A. Compliance Standard: There is hereby adopted by reference the National Electric Code, 2020, NFPA 70, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., and made a part of this chapter as if the same were fully set forth herein.
B. Standards: The safe and practical standards and specifications for the installation, alteration, and use of electrical equipment, also all the rules and regulations governing the issuance of permits by the building official, also the reasonable fees to be paid for the inspection of all electrical equipment installed or altered in the city deemed to be the minimum requirements for the protection of the health, welfare, and safety of the community in new and rewired electrical installations, are as provided in this chapter and as follows:
1. Classification Of Wiring:
a. Wiring classifications and installation methods shall be in conformance with the National Electric Code, 2020, NFPA 70, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
b. Upon rehabilitation of an existing nonresidential building (building that the use is other than a single-family or two- family dwelling), the owner, contractor, or other person having control of the building shall meet with the electrical inspector for a determination as to how the electrical system within the structure shall be modified to comply with subsection B1a of this section. As a minimum, all wiring exposed during the course of construction shall be brought into compliance with subsection B1a of this section. The inspector shall determine, based upon hazards to the occupants due to the proposed use of the building, what further changes will be required to the electrical system. (Ord. 15-O-3, 1-20-2015)
2. Residential Service:
a. Residential service capacity shall be not less than one hundred (100) amp, twenty (20) circuit, 3-wire, 120/240 volt for residences less than two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor space; two hundred (200) amp, thirty (30) circuit, 3-wire, 120/240 volt for residences two thousand (2,000) square feet or more of floor space.
b. Subject to advance approval by the code enforcement officer, existing residences of two thousand (2,000) square feet or more may have one hundred (100) amp, twenty (20) circuit, 3-wire, 120/240 volt service where the majority of major appliances are not electric, and the proposed connected load would justify such dispensation.
c. All electrically heated homes shall have a minimum two hundred (200) amp, 3-wire, 120/240 volt service.
d. No main entrance smaller than one hundred (100) amp capacity shall be installed in any building, residential or commercial, unless by special permission in writing by the code enforcement officer and the utility company.
3. Grounding: The minimum grounding approved shall be by the means of a five-eighths inch by eight foot (5/8" x 8'0") copper clad ground rod placed at least twenty four inches (24") from the building. Locations that are to be covered by concrete shall have a ground field of not less than three (3) three-fourths inch by eight foot (3/4" x 8'0") approved rods, placed at least ten feet (10') apart and connected by an equivalent grounding wire as needed for the type of service installed. Where ground conduit enters a concrete slab, an expansion joint shall be used to keep the conduit from adhering to the concrete. Additionally, all mechanical and plumbing systems shall be bonded by 6 AWG minimum sized wire to the grounding bus of the service panel.
4. Ceiling Outlets: All ceiling outlets must be installed with a four inch (4") box not less than one and one-half inches (11/2") deep.
5. Outdoor Signs: All outdoor signs shall be controlled by an externally operated switch, capable of being locked in an open position. Transformers used outdoors shall be of weatherproof type and shall be enclosed in the sign body, or in a separate metal box. The external wires on all permanently installed outdoor signs and billboards must be enclosed in conduit.
6. Circuit Breakers: All services shall have either fuses or circuit breakers of the proper interrupting capacity. (Ord. 97-O-32, 8-19-1997; amd. Ord. 04-O-44, 9-21-2004; Ord. 11-O-4, 3-1-2011; Ord. 15-O-3, 1-20-2015; Ord. 2021-O-02, 1-19-2021)