Ord 1687 3/31/1954 J � A w • r
ORDINj-�!dCE NO.
:id GRDIi`1 hCE PROVIDING .SOP, '2 E rNSTALLATION AND USE OF ZLDCMICAL
E uipI'ZNT IN THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,: TD BE CITED AS THE ELECTRICAL CODE OF
THE C-_'P OF 1LZCHITA FALLS; PROVIDING FOR AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTCR ?MVIDING
DE_TINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN ADVISORY BDARD, LICENSES AND LICENSE FEES, ELEC-
i ZICIANS t�T1D CONTRACTORS BONDS; INSPZCTION A'tID PEU�iIT FEES; DUTIES OF TEE
11\1SPECrM.-S; PROVIDING FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PE11-1ITS; P1',OVIDDZ,G FOR THE USE OF
PKOPJZ 1 ATLa-TAL AND MIAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO USE DEFECTIVE I'IATERIAL; PROVIDING
F0; if-IL SIZE FOR CIRCUITS AND CONDUITS; PROVIDING MIL LIG-ITS INDICATING FIRE
;_CArPf Oi1TLETS; PROVIDING FOR iiETER LOOPS, MIPORI�RY AF1D OUTDOOR '.;I��[JJG; REGU-
L1:.TIi1?G YCKT[JAES; nFOVIDIAG n ]2;!':LTY; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE Ai,'0 !'DOPT !?G
'il u P111.TI(."AL ELEC TRTCAL CODE AND REPE:ILING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HMEWITH.
!3E IT uFZAIINTED BY THE ECAIrD OF ALDM-1EV OF' THE CITY OF -7:CHTTA FAILS TE::AS,
>)ECTION 1. ELECTRICAL TNSTIECTOR: That there is hereby created the
office of Electrical Ins_)ector (City Electrician) and assistant inspectors,
as may be required, who shall be appointed by the City Manager of the City of
-;-Jichita Falls, Texas; such appointees shall be practical and skillful interior
electricians who have had at least five (5) years practical experience as jour-
neyman electricians.
SECTION 2. That all companies, firms, co-partnerships, corporation
or individuals (excepting public telephone, telegraph and messenger call, light
and power companies having a franchise granted by this City who are doing work
on their own properties) who desire to have electrical wiring, fixtures or
apparatus, or electrical work of any kind or description in the corporate
limits of this city, shall before such installation is conaenced make appli-
cation to the City Electrician for a permit to do such work.
SECTION 3. DEFTNITIONS:
(1) The term electrical wiring used is intended to mean the instal-
lation o:i electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, equipment and apparatus, or
the addition of any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, equipment and
apparatus to be used within the corporate limits of Wichita Falls for the
purpose of transmitting the electrical current for light, heat, power house
annunciator systems, electrical bells, telephones, signal systems, private
telephone or telegraph systems, lighting fixtures, or for any purpose of any
kind, nature or description.
(2) Accessible: Not permanently closed in by the structure or
finish of building.
(3) Adjustable Speed Motor: One in which the speed can be varied
over a considerable range.
(4) Approved: Approved by the National Board of Fire Underwriters
and installation acceptable to the electrical department of the 3ity of Wichita
Falls, Texas.
Branch Circuit: That portion of the wiring system that is
fused acid protected by fuses or circuit breakers that are separate from main
line fuses.
(6) aiilding: A structure that stands alone or is cut off from
adjacent structure by unpierced fire walls.
(7) Cabinet: An enclosure designed either for surface or flush
mounting with a frame mat or trim in which swinging doors are hung.
(8) Cable; A stranded conductor or a combination of single con-
ductors.
(9) Connect: To supply with electric current.
(10) Concealed: itendered permanently inaccessible by the structure
>r finish of the building.
(11) Code; National -bard of Fire Underwriters ' rules.
(12) Conductor: A wire or cable suitable for carrying an electrical
current.
(13) Cut Out Poxes: An enclosure having swinging doors or covers
and built of fireproof material.
(14) Disconnect: To sever electrical connections, to cut off power
or lights or source of supply.
(15) Insulated Plant; A private electrical installation driving
energy from its own generator driven by a prime mover.
(16) Outlet: A point in the wiring system at which current is
taken off or a switch is installed to break supply (excepting service switches) ,
(17) Panel Poard: A panel containing busses and fuses with or with-
out switches for the control of circuits and accessible only from front and
constructed of fireproof insulating material.
(18) 1,lualified Person: One familiar with the construction and
operation of tine apparatus and the hazard involved and who has satisfactorily
passed examination of Examining Board.
(19) Service 'Mires: That portion of the supply conductors that
extends from street mains to service or entrance switch.
• (20) Special Permission: -1-dritten consent of City Electrical Depart-
ment of lichita Falls, Texas.
(21) Service: To be served by any public utility or private owned
plant.
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(22) Switch Board: A large single panel on which are mounted on the
face or back or both, switches or fuses, protective devices, instruments for
the control of energy from any source.
(23) ?,;ater Proof: So constructed that moistures will not affect
its operation.
(24) Gauge: Size of wire. All wire sizes are given in the :grown
and Sharpe American Gauge.
SECTION 4. ELECTRICAL f_DVFSOItY OARD, LICENSES Ail-ID LICi 14SE FEE; MQ;
li?SPECYfON A1gD PER1IT FEES:
(1) ADVISGNY BDAFLD: A Board of Advisors is hereby created for
the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, to be known as the Electrical Advisory
Board. The Electrical Board shall consist of five members to be appointed
each year by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
One member of said board shall be the City Electrician.
One member of said board shall be appointed from the personnel
of the Electrical Company furnishing electricity for the City.
One member of said board shall be a licensed Electrical
Contractor.
One member shall be a Journeyman Electrician.
One member shall be an electrical technical man who is not
interested in the problems of electrical contracting in the City
of Wichita Falls, Texas. A technical man, as defined by this
Ordinance, shall mean any person who is thoroughly familiar with
the theory, practice, and application of electricity.
All members shall be residents of the City of �^7ichita 2alls,
Texas.
This Board may be called into session at any time by the City
Electrician or by a majority of the Board, provided that each member must be
given at least twenty-four hours notice in writing. `The members shall serve
without pay.
An appeal may be taken from any ruling, interpretation, require-
ment, or decision made by the Electrical Inspector by the filing of an appli-
cation for a hearing before the Electrical Advisory :bard and the decision of
the Electrical Advisory Board in said hearing shall be final.
Zhis Lbard shall have the power to make its own rules and govern
its own meetings. It shall examine all applications for master or contracting
electricians license to determine if applicants are competent to do electrical
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work in compliance with the electrical Code. This Advisory Board may issue
examination certificates to applicants of known ability without exarination.
The Advisory Board shall settle all disputes arising from decisions of City
Electrical inspector, and in case of dispute interpret the National Electrical
Code rules and rules of City Ordinances governing installation of wires in
Wich__ta Falls, Texas.
Within ninety (90) days after the passage and approval of this
Ordinance, each journeyman electrician now working within the city limits of
Wichita :calls, Texas, shall take and pass the required examination for license
and after such date no person shall be allowed to work as journeyman electri-
cian until he shall have secured the required license or working permit as
hereinafter provided.
The Advisory Board may issue working permits to building main-
tenance electricians for strictly maintenance work after the applicant has
successfully demonstrated his ability by examination. Such permits shall
designate the building or buildings for which the individual is permitted to
work. Mhe T-Tork defined as maintenance is the repair or replacement of switches,
fixtures and minor electrical equipment.
The City Electrician may issue working permits to journeyman
electricians upon submission of evidence of qualifications and the payment of
license examination fee, said working permit to be valid only until the next
regular examination is held by the Electrical Advisory Board.
(2) LICENSES; All persons, firms, individuals, co-partnerships, or
corporations (excepting public telephone, telegraph, and messenger call, light
and power companies having a franchise granted by this City who are doing work
on their own properties) desiring to engage in the business of installing wires,
appliances, apparatus, electrical equipment, electrical signs, and fixtures for
a profit as a master or contracting electrician shall, before doing such work,
pass an examination by the Advisory Board, make an ac.1 table the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, and take ou a icen . The license shall
e ssue the i y er an ze ee therefor shall be Two— izndred (r`200.00)
Dol arl s payahle in advance. Said license shall be renewable at a fee of One
Hundred ('?100.00) Dollars per annum payable to the City Clerk in advance. Any
license granted hereunder may be revoked at any time, without notice or hearing
on td:e part of the licensee, for the violation of any provision of this Ordi-
nance and without refunding any portion of the license fee paid. All present
and future licenses shall expire December 31, 1954, and each .December 31, annual-
ly thereafter. Provided however, that on the payment of an initial license fee
• of $200.00 the licensee may surrender his license after June 30 of any year and
the City Clerk shall refund him the unearned pro-rata of the fee paid, not to
exceed "100.00, thereafter, if such person applies for another license he shall
• nay the initial fee of $200.00. All present licenses are to continue through
the current year without any further changes, and under their present bonds.
All present licenses will be renewed at a fee of ;;,100.00. New applicants for
licenses shall comply with this Ordinance, beginning with the effective date
of same. The license shall be issued by the City Clerk and the fee therefor
shall be �200.00; payable in advance. Said license shall be renewed at $$100.00
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per arinum, and may be revoked at any time by the order of the Mayor and the
]bard of Aldermen for the violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance.
The offending person, pEr sons, firms or corporations shall be prohibited :From
engaging in such work in the corporate limits of the City for a period of one
(1) year. :,11 licenses shall expire December 31 of the year of issuance and
no license s:_all be issued for any more than one (1) year.
The application for license, before same is issued, s:_all be
made to the City Electrician, and he shall countersign the application before
a license is issued 1y the City Clerk, and in no case s,,-all a license be
issued to a minor.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation hold-
ing a license to transfer same or to allow the use of same directly or indirect-
ly by any other person for the purpose of obtaining a permit to do any of the
electrical work herein specified.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to prevent an owner
from doing electrical work himself on his own property so lonZ as he complies
with all the other provi;;ions of this ordinance. This exception shall be con-
strued to mean an individual owner (not a firm, co-partnership or corporation)
who actually does the labor himself and employs no assistance.
All electrical contractors, firms, or corporations shall file
with the City Electrician their correct addresses, telephone numbers, and any
change in address shall be immediately filed with the City Electrician.
'vJhere the holder of a license changes the firm name, or where
additional members are taken into firms, or where a firm is incorporated, a
notice of such change should be forwarded to the City Electrician, otherwise
the license may be revoked because of its questionable ownership.
(3) DNDS: A Surety 3ond executed by a corporate surety company
licensed to do business in the State of Texas shall be furnished in the amount
of Two Thousand (�321000) Dollars by each licensee hereunder. Such bonds shall
be renewed each year on January 1 to insure faithful performance of all the
provisions of this Ordinance, and shall protect the individual hiring or con-
tracting with the licensee against loss or damage from violation of this
Ordinance.
(4) INSPECTION FEES: The :Fees to be cizarged for inspection of any
electrical work within the corporate limits of the City of Nichita Falls, Texas,
shall be as herein stated. The fees shall be paid in the office of the Director
of Public Works.
(a) Fees for the first six (6) openings shall be One (O"i.00)
Dollar (all except entrance switches shall be courted as openings). Fifteen
(150) cents each for the next fourteen (14) openirg s. Ten (100) cents each
for all openings over the first twenty (20) in nur,ber. ',there fixtures, drop
lights, switches, or hoL plugs on either open or concealed work are installed
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by another than the original contractor, inspection fees of ten (100) cents
each shall be charged for all such fixtures, etc.
(b) Fees for the hanging of ceiling fans shall be One
Dollar for the first three, and fees for all fans over and above three shall
be fifteen (150) cents each. No inspection fee or inspection will be required
•, for cleaning or repairing ceiling fans if they are removed and rehung to the
original supports.
(c) Fees for the inspection of motors shall be as follows;
Up to 1/8 i.P. - - - - - - - - - - - - - y0.25 each
1/6H.P. tot/31 .P. - - - - - - - - _ _ .50eL.ch
1/2 H.P. and less than 1 H.P.- - - - - - .75 each
1 H.P. and less than 2 H.P. - - - - - - 1.00 each
gel. P. and less tnan5 H.P. - - - - - - 1.50each
5 H.P. and less than. 10 H.P, - - - - - - 2.00 each
10 H.P. and less than 15 H.P. - - - - - _ 2.50 each
15 HT.P. and less than 25 H.�. - - - - - - 3.00 each
25 H.2. and less t1,:an 50 H.P. - - - - - - 4.00 each
50H.P. and over - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5.00 each
(d) Fees for tie inspection of generators shall be as follows;
1 K.U% and less than 3 K.W. - - - - - - -"}1.50 each
3 K.i i. and less than 5 K.W- - - - - - - _ 2.00 each
5 K.T,11. and less than 10 K.W.- - - - - - - 2.50 each
10L.1, -,nd less than 15l�.Tid. - - - - - - 3.00 each
15 K.1 and less than 25 K.W. - - - - - - 3.50 each
25K.ivd. and over - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4.00 each
These fees shall include inspection of switch boards and
control apparatus. Motor generator sets shall be considered as motors only
up to 10 K.W. For more than 10 K.W. inspection tees for generators shall apply
to the generator also.
Inspection fees for the inspection of portable generating
units which are used as sources of power and lighting for places of entertain-
ment, public gatherings, etc., shall be as outlined in the preceding paragraphs.
(e) Fees for the inspection of an electrically illuminated sign
or billboard shall be One (4:P")_,00) Dollar per circuit for each sign or billboard.
Fees of One (`;1.00) Dollar shall be charged for each motor flasher used on a
sign or billborrd.
(f) For inspection of apparatus for which no fee is prescribed,
or otherwise provided, a charge of Four ($4.00) Dollars per hour shall be made
for the time required to do the work. A minimum fee of Four (w4.00) Dollars
will be charged.
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r
(g) Whenever any work is inspected and found defective and
second inspection is necessary, a charge of One ($1.00) Dollar will be made.
Where an addition or extension is made to any electrical
installation or any change is made therein that was not covered by the original
permit, then permit must be obtained for such change or extension.
i
(h) Fees for inspecting temporary decorative electrical wiring
systems within the city limits of the City of Wichita Falls shall be One ("'1.00)
Jollar for the first circuit and ten (100) cents for each additional circuit.
(i) In case an incorrect address is given in the application
for permit, or inspection order, a charge of One ($1.00) Dollar will be made
to cover the cost of a second trip to the correct address.
(j) A minimum fee of Two (52.00) Dollars w-11 be charged for
the inspection of old wiring in any building within the City of ?-,ichita Falls
which may be considered unsafe.
(k) For inspection of wiring at carnivals and places of similar
nature; a fee of One (w1.00) Dollar per concession will be charged for inspec-
tion of wiring.
(1) For inspection of electric ranges and electric heating
appliances, inspection fees shall be as follows;
Less than 1500 !Jatts - - - - - - - - P`1.00 each
1500 Watts and less than 2500 Watts- 1.50 each
2500 Watts and over - - - - - - - - 2.00 each
(m) For installation on which the owner, in addition to the
master meter loop, desires other meter loops for metering individual usage
of electricity, all such additional meter lopps shall be inspected for a fee
of twenty-five (250) cents each.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF INS-ECTORS. Upon the completion and -receipt
of final inspection papers covering work upon which a permit has been issued,
the Electrical Inspectors Department shall make final inspection and if found
to comply with this Ordinance a certificate of inspection shall be issued
stating that the work has been done according to the provisions of this
Crdinance and the rules governing the respective class to which it belongs.
(1) Whenever an addition is made to old work which does not conform
to the rules as prescribed in this Ordinance, the Electrical inspector shall
issue a statement that the new work complies with the rules but that clearance
cannot be issued because of the old work not being in a safe condition.
(2) The Electrical Inspector is herein given authority to refuse
pennit on an addition to old work where the old work is in an unsafe condition,
until such a condition is changed to come up to a satisfactory condition. And
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all light, heat and power companies shall be notified not to make service
connections until they receive clearance or written permission from the City
Electrical Department.
• (3) Upon the application of any individual, and the payment of
inspection fee, the Electrical Inspector shall inspect old wiring or electrical.
• . work in any building in the corporate limits of t;iis City. If the wiring or
work is not safe, a statement of the changes necessary to .make it conform to
these regulations shall be issued.
(4) The Electrical Inspector is hereby granted authority to inspect
and re-inspect all overhead, underground, and interior wires and apparatus
conducting current for light, heat and power, and when said apparatus is found
to be in a condition dangerous to life or property, he shall notify the owner
thereof to replace them in a safe condition within 48 hours, or be subject to
the penalties hereinafter provided. (Excepting cases where more than 48 hours
are required to do such work. ) tiThenever it shall become necessary, the Elec-
trical inspector shall -call upon the Department of Police and it shall be their
duty to assist in the enforcement of provisions of this Ordinance.
(5) It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to inspect all
public and isolated light plants now or hereinafter in operation, at least
once in each year, or more often if application is made by the owners thereof.
They shall see that any dangerous or defective machinery, wires, or apparatus
are removed or repaired immediately at the expense of owner or agent of said
property.
(6) It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to cause all
dead wires, unused poles or electric apparatus on the outside of buildings or
in streets or alleys to be removed at the expense of the owners thereof by
giving the said owners written notice.
(7) The Electrical Inspector shall make a thorough inspection of all
lines of all companies owning wires in the corporate limits of this City, at
least once each year, and where such lines are defective and dangerous to life
and property, shall notify company owning same to repair the defective material
at once, a?id anvr company refusing or failing to make such repairs within 48
hours after notification shall be subject to the penalties of this Ordinance.
(8) The City Electrical Inspector may be called upon as many times
as required to inspect new build_ngs in the course of construction and must
inspect such work within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the notice is
received, time to start from time stamped on the ticket applying for inspec-
tion, Sundays and Holidays excepted. Before rough-in inspections are ordered, �
all partitions shall be in place.
(9) The Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to demand
building contractors to open such work that in any manner conceals electrical
wiring that has-been closed without his knowledge or permission and in no case
shall inspector issue a clearance until he is satisfied that this work is in
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accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. Inspector shall also have
the right to refuse to issue a clearance on any wiring that is concealed in
such a manner that he cannot fully satisfy himself that it has been done in
accordance herewith.
SECTION 6. DITTIES OF JTRIP?G CONMRACTO' S: All persons desiring to
engage in the business of installing electrical wires or apparatus must take
out license, make surety bond (as herein before provided), take out permits
and pay inspection fees covering such work before coimnencing work of any kind.
(1) No person not employed by a licensed electrical contractor
shall be permitted to engage in the business of installing electrical wiring,
other than a property owner doing work himself on his own property, and if
found guilty, shall be fined according to penalties of this Chapter.
(2) Electrical wiring contractors shall turn into the City
Electrical Inspector all additions to old work or new work for inspection
immediately upon completion of work. If necessary, an inspection must be
turned in on work that is under construction before completion in order not
to delay the construction, and when finished must have a final inspection.
In order for a final clearance to be issued, all work must be completed, ,i.e.
fixtures all hung and switches and plates all on. Contractors, upon request,
shall submit plans to the Electrical inspector's Department before the permits
will be issued.
(3,) electrical contractors must, in all cases, give correct
addresses upon all applications for permits and inspections, and Trherever an
incorrect address may be given a charge of _„s1.00 will be made to cover cost
of second trip to correct address.
(4) Correct numbers, for houses may be obtained from the
City Engineer, and in all cases his maps giving street names and house numbers
shall be considered as correct.
(5) Wiring contractors must connect up all switches and recep-
tacles installed by him, also solder and tape all joints and fixtures and cor-
rect any defect that he may be notified of by inspectorns Department within
time limit specified. Permits for the installation of fixtures and not taken
out in on-final permit must be taken out by party hanging them, and separate
inspection fees paid.
(6) !�_iring contractors must wire new buildings while being con-
structed and not loom the switch legs down, except by special permission of
the electrical inspector. No Company, or individual, firm, or corporation,
shall permit pieces of wire to :De left on the surface or alleys or dead ends
to dangle from poles or buildings or in any manner leave old or new wire in
a cona'ition that is dangerous to life or property.
SECTION 7. TE1,1PUi,,IRY HOOK UPS: When for good and sufficient cause
it becomes necessary to have electricity on any installation before final
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clearance is issued, the Electrical inspector may, if all parts to which
current is applied are in a safe and satisfactory condition, issue a temporary
clearance, provided further that a temporary service is installed satisfactory
to Electrical Inspector, and electric company must not make connection to per-
manent service until after permanent clearance is issued. Temporary clearance
ill automatically lapse at the expiration of 30 days, and must be renewed,
• , if necessary.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any owner, contractor or workman
in any manner to interfere with any electric wiring being installed in or on
any building. If in course of construction of building, the wiring is in such
a position as to interfere with its erection or completion, as called for by
plans., notice shall immediately be given the person installing the wiring, and
the needed change shall be made by such person. On inspecting the electrical
wiring of any building, the Electrical Inspector shall leave a tag or notice
attached to service. This notice shall state clearly whether the wiring is
approved or is to be kept open for correction, and if wiring is to be kept
open for further inspection, no person shall lathe, ceil or in any manner
conceal any wiring until they are informed that such wiring has been approved
by the Electrical Inspector. The general contractor or owner shall be held
responsible for any violation of this section.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any Puolic Service serving the City
of Wichita Falls to hook up to any new building, tent, outdoor wiring of any
nature, kind, or description, without first obtaining a clearance from the
Electrical Inspector 's Department. Whenever service is discontinued to any
public or mercantile building in the city limits for any cause Ahatever (except-
ing non-payment of bill) a clearance will be necessary before reconnecting.
This shall mean any time a public or mercantile building is vacated the Electri-
cal Inspector must satisfy himself that there has not been any additions made
to wiring of such builoLanj that might create a fire hazard by the overloading
of circuits. There will ESe no charge made for clearance covering such build-
ings and clearance will be issued as often as necessary.
(3) The Electrical Inspector shall inspect and reinspect the
wiring of all public and mercantile buildings at least twice each year and
at not less than six months intervals and shall notify in writing the owner
and occupant of such building to repair such defects as may be found and any
;person, 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.
(4) The Electrical inspector is herein given authopity to in-
spect and re-inspect all old house electrical wiring and when said electrical
wiring is found to be in a condition dangerous to life and property, he shall
notify the owner thereof at once to replace all electrical wiring in a safe
condition and at the same time have a current cut-off until same is repaired,
and placed in a safe condition.
SECTION 8: UNLAI!FUL TO USE DEFECTIVE ilATERIAL: It shall be unlawful
for any person to use or install any electrical apparatus, material, appliances,
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or fixtures f'or 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 requirements of the National Eoard of Fire Underwriters
and bear their label.
SECTION 9. INSTALU,;'iMNS: 1,4-iring for light, heat or poser in all
buildings hereafter erected, and all additions to existing buildings in the
fire limits of the City of ti7ichita Falls, Texas, shall be installed in a rigid
iron conduit, steel tube, or metal molding system where allowed. All changes
or additions to wiring used for light, heat or power within the fire limits
of the City of Wichita Falls shall be in rigid conduit, steel tube or metal
molding.
All buildings hereafter erected for mercantile purposes, churches,
schools, rooming houses, commercial garages, hotels, hospitals, dormitories,
apartment houses which consist of more than two apartments, factories, grain
elevators, filling stations, refineries, all buildings to be used for public
assembly, and two or more story residences or two story garage apartments within
the corporate limits of the City of jichita Falls, shall have all wiring for
light, heat, and power installed in complete conduit or metal molding systems.
In all buildings other than those listed in the above paragraph,
wiring may be done by the method known as knob and tube or by the use of non-
metallic sheathed cable. Non-metallic sheathed cable shall not be used in
any location prohibited by the ;National Electrical Code.
All conduits installed in concrete slabs shall be rigid conduit
and h-i no case shall thin wall conduit be used.
All wiring shall be installed in the manner prescribed by the
National Electrical Code. For the installation of either knob and tube or
non-metallic sheathed cable, the service wiring shall be installed as pre-
scribed in Section 9(8) of this Ordinance.
Wiring in any building moved into the city limits of .ichita
;,ails shall be installed in the manner prescribed for its classification as
to use or occupancy.
On new construction, where a telephone outlet is shown on the
plans, or if upon inquiry the owner expects to install. a telephone, then shall
a conduit (with a fish line left in said conduit) be installed from the tele-
phone location to the outside point where the telephone service would enter
the building. Each telephone outlet shall be considered as an electrical
opening for the purpose of fixing inspection fees.
The manner of installation and the location of metering equipment
shall conform to the published requirements of the electricity supply agency.
(1) All power wiring shall include all necessary wiring for
electric motors, rectifiers, generators, electric heating and all electrical
apparatus other than lighting and signaling equipment, and shall be in rigid
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iron conduit. rIll switches Controlling metors or lights other than those
;:counted cn switcnjoards shall be what is known as safety type externally oper-
ated indicating the on or off position.
(2) Flexible metallic conduit will be permitted on new work on
installing door switches and window lighting where regid iron conduit or steel
• tube cannot be used, and will be permitted on old residences or vinere conduit is
not practical. Flexible metallic conduit may be used in other locations as
permitted by the National Electric Code, except as herein restricted. It must
not be used in cement, plaster, or brick walls or where exposed to moisture.
(3) Metal moulding can only be used on exposed work in compliance
with the National Code of Fire Underwriters Rules.
(4) .Bell ringing transformers must be placed in approved metal
cabinet boxes, and fused not to exceed three amperes. This shall mean that
transformers may be installed in distribution cabinets if desired.
(5) All current consuming openings installed on nain ceiling of store
buildings for general illumination shall be made of 660 watts capacity and in
no case will more than two such openings be permitted on one circuit of No. 14
wire. Circuits and outlets must be tagged so as to identify the:i.
Where general illumination in stores, warehouses, store rooms,
offices and places of public assembly is provided by means of fluorescent
lighting fixtures exclusively the number of openings per circuit may be in-
creased 100 per cent over the limit stated acove, provided that the load does
not exceed 1320 watts per circuit of iio. 14 wire. In the event that larger
sized wire is used in these circuits, the number of openings per circuit may
be increased in the ratio of the amperage capacity of the larger wire to that
of No. 14 wire.
In residential wiring, six outlets per circuit of No. 14 wire
will be permitted. For ceiling fans, six outlets only will be permitted on
a circuit of No. 14 wire, Kitchen circuits shall be No. 12 wire on all
kitchens wired for utility outlets. Hot plugs outlets for work benches shall
be limited to four openings per circuit of No. 12 wire. For self-serving
laundries, not more than three outlets per circuit of D?o. 12 wire will be
permitted, and each such outlet shall be provided with an individual toggle
switch.
In all residential installations of more than three circuit
loads, one three wire No. 12 B & S Gauge non-metallic sheathed cable shall
be run to the attic and terminate in an outlet box made accessible for future
use. 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.
Before the installation of any electrical appliance, electrical
device, or air conditioner, consuming more than 1320 watts, the oimer, agent,
or electrical contractor shall have the house wiring inspected to determine
that each existing electric circuit and service is adequate to accorlunodate the
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additional load. Should the circuit or service be overloaded, adequate new
circuits shall be provided before the appliance, device or air conditioning
is connected thereto. All air conditioners, and the installation th reof,
shall be inspected and be subject to the fees specified in Section 4 (4) (c)
of this Ordinance.
(6) All conduits must be secured to boxes, junction boxes or cabinets
by placing approved lock nuts on outside of box and lock nuts and bushings in-
side of boxes.
(7) All bath room, kitchen, basement, and private garage ceiling
fixtures must be controlled by wall switches. All kitchen, bath room, basement
and private garage bracket fixtures, must be of non-conducting material and be
controlled by wall switches or use of grounded fixtures at direction of Inspec-
tion. "lis section does not include living rooms over or in private garages,
excepting that rules applying to bath rooms and kitchens shall apply.
(8) All installations of more than two circuits shall have three
wire service and residence type panel board; and all installations of more
than ten circuits shall have standard approved panel boards enclosed in stand-
ard approved steel cabinets. No service wires shall be smaller than No. 8 B &_ S
Gauge., and all service wires shall be installed in iron conduit, or steel tube,
from the service entrance to the panel or cabinet.
(9) Where it is necessary to install sub-feeders from main cabinet
to distributing panels only one pair of sub-feeders will be permitted in any
one pipe. Exit lights will be required in all apartments and hotel buildings
more than two stories high, and must be connected to house rieter.
(10) All lights indicating fire escape exits shall be red lights with
the words "fire escape exit' clearly lettered.
(11) All conduits in ice boxes, refrigerator plants, and in underground
work shall be rigid galvanized conduit or approved duct. The wiring used in
such conduits may be lead covered or of a type approved by the National Board
of Fire Underwriters for this type of installet ion.
For light and power, all underground service conduit shall be a
minimum size of one and one-half (12) inches internal diameter. No underground
conduit shall be smaller than three-fourths (3/4) inches internal diameter.
(12) All ceiling outlet boxes must be equipped with standard fixture
studs. Fixture studs must also be securely fastened with stove bolts and not
less than four bolts to the stud will be accepted or an approved boltless stud.
(13) Ground conductors must be grounded on the house side of meters
to a good-ground. (Plumbing vent pipes or gas pipes will not be considered as
ground). The size of ground conductors shall be as shown b;; the following
table:
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Grounding
Nominal Grounding
of Conductor
Size of Service Copper "Tominal Dia.
service Cable T.Are of Conduit
Conduit Conductors (No. ) or Pipe (inch)
3/4 - 1 inch No. 2 or 8 1/2
smaller
1 1/4 - 1 1/2 No. 1 or 0 6 1/2
2 00 or 000 4 3/4
2 1/2 300,000 C.M. 2 3//4
3 5003000 C.M. 0 1
3 1/2 - 4 - - - - 00 1
Above 4 - - - - 000 1
(14) No wire smaller than No. 12 B & S Gauge will be permitted in
commercial and industrial buildings except for remote control purposes.
For domestic and commercial display purposes, eight single out-
lets will be permitted on one circuit of No. 12 B & S Gauge 'dire.
(15) On lighting for used car lots, and similar usage, no wire smaller
than No. 12 B & S Gauge may be used. If the maximum distance exceeds fifty
(50) feet, Yo. 8 B & S Gauge wire shall be used and not more than twenty (20)
sockets per streamer will be permitted. At the lowest point said wires shall
be not less than eight (8) feet above the ground.
For trailer courts, all service wires and meter loops shall be
tdnree wire and shall have two (2) pole safety switches with proper fuses.
All secondary services from the main buss line to the trailer shall be three
wire No. 8 B & S Gauge and shall have 30 ampere three (3) pole solid neutral
fused safety switches for each trailer. All such wires shall be at least eight
(8) feet above the ground at the lowest point.
A single trailer unit may be served by a temporary meter loop
or be connected to the permanent house wiring of a building on the same lot.
If connected to the permanent house wiring, a separate circuit of iT . 12 B of S
Gauge wire shall be provided.
On temporary meter loops, the bottom of the main lire switch
shall be not less than six (6) feet above the ground and service wires not
less than eight (8) feet above the ground.
(16) In places of amusement, beer parlors, cafes, and commerce, all
-- 14 -
electrical appliances, displays, and current consuming d^vices shall not be
1,pcated at a grc_;t-er distance than six (6) feet from the electrical outlet
3•;2...W.., <7 -1. such devices, and not more than two (2) such devices shall be
attached -uo one electrical outlet.
S.SCT!_0,.1 10. INTERIOR CONDUITS: No conduit smaller than 1/2 inch
elec',,-ical trade size may be used, interior conduit must be continuous from
outlet, or from junction boxes or cabinets to outlets. Conduit must properly
enter and be secured to all fittings, and entire system must be mechanically
securd in position with pipe straps (nails will not be permitted as a sub-
stitute for pipe straps) and permanently and electrically grounded.
(1) Conduit must be installed as a complete system before wires are
installed. Conduit must be equipped at every outlet with an approved outlet
box. In complete installations the box must be covered by an approved cover.
(2.) For concealed work in walls and ceilings composed of plaster
of woodan joints or stud constructions, outlet boxes and cutout cabinets must
bo installr.c. so that front edge will not be more than 1/4 inch back of finift*d
surface of '-•ho plaster.
(3) In wood walls and ceilings, outlet boxes and cabinet boxes must
be installed so that front edge will either be flush with the fini.9hed surface
or project therefrom. All conduit systems must be electrically grounded.
Junction boxes must be placed in accessible positions.
(4) Tn extra hazardous locations where e.l.posed to inflammable gases
all wiring riiust be done with explosion and vapor proof fittings.
SECTION 11. R''_Y.'GE INSTALLATTGNSi All electric ranges and heating
devices may be wired in rigid iron conduit or in an approved entrance or non-
metallic sh: zti, c cr.bler p-Dvided that where such entrance for non-metallic
sheathed cible is u-ed, c_),iduit shall be used to p-,--)tect the cable from weather
or mechanical Injury. ,'O.l wiling for ranges shall be No. 6 B &S Gauge or larger.
(1) <11 entrance switches must be enclosed in iron box and externally
operated with box c: osed.
SECTION 12. r XTURES: All joints required in attaching lighting
fixtures and ceiling fares to circuits may be made with approved solderless
fixture connectors.
SECTT_GN 13. M,FORURY D COTDCOR, T,-tRTNGv T.liring for temporary
service such as oFc.i air and tent exhibitions must be done in such a way that
the inspect_on can swcisfy itself that wiring is safe from fire
hazards and for- pubic safety.
(1) In organizations carrying their own electricians inspections
shall 'De made upon app,icaticn.
- is -
(2) Wiring for Lawn parties must be done in a safe manner and not
1,00k4 on to house circuits that are already loaded thereby creating a fire
hazard.
` (3) Extra inspection; .here extra inspections are :Wade for any of
c
the folio dng reasons a charge of �11.00 will be made. On account of incorrect
information, wrong address, or faulty construction, or job not ready for in-
spection or failure to make repairs.
SECTION 14. To determine the size of feeders for more than one motor;
take -the maximum starting fuse for the largest motor and the maximum running
fuse of all other motors and this total amperage is the size of th.e load
necessary to be used, except for motors of automatic starting, then the wiring
Lyast be of a size to carry the combined amperage of the maximum starting fuse
of all motors automatically started.
To determine the size of conductors, or combination of conductors
grounding conductors and sizes of conduit required, reference shall be made to
the requirements of the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.
SECTION 15. PENALTY: Any person, firm or corporation violating any
of the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and
upon conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not to exceed Two Hundred
(6)200.00) Dollars.
SECTION 16. In the event any section or sections of -tiis Code are
held invalid by the Courts of this State, such decisions shall not affect the
remaining sections thereof.
SECTION 17. STANDAPM AUTHORITY: In the event that vaording or in-
tention of any section of this Code is not clear, or this code is silent, then
the rules and requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for the
installation of electrical wiring and apparatus known as the "National Electric
Code" shall be used and the City Electrician is hereby instructed to refer
thereto.
SECTION 18. This Ordinance shall supersede all prior ordinances affect-
ing the subject matter hereof and sha11 be cited as the Electrical Code of the
City of Wichita Falls.
PA,SSED i01D A?PROVED This day of
L
Piayor
A I TE:;`l:
City Clerk
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