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Ord 2022 5/13/1963 cc A ORDINANCE NO. 672 An ordinance regulating the installation, use and maintenance of electrical systems, wiring and apparatus on any premise, street, alley or roadway- within the corporate limits of the City of Wichita Falls , Texas, creating a Board of Examiners, the office of Electrical Inspector and providing for the license of Master Electrician (Electrical Contractors) , Journeymen Electricians, ' Maintenance Electricians, regulating apprentices, trainees, and helpers, providing for installation and maintenance requirements, M providing for exemptions, providing for and fixing penalties for the violation hereof, providing an effective date and repealing ordinance Nos 1687 and 1844. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS -1- RECEIVED IN CITY' CEEB rs oppice By4,...,.,• i Wichita Falls Electrical Code Table of Contents Section Item Page Declaration of Policy 3 Article I Board of Electrical Examiners 6 Article II Office of Electrical Inspector 9 • Article III Licenses y G7 -5 13 Article IV Permits, Inspection and Fees 20 Article V General Requirements 26 .Article VI Installation 27 Article VII Penalties 39 Article VIII Definitions 40 Article IX Special Clauses 42 ®2® r r Declaration of Po .icv Whereas: After a review of the facts disclosed by investigation and otherwise ascertained it is hereby declared that to properly safeguard persons and property and to promote the public welfare it is necessary that the existing standards for electrical appa- ratus and its installation and maintenance© as provided for under existing ordinances, be reviewed, revised and updated® Whereas: upon the basis of facts disclosed by investigation and otherwise ascertained, it is hereby found that the National Elec- trical Code is a minimum standard with reference to the i,nstalla- tion and use of electrical apparatus in public and private premises which is designed to provide for the practical safeguarding of persons and property from Electrical hazards arising on or about such premises from the use of electricity for light, heat, power,, decoration, radio, signaling, and other purposes; that the National Electrical Code represents the consensus of expert opinion as to minimum practical methods of installation to provide for safeguard- ing persons and property in the installation, use and maintenance of electrical apparatus and that the National Electrical Code is periodically reviewed and revised in order that it may reflect technological advances and current good practice; and Whereas: upon the basis of facts disclosed by investigation and otherwise ascertained,, it is further found that Underwriters' Standards for electrical equipment are the only electrical products -3- standards in the United States which have as their principal basis the safeguarding of persons and property from fire and accident ham- , ards arising from the use of electricity for light° heat, power, decoration© radio, signaling, and other purposes; that one of the fundamentals on which Underwriters® Laboratorie Standards for electrical apparatus is based, is that the equipment when installed in accordance with the minimum provisions of the National Electrical Code, shall safeguard persons and property from electrical hazards arising from the use of such equipment; and that electrical materials and devices certified by Underwriters' Laboratories Standards are ac- cepted generally by electrical inspection with requirements for such materials and devices contained in the National Electrical Code; and Whereas: upon the basis of facts disclosed by investigation and otherwise ascertained, it is hereby further found that the National Electrical Safety Code is a minimum standard governing the installa- tion, maintenance, and operation of electrical systems and utiliza- tion of electrical apparatus for industrial, commercial, and public buildings; and that the National Eleettic Safety Code was formulated under the sponsorship of the National Bureau of Standards of the U.S. Department of Commerce and was submitted to and approved by the American Standards Association as an American Standard; and Whereas: the improper installation, use and maintenance of electrical - systems, wiring and apparatus within the Corporate Limits of the City n - of Wichita Fells© aexas, creates a hazard and a nuisance to the inhab- - -4- itanta of this city; and Whereas: the rapidly increasing use of electricity and the added hazard of improper installation created by persons not familiar with all the safety rules makes necessary the examination, registration and licensing of all persons desiring to engage in the occupation of Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor) , Journeyman Electrician or Maintenance Electrician within the scope of this ordinance, and Whereas: upon the basis of fact disclosed by investigations and other- wise obtained, only four classifications of occupation now exist in the electrical industry covered by this ordinance. They are Master Electrician (Electrical Contractors) , Journeymen Electrician, Main- tenance Electrician , apprentices„ trainees and helpers. All persons - desiring to engage in such occupation must register as required in this ordinance before engaging in such occupation. • ARTICLE I BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS Section 1. There is hereby created a Board of Electrical Examiners for the 'City of Wichita Falls , to be appointed by the City Council. Membership: The Board of Electrical Examiners shall consist of five members, who shall serve without compensation, selected as follows: one Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor) , one Journeyman Elec- trician, one member who is an employee of the local electrical utility company ( currently known as the Texas Electric Service Company) , one member, who, in the opinion of the City Council, is qualified through education and practical experience to perform the duties of an Elec trical Examiner, and one other member who shall be designated as a member at large. This member shall not be connected with the Elec- trical contracting industry for monetary gain. Three members of this Board shall constitute a quorum. Any member of the Board involved in a dispute before the Board, shall disqualify himself and an alternate member shall be selected by the Board to serve in his place. . Appointment: The existing Board shall serve for a period of one year after the enactment of this ordinance. Then a new Board shall be appointed, two members of which shall have one year terms, and three members shall have two year terms . Thereafter all members shall be appointed for terms of two years each No Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor) or Journeyman Electri- cian shall serve or hold office longer. . . -6- than two (2) consecutive full two (2) year terms 1 Any Member of the Board may resign from his appointment by submitting a formal resignation to the City Council at a regularly scheduled Council Meeting. Removal: When good cause exists, a member may be removed from office by the City Council® Any member who is absent four (4) consecutive regular meetings, without just cause, shall be considered as having resigned and shall be replaced by the City Council. General: The Electrical Inspector shall serve as secretary to the Board without additional compensation and shall keep a complete writ- ' ten record of all proceedings of the Board and shall give copies of these records to each Member of the Board immediately after prepara- tion of same. The Electrical Inspector, as secretary of the Board, shall gather required information concerning the experience and qualifications of applicants for licenses and shall present same to the Board of Examiners0 for review prior to examination being given. The Board shall met as soon after appointment as possible and select a Ch,irman and Vice-Chairman from within its number, -nd it shall meet once each month thereafter; this may be changed or a meeting may be postponed by a majority vote of the Board or due to the inability to secure a quorum. • The Board shall surdbit periodically to the City Council and (or) to the City Manager written recommen,tions and suggestions for the -7- improvement, enforcement, and administration of this Ordinance. - The Board shall examine all applicants for the office of Electtical Inspector and Assistant Inspector and recommend in writing to the City Manager such applicants as in the opinion of the Board qualify. The Board shall adopt rules, regulations, and Tolicies for all the funtions of the Board and for the examination and re-examination of applicants for electrical licenses, and appointments for Electrical Inspector or Inspectors. No rule, regulation or policy shall be applicsble unless it has been incorporated in the minutes of a regular meeting of the Board prior to its application. The Board shall prepare the questions and conduct and grade all examinations© • - The Board shall review and approve or reject, prior to issuing the licenseA , the examination papers for Mester Electrician tElectrical Contractors) , Electrical Insp-ctors, Journeymen Electricians, and Maintenance Electricians. An applicant who has been refused an examination by the Secretary may appeal to the Board of Electrical Examiners. The Board shall approve the issuance of appropriate license to sue- cessful applicants. No licenses shall be valid without Board Approval. The Board of Electrical Examiners shall ect as the Electrical Appeals s Board both to interpret the meanings of this Code and also to settle -8- differences of interpretation of this Code between the Electrical Inspector and any license holder or home owner. This Board may be called into session at any time by the Chairman of the Board or by a majority of the Board, provided that each member must be given at 1:ast twenty four hours notice in writing by the Secretary. An appeal may be taken from any ruling, interpretation, requirement, or decision made by the Electrical Inspector by the filing of an appli- cation in writing with the Secretary of the Board for a hearing before the Electrical Advisory Board at its regular meeting period and the decision of the Electrical Advisory Board in said hearing shall be final, ARTICLE II OFFICE OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR Section 1. There is hereby created the office of the Chief Electrical Inspector of the City of Wichita Falls within which may be Assistant Electrical Inspectors. R—uirements: The Chief Electrical Ins* ctor and his assistants shall be competent persons of good moral character: each shall have had adequate experience in the electrical field, such adequancy being established by the Board; each shall have had at least four (4) years experience as a Journeyman Electrician; each shall have adequate know- ' --.- . ledge of current and approved methods and practices relating to elec- . trical installations; and each shall have passed the examination in -9- the City of Wichita Falls for Journeymen Electricians. P. ointment: The Chief Electrical Inspector and the Assistant Elec- trical Inspectors shall be appointed by the City Manager with the approval, of the City Council after examination and recommendation from the Examining Board. Section 2. Duties of the Electrical .Inkpector: The Electrical Inspector shall inspect all installations, alterations and repairs of electrical work in consumer installations as hereinafter , , 3 set out. He shall be allowed twentYfott (24) hours, Saturdays, Sun® days, and Holidays, recce by the City of Wichita FA.ls excluded, to make such inspection. For an approved installation, he shall attach a green tag or card; for a disapproved installation, he shall attach a re e tag or card and immediately notify the Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor) performing work on said premises, in writing and by telephone, specifying the exact deficiency existing and shall allow a reasonable time as determined by the Electrical inspector, to correct said deficiency. It shall be a violation of the Ordinance to remove, deface, damage or mutilate a tag or card which the Elec- trical Inspector has attached to an installation. If this corrective action is not begun immediately or the deficiency is not corrected within the prescribed time, the Electrical Inspector shall notify the owners or his agent by letter and copy of previous notice to the Electrical Contractor and shall, if he believes public welfare en- , dangerpd, in writing order the electric supply to the premises dis- -1(Ye continued. When in the performance of his duties and as far as may be necessary for the performance of his duties, the Electrical Inspector shall have the right to enter any consumers premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of making tests or inspections of the electrical wiring, appliances, or apparatus containtherein. When on duty, the Electrical Inspector shall have, adequate identification with photograph, furnished by the City of Wichita Falls to indicate his position. The Electrical Inspector shall keep, or cause to be kept, a written record of all permits, licenses, and inspections which are required . under this Oadinance. He also shall keep a written record of all condemnations and disconnects of electrical installations resulting from condemnations. • The Electrical Inspector shall stop the installation, alteration, operations, or repair of any electrical work on or in any consumerGs premises, when in the Inspector° s opinion, the work is being done in a reckless, careless, or unsafe manner or in a manner which violates the provisions of thie Ordinance. In the event a formal complaint is necessary, it shall be filed by the Chief Electrical Inspector. Upon determining that particular work shoeld stoP, the Electrical Inspector shall post a notice to that effect on the consumer' s premises and notify permit holder in writing and by telephone. Thereafter no person shall proceed with the installation until the Electrical Inspector has cancelled the stop-work notice in writing and by telephone. (See Article VII for Penalty) r The Electrical Inspector shall turn over to the City of Wichita Falls all monies and payments received by his office. The Electrical Inspector, as Secretary of the Board, shall pass on the experience and qualification of applicants for licenses before an applicant is presented to the Board for examinations. Should an Electrical Inspector desire to take an examination for Electrical Contractor, he must resign his position and take the ex- amination after the effective date of his termination. Electrical Inspectors shall not have any monetary interests in any Electrical Contracting company nor shall he do any electrical work for any private party or any company at any time while he is in the employ- , ment of the City of Wichita Fslls. Section 3 LIABILITY: The Electrical inspectors shall not be liable for damages arising by reason of duties performed under the provisions of this Ordinance©. Section 4. AUTHORITY: The electrical Inspectors sh-11 be endowed with all the police powers necessary for the proper enforcement of this Ordinance and shall be responsible for its strict enforcement. The Electrical Inspectors shall not deviate from the minimum stand- ( ards or rules and regulations contained herein without the written • approval of the Board of Electrical Examiners. -12- ARTICLE III LICENSES Section I. MASTER ELEcnifihEL(ELEcTRIcAL CONTRACTOR'S) LICENSES: A person desiring a Master Electrician's (Electrical Contractor's) license shall make application in writing to the Board of Electrical Examiners for an examination. Examinations shall be held at the regular meeting periods. The application shall be presented to the Secretary of the Board and shall be accompanied by a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) . The applicant shall submit himself to an examination given by the • Board. The Examination shall consist of questions concerning elec- . trical installations, the National Electrical Code, and other topics related to the occupation of a Master Electrician (Electrical Con- . - tractor) . The applicant must furnish the Secretary conclusive proof of at least nine (9) years experience, giving dates and location in the business as an Electrical Contractor, Journeyman Electrician, or a combination of the two, to the satisfaction of the Board of ExaminerS. A credit of 4 years will be allowed to the holder of .a completion cer- tificate of at least 576 hours of classroom study from an accredited industry school. A credit of five (5) years will be allowed for an electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university. _ Falsification of an experience record shall be justification for the Board' s refusal to grade an examination paper or to cancel a license. -13- If a license is cancelled due to falsification of an experience record, no refund of any portion of the license fee shall be made. In order for a person to pass an Electrical Contractor's examination, he must hive a grade of seventy (70) or more and meet such other requirements as are stated in this Ordinance. If the applicant is successful in passing the examination, he shall obtain a bond from an approved Surety Company doing business in the State of Texas, in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) , payable to the City of Wichita Falls, and conditioned upon the appli- . cant's strict and faithful compliance with the Ordinance. Said bond must be furnished by a firm having a representative in the City of Wichita Falls. The bond must be delivered to the City of Wichita Falls within thirty (30) days after the grading of the examination paper and prior to beginning sny work; otherwise, the examination shall be null and void. All existing bonds of licensed Electrical Contractors shall be increased to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) minimum at nearest renewal date® A successful applicant shall pay to the Secretary, the sum of two hundred follars ($200.00) as the first year' s license fee. The two hundred dollars ($200.00) must be paid within thirty (30) days after the grading of the examination paper and prior to beginning work; otherwise, the e*mination shall be null and void. In case of fail- . ure to pass the examination, an applicant must wait ninety (90) days before being allowed to take another examination and . waiting period . _ -14- of six (6) months will be required between the second and thrid exami- . nation and between all subsequent examinations. The waiting periods • commence on the date the examination paper is graded. The fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be reauired for each examination. Qualified applicants who comply with the above provisi*ns shall be issued a license signed by the secretary and chairman of the Board of examiners to carry on the occupation of Electrical Contractora. The license shall be valid for the remainder of the calendar year All present and future licenseeshall expire each December 31, annually. The license holder shall have a grace period of thirty (30 days for .,e renewal of such licenses. If license4not renewed by 5: 00 P.M. on January 30th, the license holder shall be required to take a new ex- . - amination and pay all applicable fees. The license May be renewed by paying to the Secretary the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) within thirty days after the expiration date of the original license. A license shall be issued to an individual and shall not be assignable. Should the holder of an Electrical Contractor' s license pass away, his widow or adult child may operate until the expiration date of his license or the expiration date of his bond whichever expires first, pro- . vided all installations are directly supervised by a Journeyman Electri- . cian. -15- No person shall engage in the occupation of Electrical Contractor within the corporate limits of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, without having his license displayed in a prominent place, at all times, or in case of companies, firms, parterships, or corporations without having a holder of such license supervising the actual work being performed. No person shall allow the use of his Electrical Contractor's license directly or indirectly, by any other person, firm, partnership, or corporation for the purpose of obtaining a permit to construct electrical installations® A licensed Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor) must be self-employed, have control of his business, his Journeymen and apprentices at all times and neither himself nor any of his employees performing electrical work shall be on the payroll of others nor con- . trolled by others either directly or indirectly and his bond shall so guarantee. In addition to the penalty provided in Article VII, any person convict- , ed of violating this provision shall forfeit his license and it shall thereafter be void. It nay be renewed after a waiting period of one year and then only after the Electrical Contractor has successfully passed an Electrical Contractor' s examination and has paid the license -a-- of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the following year or fraction thereof. All Master Electricians (Electrical Contractors) , firms or corporations shall file their correct addresses, telephone numbers and changes of address with the Secretary of The Board. - a -16- When the holder of a Master Ele• trician's (Electrical. Contractor's) license changes the firm name, takes additional members into the firm, or where a firm is incorporated, a notice of such changes shall be filed, prior to change, with the Secretary of the Board. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be cause for revoking the license due to questionable ownership of same. Section 2. JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: A person desiring a Journeyman Electrician's license shall make application for the is- suance of a license to the Secretary. Examinations shall be held at the regular meeting periods. The application shall be presented to the Secretary. and shall be ac- , companied by a fee of ,five dollars ($5.00) . The applicant shall submit himself to a written and oral examination prepared by the Board. The examination shall consist of questions concerning electrical installations, the National Electrical Code and other topics related to the conclusive proof of at least four (4) years actual experience, giving dates, locations, and employer's name: in the installation of electrical materials and equipment or the tuiValent thereof, to the satisfaction of the Board of Examiners. Falsification of an experience record shall be justification for refusal to give an examination or to cancel a license. If a license is cancelled due to the falsification of an experience record, no refund or any portion - of the license fee shall be made. -17- In order for a person to pass a Journeyman Electrician's examination, he must have a grade of seventy (70) or more and meet such other re- quirements as are stated in this Ordinance A successful applicant shall be issued a license signed by the Secre- tary and Chairman of the Board of Examiners to carry on the occupation of a Journeyman Electrician for the remainder of the calendar year. The fee is not prorated for a portion of the year In case of failure to pass the examination, an applicant must wait sixty (60) days before being permitted to take another examination, and a waiting period of six (6) months will be required between the second and third examina- . tions and between all subsequent examinations. The wait periods com- . mence on the date of the examintion. The fee of five dollars ($5.00) will be required for each examination. On or after the date a person has applied for a Journeyman Electriciares examination, he may secure from the Secretary, without charge, a tempo- rary permit on which he may operate for thirty (30) days or until his examination paper is graded, whichever covers the shorter period of time Should a person secure a temporary permit to work as a Journeyman Elec- trician and should he fail in the examination, he shall not be issued pother tem# rary permit Qualified applicants who comply with the above provisions shall be issued a license to carry on the occupation of Journeyman Electrician. The license shall be valid for the remainder of the calendar year. All -18- lisent and -5',2t1=z, ohadl a;LI-4re each 1:ec;eral*ar 31, annually. The license may be renewed by paying to the Secretary the sum of two dollars ($2e00) not later than the 31st day of January of each year If a license is not renewed prior to the 31st day of Janury, it shall thereafter be void. A license shall be issued to an individual and shall not be assignable. No person shall engage in the occupation of Journeyman Electrician within the City of Wichita Falls without having his license on his person at all times. No person shall allow the use of his Journeyman Electrician' s license, di- . rectly or indirectly, by any other person for the purpose of constructing . electrical installations. in addition to the penalty provided in Article VII, any person convicted of violating this provision shall forfeit his • license and it shall thereafter be void. It may be renewed only after a waiting period of one (1) year and then only after he has successfully passed a Journeyman Electrician's examination and has paid the fee of five dollars ($5.00) for the remainder of the calendar year Section 3. Apprentices, trainees or helpers: shall be supervised in the presence of a Matter Electrician or a Journeyman Electrician at ,11 times. Nothing shall justify an apprentice electrician in performing any phase of electrical installation unless a Journeyman Electrician, or Master Electrician is actually present during such instellation. Section 4 MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: A person desiring a license which would entitle him to be employed as a Maintenance Electrician shall submit an application to the Secretary wetting forth the name, address© and type of business of his employer, the record of his experience, of not less than four (4) years actual experience in the electrical field, the applicant shall submit himself to a written and oral examination by the- Board. in order for a person to pass a Maintenance Electrician's examination, he must have a grade of seventy (70) or more and meet such other requirements as are stated in this Ordinance. Falsification of the report shall be justifieation for the Board's refusal to issue a license and for the Board' s cancellation of a license if it has been issued. The Secretary shall issue to the Maintenance Electrician a license, signed by the Secretary and Chairman of Board of examiners, which he shall have on his person at all times when engaged in the duties of Maintenance Electrician. The license issued shall permit the holder to perform the duties of a Maintenance Electrician on the premises only of the owner by whom he is employed. Any violation of this requirement shall result in the cancellation of his license. He shall not perform the duties of a Journeyman Electrician, or of an Electrical Contractor, as long as he is the holder of a license as a Maintenance Electrician. All licenses for Maintenance Electricians shall expire at midnight on December 31st. The Maintenance Electrician shall renew renewal license prior to January 31st of each year. There shall be a charge of five dollars ($5.00) for the original license and two dollars ($2.00) for each renewal license. -19- MO Maintenance Electrician shall permit the use of his license directly or indirectly by any person for any purpose, In addition to the penalty provided in Article VII, any person violating this provision shall forfeit his license and it shall thereafter be void. It may be renewed only after re-examinatien and a waiting period of one (1)year. Nothing in this Ordinance shall prevent an Electrical Contractor or a Journeyman Electrician from performing electrical maintenance on any .premise. Maintenance work shall Consist of only the repair and or replacement of existing electrical installations and apparatus. ARTICLE IV PERMITS, INSPECTION AND FEES Section 1. PERMITS REQUIRED; No person, ,firm, partnership, associa- ._ tionn nor corporation shall begin work on any electrical intailation9 within the corporate limits of the City of Wichita Falls, without first securing a permit fro e the ;“office of the Electrical Inspector; pro- vide& however, that no permit shall be required for minor work such as repairing flush switches, replacing fuses o changing lamp sockets and receptacles. Permits shall be issued only to Electrical Contractors or to their representatives, and to home owners who qualify as set forth herein. When the holder of a license or a home owner fails to ob- - tain a permit for a job before commencing work on such job, such person becomes liable for a double charge for the permit or other penalties as set out in this Ordinance. 20- Home owners and holders of licenses shall make application for a permit to the Electrical Inspector or to his representative. Upon proper application for s permit and after payment of the required inspection fees, the Electrical Inspector, or his representative, shall issue the applicant a permit for the proposed installation. In the case of a home owner's permit, he shall also sign an affidavit showing ownership of the property and his bonafide intention to live there and that he has not secured a h me owner' s permit for at least two (2) years® The affidavit shall also state that the homeowner will perform all of the electrical constructio without any physical assistance from anyone except members of his immediate family living has- his household. A homeowner's permit shall apply to single unit residential property only and only then if he lives in the unit. A home owner shall not install wiring in any portion of a duplex, triplex, apartment, commercial, retail, industrial, or any rental property of any nature. V Home Owners a Nothing herein shall be construed to present the issuance of permits to owners of single unit dwellings for repair work or ad- ditions in such single unit dwellings, provided that said owner lives in single unit dwelling and further that he complies with Article V and VI, and all other applicable provisions of this Ordinance and signs the required afficavit when applying for permit. - Section 2 INSPECTIONS AND FEES: There shall be a rough-in inspection, where required and a final inspection on each installation. For rough-in inspection the permit holder whose installation is ready -21- for inspection, shall allow the Electrical Inspectors office thirty, (30) hours, holidays recognized by the City of Wichita Falls excepted, before proceeding with work or installation or concealing such work or installations The same notice shall be given for a final inspection Fees required by this Section shall be as listed below and shall be for all new electrical work, repairs, renewals and additions The ,inimum fee for any electrical work at the same time and place shall be two dollars ($2.00) . Meter loop 100 amperes or less entrance equipment, each - - $1.00 Over 100 amperes through 200 amperes . 2©00 Current transformer type se ice - 5.00 Outlets® All outlets, each m - Al5 Fixtures Where fixtares„ drop lights,, switches, or hot plugs on either open or concealed work are installed by another than the original contractor, inspection fees of fifteen cents (l50) each shall be charged for all such fixtures, etc. Motors: Fractional H.P., each - - - w - .25C 1 H.P. and less than 2 H.P., each - - - - .- $1.50 H.P. and less than 5 2 L P o,each - - - - $2.00 5 H.P. and less than 10 H.P.,each - - - - - 3.00 -22- 10 H.P. =;.nd less that 25 H,P®,each a� $ 4.00 25 H.P. and over, each - $5000 Heaters: Water, each - 1.00 Room. each - - 50 Ranges or cooking unites: - $1®00 Signs Incandescent, $1©00 per circuit Neon,, $1.00 per circuit ` reansformers (Not neon or low voltage) : 10KVA. orless, each - y $200 Over 10 KVA, each -$3.00 Panels: 10 circuits or less (other than dwellings) deach$1.00 Over 10 circuits(other than dwellings) ® - -$1050 Circuits: Circuit connection for sign, each - - -$1.00 To neon tr ,nsfox er,, not included in permanent sign, first $1,00 and each additional trans- former ® - �- - $0.50 Circuit wiring only for equipment to be connect- ed by others (in other than dwelling) No 1 AWG or smaller„ each, - - $0.50 Larger than No.1 wire,, each - - - $1.00 -23) Motion Picture machines: Each - $3®00 Elevators: Control panel and control wiring for three floors or less, each ® $2050 Control wiring, each added floor - m - $0.50 Welders: Transformer type, each - $1®00 Rewiring: Same as new installation® • Other electric work: When fees are not set up herein, the Electrical In- Spector shall, with Board approval, set fees that are consistent with fees named hereinbefore Reinspection: When any electrical work covered by this Ordinance is reported to the Electrical Inspector as ready for final inspection and. upon *such inspection, the elec- trical work does not meet all requirements of this Ordinance, the permit electrician shall be notified • by telephone and tag of the defects existing, and he shall correct such defects promptly and request a re- inspection to the Electrical Inspector; and the permit holder shall pay an additional fee of three dollars ($3.00) for each reinspection required before final =24= approval is given. Additional work during constructions and before final inspections may be added to the original permit as an add on at the regular item price by obtaining and paying for an add on permit. All permit fees may be paid at the time the permit is issued except that Electrical Contractors may pay in advance their requirements for thirty days with a minimum deposit of $100.00 paid to the Electri- cal Inspector' s office. The Electrical Contractor using deposit system shall at all times maintain a credit balance with the Electric- 1 Inspection Department. Electrical Contractors who maintain such credit balance may phone in their permit requirements to the Electrical Inspection Department. Section 3.., PERMITS FOR TEMPORARY WIRING: Permits may granted for temporary services to any licensed Electrical Contractor for a predetermined and limited time by application for a temporary permit and the payment of proper inspection fees. The application shall state time required for temporary service. Temporary service installations shall generally conform to attached Drawing No. l. Any temporary service installation that does not fully conform to Code specifications shall not be approved by the Electrical Inspector® Inspection fees shall be the same as for a standard installation© The Electrical Inspector may cause the electric supply company to disconnect any temporary service promptly on the expiration date of each temporary permit after proper written notification. Section 4m REINSPECTION: If for reason of faulty work, negligence„ or omission, changes or additions are required by the Inspector or if an incorrect address is given on the permit necessitating an additional trip by the Inspector, a reinspection permit must be taken out and a charge of $3.00 will be made for each extra trip. This rule shall not apply where periodic inspection is required during progress of construction. Section S. CONCEALING WIRING OR APPARATUS: Where electric wiring or . apparatus is to be hidden from view by permanent placement of parts of the building or otherwise concealed, The Electrical Contractor ;hall notify the Inspector and have an inspection made, and such wiring or apparatus shall not be concealed by any person until it has been in- spected and approved In the event such wiring and apparatus has been concealed, the Elec- trical Inspector may require the removal of such concealing parts for inspections and require a reinspection permit and fee. ARTICLE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Section 1. NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE: In the installation and main= tenance of electrical wiring systems and apparatus,, the 1962 -26- edition of the National Electrical Code shall be the minimum re- -_ quirements permitted within the scope of this Ordinance. _Sec_ti_on_2. _U*NDE*RWR_I_T_ERS _L'ABOp.,..3TORIES,_ All INC. : ' 11 ' and apparatus an used in electrical installations shall have the approval of the Under- writers Laboratories, Inc. and bear the underwriters label or have the approval of the Board of Examiners of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas. ARTICLE Vi INSTALLATION • Section_l. o company, individual, firm or corporation, shall -per- . mit pieces of wire to be left on the surface of- buildings, in streets, alleys, roadways or dead ends to dangle from poles or buildings or - in any manner leave old or new wire in a condition that is dangerous to life or property. • Section 2. it shall be unlawful for any person in any manner to interfere in any manner with any electric wiring being installed on any premise or on any building during construction. In inspecting the electrical wiring of any building or premise, the Electrical In- spector shall leave a tag or notice attached to service entrance switch.- This notice shall state clearly whether the wiring is alp- proved or is to be kept open for further inspection, no person shall lath, seal or in any manner conceal any wiring until they have been informed that such wiring has been approved by the Electrical In spector. The general contractor or owner shall he held responsible -27- for any violation of this Section and shall be liable to the penalties provided herein. - - Notes See Article IV, Section 5 for removal clause. . Section 3. It shall be unlawful for any person or any Punic Service Company serving the City of WichitaFalls, to connect electricity to any premise of any nature, kind or descripton, without first obtain ing a clearance from the Electrical Inspector' s Department. Whenever service is discontinued to any building and/ox premise (except private residences and dupleX apartments where service is carried over for a continuing occupancy, or non-payment of bill) a clearance will be neces- * sary before reconnecting. This shall mean anytime a premise is vacated the Electrical Inspector must satisfy himself that no code eiolation exists. There will be no chaege made for a clearance covering such • premises and clearance will b- issued as often a3 necessary. Section 4. The Electrical Inspector shall inspect and reinspect the wiring of all pseelic peemises at least once each year and at not less than l2 month intervals and shall notify in writing the owner and occupant of ouch premise to repair such defects as may be found and any persona firm, or corporation refusing or failing to make such repairs within 48 hours after notification shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by this Ordinance. ee . SECTION 5 The Electrical Inspector is herein given authority to -28- , . . . . inspect and re-inspect a11 house electrical Wiring and when said electrical wiring is found. to be in a condition dangerous to life and 1- :- - . property, he shall notify the owner thereof at once to replace all electrical wiring in .a safe condition and at the same time have the electrical service discontinued until same is repaired and placed in a safe condition. Section 60 Wiring on all premises and in all buildings hereafter • erected, and all additions to existing buildings in the fire limits of the City of Wichita. Falls, Texas, shall be installed in a rigid -0 iroM conduit, steel tube, or metal molding system where allowed. All changes or additions to wiring within the fire limits of the City .. of Wichita Falls shall be in a continuous metal conduit system and . . . No. 12 A.W.G. wire shall be the minimum size conductor used. Section 6A. Electrical wiring shall not be installed inside. of •..n........._........=.7. - -• -,--- - buildings until the interior of such 'buildings have been physically protected from the weather. Section 6S. Open wiring on insulators as a wiring method, and wiring ========== supported on cleats, shall not be permitted. Section 6C. Bell ringing transformers must be placed in approved ......___ • -,„---- metal cabinet boxes and made accessible, and fused not to exceed three amperes. This shall mean that transformers may be installed in dis- .-.. . tribution cabinets if desired. -29- Section 7. All sub-feeders installed from the service disconnect or distribution panel to sub-panels shall be installed in an approved continuous metal conduit system. Section S. All buildings hereafter erected for mercantile or com- mercial purpose and all buildings used for public assembly such as, but not limited to, grain elevators, filling stations, refineries, . commercial garages, churches, schools, dormitories, apartments, room' houses© hotels, hospitals, clinics, and residences for more than one family or with a floor space living area of more than two thousand and four hundred (2400) square feet within the Corporate Limits of the City of Wichita Falls, shall have all electric wiring - • for any purpose installed in a complete and continuous metal con- duit system and the minimum conductor size shall be Nom 12 AeS-WOG. Section 9® Wiring in any building moved into the City Limits of Wichita Falls shall be installed in the manner prescribed for its classification as to use or occupancy. Section 10. All residence branch circuit conductors shall be No. 12 A.W.G. and shall be protected by 2C ampere circuit breakers or 20 ampere fuses of the tamper proof type. Larger branch circuit pro- tectors will be allowed only on special appliance circuits using attaching cords equal to branch circuit conductor capacity. Section 10A. Tie-bars used to connect circuit breakers together -30- • shall be of a type designed for and approved for the purpose. Nails, wires, and similar improvisions shall not be used in lieu of approved bars. Section 10B. The total load connected to a branch circuit shall not ra===== exceed &J% of the rated current-carrying capacity of the circuit. Section 10C. All receptacles shall be of the grounding type and shall be grounded according tO,latest edition of National Electric Code. Receptacles of more than 150 volts between conductors or to ground shall be the gounding type and polorized and shall be effective- . ly grounded regardless of location. Section 1AD© Conductors supplying outlets for ranges of other than - the built-in type shall be of sufficient size for the range connected, but in no case shall they be smaller than number 6, for phase wires and number 8, for neutrals. Section 10E. In residential occu. ncies, at lease one -pproved re- ceptacle outlet shall be installed in each twelve (12) feet of wall space or major fraction thereof, after door openings have been de- ducted, in each wall bther than in hallways and outside unenclosed porches; and at least one (1) fixed lighting fixtur or lampholder sh,11 be installed in each kitchen, bathroom, toilet, laundry© pantry, garage, store room, or other room not likely to be lighted with floor 1-mps. -31- Section 10F0 Any electrical appliance rated at six (6) amperes or more shall be supplied by a separate individual circuit Section 10G. In determining the load on the watts-per-square-foot _sae basis for residences, not less than three (3) watts-per-square-foot shall be installed in addition to applince circuits. Section 11. Service heads shall be installed not less than ten (10) feet, six (6) inches, nor more than twenty two (22) feet above the ground and so situated that they shall not be within reach from any porch or stair landings, and if practicable shall afford direct unobstructed space for stringing service drops without the necessity of such drops passing over the property of others than the owner of the property being served. pection 11A. Service drop conductors shall be installed in such a manner that a minimum clearance is maintained of not less than twenty- two (22) feet above public streets eighteen (18) feet above alley , private driveways, and parking lots other than residential driveways; twelve (12) feet above residential driveways and walks; and ten (10) feet above the ground or platform at the point of attachment. Section 11B. Service drops and service drop racks or insulators shall not be secured to the surface of roof tops. Section 11C, Equipment installed out of doDrs shall be approved for -32- . . • the location without the use or need of supplementary sheds, enclosures, or any other improvised or accessory protective coverings. Section_ D. All metal noncurrent-carrying parts and enclosures of electrical equipment shall be grounded if within reach from the ground or from any ground object. A distance of eight (8) feet vertically and five (5) feet horizontally shall be deemed out of reach. Adeft. eeekeee 4 A4.:(Le KeetT;10 666txxci,46-4_, „, jght4/141, cc 771'/ 4K Aa,A) ALtp-v 4. 4%m7(4t27t.L.tot ,e4Axit4 , astiaajItg. The total load connected to a service entrance conductors after approved demand factors have been applied shall not exceed 80% of the rated current-carrying capacity of service entrance conductors. Section 11&ft Buildings, dwellings, and premises shall be wholly and completely wired, equipped, and approved for permanent electrical service before connecting to or being supplied by a source or supply of electricity. Temporary connection to a permanent service installation may be made by proper application to the office of Electrical Inspector. Section 12. Flexible metallic conduit may be used in locations as permitted by the National Electric Code, except as herein restricted. Flexible metallic conduit, 3/8 minimum diameter, will be permitted on new work only in installing door switches and window lighting where rigid iron conduit or steel tube cannot be used practically and will be permitted on old residences or where conduit is not practical. Use of armored cable (OX) is prohibited. -33- . • • Section 13. Not more than six (6) current consuming outlets shall be wired on any one circuit. For self-serving laundries, not more than one outlet per circuit of No 12 wire will be permitted, and each such outlet shall be provided with an individual grounding type receptacle. Section 14- In all residential installations of more than three circuit loads, one three, wire No.12 AWG eae - Circuit shall be run to the attic and terminated in an outlet box made accessible for future use, and a 2 pole circuit space shall be left in the panel. ° These circuits shall be calculated at 9 amps. each In the event that the attic space is not accessible, said future circuits shall be extended underneath the floor and made accessible as stated above. Where ,ttic or underfl or space is not accessible, said future cir , cuits shall be run to an accessible opening approved by the Electrical Inspector. Section 15. Over current devtees shall not be installed in bath room or kitchens and shall be redily accessible. Section 16. All installations of more than two circuits shall have three wire service and all service wires shall be installed in iron conduit or steel tube from the service entrance to service disconnect • switch. Section 17, On lighting for used car lots, and similar usage, steel -34- supporting wire not smaller than No. 10 guage shall be used. At the lowest point said wires shall not be less than twelve (12) feet above the ground, normal pedestrian areas; twelve (12) feet over sidewalks; and eighteen (18) feet over driveways® Not more than twonty (20) outlets per circuit shall he permitted. Section l8® For mobile trailer courts, all service wires and meter loops shall be three wires and shall have three (3) pole solid neutral safety switches with proper fuses. All secondary service from the main bus line to the trailer outlet shall be three wire minimum size No® 4 AM and shall have 60 ampere three (3) pole solid neutral fused safety switches for each trailer® All such wires shall be at least ten feet (10' ) above the ground at the lowest point. Individual trailers© not utilizing trailer court facilities, shall comply with all applicable specifications. Each trailer parking space shall be provided with a 5/8" x 810" minimum ground rod driven full depth in the center of the parking track and shall be securely connected to the trailer during occup,ncy. Section 19 . Mobile home trailer courts shall be wired with weather . proof fittings and equipment. Such equipment shall include for each trailer a 60 ampere, 3-wire switch or a 50 ampere, 3-wire circuit breaker and a receptacle so designed that a weatherproof, raintight grounding type attachment cap of fifty (50) ampere capacity whether three-wire or four-wire, can be inserted into the receptacle. -35- . . Section 200 All Conduits underground shall be in rigid galvanized ===== conduit or approved raceway and EMT shall not be permitted underground. For light and ptiwer, all underground service conduit shall be a minimum size of two inches (2° ) internal diameter . Installation of underground branch circuit cable (Type UF) shall comply with the provisions of Sections 3001 and 3020, inclusive, paragraph "B" of Section 3102, and in addition shall conform with provisions of Section 3392 of the 1962 National Electric Code, as specifically approved. Underground branch circuit cable may be used, including direct burial in the earth, as branch circuit cable when provided with overcurrent protection not in excess of the rated current carrying capacity of the individual conductors. Single conductor cable shall not be installed under any circumstance. The conductor, Type UP cable, with one conductor grounded securely to all metal portiorcof the circuit, may be burled directly in the earth, at the minimum depth of eighteen inches (16") , and shall have a supplementary mechanical protection of a covering board overlapped twelve inchec (12" ) , where abutting, and of a minimum one inch (1" ) thick and six inches (6" ) wide. This type of cable is approved solely for use in residential areas, ee and for residential home use, and is to be exclusively restricted to -36- , . the outside installation of area lighting and general purpose recep- . tacles. This approval is not to be construed to allow the connection of motors or similar type Permanent electrical installations. • This type cable shall not be used (1) as service entrance cable, (2) in commercial garages, (3) in theatres, (4) in motion picture studios, (5) in storage battery rooms, (6) in hoistways, (7) in hazardous locations, (8) embedded in poured cement, concrete, or aggregate, nor (9) in air void in masonry block or tile walls, nor (10) in shallow chases in masonry, concrete or plaster walls, nor (11) in similar types of concealment. Direct burial cable, when not installed in raceways, shall be instal® led in pre-inspected trenches at a minimum depth of eighteen inches (18" ) below the finished grade. If the trench bottom is not of a smooth, even soil, it shall be covered with a two inch (2" ) soil fill to protect the cable against sharp objects. The soil fill adjacent to the covering board shall be free of all foreign or sharp objects. The cable shall be pr Itected, at the point of entry and exit of the tranch, by rigid metal conduit extending to a minimum depth of twelve inches (12" ) below the surface of the finished grade. Section 21. Temporary lighting and power installations on premises which are used for the display of merchandise or for public or private . gatherings shall have all wiring and equipment completed before connect- o37 , . . ion is made to the temporary, service equipment by the electricity •ee supply agency4 All such wiring shall meet clearance requirements and all other requirements of this Ordinance. Section 22. The use of threaded rigid steel conduit is approved for all installations, including embedding in concrete and direct burial in soil. Section 23. The use of thin wall conduit is approved for all Code installations with the express exclusion of embedding in concrete and direct burial in soil. Section 24. The use of aluminum rigid conduit is approved for instal- . lation in all locations that galvanized rigid iron conduit mey be used with the express exclusion of embedding in concrete and direct burial in soil. Section 25 It shall be unlawful for any person to install or use any electrical apparatus, material© appliances, or fixtures for use in connection with wiring of any kind in the corporate limits of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, unless such apparatus, materials, or fixtures meet the requirement of the National Board of Fire Under- , writers and bear the underwriters labels or unless the Board of Ex- . aminers issues a special qualification. -38- , . ARTICLE VII PENALTIES: Any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation violating any of the terms or provisions of thie Ordinance, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not to exceed two hundred dollars ( 200.00) . Each day that any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation shall continue to violate, or fail to comply with a provision of this Ordinance, shall constitute a separite offdanse and be punishable as such Upon conviction of the second violation of the Ordinance by a person, as that term is defined herein, ln addition to a fine, if the offending person holds an occu- pational license from the City of Wichita Falls,, the Board of Elec- . trical Examiners, acting as the Electrical Appeals Baird shall, if it deems necessary or desftable, hold a public he-ring for the purpose of determining whether or not said persons license should be revoked. If the Board of Electricel Examiners then determines that the license should be revoked, it shall thereafter be void and vest no rights for a period of not less than twelve (12) months from the date of the Public hearing. His license may be reinstated only by his success- fully passing another examination and paying the appropriate fee. Upon conviction of a third violation, in addition to the fine, he shall be barred permanently from working as a Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Contractor, Apprentice Electrician or Maintenance Electrician no , within the corporate limits of the City of Wichita Falls. If, for any -39- reason, an .-• rent- ee---E-lectric•ian-DLLs, a Journeyman Electrician s, an Electrical Contractor's or a Maintenance Electricians license is _, revoked, no portion of the license fee will be refunded. ARTICLE VIII DEFINITIONS: National Electric Code: Shall mean the latest current edition of the National Electric Code• as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and approved by the American Standards Association and the National Board of Fire Underwriters. All definitions contained in the National Electric Code are approved and shall be the minimum standard for definitions in Wichita Falls,, Texas. cor�o ate Li.m±ts gar cites Limits: Shall for the purpose and scope of this Ordinance mean the current boundry as defined by the City of Wichita Falls, Texas Secret : Shall mean the current Chief Electrical Inspector who shall be the secretary to the Board of Electrical Examiners. roved: Shall mean the approval of the National Electric Code, the Board of Fire Underwriters, the National Electric Safety Code or the Board of - 40 . . Electrical Examiners of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas. Fire Limits: That part of the city contained within areas of currently d-signated fire hazard zones requiring special precautions® Electrical Contractor Master Electrician) : The term "Electrical Contractor (Master Electrician) " is defined to mean "any individual whose business is the erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing, or maintaining of electrical wiring, devices, appliances or apparatus and holds a valid Electrical Con- - tractor°s (Master Electricians) license with the City of Wichita Falls, Texag." I Journe Electrician: A person holding a valid Journeyman Electrician' s license with the City of Wichita FA..1s0 Texas. Apprentice Electrician: A person engaged as an apprentice, helper or trainee. Maintenance Electrician: A person who holds a valid maintenance Electrician' s license with the City of Wichita Falls, Texas Consumer: One who uses electricity on a premise. Shall mean the duly elected Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita -4l- Falls, Texas assembled in a business meeting or executive sessions Premise: A piece of real estate; a house or building and its land; private or public streets, roadways, parks, alleys, etc. ' Current or currently: Where used in these definitions, the words "current" and "currently" shall mean as of the time of the matter in question. ARTICLE IX SPECIAL CLAUSES Section 1 EXEMPTION: All the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all persons, companies, corporations, firms, associations, and governmental agencies except as specifically exempted by written agreements or franchise with the City of Wichita Falls, Texas. Section 2. WORK IN PROGRESS PRIOR TO ENACTMENT: Work in progress a at the effective date of this Ordinance shall be governed by the elec- trical ordinance in effect at that time . Master Electricians (Elec- trical Contractors) with work in progress at the effective date of this Ordinance shall file a written statement with the Board of Examiners listing all work to be classified under this Section.. Authorization and approval, of such works in progress, to complete same under the previous electrical ordinance shall be issued by the Board of Examiners. A period of thirty (30) days from the effective date of this Ordinance shall be allowed for Master Electricians to submit such written statements of works in progress. Section 3e SPECIAL TIME CONSIDERATION: Article VI , Section 10 & 10C , r f shall b come effective 6 months from the date of adoption of this n ordinance. Section 4. SAVINGS CLAUSES The invalidity of any section, sub- section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, word or words shall not invalidate any other part of this Ordinance. It is the intention of the City Council in enacting this Ordinance that the provisions are separable and no provisions hereof shall become inoperative or fail by reason of the invalidity of any other provision. Section 5. DIRECTIONS TO PUBLISH: This Ordinance 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, Texas, is hereby directed to publish this Ordinance in pamphlet form for general distribution to the public at a nominal fee. Section 6. Ordinances No. 1687 and No. 1844, and all other prior ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall be cited as the 1963 Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls. PASSED AND APPROVED this the /J,/- day of May, 1963. 1 Po 40 � * A , A ley \-to- io J. Gay a` , Mayor ATTEST: / 4116,A) A City Clerk -43- 1. . , ---6-, ---...--.1 I\ 0 .. „... .,....1\ ...4 ... • , S . 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