metal raceways or elect-
rical metallic tubing shall be used on all underground ser-
vice entrance conductors to provide mechanical protection
where conductors are extended aboveground or where entering
a building. Raceways approved for the purpose shall be pro-
vided for underground service entrance conductors entering
under any projection of a building such as, but not limited
to, porches, patios, concrete driveways, walkways or pads
adjacent to a building which does not provide adequate space
between driveways, walkways or pads in order to permit
repair or replacement of conductors,• and the raceway shall
be continuous from the point of entry under any projections
to the service entrance switch or panel.
Sec. 14-89. Underground Feeder Circuits and Branch Circuits
Feeder circuits and branch circuits installed under-
ground shall comply with the full requirements of Sec. 14-88
of this Chapter for underground service entrances, except
that feeder circuits and branch circuits shall be installed
at a minimum depth of eighteen inches ( 18" ) measured from
finished grade.
Sec. 14-90. Encroachment on Public Way
Neither feeder circuits nor branch circuits on any pri-
vate electrical installation shall extend into, cross over
or under any street, alley or public way which has been de-
dicated for public use, except that an electrical installa-
tion which is confined within a building or structure where
60
a License and Hold Harmless Agreement has been approved by
the City of Wichita Falls and projects into, crosses over or
under a dedicated street, alley or public way will not be
affected by this regulation.
Sec. 14-91. Buildings Moved to Location
The electrical installation in any building, or struct-
ure which is moved from outside of the City or within the
City shall conform to the requirements of this Chapter as
though the building, structure or residence had been newly
constructed on the location.
EXCEPTION: The Electrical Inspector may approve an
electrical installation with less than the minimum require-
ments when he determines that the electrical installa-
tion is adequate to serve the load, is safe and free from
hazards, and when strict compliance to this Chapter would
necessitate major structural changes or alterations result-
ing in unjustified expense.
Sec. 14-92. Building, Remodeling and Additions
In a building, structure or residence which is altered,
remodeled or added to, the electrical installation within
the altered, remodeled or added-on portion shall conform to
the requirements of this Chapter.
Sec. 14-93 . Residential Use Conversion
When a portion of a residential unit is converted to
Commercial use, and when that portion which is converted
comprises ten percent ( 10%) or more of the floor area of the
total unit, the electrical installation which serves the
converted portion shall be separate from that of the remain-
ing residence. All wiring shall be installed in approved
raceways, and the electrical installation in the converted
portion shall conform to the requirements of this Chapter.
Sec. 14-94. Electric Signs and Outline Lighting
(A) New Installation - All electric signs and outline
lighting shall be installed in compliance with the National
Electrical Code, the Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances, and
the provisions of this Chapter.
(B) Existing Installation - The Electrical Inspector, when
he determines that any electric sign or outline light const-
itutes a hazard impairing safety of life or property, shall
require that the sign or outline lighting installation be
revised to meet the minimum standards established by this
Chapter and shall specify the time allowed for such revis-
ions. If the required revisions are not completed within
} 61
the time allotted, the Electrical Inspector shall order the
electric sign or outline lighting disconnected from the
power supply and the installation removed. Failure to
comply with such a disconnect or removal order shall
constitute a violation of this Chapter.
(C) New Installation - Any electrical installation on an
electric sign after said sign is delivered to its permanent
location shall be performed by a licensed electrician. All
new electric sign installations shall also require a permit,
inspection and approval of the electrical installation by
the Electrical Inspector.
(D) Sign Installations to Conform to Zoning - No electrical
permits shall be issued for any sign in a district where
signs are prohibited by the Zoning Ordinance, nor shall any
permit be issued for any sign which does not conform to the
zoning requirements of the area in which the sign is to be
placed.
Sec. 14-95. Temporary Meter Loops; Construction Tap Service
Posts
(A) Post Specifications - The post used for a construction
tap service shall be equivalent to a four inch ( 4" ) by four
inch ( 4" ) structural grade timber and have an overall length
of not less than sixteen feet ( 16) .
(B) Installation of Post - The construction tap service
posts shall be installed such that the post extends not less
than three feet ( 3 ' ) into undisturbed earth and shall be
securely tamped in place. The post installation shall
include supports, braces or guys necessary to maintain the
post in a vertical position safely under the strain of the
service drop conductors.
(C) Equipment - The construction tap service post shall be
equipped with a rain-tight service entrance including
metallic conduit from a rain-tight and dead-front service
switch or panel board of adequate size to provide sufficient
branch circuits to weatherproof receptacles. The service
entrance shall have a minimum conductor size of Number 6 THW
copper wire and be grounded in accordance with provisions of
this Chapter. Receptacles only shall be used to supply
power to extension cords, tools and special equipment.
Receptacles shall be the grounding type and shall be rated
for the voltage and current requirements of the load to be
served. All 120 volt receptacles shall be GFI protected.
(D) Load Wiring - All wiring connected to construction tap
branch circuit receptacles shall be attached with approved
plugs and shall comply with the requirements of the National
Electrical Code and the provisions of this Chapter.
62
(E) Use Restricted - Construction tap service posts shall
be used only for supplying specific construction project
loads during the construction period and within the time
period specified on the construction tap permit.
(F) Permits for construction tap service post shall only be
issued to Master Electricians.
Sec. 14-96 . Mobile Home and Travel Trailers
Service entrance equipment for mobile homes and travel
trailers shall be considered as permanent electrical instal-
lations and shall meet the full requirements of this Code.
Sec. 14-97 . Temporary Electrical Installations
(A) Permits - The Electrical Inspector is permitted to
issue special limited permits for temporary electrical
installations where, in his opinion, the installation is
necessary or advisable for the benefit and protection of the
public.
(B) Wiring Methods - Wiring methods other than those
required by this Chapter may be allowed for temporary
electrical installations, provided that such wiring methods
shall be safe and adequate for the specified purpose and use
and to the satisfaction of the Electrical Inspector.
(C) Time Limitation - Permits for temporary electrical
installations shall be for a specified time set by the
Electrical Inspector and shall not exceed ninety (90) days.
(D) Inspection - Any temporary installation shall be
inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector before it
is connected to a power source. The use of any temporary
installation shall be disconnected immediately upon
expiration of the permit.
(E) Time Extensions - Should the temporary electrical
installation be needed beyond the ninety ( 90) 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 ninety
( 90) days.
Sec. 14-98 . Materials and Equipment Standards
(A) Approved Equipment - All electrical equipment including
materials, apparatus, fixtures and appliances used on
electrical installations shall conform to standards set by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. , and shall bear an
Underwriters Laboratories label or be certified as listed by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
• 63
(B) Equipment Use - Such electrical equipment shall be used
only for the specific purpose for which it has been labeled
or listed.
(C) Equipment Not Standardized - Electrical equipment which
has not been approved or for which standards have not been
established by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. , may be used
on electrical installations, provided such electrical
equipment is approved by the Electrical Inspector.
(D) Equipment Not Approved for Use - The Electrical
Inspector shall deny approval for' use of any electrical
equipment which is not labeled or listed by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. , when he reasonably believes the use of
such equipment is unsafe or hazardous.
Sec. 14-99. Electrical Fences
All electrical fence installations shall require a
permit in accordance with Section 14-35 of this Chapter.
The materials and equipment used shall conform to the
requirements of Section 14-98 of this Chapter.
Sec. 14-100. Low Voltage Wiring
(A) Low voltage system to be used to operate any mechanical
system, air conditioning unit, central heating unit and
other such systems shall be installed under the supervision
of a licensed master electrician. This subsection is not to
be construed as including self-generated control systems.
(B) All central heating equipment shall be on a separate
circuit with a means of disconnecting said equipment to be
installed in the equipment room. Overload protection shall
conform with the N.E.C. and shall be closely coordinated
with the motor rating. All electrical wiring or cable shall
clear all ducts by a minimum of three ( 3 ) inches.
(C) All low voltage transformers, such as may be used for
door bells, floor furnaces and other such installations,
shall be on a circuit other than the appliance circuit and
shall be installed in a convenient and readily accessible
place.
(D) All wiring, line voltage or low voltage used for data
processing or energy control and like systems shall be
considered electrical work and must conform to this Code.
(E) All other wiring shall conform to N.E.C.
64
Sec. 14-101. Existing Installation
Any electrical system or electrical equipment lawfully
installed prior to the effective date of this Code may have
its existing use, maintenance or repair continued if the use
is in accordance with the original design and location and
such system is not dangerous to public health, safety and
welfare and is approved by the Electrical Inspector. .
Sec. 14-102 to 14-150. Reserved.
ARTICLE IV. PENALTIES
Sec. 14-151. Violation of chapter provisions declared
misdemeanor; fine.
Any person, company, firm, partnership or corporation
violating any of the terms or provisions of this chapter,
shall be fined in a sum not to exceed two hundred dollars
( $200. 00) . Each day that any person, company, firm,
partnership or corporation shall continue to violate, or
fail to comply with a provision of this chapter, shall
constitute a separate offense.
ARTICLE V. SPECIAL CLAUSES
Sec. 14-152. Savings clause.
The invalidity of any section, subsection, paragraph,
sentence, clause, phrase, word or words shall not invalidate
any other part of this chapter. It is the intention of the
city council in enacting this chapter that the provisions
are separable and no provisions hereof shall be inoperative
or fail by reason of the invalidity of any other provision.
Sec. 14-153. Directions to publish.
This chapter constitutes a digest and revision of the
electrical ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas
and the city manager of the City of Wichita Falls, is hereby
directed to publish this chapter in pamphlet form for
general distribution to the public at a nominal fee.
Sec. 14-154. Repealing clause; short title.
Ordinance No. 2326 and all other prior ordinances or
parts thereof and all subsequent ordinances or parts thereof
in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This chapter
shall be cited as the 1987 Electrical Code of the City of
Wichita Falls, Texas.
I __
65
•
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE d day of Novembe •, 1987.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
4 •
CITY CLERK
Ad 236305
Affidavit of Publication
ORDINANCE NO.107-87
AN ORDINANCE CLOSING,VA-
CATING,AND ABANDONING A THE STATE OF TEXAS
UTILITY EASEMENT ON LOT 2-A, -WICHITA SHORT'S ADDITION, COUNTY OF WICHITA
FALLS,TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO.108-87
(P. ORDINANCE AMENDING SEC-∎re)
TION 7-15 OF THE CODE OF 20 t h
November
ORDINANCES TO DELETE SEC- day Of
TION 102.1, SUBSECTION (b) On this
OF THE BUILDING CODE, CON- 1987
BUILDING CERNING THE QUALIFICATIONS
AND APPOINTMENT OF THE A.D. personally appeared before me, the undersigned authority
OFFI CAL OFFIAL
ORDINANCE NO.109-87
AN ORDINANCE REIVISNG THE bookkeeper
NUMBER OF POSITIONS IN FIRE B a r 1 C e Ming
DEPARTMENT CLASSIFICATIONS.
ORDINANCE NO.110-87 for the Times Publishing Company of Wichita Falls, publishers of the Wichita Falls
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF ORDI- Times/Record News, a newspaper published at Wichita Falls in Wichita County,
NANCE 17-87,FLOOD DAMAGE
PREVENTION ORDINANCE, EX- Texas, and upon being duly sworn by me, on oath states that the attached
EMPTING PLACEMENT OF
MANUFACTURED HOMES IN EX-!,
!STING MANUFA ED HOME advertised advertisement not is 1 a true and correct copy of advertising published
PARKS OR SUBDI IONS FROM THE REQUIREMEpITSO TH OR
in issues thereof on the following dates:
DINANCE '
ORDINANCE NO:111-87
AN ORDINANCE REPLACING' November 16 198 7
CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS;, ESTABLISHING
ITHE OFFICE OF ELECTRICAL IN- (�� _ , ,
SPECTOR; CREATING THE \1`J`J`
NERS;OESTABLISHINGA A ELECTRICAL
QUORUM; GRANTING RULE Bookkeeper for Times Publishing Comp
MAKING POWERS TO THE of Wichita Falls
BOARD; SETTING FORTH THE
BOARD'S DUTIES,POWERS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDING
FOR THE EXAMINATION OF`) Subscribed and sworn to before me this the day and year first above written.
ELECTRICIANS; PROVIDING
GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION
GRANTED SUSPENSION OF LICENSES i
GRANTED AND REJECTION EST ABUSING APPLICATANTS; �_/��,
PROCEDURES FOR REVOCATION
AND SUSPENSION OF ELEC-
TRICAL LICENSES AND OTHER 7,:,7,--,77-7.q
HEARINGS; PROVIDING FOR a J
APPEALS TO THE BOARD ON -' �j rS
QUESTION OF RE-EXAMIN i5,.:,,, i 7, .:x28
ATION AND INTERPRETATION
OF THE ELECTRICAL CODE; LICENSES; PROHIBITS ELEC-
AUTHORIZING THE ELECTRICAL TRICAL WORK NOT
INSPECTOR TO ENFORCE THE AUTHORIZED BY UCENSE; ES-
ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE CITY TABLISHES ELIGIBILITY FOR
OF WICHITA FALLS; VARIOUS CLASSES OF ELEC-
AUTHORIZING THE ELECTRICAL TRICAL LICENSES; PROVIDES
INSPECTOR TO ACT AS SEC- FOR APPLICATION AND EXAM-
RETARY TO THE BOARD AND INATION OF ELECTRICIANS;
ESTABLISHING THE POWERS , PROVIDES AN EXAMINATION
AND DUTIES OF SUCH POP- FEE; SETS FORTH THE LICENSE
ITION;PROVIDING FOR AN AP- FEE AND INSURANCE REQUIRE-
PEAL; PROVIDING FOR THE RE- MENTS; PROVIDES FOR
MOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD;AND NOTIFICATION OF THE BUSI-
NESS ADDRESS OF CERTAIN
• FURTHER PROVIDING FOR AN i CLASSES OF ELECTRICIANS; ES-
OF WICHITA FALLS, WHICH
ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE CITY TABLISHES RESPONSIBILITY OF
MASTER ELECTRICIANS AND IN-
CODE; PROVIDES DEFINITIONS; DUSTRIAL ELECTRICIANS FOR
PROVIDES AGAINST IMPLICIT THEIR EMPLOYERS; PROVIDES
REPEAL; COORDINATES WITH I FOR INSPECTIONS; REQUIRESS
THE ZONING ORDINANCE; VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION;
PROVIDES FOR IDENA-I PROVIDES FOR PERMITS FOR
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR TO EN-
TION CARDS;AUTHORIZES ZES T THE ELECTRICAL WORK; STS ESTABLISH-
FORCE FEES; SETS FORTH GENERAL
FORCE THE CODE;ESTABLISHES SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELEC-
THE SCOPE OF THE ELECTRICAL TRICAL WORK; A N D
CODE; AUTHORIZES THE ELEC- ESTALBISHES REGULATIONS
TRICAL INSPECTOR TO INTER- FOR ELECTRICAL: WORK ON
PRET THE ELECTRICAL CODE SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR THE
WITH APPEALS TO THE BOARD; ADOPTION OF THE-NATIONAL
AUTHORIZES INSPECTIONS ROVIDES ELECTRICAL SAFETY CODE,1987
ELECTRICAL WORK; EDITION; PROVIDING A PEN-
T FOR NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS; ALTY; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
PROVIDES FOR THE ADOPTION
OF THE NATIONAL ELECTICAL CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
CODE,1987 EDITION;REQUIRES ORDINANCE 1 12-87
LICENSES FOR ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING
WORK; RECONGNIZES ELEC. TEMPORARY ON-PREMISE SALE
I TRICAL LICENSES FROM OTHER -
OF WINE AND BEER AT THE
1 CITIES; ESTABLISHES CLASSI- 1987 GREEK FESTIVAL
FICATIONS OF ELECTRICAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 5420
(5) OF THE ZONING ORDI-
NANCE.