O-90-2509 - 10/11/1990ORDINANCE NO. C30 9
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3.900, ELECTRICAL
CODE, CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF ROUND ROCK, ADOPTING A NEW
CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3.900, ELECTRICAL CODE; ADOPTING AND
AMENDING THE 1990 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE; ESTABLISHING AN
ELECTRICAL EXAMINING AND ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING
REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ELECTRICAL LICENSE
EXAMINATIONS, FEES, ELECTRICIANS LICENSES AND PERMITS;
PROVIDING PENALTIES AND APPEALS; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS THAT:
I.
Chapter 3, Section 3.900, Electrical Code, Code of Ordinances,
City of Round Rock is hereby repealed and the following adopted in its
place:
SECTION 3.900: ELECTRICAL CODE
3.901. GENERAL
(1) Title
The title of this section shall be the "Round Rock
Electrical Code," and may be cited as such and it will be
referred to in this section as "this Code."
(2) National Electrical Code, NFPA 70
The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 1990 Edition
(hereinafter referred to as "NEC"), as amended herein, is
hereby adopted as part of this Code to the same effect as if
it were copied verbatim herein and shall be in effect except
as it may be in conflict with the provisions of this Code.
(3) Scope
This Code shall govern all installations of electrical
conductors, raceway fittings, and/or equipment hereafter
made, and all existing installations which are altered, or
for which the use has changed. Repair and maintenance work
shall be such that if any electrical conductor, raceway
fittings, and/or equipment is removed and later replaced,
same shall be replaced in accordance with the provisions of
this Code.
TCELECTRIC.COD
(4) Responsibility for Safe Work
This Code shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the
responsibility or liability of any person owning, operating,
or installing electrical conductor devices, appliances,
fixtures, apparatus, motors or equipment, for damages to
persons or buildings caused by any defect therein nor shall
the City be held liable for any damages by reason of
enforcement or nonenforcement of this Code.
(5) Purpose
(a) To safeguard persons and property from electrical
hazards; and
(b) To establish licensing, permit and inspection
procedures to assure quality electrical work. To
accomplish this, the requirements set forth herein are
intended to be minimum standards for electrical work.
(6) Unlawful Acts Prohibited
It shall be unlawful for any person, as owner, agent,
lessee, renter or otherwise to violate, disobey, refuse to
comply with, resist or oppose the execution of this Code.
It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy or maintain
any building or structure in which the electrical work,
wiring or appliances are in violation of this Code.
Any person who commits any acts declared to be unlawful, or
fails to perform an act required by this Code, shall be
subject to any and all penalties as provided herein. Any
electrical installations erected or altered in violation of
this Code shall be summarily condemned and removed at the
expense of the person erecting or altering or allowing the
same.
(7) Amendments to the National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition
(a) Article 210-8(a), National Electrical Code, 1990
Edition, is hereby amended by adding subparagraph (7)
which shall read as follows:
(7) All receptacles protected by one (1) or more
ground -fault circuit interupter devices shall be
identified.
(b) Article 220, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by deleting Section 22 and substituting
the following:
2.
220-22. Neutral Conductor
Neutral conductors shall be of the same ampacity as the
largest ungrounded conductor.
(c) Article 230, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by deleting Section 2 and substituting
the following:
230-2. Services
(a) Single Occupancy; Less Than 1000 Amps
If a building is to house only one occupant then
a single current limiting service disconnect
shall be installed outside the building.
(b) Single Occupancy; 1000 Amps or More
If a building is to house only one occupant, has
a total service entrance capacity of 1000 amps or
more, and arrangements have been made with the
power supplier for the installation of a three-
phase padmounted transformer, then multiple
service current limiting disconnecting means may
be installed, with special permission from the
Electrical Board, at one location outside the
building, up to a maximum number of six (6).
Furthermore, the service disconnecting means may
be installed inside the building on the ground
floor. In this case, the disconnects shall be
located no more than twenty-four (24) inches from
the point of the Service Conductors, direct
access shall be provided within ten (10) feet of
the disconnects from outside the building, and
doors leading to the disconnects shall be secured
by only a padlock and hasp. Persons wishing to
invoke this exception must appear before the
Board to defend their purposes for doing so.
(c) Multiple Occupancies
If a building is to house more than one occupant,
each one being individually metered through a
separate set of service conductors, then each
separate occupant space shall have a single
separate current limiting service disconnecting
means outside the building. Each disconnect is to
be housed in its own enclosure, with its own
independent handle outside of its enclosure.
Each meter shall be considered as a separate
occupant.
3.
(d) Article 230-71, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition,
is hereby amended by deleting paragraph (a) and
substituting the following:
(a) General -Maximum Number of Disconnects
(Six Hand Rule)
The service disconnecting means for each building
permitted by Section 230-2 as amended herein
shall consist of not more than six (6)
disconnecting means. If there are to be more
than six (6) occupants in a building, provisions
must be made not to exceed six (6) disconnecting
means outside that building in order that the
building may be completely de -energized in six
(6) throws or less. In buildings planned to
house more than six (6) occupants, this rule
shall be adhered to by installing a single
service disconnect on the source side of the
multiple meters. (Note: Speculative buildings
built to house an unknown number of occupants
will be considered as being planned to house more
than six.)
(e) Article 240-24, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition,
is hereby amended by adding paragraph (e) which shall
read as follows:
(e) Location of Panel Boards or Overcurrent Devices
Panel boards or overcurrent devices shall not be
located in bathrooms or within six (6) feet of
sinks, lavatories or similar fixtures. Panel
boards will have the following minimum
clearances: Six (6) feet three (3) inches of
headroom; three (3) feet of walk-up clearance and
thirty (30) inches minimum horizontal clearance
with a minimum of six (6) inches on each side of
enclosure.
(f) Article 300, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by adding Section 23 which shall read as
follows:
300-23. Special Safety Measures
(a) Except upon written permission of the building
official, no electrical conductor of any nature
shall be installed nearer than three (3) inches
to any metal pipe or duct which could operate at
temperature in excess of one hundred twenty (120)
degrees fahrenheit.
4.
(b) Thermostat, low voltage control wiring and
communications cables in dwellings shall be
protected from mechanical damage and shall
maintain two (2) inches clearance from all other
wiring and pipes. Thermostat, low voltage
control wiring and communications cables shall be
well strapped or supported with insulated staples
or supports not to exceed four (4) feet spacing.
(g) Article 348, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by adding Section (3) which shall read
as follows:
348-1-(3) Electrical Metal Tubing
Electrical metallic tubing shall not be permitted for
direct burial in earth or installed in or under
concrete on grade or below grade.
(h) Article 300-4, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition,
is hereby amended by deleting subparagraph (d) thereof.
(i) Article 424-19, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition,
is hereby amended by deleting the first sentence and
substituting the following:
424-19 Disconnecting Means
An approved disconnecting means shall be required on
all fixed electric space heating equipment, the
disconnecting means shall be mounted adjacent to (not
a part of) the equipment, and within sight. Where
heating equipment is supplied by more than one source;
the disconnecting means shall be grouped and
identified.
(j) Article 604, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by adding Section 8 which shall read as
follows:
604-8 Color Code (Manufactured Wiring Systems)
All manufactured wiring systems shall be color coded
according to Subsection 3.910(6)(d) of the City of
Round Rock Electrical Code.
(k) Article 605, National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, is
hereby amended by adding Section 9 which shall read as
follows:
605-9 Color Code (Office Furnishing Partition Systems)
5.
All office furnishing partition systems shall have
their internal wiring systems color coded according to
Subsection 3.910(6)(d) of the City of Round Rock
Electrical Code.
3.902. DEFINITIONS
Terms used in this Code are defined as follows:
(1) Active Master Electrician
A licensed master electrician under the provisions of this
Code who is currently in good standing status.
(2) Apprentice Electrician
A person who is learning the trade of an electrician, works
under the direct supervision of a licensed master or
journeyman electrician and who is licensed as an apprentice
as provided in this Code.
(3) Board
The Electrical Examining & Advisory Board of the City of
Round Rock as appointed by the city council pursuant to
subsection 3.903(3).
(4) Building
A structure which stands alone or which is cut off from
adjoining structures and/or occupancies by one (1) or more
fire walls.
(5) Chief Electrical Inspector
That employee of the city appointed by the city manager to
carry out the duties and responsibilities of this Code.
(6) City
The City of Round Rock, Texas.
(7) Electrical Work
Any act in connection with the installing, altering, or
repairing of electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, or other
electrical installation, designed or capable of carrying
electrical energy, which act ordinarily requires the use of
tools.
6.
(8) Fire Wall
A four (4) hour fire resistant wall, having protective
openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends
continuously from the foundation to or through the roof,
with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions
to allow collapse of construction on either side without
collapse of the wall.
(9) Good Standing
All fees, bonds, etc. of a licensee (who is not currently
under suspension or revocation) have been paid.
(10) Journeyman Electrician
A person licensed as a journeyman electrician, under the
provisions of this Code, who does electrical work under the
supervision, direction, and control of a licensed Master
Electrician.
(11) Licensed Electrician
A person licensed and authorized to do electrical work as
defined by this Code who is currently in a "good standing"
status.
(12) Maintenance
The act of keeping in a state of safe operating condition
any conductor or piece of equipment used inside or outside,
attached or connected to any building electrical system by
replacement of units or elements thereof, but shall not
include additions to, or replacement of an existing system
or branch.
(13) Person
An individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal
entity.
(14) Rough -In Work
Initial work of installing, altering, repairing or
maintaining of electrical wires, conduits, apparatus or
other electrical installation, performed so that all such
work is easily visible and may be easily corrected or
changed.
7.
3.903. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
(1) Chief Electrical Inspector
There is hereby created the office of Chief Electrical
Inspector who shall be appointed by the city manager.
(a) The Chief Electrical Inspector shall have at least
three (3) years experience as a master electrician,
hold a valid master electrician's license, be of good
moral character, and be well -versed in the approved
methods of electrical construction for safety of life
and property in accordance with the National Electrical
Code, as amended.
(b) The Chief Electrical Inspector is hereby designated as
the person responsible for the administration and
enforcement of this Code, who shall discharge the
duties and have the authority hereafter provided. Said
authority may be delegated to inspectors and other
employees of the building inspection department as may
be required to carry out said duties.
(c) The Chief Electrical Inspector shall be responsible to
the building official and the city manager, each of
whom are authorized to act in lieu of and with the same
authority as the Chief Electrical Inspector.
(2) Powers/Duties of Inspectors
(a) Generally
The Chief Electrical Inspector and inspectors shall
have the following powers:
(i) To enforce the provisions of this Code, issue
citations and file complaints in municipal court
against persons who violate any of its
provisions.
(ii) To enter any house or premises during reasonable
hours, (or at any time while electrical wiring,
fixtures or equipment is being installed) for the
purpose of examining any electrical wiring or
installation of electrical wiring, fixtures or
equipment therein in the performance of his
official duties.
(3) To order electrical service disconnected:
(i) where improper or defective wiring exists;
8.
where electrical construction/equipment has
been installed without a permit as required
by this Code;
(iii) when electrical equipment may interfere
with the work of the fire department; or
(iv) in cases of emergency when necessary for
the safety of persons or property.
(4) To order compliance with this Code where a change
of occupancy occurs in a building which requires
electrical change or alteration to said building.
(5) To attach to electrical equipment or meters any
official notice necessary to prevent the use of
electricity.
(6) To order persons to cease performing any work
being done without a requisite permit or
otherwise in violation of this Code.
(7) To make a thorough inspection of:
(i) all electrical work from time to time as
provided herein;
(ii) electrical work which is in a dangerous or
unsafe condition;
(iii) electrical work deemed to be an
interference with the work of the fire
department;
(8) To notify a person responsible for violating the
above subsection to place said work in compliance
with this Code within a reasonable amount of
time.
(9) To require plans, specifications and a complete
feeder layout of all installations of electrical
work.
(3) Electrical Examining and Advisory Board Created
There is hereby created an "Electrical Examining and
Advisory Board" hereafter referred to as the "Board",
consisting of seven (7) persons; four (4) of whom shall be
qualified master electricians. Of the remaining three (3)
members, one (1) shall be actively engaged in any building
or construction trade; one (1) shall be an electrical
9.
engineer and one (1) shall be an employee of Texas Utilities
Electric Company (TU Electric). If persons in building or
construction trades are not available for service on the
Board, the City Council may appoint such other persons as it
deems qualified to serve.
(a) This board shall determine the qualifications of
applicants for a certificate of registration as a
Master Electrician (unrestricted and restricted),
Journeyman Electrician (unrestricted and restricted),
or Apprentice Electrician.
(b) The Chief Electrical Inspector shall act as Secretary
and be an ex officio, nonvoting member of said Board.
(c) Members of the Board and their successors shall be
appointed by the City Council and shall hold office for
two (2) year staggered terms, or until their successors
are appointed.
(d) All members shall serve without compensation.
(e) The Board shall formally elect a chairman and a vice-
chairman from its members and may adopt such rules as
it deems necessary for the orderly conduct of its
affairs. A full and complete permanent record of all
proceedings and official transactions of said Board
shall be kept by the Secretary.
(f) The Board shall submit to the City Council such
recommendations for the improvement and revision of
this Chapter as it deems necessary and proper to
incorporate the development of new materials, methods
or techniques which would result in better, safer and
more economical electrical installations. All requests
for use of materials or methods not covered in this
Code shall be fully supported by factual evidence, or
reflect prior approval from a recognized testing agency
or other impartial qualified authority acceptable to
the Board. The Board is not required to approve such
requests.
(g) Four (4) members of the Board present at any meeting
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. A majority of those members present and
voting shall constitute an official act of the Board.
3.904. ELECTRICAL LICENSE EXAMINATION
(1) The Board shall prescribe a written examination of a
uniform, fair, impartial nature testing each applicant's
10.
knowledge of the N.E.C., the electrical ordinances and
regulations of the City of Round Rock and his/her ability to
read simple electrical plans. The Board may prescribe
certain other fair, impartial tests of the applicant's skill
and ability in work involving the alteration, installation
and repair of electrical wiring and equipment. A passing
grade of 75% shall be required. All examinations shall be
graded promptly.
(2) The Board shall fix the date(s) of said examination which
shall be held not less than four (4) times per year.
(3) All applications for examination shall be made on forms
furnished by the Board, addressed to the Board, and shall be
accompanied by the non-refundable examining fee prescribed
in subsection 3.905(1) below.
(4) The Board may waive the requirements of an examination and
examination fees to electricians with licenses from cities
which agree to reciprocate with the City of Round Rock.
Such waiver may be granted if the examination taken by the
applicant is similar to the examination given by the City of
Round Rock.
(5) An applicant who wishes to receive a license restricted to
a particular category shall be required to receive a passing
grade of seventy-five percent (75%) on that portion of the
examination covering the desired category. The categories
for restricted licenses are: (1) Signs, (2) Elevators, (3)
Repair Service, (4) Maintenance, and (5) Residential.
3.905. LICENSE AND EXAMINATION FEES
(1) The examination and license fees for the various classes of
electricians shall be as follows:
Classification Exam Original
of Electrician Fee License Renewal Surety Bond
Master Electrician $35.00 $150.00 $75.00 $5,000.00
Journeyman Electrician $35.00 $ 35.00 $25.00 -------
Journeyman $35.00 $ 25.00 $15.00 -------
Restricted
Apprentice ---- $ 10.00 $10.00 -------
11.
3.906. LICENSING
(1) Types of Licenses
Electrical licenses shall be of the following types:
(a) Master Electrician
Any person licensed as a master electrician in
compliance with the requirements of this chapter, who
employs journeyman electricians and/or apprentice
electricians to perform electrical work in accordance
with this Code or who performs electrical work himself
in accordance with this Code.
(b) Journeyman Electrician
A person licensed as a journeyman electrician in
compliance with the requirements of this chapter, who
works for and under the general supervision and
direction of a master electrician, performing
electrical work contracted for by a master electrician.
(c) Apprentice Electrician
A person performing electrical work under the direct
supervision of a master electrician, a journeyman
electrician, or a restricted residential electrician.
(2) Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful
for any person to do electrical work unless such person
holds a master electrician, journeyman, or apprentice
electrician license under the provisions of this Code. Any
person holding a valid master's license or journeyman's
license need not procure a lesser license. When two (2) or
more master electricians are working on the same job; the
supervision, direction and control of the electrical work
shall be the responsibility of the person to whom the permit
was issued.
(3) Unrestricted and Restricted Licenses
(a) A person holding a valid unrestricted license shall be
authorized to perform all types of electrical work.
(b) A person holding a valid restricted license shall be
authorized to perform only those categories of work on
which he has taken and passed an examination.
(c) The categories of restricted licenses are as follows:
12.
(i) Signs - A sign license restricted to the
installation, repair, or maintenance of: (1)
electrical signs; (2) transformers for the
operation of neon and similar tubing on or in
buildings; and (3) high tension cables between
tubing and transformers for the same. Such
license shall not include connection of any
electrical signs, transformers or other type of
load to a source of electrical power, or the
changing, extending, installing or repairing of
any part of a wiring system.
(ii) Elevators - An elevator license restricted to
the installation, alteration, repair or
maintenance of only the control panel and
control wiring of elevators and escalators.
(iii) Repair Service - A repair service license
restricted to the connecting or disconnecting of
any electrical wiring regulated by this chapter,
not including the changing, extending,
installing or repairing of any part of a wiring
system.
(iv) Maintenance - A maintenance license restricted
to the maintenance, repair, relocation or
replacement of any electrical conductor or
equipment pertaining to branch circuits,
including extension of or additions to branch
circuits permitted under this chapter, by a
person who is regularly employed by one employer
upon a permanent basis for the performing of
such work within the confines of the building or
premises of such employer.
(v) Residential - A residential license restricted
to performing electrical work on residential
buildings only while under the general
supervision and direction of a master
electrician.
(4) Supervision
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, all electrical
work shall be performed under the supervision, direction,
and control of the master electrician who has secured the
permit. When on-site work is performed by a journeyman
electrician under the supervision of the permit holder, the
ratio of apprentice electricians to journeyman electricians
shall not exceed three (3) apprentices for each journeyman
present on site; provided, however, for commercial or
13.
industrial work, the ratio shall be two (2) apprentices for
each journeyman present on site.
(5) License Not Required
The following may be performed by persons who are not
licensed electricians:
(a) Electrical work on one's own homestead, as reflected by
public records, performed only by the homestead owner;
provided, that a permit as provided in subsection 3.907
shall have been obtained and all other requirements of
this Code have been complied with except the licensing
provisions.
(b) The replacement of lamps, fuses and connection of
portable devices to suitable receptacles which have
been permanently installed.
(c) The installation, alteration or repairing of any
wiring, devices, or equipment for the operation of a
signal or the transmission of messages where such
wiring, devices, appliances or equipment operates at a
voltage not exceeding 50 volts between conductors and
does not include generating or transforming equipment.
(d) The installation, alteration or repair of electric
wiring, devices, appliances and equipment installed by
or for an electric public service corporation operating
under a franchise from the City when for the use of
such a corporation in the operation for street
railways, signals or the transmission of messages.
(6) Qualifications
(a) Master Electrician: Candidates for said licensed shall:
(i) be a high school graduate or the equivalent
thereof; and
show proof of two (2) years as a licensed
Journeyman.
(b) Journeyman Electrician: Candidates for said license
shall:
(i) be a high school graduate, or the equivalent
thereof; and
(ii) show proof of four (4) years experience as a
licensed Apprentice Electrician.
14.
(c) Apprentice Electrician: Candidates for said license
shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
(d) College:
(i) A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
from a college or university which requires at
least four (4) years of study in residence as a
prerequisite to such degree, shall be considered
the equivalent of three (3) years of experience;
and
The satisfactory completion of 120 semester
hours of work required for such degree shall be
considered the equivalent of one year
experience.
(7) Application
(a) Every application for an original or renewal license
shall be made upon forms furnished by the Chief
Electrical Inspector.
(b) Every license application shall state the full name,
date of birth, weight, height, eye color, hair color,
sex, residence and business address of the applicant.
Every application for an original license shall specify
the applicant's experience; whether the applicant has
heretofore been licensed as an Apprentice, Journeyman,
Master or other classification of electrician, and if
so, when and by what state, county, or city; whether
said license has ever been suspended or revoked; and
whether the applicant has ever been refused a license,
and if so, the date of and the reason for said
suspension, revocation, or refusal.
(c) Every application shall be accompanied by the license
fee prescribed in subsection 3.905.
(8) Bond
(a) No person shall be issued a license as a Master
Electrician and no electrical work shall be performed
by said person in the City until he/she has made,
executed and delivered to the Chief Electrical
Inspector a good and sufficient corporate surety bond
in the amount of Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars
($5,000.00) payable to the City and conditioned upon
full and faithful compliance with the ordinances of the
City regulating installation and repair of electrical
work.
15.
(b) All bonds shall be for a period ending the next ensuing
December 31.
(c) Suspension of the license of the principal shall not by
itself affect the liability of either the principal or
the surety of such bond.
(d) Should the coverage of the bond be reduced by recovery
or any other reason, the surety on said bond shall
immediately notify the city manager, and the principal
shall be suspended from all rights and privileges under
this Code until the full amount and coverage are
restored.
(9) Issuance of Electrical License
(a) Upon receipt of proof of payment of the required fee,
posting of the required bond, if any, and passing the
examination, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall issue
to the applicant the class of license which said
applicant is qualified to receive under the provisions
of this Code. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall
record the issuance of said license.
(b) Each license shall bear a distinguishing number
assigned to the licensee, the full name, sex, date of
birth, weight, height, hair color, eye color, and a
space upon which the licensee shall write his/her usual
signature in permanent ink immediately upon receipt of
the license. No license shall be valid until it is so
signed by the licensee.
(10) Requirements for Continued Licensing
Master Electrician: In addition to other requirements of
this Code;
(a) All Master Electricians shall have their license number
on all company trucks. Said numbers shall be no
smaller than one inch (111) tall and two and one-half
inches (2 1/211) long and shall be located on the lower
right hand side of the windshield.
(11) Expiration; Renewal
(a) All electrical licenses shall expire at 12:00 midnight
on the last day of the month of the licensee's
birthday.
(b) Expired licenses not renewed as provided in the
preceding paragraph shall be deemed cancelled, and
16.
appropriate notations reflected on the official license
records of the City.
(12) Inactive License
A Master Electrician may request that his license be placed
in an inactive status, thereby eliminating the need to renew
or maintain a surety bond. A Master Electrician holding an
inactive license may not perform electrical work within the
City nor obtain a permit for said work. An inactive license
may be made active by obtaining a new surety bond in the
amount of Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($5,000.00).
(13) Duplicates
(a) In the event that an electrician's license is lost or
destroyed, the licensee may obtain a duplicate thereof
upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the Chief
Electrical Inspector that said license was lost or
destroyed, and upon payment of a fee of Five and No/100
Dollars ($5.00).
(14) Notice of Change of Address, Name, Etc. To Be Given
Whenever a licensee has:
(a) moved from the address listed in the official license
records;
(b) changed his/her name, or
(c) changed his/her place of employment
the said licensee shall immediately notify the Chief
Electrical Inspector, in writing, or his/her present
address, name and employment.
(15) Certain Acts Prohibited
It shall be a violation of this Code for any person:
(a) To display, permit to be displayed or to have in one's
possession, any instrument purporting to be a license
issued pursuant to this Code, knowing such instrument
to be fictitious, cancelled, suspended or altered.
(b) To knowingly lend, transfer or permit the use of any
license for the purpose of performing or obtaining a
permit for electrical work, to any person not entitled
thereto under the provisions of this Code.
17.
(c) To fail or refuse to surrender to the Chief Electrical
Inspector, on demand, an electrician's license which
has been suspended or cancelled as provided by law.
(d) To apply for, or have in one's possession, more than
one (1) current license of the same type provided for
in this Code.
(e) To use a false or fictitious name or address in any
license application, renewal, or duplicate request, or
knowingly make a false statement, conceal a material
fact or otherwise commit fraud in making said
application, renewal or duplicate request.
(f) To employ as a Master, Journeyman or Apprentice
Electrician any person not then licensed as provided in
this Code.
(g) To perform any electrical work requiring a license,
without said license or while said license is suspended
or cancelled.
(h) To perform electrical work in any manner in violation
of any restrictions imposed on a licensee.
(i) To employ more than three (3) licensed Apprentices
under the direct supervision of one (1) unrestricted
Journeyman Electrician.
(j) To perform electrical work as a Journeyman or
Apprentice Electrician on a job while not in the employ
of the Master Electrician of record of said job.
(k) To fail to request a final inspection upon completion
of all electrical wiring and installation requiring a
permit.
(16) Probation, Suspension, Revocation
(a) The Board may place a licensee on probation or suspend
any electrician's license issued by the Board for a
period of not more than one (1) year, or revoke said
license, after determining at a proper hearing, as set
out in this section, that the licensee has violated any
provision of this Code, state law, City ordinance or
regulation relating to or governing electrical wiring,
repairing or construction, including, but not limited
to:
(i) Permitting an unlawful or fraudulent use of said
license.
18.
(ii) Habitually violating this Code. (Habitual shall
mean three (3) or more separate violations.)
(iii) Failing or refusing to make corrections
necessary to cure defects in electrical work
performed in violation of this Code.
(iv) Performing any electrical work in violation of
this Code or the National Electrical Code which
is found to be the cause or a contributing cause
of a fire, whether or not there is any actual
damage or loss.
(v) Performing any electrical work in violation of
any restrictions imposed on a licensee.
(b) If a licensee who has been placed on probation by the
Board shall violate any of the provisions contemplated
by 3.906(13) above while serving said probationary
period, then said licensee shall have his/her license
automatically suspended pursuant to 3.906(15) below.
(17) Hearing and Procedure
(a) In determining charges pursuant to subsection (13)
above, the Board shall proceed upon a sworn complaint
furnished it by a City official, or by any person
aggrieved by the actions) of an electrician in the
performance of electrical work for which an electrical
permit is required by this Code.
(b) Complaints shall be in writing and verified by the
person familiar with the facts therein. Three (3)
copies of the same shall be filed with the city clerk
who shall retain one (1) copy for the official records
of the City and shall convey two (2) copies to the
Board.
(c) The Board, if it deems the information sufficient to
support further action on its part, shall order a
hearing to be set at a specified time and place. Said
hearing shall be open to the public.
(d) A copy of the order and complaint shall be served upon
the accused by registered mail no less than fourteen
(14) days before the scheduled date of the hearing.
(e) The accused shall appear in person, by counsel, or
both, at the time and place named in the order and make
his defense to the same. The City Attorney and the
accused shall be entitled to present evidence and
argument at said hearing.
19.
(f) If the accused fails or refuses to appear at said
hearing, the Board may proceed to hear and determine
the charges in his/her absence.
(g) If the accused admits the truth of the charges, and the
Board by vote of four (4) or more of its members shall
find them to be true, it may enter an order suspending
the license of said electrician.
(h) The Board shall have the power, through its chairman or
secretary, to administer oaths and to compel the
attendance of witnesses before it by subpoena issued
over the signature of the chairman.
(i) When the Board has completed said hearing and made its
decision, it shall cause one (1) copy of its decision
to be filed with the Chief Electrical Inspector, one
(1) copy with the City Clerk and cause a certified copy
thereof to be forwarded to the accused.
(18) Automatic Suspension
Notwithstanding subsection 3.906(13) and (14) above:
(a) The license of any person shall be automatically
suspended upon final determination by the Board that
said licensee has committed any of the following
offenses:
(1) Taking out a permit in the name of a person
authorized to do the electrical work and
thereafter permitting a person not authorized by
this Code to perform the electrical work.
(2) Tampering with, diverting from or in any way
interfering with the proper action or
registration of any electric meter.
(3) Violating any provision of this Code, State law,
City ordinance or regulation relating to or
governing electrical wiring, repairing or
construction while on probation imposed by the
Board.
(b) Suspension provided for in this Code shall in the first
instance be for a period of six (6) months. For
subsequent offenses said suspension shall be for a
period of one (1) year.
(c) The suspension of any license shall be automatically
extended for a like period as the original suspension
upon a final determination by the Board that a licensee
20.
has been performing electrical work while his/her
license is suspended. Said suspension extension shall
be in addition to any other penalty assessed, as
provided in this Code.
(d) Automatic suspensions are appealable in accordance with
subsection 3.906(17) below.
(19) Surrender and Return of License
Any license which has been suspended pursuant to this Code
shall be surrendered to and retained by the Chief Electrical
Inspector. At the end of the period of suspension, the
surrendered license shall be returned to the licensee and be
valid under the provisions in this Code, provided:
(a) no further violations of this Code are committed by
licensee during the suspension period; and
(b) if the period of suspension extends beyond the normal
expiration date of said license, the licensee has paid
all license fees and/or posted all surety bonds in
accordance with this Code.
(20) Right of Appeal
Any person denied a license or whose license has been
suspended or revoked by the Board, except where such
cancellation or suspension is automatic under the provision
of this Code, shall have the right to request a hearing
before the City Council. Said request must be filed within
ten (10) days of said denial, suspension or revocation
specifying the reason(s) therefor. The City Council shall
set the matter for hearing upon fourteen (14) days written
notice to the aggrieved person. The City Council shall
determine, whether in accordance with the provisions of this
Code, there is substantial evidence to support the Board's
decision.
3.907. PERMITS
(1) General
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, it shall be
unlawful for any person to install, cause to be installed,
or permit the installation of, or make any alterations,
additions, changes or repairs to any electrical wiring
fixtures or equipment within or on any building, structure,
or premises, whether publicly or privately owned, without
first obtaining a valid permit therefor.
21.
(2) Permit Not Required
No permit shall be required for:
(a) The installation of electrical conductors or equipment
within and on the premises which are under the control
and supervision of the Texas State Highway Department
and where such installation will be operated,
maintained or controlled or supervised by said Texas
State Highway Department.
(b) The installation of electrical conductors or equipment
by or for a public utility corporation in the
generation, transmission, sale or use of electrical
energy as outlined in its franchise.
(c) The installation of low voltage electrical conductors
in buildings other than commercial buildings.
(d) The replacement of:
(1) a motor by another motor of the same horsepower
and rating;
(2) solenoid valves;
(3) low pressure controls or other controls;
when the electrical supply to the same is or has been
properly installed by a licensed electrician.
(3) Permit Application
(a) Application for permits shall be made in writing upon
forms provided by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The
application shall contain the following information:
(1) the date the application is submitted;
(2) the applicant's name;
(3) the exact address where electrical work is to be
done;
(4) a description of the electrical work to be done;
(5) proof that the bond requirements of this Code,
if applicable, have been fulfilled; and
(6) other pertinent information as required by the
Chief Electrical Inspector. If a diagram or
22.
(b)
plan is required, it shall clearly show the
following:
(i) The character and kind of wiring or
installation of fixtures or equipment work
to be done;
The scale used and the manner in which the
electrical installation is to be made;
(iii) The character of any repairs to any
existing installation showing the point at
which service connection is required;
(iv) The site of feeders and subfeeders;
(v) The location of service switches and
centers of distribution;
(vi) The arrangement of circuits and the number
of outlets connected thereto;
(vii) Load calculations;
(viii) A profile view of the service entrance
equipment including all gutter troughs,
junction boxes, switches, disconnects,
fuses, panel boards, current transformer
enclosures and meter sockets, detailing
how this equipment is to be arranged on
the wall of the building;
(ix) The maximum available fault current at the
service entrance, and for any equipment
rated at 1,000 amps or more; and
(x) Fault Current bracing information;
Applications for permits shall only be issued to the
following persons:
(1) A Master Electrician licensed under this Code;
(2) A property owner who shall certify that the
proposed electrical work shall be performed by
the applicant personally, in a residence
presently occupied, or to be occupied, by the
applicant as his/her homestead.
23.
(4) Permit Issuance
(a) Permits shall be issued to licensed Master
Electricians, or their duly authorized agents.
(b) The City of Round Rock operates under a "One Permit"
system on new construction whereby a general contractor
or owner may secure a single permit covering all of the
building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning requirements. However, where only
electrical work is being performed, a Master
Electrician, as defined herein, must secure a permit
covering the work to be done. There shall not be more
than one permit issued or outstanding at the same time
for any one installation of electrical equipment.
(5) Expiration and Renewal
Permits issued hereunder shall expire ninety (90) days after
the date of issuance. Upon expiration of a permit, the
electrical work shall be inspected and if the work is not
complete, all work shall cease until the permit is renewed.
The fee for a permit renewal shall be Fifteen and No/100
Dollars ($15.00).
(6) Reissued Permit
A permit may be reissued changing the electrician of record
upon written application by the person to whom the original
permit was issued. However, before the permit is issued,
the Chief Building Inspector shall mail a written notice to
the electrician of record with a copy to the owner,
notifying them of the application for a reissued permit.
The notice to the electrician of record shall be by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The permit shall
not be reissued until the expiration of ten (10) days after
the notice was mailed. The application for a reissued
permit shall be accompanied by a $25.00 permit reissuance
fee. The electrician named on the reissued permit shall be
responsible for all electrical work on the project site,
including all work performed prior to reissuance.
(7) Duplicate
In the event that a permit is lost or destroyed, the permit
holder may obtain a duplicate thereof (i) by furnishing
satisfactory proof to the Chief Electrical Inspector that
the permit was lost or destroyed, and (ii) upon payment of
a fee of Five and No/100 Dollars ($5.00).
24.
3.908. INSPECTIONS
(1) Inspections Required
Unless and until it has been inspected and approved by the
Building Inspection Division, it shall be unlawful for any
person to:
(a) make connections from a source of electrical energy to
any electrical wiring, device or equipment on an
installation for which a permit is required by this
Code;
(b) make connections from a source of electrical energy to
any electrical wiring device or equipment which has
been disconnected by order of the Chief Electrical
Inspector; or
(c) conceal in any manner from access or sight, any part of
a wiring installation.
(2) Rough Inspection
(a) When the rough wiring or installation work is completed
on a commercial job, the electrician responsible
therefor shall notify the Building Inspection Division
that the job is ready for inspection.
(b) Residential wiring will be called for by the building
superintendent during the top -out inspection.
(3) Faulty Work
(a) If the wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment
is found to be faulty or incorrectly or defectively
installed, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall notify,
in writing, the permittee who installed said work of
all changes necessary in order for the work to conform
to this Code.
(b) The permittee shall, within forty-eight (48) hours of
written notification, commence the changes ordered and
shall proceed with the work until the same is
completed. Upon completion thereof and payment of the
reinspection fee, he/she shall request an inspection by
the Building Inspection Division. If the Chief
Electrical Inspector shall again find the work
incorrectly installed, he/she shall notify the
permittee of the necessary changes, and the permittee
shall pay an additional reinspection fee. If the
permittee fails to correct the faulty work within
seventy-two (72) hours, the Chief Electrical Inspector
25.
shall refuse to issue to said person any further
permits until said work in question is corrected and
approved.
(4) Final Inspection
Upon the completion of all electrical wiring and
installations requiring a permit, the permittee shall notify
the Building Inspection Division that the work is ready for
final inspection.
If faulty or defective wiring or equipment is found, the
permittee shall be notified of the necessary changes in
accordance with subsection 3.908(3) above. If such work is
found to be correctly installed, replaced or repaired, the
inspector shall endorse the inspection certificate, stating
that the wiring and installation work has been installed in
accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(5) Inspection After Fire
An inspection shall be conducted by the Chief Electrical
Inspector on any and all buildings or structures that have
been damaged by fire.
(6) Inspector's Removal Request
It shall be the duty of the Chief Electrical Inspector to
cause all abandoned dead wire, unused poles or electrical
apparatus remaining on or near the job site to be removed at
the expense of the owners thereof, by giving said owners
written notice.
(7) Interference
It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to change
or alter electrical conductors or equipment in or on any
building. If electrical conductors or equipment have
previously been installed in such a position as to interfere
with the erection or completion of a structure, notice shall
be immediately given to the person using said conductors or
equipment, requiring conformance with this Code.
(8) Emergency Re -connects
No service entrance equipment will be connected by the
electric utility company to its electric distribution system
without an approved inspection unless it is a re -connection
of service which was disconnected for emergency repair work.
The electric utility company shall notify the Chief
Electrical Inspector on the next working day following the
emergency re -connect by requesting a follow-up inspection.
26.
The inspector shall check code requirements and verify that
a permit has been secured by the electrician doing the
repair work.
(9) Commercial/Industrial Buildings
A new tenant who occupies previously occupied Commercial/
Industrial buildings or lease spaces must obtain electrical
re -inspection and approval in order for the power company to
release service to said building or lease space.
3.910. STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
(1) Materials, Equipment, Safety Standards
Conformity of electrical equipment with the applicable
standards of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., ANSI or
NEC, shall be prima facie evidence that such equipment is
reasonably safe to persons and properties.
(2) Installations Creating Hazards to Fire Protection and
Prevention
No wires shall be installed, operated or maintained over any
street, alley, sidewalk or building;
(a) which may foreseeably interfere with the work of the
Fire Department in the use of ladders or other
apparatus; or
(b) which shall obstruct or render hazardous the use of
fire escapes.
On complaint of the City Fire Marshall, said wires shall be
removed or properly rearranged.
(3) Special Electrical Circuit Requirements
The following additional requirements shall be met for all
new construction:
(a) All circuits shall have conductors sized in accordance
with Article 310 of the National Electrical Code. No
conductor smaller than No. 12 Copper American Wire
Gauge size, shall be used in any electrical work as
covered by this Code, except the following as approved
by the National Electrical Code:
(i) Pendant and portable cords;
27.
No. 14 for control circuits, operating
contactors, relays, etc.;
(iii) Wiring within display cases;
(iv) Wiring for system covered by Chapter 7 of the
National Electrical Code;
(b) All panels must be large enough to accommodate the
present load requirements and have at least two (2)
spare circuits for future use.
(c) All 125 volt, single phase 15 or 20 ampere rated
receptacles installed in commercial and industrial
installations shall be of the non-residential type or
shall be 20 ampere rated only.
(d) Temporary service for construction sites are required
to have GFCI protection, and must have a driven ground
rod.
(e) Type AC Cable (commonly referred to as "BX") will not
be authorized as an approved wiring method.
(f) Flexible metal conduit small than one-half (1/2) inch
electrical trade size shall not be permitted.
(g) At least one (1) receptacle for each interior wall or
for every twenty (20) linear feet measured horizontally
around the interior walls at the floor level shall be
required for commercial/industrial.
(h) All building services must have a driven ground rod and
a ground wire to the cold water pipe or by the 1990
NEC.
(4) Construction. Rodent Proof
All exterior wall openings around electrical cables and
conduits shall be closed with cement mortar, concrete
masonry, or other approved material to prevent the passage
of rodents.
(5) Commercial Buildings
(a) All commercial buildings shall be wired in raceways.
However, this provision shall not apply to pre-existing
wiring in buildings which were originally constructed
and used as residential -use buildings and thereafter
converted to commercial usage.
28.
(b) For each panel in commercial construction, a minimum of
one (1) spare one -inch raceway shall be installed from
the panel to an accessible location in the attic or
crawlspace for recessed panels only.
(c) All thermostat wire, door bell wire, fire alarm wire
and other wire 50 volts or less must be run in conduit,
with the exception of Plenum cable.
(6) Special Safety Measures
(a) All lighting outlets required by NEC Article 210-70
shall be controlled by a wall switch. Pull chain light
fixtures will not be authorized.
(b) Aluminum conductors will be authorized from the service
drop, or lateral, to the service disconnect only.
Aluminum conductors sized 500 KcMil and larger may be
permitted in panel to panel installations subject to
approved methods of installations and approved
connectors. Such approvals will be at the sole
discretion of the Board and Chief Electrical Inspector
on a case by case basis.
(c) All feeder conductors to branch circuit panel boards
and all subpanels in residential and commercial
construction shall be copper conductors.
(d) Color Coding of Conductors:
(i) Single Phase 120/240 Volt System.
Phase:
A Black
B Red
Neutral White
(ii) Three Phase 120/240 volt center tap Delta System.
Phase•
A Black
B Red
C Orange (high leg)
Neutral White
Three Phase 480 volt Delta System.
Phase:
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
29.
(iv) Three Phase 120/208 volt WYE System.
Phase:
A Black
B Red
C Blue
Neutral White
(v) Three Phase 277/480 volt WYE System.
Phase:
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
Neutral Natural Gray
(e) Except upon written permission of the Chief Electrical
Inspector, no electrical conductor of any nature shall
be installed nearer than three inches to any metal pipe
or duct which could operate in excess of 120 degrees
Fahrenheit.
(f) Door bell transformers must be mounted in an attic,
heater closet, bedroom closet or other space where air
can flow freely around the transformer. The
transformer shall not be covered after it has been
mounted.
(g) It will not be acceptable to use flexible metal conduit
outside. Liquid -tight flexible conduit or liquid -tight
flexible non-metallic conduit are considered
acceptable.
(7) Smoke Detector Systems
Every dwelling and every dwelling unit within an apartment
house, condominium or town house, and every guest or
sleeping room in a child care facility, motel, hotel or
dormitory, shall be provided with an approved listed smoke
detector in accordance with the Texas Property Code, Section
92.251 et seq.
Detectors shall be listed and meet the installation
requirements of NFIPA 74 and NFIPA 72E and be hard wired in
series where all alarms will be activated.
(8) Engineer Seal Required
In accordance with the Texas Engineering Practice Act, all
drawings pertaining to non -dwelling construction projects of
five thousand (5,000) square feet or more shall bear the
seal of an engineer registered in the State of Texas. The
Chief Electrical Inspector is hereby authorized to require
at his/her discretion, said seal to be placed upon drawings
30.
for non -dwelling construction projects of lessor square
footage.
(9) Use of Unapproved Appliance Prohibited
It shall be unlawful for any person within the City to
install electrical equipment or appliances which have not
been:
(a) endorsed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or
other nationally recognized standards association; or
(b) approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector.
3.911. VIOLATIONS
(1) Violation
In addition to other provisions of this Code, it shall be
unlawful for any person to:
(a) Break, change, destroy, tear, mutilate, cover, deface,
or otherwise injure any official notice or seal posted
by an electrical inspector pursuant to subsection
3.903 (3) (a) (5) ;
(b) Interfere with enforcement officials or their duly
authorized agents in the discharge of their duties,
including but not limited to, carrying out the
provisions of this Code;
(c) Fail or refuse to make necessary changes or repairs
within a reasonable amount of time pursuant to
subsections 3.903(3)(b) or 3.908(3); or
(d) Perform electrical installations without supplying the
requisite plans, specifications or layouts or without
initial approval of said installation pursuant to
subsections 3.903(3)(b), 3.907(3)(5) or 3.908(3).
(2) Injunction
In addition to the penal remedies herein, the City may seek
injunctive relief regarding any violation of this Code.
II.
A. All ordinances, parts of ordinances or resolutions in
conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
31.
B. The invalidity of any section or provision of this Ordinance
shall not invalidate other sections or provisions thereof.
This Ordinance shall be effective November 1st 1990.
i
READ AND APPROVED on first reading this c� V day of
.4-, 1990.
R AD, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED on second reading this day of
, 1990.
ATTEST:
au4U,lywneb
J ne Land, City Secretary
Mike Robinson, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
32.
1
DATE: October 9, 1990
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting, October 11, 1990
ITEM: 16.D. Consider an ordinance amending the Electrical Ordinance.
(Second Reading)
STAFF RESOURCE PERSON: Jim Nuse
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the ordinance be read on the first reading.
The ordinance in part adopts the 1990 National Election Code.
Other items will be discussed at the meeting at the council's
request.
ECONOMIC IMPACT:
Only minor economic impacts are anticipated with this updated