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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12570 ORD - 04/02/1975AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1975 EDITION; MKING IT UNLAWFUL TO LNTERTAKE THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A PERMIT THEREFOR, EX- CEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED; ESTABLISHING INSPECTION PEPUMIT FEES; ESTABLISHING INSPECTION DUTIES AND AU- THORITY; ADOPTING GEPTAIN OTHER REGULATIONS; PROVID- ING PENALITIES FOR VIOLATION; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 10832, AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS MRISTI TEXAS. WAPTER 1 - TITLE AND SCOPE Section 1 -1: TITLE: The title of this ordinance. shall be "The Corpus Christi Electrical Code," and may be cited as such and it will be referred to in. this Ordinance as "this Code." Section 1 -2: The "National Electrical Code, 1975," a copy of which is identified by the signature of the Mayor and City Secretary and on file iu the office of the City Secretary, is hereby adopted as part of this Code to the same effect as if copied verbatim herein and shall be in effect except as it may be in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance. Section 1 -3: SCOPE: This Code shall govern all installation of electrical conductors or equipment herea €ter 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 or equipment" is removed and later re- placed, sane shall be replaced in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Sectioa 1 -4: LOW -RGY CIRCUITS: Permits requirements of this Code shall not apply to low voltage electrical conductors or equipment installation meeting the requireaaats of Article 720 and Article 725.of the National Electrical Code 1975 Edition. Sectioa 1 -5: OTEIER PERO:TS: All construction covered by other ordinance and codes of the city, ircluding all sign structures, sign attachments to buildings, and/or foundations shall not be initiated until the proper permits have been issued by the Building Official or his assistant in compliance with such codes and ordinances. Section 1 -6: PESPONSIBILIit FOR SAFE WORK: This Code shall not be construed to relieve frora or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person owning, operating, or installing electrical conductors, devices, appliaaces, fixtures, 12570 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 the enforcement of this Code. CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS Section 2 -1: DEFINITIONS: Words when not otherwise separately defined shall have meanings which conform to the meanings set out in the Building Code of the City of Corpus Christi, if set out; otherwise, they shall have their usual meanings. Section 2 -2: BOARD: Board shall mean the Electrical Advisory Board as constituted and appointed by the City Council. Section 2 -3: CITY: City shall mean the territory within the corporate limits of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, or the legally constituted govern= in_- body thereof, its agents and its officers. Section 2 -4: CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR: The employee of City appointed by the City Manager. Section 2 75: INSPECTOR: Inspector shall mean an individual who has been designated by the City of Corpus Christi as an Inspector. Section 2 -6: LICENSED ELECTRICIAN: Licensed electrician shall mean that the person has made application to the Electrical Advisory Board and has satis- 'Lied the Board that he is qualified to do the work stated in the application; that he has paid the necessary license fees to date; and that his name is carried t a records of the Chief Electrical Inspector as a person authorized to do electrical work as defined in this Code. Licensed electrician shall in- elude anv individual licensed by some other governmental jurisdiction when a license has been issued under the provisions of the Electrical Licensing Ordinance without examination. Section 2 -7: MAINTENANCE: Maintenance shall mean 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 thereof. -2- CHAPTER 3 - AMEINISTRATION AND ENFORMIENT Section 3 -1: RESTRICTION ON EMPLOYEES: No employee of the Building In- spection Division, except one whose only connection is as a member of a board or committee appointed by the City Council, shall be financially interested in the furnishing of labor, material, or equipment for the installation, alteration, or maintenance of electrical wiring, fixtures, or equipment, or in the making of plans or specifications therefor, unless he is the owner of the property on which the installation exists or is planned to take place_ Section 3 -2: CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR: The Chief Electrical Inspector is hereby designated as the person responsible for the administration and en-' forcement of the Corpus Christi: Electrical Code, and who shall discharge the duties and have the authority hereinafter provided. The Chief Electrical In- spector may delegate said authority to inspectors and the other employees of the Building Inspection Division as may be required to carry out his duties. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall be responsible to the Building Official, the Director of Inspections and Operations, and the City Manager, each of udr_om are authorized to act in lieu of and with the same authority as -the Chief Electrical Inspector. Section 3-3: POWERS, OF INSPECTORS: The Chief Electrical. Inspector and Inspectors shall have the follmaing powers: (a) To enforce the provisions of this Code and to arrest any person who violates a_ of such provisions. For such purpose, the inspectors shall have the powers of a Police Officer. (b) To enter any house or premises by due process of law, if necessary, during reasonable hours, or while any electrical wiring or fixtures or equipment is being installed; to examine any electric wiring or installation of electrical wiring, fixtures or equipment therein, in the performaace of his official duties. (c) To order electric service disconnected where improper or defective wiring exists or where electrical construction or equipment has been installed without a permit as required herein. -3- (d) To order compliance with provisions of this Code where a change of occupancy occurs in a building which requires changes or alterations to existing wiring. (e) To disconnect electrical service or services, in cases of emergency where necessary for safety of persons or property or where electrical equipment may interfere with the work of the Fire Department. (f) To attach to electrical equipment or electrical meters any official notice or seal which might be necessary to prevent the use of electricity; and it shall be unlawful for any person to use any such seal or break, change, des- troy, tear, mutilate, cover or otherwise deface or injure any such official notice or seal posted by any Inspector. Section 3 -4: BADGES: Each Inspector shall wear am appropriate badge evidencing his authority and commission of police powers, and shall upon request exhibit said badge. Section 3 -5: LIABILITY OF INSPECTORS: Where action is taken by the Chief Electrical Inspector or other Inspectors to enforce the provisions of this Code, such acts shall be done in the name of and on behalf of the City, and the inspectors in so acting for the City shall not render themselves personally liable for any damage which may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act committed in good faith in the discharge of their duties, and any suit brought against any inspector by reason thereof, shall be defended by the City Attorney u,.til final termination of the proceedings contained therein. Section 3 -6: SPECIAL RULING: If a special ruling by the Chief Electrical Inspector is necessary to govern electrical construction for some particular occupancy or building not covered by this Code whereby all wiring for similar types of occupancy or building will be established for the future, a copy of such ruling shall be approved by the Board before it becomes effective. Section 3 -7: SPECIAL PE&INILSSION: The electrical regulations of this Code may be modified or waived by special permission in particular cases where such modification or waiver is reasonable, does not differ from the intent of this Code, and does not create an injustice. Such special permission shall in all cases be obtained from the Chief Electrical Inspector in writing and shall be approved by the Board and entered into its minutes prior to starting the work. i -4- CHAPTER 4 - PEPunTS AND FEES Section 4 -1: PERMITS P.EQUIP.ED: It shall be unla<aful for any person, firm or corporation to install or cause to be installed, or to permit any person to install any electrical wiring, fixtures, or equipment or to make.aay alteration, additions, changes or repairs within the scope of this Code without first having procurred a permit therefor issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector, except as provided herein. There shall be one permit for each building for which rough wort. for electrical conductors, or electrical equipment is installed. Accessory buildings, tourist cottages or group houses shall not be considered separate i buildings when the work is to be installed as one complete project, and at one time; except where separate switches or meter loops are installed thereon. Section 4 -2: PEANUTS NOT REQUIRED: (a) No permit shall be required for the replacement of lamps, switch and receptacle plates, covers, and fuses, or for the connection of portable elec- trical equipment to suitable permanently installed receptacles. (b) No permit shall be required for the installation of elecrical conductors or equipment to be installed where such installation is in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the City, and where such installation will be within and on premises within the control and supervision of the State High- way Department of Texas, and where such installations will be a part of highway facilities operated, maintained or controlled by said State Highway Department ' of Texas. (c) No permit shall be required for maintenance work performed by a Lic- ensed Electrician on the premises of his employer. (d) No permit shall be required of an established refrigeration or air - conditioning firm or organization for the replacing of a refrigeration or air - conditioning system motor by another motor of the same horsepower and rating. (e) Where any industry occupies a site of twenty (20) or more acres and the use of said plant site and the conduct of general operations is such that the plant site is inaccessible to the general public and the operations on the plant site involve the assembly, disassembly, reassembly, alterations or improvements under the supervision of a Registered Professional Architect -5- or a Registered Professional Engineer, no permit shall be necessary and no inspection shall be performed by the City for electrical work in the erection of the plant or the assembly, disassembly, reassembly, remodeling, alterations or improvements of the plant or any portions thereof used in any manufacturing process, pilot plant use, laboratory testing or use of any mechanical process equipment or laboratory testing of chemical or chemical manufacturing equipment. Any building used principally as office building, shipping docks, assembly room, restrooms, warehousing, and not directly related to the manufacturing or testing of equipment or operations, shall not'be exempt under this section from the necessity of obtaining a permit and any construction or repair of any such building or structure shall be required to have a permit and shall be permitted only under a permit as for the same type of building elsewhere within the City limits. In order to qualify for an exemption of the provisions hereof, an affidavit shall first be filed in the office of the Building Inspection Division of the City of Corpus Christi, setting forth sufficient facts to show that the affiant is entitled to the exemption requested, on the form provided by the Building Inspection Division. (f) Peradts and inspections are not required for construction, repair or alteration of any building wrath is being used exclusively In connection with the ranching or agricultural use of any tract of land of ten acres or more in area, w3 t. -n the City of Corpus Christi, at the time of annexation so long as the entire premises being used for agricultural or ranching purposes at the time of annexation is not converted to any other use. Any building for residential occupancy shall not be exempt under this section from the requirements for per- mits and inspections. Section 4 -2: PEMUT FEES: Before proceeding with the installation, alter- ation of or the addition to any electrical wiring or equipment within the City, the individual in charge of such proposed work shall first file with the City an application requesting a permit to carry on such work and the necessary inspections and pay fees to the City in accordance with the following schedule: -6- (a) Permit Fees Required: Circuits-------- ------- ------------- -$ 1.00 ea. Fixtures, Residential --- ----- — = ------------ -- -- .10 ea. Fixtures, (Commercial Building) --------------- -10 ea. Motors 1 H.P., and smaller------ --- --- - --' - -- 1.00 ea. Motors over 1 H.P. to and including 5 H.Y. - - - -- 2.00 ea. Motors 5 to 10 H.P.— 3.00 ea. Motors 10 to 25 H.P.- --- ---- --- ---------- 4.00 ea. Motors over 25 H.P.------ - - ---- -- -`-- -- 5.00 ea. Services up to 60 Amperes----- ----- - -- -- 1.00 ea_ Services 61 to 100 Amperes--- -- _-- _____ —_ -- 2.00 ea. Services 101 to 200 Amperes------ -- -- -' -'-- 3.00 ea. Services 201 to 400 Amperes — --------- ------- 5.00 ea. Services over 400 Amperes-- ---- ---- --- -` - - -- 10.00 ea. Services each additional meter-------- -- - - - - -- 1:.00 ea. Appliances (range, hot water heater, dryers, . dishwasher, disposers, etc.) ---- — ----- ----- 1.00 ea. Equipment -- Moving picture projector --- -------- - 5.00 ea. Equipment —X Ray Machine -- --------------` 5.00 ea. Equipment—Welding Machine (transformer type)---------- _-- _— _ - - - -- 2.00 ea- Equipment—Gasoline pump or dispenser-- - - - - -- 2.00 ea. Equipment -- Elevators------ --- -------- —" 5.00 ea- Equip men t-0 the rs ----- - - -` -° ` "-- 2.00 ea.: Signs - -More than 4 transformers (per transformer) - -- ---- - - -`'- 1.00 ea. (b) -Lhe term "circuit" herein shall mean each main feeder, submalm or branch circuit, for electrical services; and each fused or other type of auto- matic cutout protected wire of a final branch multiwire circuit. Each such circuit shall be charged for and considered as a separate circuit within the terms of this section - (c) If the office of the Chief Electrical Inspector has not been notified within seventy -two (72) hours (Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays excepted) after a specific job is started, then the permit fee shall be doubled- The collection made is to help defray the additional cost of inspecting work already done and issuing a permit under such circumstances and is not a penalty and is not preclusive of any remedy otherwise available to the City to enforce this Code. (d) Permit applications covering the installation of motor3 on any job shall specify each motor individually and no grouping of motors per macaine, or other such grouping of horsepower shall be permitted. (e) In the event the total fees per installation charged are less than Four ($4.00) Dollars then the minimum permit charge of $4.00 shall apply - If such total fees exceed the sum of Four ($4.00) Dollars the greater amount shall be charged. -7- (f) In the event that an inspection is made and the resultant discovery is that work for which a permit is required by this Code has been done but the required permit has not been issued, then a $10.00 investigation fee shall be added to the permit fee. - (g) when an inspection is made as required by this Code, and the work as completed fails to pass so that an addtional inspection is required, then a Five($5.00) Dollar reinspection fee shall be charged. (h) Fees for permits which require inspection outside the City limits shall be increased by Ten ($10.00) Dollars. (i) Agencies of the federal, state, and county governments are exempt from the payment of fees in connection with the construction or repair of buildings used, owned, and located on property owned by said governmental agencies. Permit fees for public schools and other political subdivisions having ad valorem tax- exempt status, and for church saactuaries'and all other. State constitutionally exempted ad valorem tax entities shall be fifty (50 %) . per cent of the regular permit fee. {j) Fees'for permits for installations in buildings or building components which are manufactured and inspected outside the City limits prior to being moved into the City may be increased by the Building Official once annually per manufacturing plant by twenty ($.20) cents per mile plus Twenty-($20.00) Dollars per 200 miles for the distance between the City and the plant, to allow for annual is -olzat inspections. Sectioa 4 -4: APPLIC_MON FOR PEMIET: Application for permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the City for that purpose. when required by the Chief Electrical Inspector, the application shall include a diagram or plan showing clearly the character and kind of wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment work to be done. The plan or diagram shall show the manner in which the electrical installation is to be made and /or the character of any repairs to any existing definite scale, showing the point at which service connection is required, the site of the feeders and sub - feeders, the location of service switches and centers of distribution, the arrangement of circuits and the number of outlets connected thereto. -8- Section 4 -5: PEM11TS -- TO UIMI ISSUED: Permits shall be issued to (a) Licensed Master Electricians, qualified to secure permits 2s determined by Ordinance of the City providing for the licensing of electricians, or their duly authorized Agents, who shall be certified to the Chief Electrical Inspector by affidavit stating that said Electrician assures all and full responsibility for any permit taken out or applied for by said Agent. This affidavit shall be kept in file after it has been approved by the City Attorney. (b) Property owners for electrical installations or maintenance ia- single family dwelling oumed and occupied by them as their homes. Section 4 -6: CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR SHALL ISSUE PERMIT: When the Chief Electrical Inspector finds the application, the diagram or pleas and specifications to be correct and all fees paid, he shall cause the permit to be issued. Upon receipt of such permit, the electrician may start or cause to start the proposed job and make the installation described in his application, requesting inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector in the proper sequence as the work progresses. Section 4 -7: PERMITS FOR PART JOBS: When one electrician completes the rough work, in whole or in part, on any electrical wiring or installatioa of fixtures or equipr --at and a second electrician is called upon to complete the work in whole or in part; then, in that event, a separate permit is required for which regular fees shall be paid for the work to be done. Each electrician shall be held responsible only for the work installed by him. Before the second elec- trician is issued a permit for the completion of electrical wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall first notify the electrician holding the original or first permit, if he can be found, that the second permit is proposed to be issued. The issuance of the second permit shall cancel the first permit and no refund of fees paid for such cancelled permit shall be made. Section 4 -8: TIM LIMETATION OF PERLD:TS: If electrical wiring or in- stallation of fixtures or equipment work authorized under a permit is not started within sixty (60) days after issuance of such permit, or if the work is started -9- and then discontinuad and the work remains discontinued for a period of sixty (60) days, the permit shall become void, and no work shall be done on the premises until a new permit is issued and all necessary fees paid. No refunds shall be made for permits that have become void. Section 4 -4: REVOCATION OF PERMITS: The Chief Electrical Inspector shall have the right to declare a permit null and void if there has been misrepresenta- tion of facts or any violation of the provisions of this Code and after any such declaration no work shall be performed Lentil a new permit is issued, and all fees have been paid. Section 4 -10: REFMID OF PERMIT AND INSPECTI021 FEES: An electrical permit may be cancelled by the applicant at any time within sixty (60) days of the date of its issuance. If no work has been done under such permit the Chief Electrical Inspector, when formally requested in writing by the applicant, may refund 75% of the permit fee paid, but in no case shall the City retain less than $4.00 to cover the cost of auditing the fee and preparing the request for refund. CRAFTER 5 - INSPECTIONS Section 5 -1: INSPECTIONS REQUIRED: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to neke connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring, devices or equipment on an installation for which a permit is required, as set forth in this Code, until a Certificate of Approval has been issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector authorizing such connection and the use of such wiring devices or equipment. Section 5 -2: ROUGY INSPECTION: Idhen the rough wiring or installation work is completed on any premises, the person responsible therefor shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector that the job is ready for inspection, giving proper identification of the work, address and permit number. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall then make an inspection of the electric installation_ If said wiring or installation work has been installed in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Code, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall sign the inspection card, noting thereon the date of approval of the work. More than one rough inspection may be made without charge when the progress of construction requires such inspection. -10- (a) Faulty Work: If the electric wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment is found to be faulty, or incorrectly or defectively installed, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall notify the responsible person who installed such work of the changes necessary to be made in order that the work may conform to this Code. (b) Correction cif Faulty Work: The permittee shall within forty - eight (48) hours from the time of notification make or start to make the changes ordered and shall proceed with the work until the same is completed_ Upon completion thereof and payment of the Reinspection Fee, he shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector to the effect that faulty work has been corrected. The latter shall then cause the reiuspecti.on to be made, and if said work is found to comply with this Code, he shall sign the inspection card noting thereon the date of approval of the work. If the Chief Electrical Inspector shall again find the work incorrectly installed, he shall notify the permittee of the necessary changes, and the permittee shall pay an additional P.einspection Fee. If the permittee fails to correct the faulty work within a reasonable time, the Chief r Electrical Inspector shall refuse to issue to any such person any further permits until said work in question is corrected and approved. Section 5 -3: FINAL INSPECTION: Upon the completion of all electrical wiring and installation of fixtures or equipment in any building, or any premises, the permittee shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector that the work is ready for final inspection, giving the Electrical Permit Plumber and Street Address; and the Chief Electrical Inspector shall then make the inspection, and if any faulty or defective wiring or equipment is found, the permittee shall be notified of the co=ngas to be made in.order that such work shall conform to this Code. If such work is found to be correctly installed, replaced or repaired, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall endorse his approval upon the inspection certificate stating that the wiring or installation work has been installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Section 5 -4: WORK LEFT OPEN: It shall be unlaraful for any person to cover or cause to be covered any part of a wiring installation with flooring, lath, -11- wall board or other material until the Chief Electrical Inspector shall have approved the wiring installation in part or as a whole, except as herein set forth. Section 5 -5: INSPECTOR'S REMOVAL PEQIIEST: It shall be the duty of the Chief Electrical Inspector to cause all abandoned dead wire, unused poles or electrical apparatus on the outside of the buildings or in streets or alleys to be removed at the expense of the owners thereof, by giving the said owners written notice. Section 5 -6: INTERFERENCE: It shall be unlawful for any tauauthorized person to in any manner change or alter electrical conductors or equipment in or on any building. I£ in the course of the erection of a building or structure, electrical conductors or equipment have previously been installed in such positioa as to interfere with the erection or completion of the structure, notice shall be immediately given to the authorized person or-firm using the electrical coaductors or equipment, and he shall be required to accomplish this needed change . in accordance with this Code. Section 5 -7: PERIODIC GENERAL INSPECTION: The Chief Electrical Inspector shall inaugurate through periodic reinspections of installations of all electric wiring, electric devices, and electric equipment now installed, or that may hereafter be installed within, and within the scope of this Code, and when the installat_az of any such wiring, devices or equipment is found to be defective, dangerous or in an umsafe condition, the person, firm or corporation o-ming, using or operating the same shall be notified in writing and shall make the necessar rap airs or changes required to place such wiring, devices, or equipment in a safe conci Lion within five days, or any longer period specified by the Chief Electrical Inspector in said notice. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall immediately order the disconnection, or discontinuance of electrical services to such wiring devices, or equipment until same has been made safe as directed_ Section 5 -8: ELECTRICAL SERVICE CONNECTION: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to ma :ke connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring device or equipment which has been dis connected by order of the Chief Electrical Inspector or the use of which has been prohibited -12- for reasons herein set forth until a certificate of approval has been issued by him authorizing the reconnection and use of such wiring, devices or equip- meat. (a) It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person, firm or corporation to disconnect any service, except in cases of emergency. Section 5 -9: SEP.VICE OF NOTICE: If the person to whom any order or notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this Code cannot be found after reasonable search has been made for him, then such order or notices may be served by posting same in a conspicuous place upon the premises occupied by him or the premises where the defects recited in the order or notice are alledged to exist or on the premises which may be deemed unsafe or dangerous. Such service shall be equivalent to persaaal service of such order or notice. An order to comply with the terms of such order or notice shall be sent by mail in sealed envelope with postage prepaid and directed to the address of the person performing the electrical work or the address of the owner, lessee or occupant of the premises where the defects recited in the order are alledged to exist and shall be equivalent to the personal service of such order. - (SAPTER 6 - STANDARDS Section 6 -1: STANDARDS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND SIGNS: Conformity of electrical equipment with the applicable standards of the Underwriters' Labora- tories, Inc., shall be prima facie evidence that such equipment is reasonably safe to persons and property. Only standard parts and materials approved by Underwriters` Laboratories, Inc., or by the Chief Electrical Inspector as set forth in Chapter 8, herein, shall be permitted in electrical repair or maintenance work. Conformity of all types of electrical signs with applicable standards of the Uaeerari.ters' Laboratories, Inc., National Electrical Safety Code or electrical provisions of other safety codes which have been approved by the American National Standards Institute shall be prima facie evidence that such installations are reasonably safe to persons and property. MAPTER 7- LOCAL ENVIROMENTAL, PMOSPHERIC AND SOIL CONDITIONS Section 7 -1: GENERAL: Due to climatic conditions prevailing in and about Corpus Christi, certain special rules covering electrical wiring and equipment -13- installations are set forth herein, and certain exceptions are taken to the rules and regulations of the National Electrical Code to raise the safety level of electrical installations and prevent the rapid deterioration of electrical materials and equipment from severe ataospheric and underground corrosive action, all of which exceptions are set forth in this Chapter 7_ Section 7 -2: RIGID HETAL CONDUIT: All underground installations of single rims or grouped rims of approved rigid metal conduit shall be wrapped and coated with an approved waterproof preservative or encased on all exterior sides in three (3 ") inches covering of concrete measured from the outside circumference of the conduit, in addition to being protected against corrosion as required by section 346 -1 of the National Electrical Code 1975. Section 7 -3: ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING: Electrical metallic tubing shall not be installed in any exposed outside location, or in underground installations subject to continuous moisture exposure. -- Section 7 -4: PROHIBITED CONNECTORS: The use of crimp type connectors and couplings used with electrical metallic tubing shall be prohibited. Section 7 -5: DISTRIBUTION TO AND IN BUILDINGS: Service entrance conductors and feeders shall run in conduits or raceways. Section 7 -6: SPECIAL ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT RULES: The following additional requirements shall be met for all new construction: (a) All circuits, except lighting circuits, shall have conductors sized in accordance with Article 310 of the National Electrical Code 1975, to provide a minim„-, current capacity of circuit conductors of twenty (20) amperes_ (b) The following listed buildings shall have a minimum of one (1) receptacle installed for every twenty lineal feet measured horizontally around the interior wall at the floor level of each room, excluding storage rooms:. Office Buildings Bank Buildings Store Buildings Mechanical Caragas Restaurants Studios Taverns (c) One spare circuit shall be installed for every five (5) circuits in all new buildings. For each panel-a spare one (1 ") inch raceway shall be in- stalled from the panel to' an accessible location. -14- Section 7 -7: PL,%DE ELECTRODES: (a) Pipe Electrodes: Electrodes of pipe shall be of brass or copper. (b) Rod Electrodes: Rod Electrodes shall be of brass, copper or copper clad steel and shall be at least 5/8" in diameter. Section 7 -8: CONSTRUCTION, RAT PROOF: All foundation and exterior wall openings around electrical cables and conduits shall be protected against the passage of rats by closing such openings with cement mortar, concrete masonry, or non - corrodible metal. Section 7 -9: COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: (a) All commercial buildings shall be wired in raceways, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of this section. (b) The requirements of Subdivision (a) shall not be applicable with regard to pre- existing wiring in buildings which were originally constructed and used as single - family, single - story, residential -use buildings, and which are thereafter converted to commercial usage if, at the time such building is converted to commercial usage, such pre- existing electrical wiring, fixtures and apparatus in such building conforms to all other applicable pro- visions of this Code, including the requirements that the electrical wiring system shall be effectively grounded by including or providing a grounding conductor in such wiring system to which the receptacles, cord connectors, lighting fixtures, wall switches and other electrical apparatus shall securely connected. To obtain the benefit of the exemption granted by this subdivision, the owner or occupant of such building must obtain an inspection and certificate as required by Subdivision (d). (c) Any installation of new electrical wiring, fixtures or apparatus installed in any building which is the subject of the exception stated in Subdivision (b) of this section, or any rewiring of such building, shall be wired in raceways (including flexible metal conduit which may be used in otherwise inaccessible areas) as required by Subdivision (a) of this section. (d) The exception stated in Subdivision (b) hereof shall be strictly construed. In order to obtain the benefits thereof, prior to the time that any building is converted to commercial use as specified in Subdivision (b), an electrical inspection of the electrical wiring, fixtures and apparatus in such building shall be made by the Chief Electrical Inspector for the purpose of determining whether such building conforms to all other applicable pro- visions of this Code at the time such building is converted to commercial use. -15- If the Chief Electrical Inspector determines that such building does not conform to all other applicable provisions of this Code, then the provisions of Sub- division (b) shall not be applicable. CHAPTER S - USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPAENT Section 8 -1: USE OF UNAPPROVED APPLIANCE PROHIBITED: It shall be unlawful. for any person, •firm, association, or corporation within City to use any appliance which has not been endorsed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or other nationally recognized standards association; or without first obtaining approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector in absence of such evidence of safety approval_ Section 8 -2: pP ?ROVAL GIVEN: The Chief Electrical Inspector shall approve for use sum_ electrical equipment, material, conductors, apparatus,. or appliances as are reasonably safe to persons and property. Conformity of such equipment and material with the standards of the Underwriters; Laboratories, Inc. shall be prima facie evidence that such equipment is reasonably safe to persons and property. Section 8-3: SPECIAL APPROVAL: Should any material or equipment be sub- mitted for approval which is not listed as approved by the Underwriters' Labora- tories, Inc., the Chief Electrical Inspector shall, within ten days of the receipt of written request for special approval, approve, provisionally approve, or disapprove such electrical material or equipment. (a) Approval shall be based on reasonable safety to persons or property and material and equipment shall be considered as adequate for approval if the standards of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and /or provisions of. this Code are met. When material or equipment is approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector, such approval shall continue until the material or workmanship on the article approved is changed. When the material or workmanship is changed, the article shall be re- examined and approved prior to use. (b) When no applicable standard can be used to determine whether an article is reasonable safe, the Chief Electrical Inspector may grant provisional approval and allow its use until such time as it can be tested or determined whether the article is safe to persons or property. (c) Approval by the Chief Electrical Inspector shall not become final until concurred by the Board. Denial by the Chief Electrical Inspector may be appealed -16- to the Board. Unless appealed by any party to the City Council, action by the Board shall be final. (d) The Chief Electrical Inspector shall keep in his office a complete list of electrical equipment, material, appliances and devices approved by Underwriters" Laboratories, Inc;, provisionally approved, or disapproved for use within City. This list shall be available to the public during regular working hours. CHAPTER 9 - PENALTIES Section 9 -1: PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF ELECTRICAL CODE: Any person, firm, corpozatio:, or association who violates any of these provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred ($200.00) dollars, and each and every day of continuance thereof shall constitute a distinct and separate offense. Section 9 -2: VIOLATION: Violation of any of the-.terms or provisions of this Code by any corporation or association shall 'subject the officers and agents actively in charge of the business of such corporation or association to the penalty herein provided. , Section 9 -3: CONVICEION: Conviction under the provisions of this Code , shall be deemed just cause for the revocation of any license which said person, firs, corporation or association may'have and/or hold under the provisions of this Code or the Electrical Licensing Ordinance of the City. Section 9 -4: INjUNCIION: In addition to the penal remedy herein, the - City Attorney shall, upon the direction of the City 'tanager, institute any appropriate action or proceeding, including actions for injunction to prevent, restrain, correct or abate any act, conduct, work, business, practice or use which is a violation of and illegal under this ordinance. CHAPTER 10 - VALIDITY, REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, AND PUBLICATION Section 10 -1: VALIDITY CLAUSE: If for any reason, any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, or provision of this Code shall be held invalid, it shall not affect any valid provisions of this or any Code of the City of Corpus Christi to which these rules and regulations regulate. -17- Section 10 -2: REPEAT. OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES: All ordinances in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict; and Ordinance No. 10832, passed and approved by the City Council on May 3, 1972,is particularly repealed. - Section 10 -3: PUBLICATION: This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its publication one time in the official publication of the City of Corpus Christi, which publication shall contain the caption stating in surarary the purpose of the ordinance and the-'penalty for violation thereof. -18- That the foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading on this the '7_day of 1911_, by the following vote: Jason Luby James T. Acuff Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Ricardo Gonzalez Gabe Lozano, Sr. J. Howard Stark That the foregoing ordinance was read for the sec nd time and passed to its third reading on this the Mday of ; 19 %ncl by the following vote: Jason Luby James T. Acuff Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Ricardo Gonzalez Gabe Lozano, Sr. J. Howard Stark That the for?ego,i� g ordinanc was read for the�liird time and passed finally on this the — ay of �, 19 '7r_, by the following vote: Jason Luby James T. Acuff Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Ricardo Gonzalez Gabe Lozano, Sr. J: Howard Stark PASSED AND APPROVED, this the ATTEST: C' Secretary APPROVED: C96 DAY OF 19W: ", W City Attorney 19-11�' a:�== �>� MAY THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Z, '1,- 1- 1 PUBLISHER'S AFFIDAVIT STATE OF TEXAS, ss: County of Nueces. ) Before me, the undersigned. a Notary Public, this day personally came .................................. ,Bill HQxtQI� .......................................... who being first duly sworn, according to law, says that he is the .................................. of the Corpus Christi Caller and The Corpus Christi Times, Daily Newspapers published at Corpus Christi, Texas, in said County and State, and that the publication of of which the annexed is a true copy, was published in ........................... T Ime . .5 ....................................... .... on the.. day of ................... 19...7..x, =*mwvmk ...................... xdtMKGtmK=z ..................................................... .... .............Times. $..........9- 1,5 ............... . Subscribed and sworn to before me this ........ 29 ........ day of ................ Apr I I ....................... 19......7- - -5 Betty Myers ....... � Not T- -e- -x a-s ....... ...