(A) Adoption of National Electrical Code. The standards and specifications, rules and regulations of the 2005 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as contained in the code known as the "National Electrical Code" are hereby adopted as the rules and regulations for the installation, alteration and repair of electrical equipment, subject however, to the additional standards and specifications, rules and regulations herein set forth, and except where they are in conflict with the provisions of this code. A copy of this code shall be on file in the office of the Village Clerk. It shall be mandatory that all equipment, material, devices and appliances covered by the provisions of this code shall be tested and listed by a standard testing laboratory, of nationally accepted stature, which performs services equal to or greater than those performed by the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. In those instances where it is impossible to receive an approval, the Building Department shall make the determination of acceptability.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of installing or altering by contract, electrical equipment for the utilization of electricity supplied for light, heat or power, not including apparatus, conductors, or other equipment installed for or by public utilities including common carriers which are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Commerce Commission for use in their operation as public utilities; but the term ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR does not include employees employed by any personal firm or corporation to do or supervise the work.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Conductors and equipment installed for the utilization of the electricity supplied for light, heat or power, but does not include radio apparatus or equipment for wireless reception of sounds and signals and does not include apparatus, conductors and other equipment installed for or by public utilities, including common carriers, which are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Commerce Commission for use in their operation as public utilities.
OWNER. Any person who is the owner-occupant of a single-family detached residence where specific electrical work is to be done.
(C) Electrical Inspector.
(1) The Electrical Inspector is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the rules and regulations relating to the installation or alteration of all electrical equipment as herein provided.
(2) The Electrical Inspector shall be under the supervision of the Building Inspector or his or her designee.
(D) Electrical Committee. The Electrical Committee shall recommend safe and practical standards and specifications for the installation or alteration of electrical equipment in the village, designed to meet the necessities and conditions in this particular locality; shall recommend reasonable rules and regulations governing the issuance of permits; and shall recommend reasonable fees to be paid for the inspection of all electrical equipment installed or altered within the municipality; provided that, the standards, specifications, rules, regulations and fees shall not become active until adopted by ordinance duly passed by the Village Board. All permit fees shall be paid to the village when approved by the Electrical Inspector.
(E) Permits required.
(1) (a) It is unlawful to install or alter any electrical equipment in the village without first obtaining a permit, as herein provided. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to install or alter any electrical equipment shall apply to the Building Department for the necessary electrical permit. Electrical plans and specifications for proposed installation or alteration of multiple-family dwellings consisting of three or more units and commercial or industrial installations or alterations must be submitted to the Building Department for approval and shall be sealed by a registered architect or registered professional engineer.
(b) The reasonable valuation, estimated cost (labor and material) of the improved value, shall be furnished before the electrical permit shall be issued.
(c) The Electrical Inspector shall inspect all electrical equipment installed or altered in the village and the work shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(2) (a) Permits for work performed under this code may be issued only to registered electrical contractors or to the owner-occupant of single-family detached residences.
(b) Electrical contractors shall furnish bona fide proof of their current electrical contractors registration.
(3) Fees for electrical inspections and permits shall be provided for in the village annual fee schedule.
(F) Inspection and approval.
(1) Electrical installations or alterations shall not be concealed or covered up before same has been inspected and approved by Electrical Inspector or by his or her duly authorized agent. Any person, firm, corporation or contractor who violates any portion of this section shall be charged with the duty of uncovering or opening up for inspection any electrical installation or alteration by whatever means necessary and shall also be subject to the requirements and penalty of § 151.999. When the electrical installation or alteration is ready for a rough-in inspection, it shall be the duty of the person in charge of the installation or alteration to request the inspection. The Building Department shall have eight regular working hours after the notification to make the necessary inspection.
(2) When the temporary or permanent service is installed, it shall be the responsibility of the person, firm or corporation installing the electrical work to notify the Building Department and the local utility company. The Building Department shall make an inspection of the work to assure compliance with the requirements of this chapter and shall then notify the local utility within a reasonable time.
(3) The Inspection Department shall be properly notified eight regular working hours in advance for service, rough and final inspection. No inspection shall be considered to be automatic. Owners doing their own work must be present for the inspection. When the required inspections have been made and accepted, a notice of approval will be posted on or in the building. Anyone failing to call for inspections shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed herein.
(4) All assembly, business, education, factory, industrial, high hazard, institutional, mercantile, multiple-family residential, storage and utility occupancies using electricity for either lighting, heating and/or power shall have installations subject to reinspection at least annually. The Building Department shall furnish the person, firm or corporation in charge of the premises inspected, a written notice of the changes or alterations as may be required. The changes shall be made within 30 days after receipt of the written notice unless, in the opinion of the Electrical Inspector, the changes should be made at once, at the end of which time, the Building Department shall reinspect the changes or alterations required by the written notice.
(G) Registration of electrical contractors.
(1) (a) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of installing electric conductors to be used for light, heat or power, or to engage in the business as an electrical contractor before complying with the rules and regulations as herein set forth.
(b) If the person, firm or corporation is registered in another city or village as an electrical contractor and has paid the registration fee as required by law to such city, or village located within the state, then the electrical contractor shall not be required to register or pay a registration fee for the period covered by his or her certificate to the village.
(2) Any person, firm or corporation desiring to engage in the business of an electrical contractor must first make a written application and pay a non-refundable examination fee of $100 to the Building Department. Each applicant shall be required to pass an examination, as provided by the Electrical Committee which shall require each applicant to answer a reasonable number of questions, in writing, to indicate that he or she has sufficient knowledge and technical training to install, alter, repair or maintain electrical equipment. Following the successful passing of the examination, the Committee shall transmit their approval to the Building Department who shall register the applicant and issue a certificate of registration to the applicant.
(3) Fee: The applicant shall pay to the village an annual fee as provided for in the village annual fee schedule, which shall expire on December 31 of the year in which it was issued.
(4) Electrical contractor registrations may be reviewed and approved or revoked for reasonable cause, at any time, by the Electrical Committee.
(H) Adoption of local utility company information and requirements for supply of electric service.
(1) The provisions of the rules and regulations regarding the installation, alteration and use of electrical equipment as last adopted by the electrical supply company now supplying the village are hereby made a part of this subchapter. A copy of the rules and regulations shall be on file in the Building Department.
(2) The provisions of the rules and regulations regarding the installation, alteration and use of metering equipment as last adopted by the local utility company now supplying the village and identified as “Operating Instruction No. 1-2-D-16,” are hereby made a part of this subchapter. A copy of the rules and regulations being now on file in the office of the Building Department.
(I) Service capacity and equipment; residential installations.
(1) Single- and duplex-family dwellings.
(a) The minimum service capacity for each dwelling unit shall be a 100-amp service with a minimum 16 branch circuit panel. Four spaces for branch circuits shall be provided for future use. Split buss, aluminum conductors and tandem breakers are prohibited unless approved by the Building Official.
(b) Where the disconnecting means is installed within a building and where conduit of service entrance is not covered by a suitable fireproofing material (such as a two-inch concrete covering), the disconnecting means shall be located within five feet of the point where the conduit enters the building.
(c) Service entrance conductors shall be continuous, without splice, from service head to meter fitting and service disconnecting means. Duplex service entrance conductors shall have an capacity of two #1 and one #2 copper conductors when one service riser is used, in an overhead installation. The neutral shall be identified as white. All single-family and duplex dwellings requiring separate rise installations shall have a minimum service capacity two #2 and one #3 copper conductors.
(d) Service risers shall be rigid galvanized conduit (heavy wall), from service head to inside disconnecting means. Minimum size conduit shall be one and one-quarter inch or larger. Rigid aluminum, PVC Schedule 40 and IMC conduit is not permitted for service.
(2) Multiple-family dwellings.
(a) Requirements are the same as for single or duplex dwellings.
(b) Panels shall be installed in each dwelling unit. Each dwelling service main breaker must be marked so it is easily identified as to which unit is being served. Minimum raceway shall be one and one-quarter inch electrical trade size. Maximum service disconnects shall comply with the current publication of the National Electrical Code.
(c) The neutral must be white. Conductors shall be continuous, without splice, from service disconnecting means to dwelling unit distribution panels.
(d) Each meter socket shall be identified as to which apartment unit it serves.
(3) Mobile homes.
(a) The connection from the distribution panels in a mobile home to the power source shall be made with a proper conduit (one and one-fourth inch heavy wall) which has been approved by the village.
(b) In addition, each mobile home shall have an approved grounding system to the shell and metal framework. Grounding requirements shall conform to division (L).
(c) Where the disconnecting means is installed within a building and where conduit of service entrance is not covered by a suitable fireproofing material (such as a two-inch concrete covering), the disconnecting means shall be located within five feet of the point where the conduit enters the building.
(J) Service entrance equipment; residential underground.
(1) Single- and duplex-family dwellings. Service meter raceway to be a minimum 200 amp, located in conformance with operating instruction No. 1-2-D-16 as found in this chapter.
(2) Multiple-family dwellings.
(a) Requirements are the same as for single or duplex dwellings. Service panels shall be installed in each dwelling unit. Each dwelling unit service main breaker must be marked so it is easily identified. Minimum raceway shall be one and one-fourth inch electrical trade size. Maximum service disconnects shall comply with the National Electrical Code.
(b) The neutral shall be identified in white.
(K) Service capacity and equipment; commercial, industrial and large service installations.
(1) Single occupancy. When service installations are required by the local utility to be installed indoors, service raceways shall enter the compartments as directly as possible.
(2) Multiple occupancy. When service installations are required by the local utility to be installed indoors, service raceways shall enter such compartments as directly as possible. Full size service conductors or bus way shall be extended to a main service distribution center. The distribution center shall consist of:
(a) Service conductor gutter with appropriate individual main over current disconnects and metering facilities;
(b) Distribution cabinets and panel containing appropriate main switch and fuse or circuit breaker circuits, the load sides of which shall extend the individual metering facilities adjacent to the distribution center; and
(c) Tap boxes that are weather tight and self-locking shall be accepted in multiple meter installations.
(3) Fittings. There shall be no junction or outlet boxes in a service run, except as noted in division (B)(3) above. Weather tight fittings shall be used in service runs, from service head to meter cabinets. Rigid galvanized (heavy wall) shall be used on all services from service head to inside disconnecting means. Dissimilar metals shall not be used. Revision of services shall conform to new service requirements.
(4) Pad mounted transformer. All underground conduit shall be four-inch PVC or rigid galvanized pipe. In the case of PVC, a concrete envelope will be required with voltages 480v and higher. One spare conduit will be installed on all underground services.
(L) Grounding.
(1) Services shall be grounded to a metallic cold water pipe and to a supplementary electrode, as provided by the National Electrical Code. Where this supplementary electrode is a ground rod, the rod shall be a minimum three-fourths inch by ten feet one piece copper clad or stainless clad rod driven to a depth of at least nine feet, six inches. Where ground rods are used, there shall be one rod installed for each 400 amps of service capacity or fraction thereof with spacing between rods as per the National Electrical Code.
(2) Where the service is supplied from a pad mounted transformer, the grounding grid for the transformer may be used as the supplementary electrode provided the number of rods are sufficient for the service capacity.
(3) Grounding to building fire sprinkler systems is prohibited.
(4) The grounding electrode conductor shall be suitable for the location and shall be effectively bonded to ground at each end.
(M) Outlet boxes.
(1) An outlet box shall be installed for all types of outlets. All outlet boxes shall be metal and they shall provide, at least, the minimum free space for the maximum number of wires indicated in the National Electrical Code. Boxes shall not be less than one and one-half inches in depth. Boxes shall be fitted with covers and/or plates so as to form a complete enclosure. Unused and open knockouts shall be securely closed. Raceways shall not enter a box through a knockout for a small size raceway.
(2) All boxes shall be fully accessible in a manner to permit inspection or modification of wiring contained therein without removing any portion or structure or finished surfaces.
(3) Front edges of boxes and covers shall be set as nearly flush with the finished surfaces as possible, but shall not be more than one-eighth inch back of finished surface.
(4) All outlet boxes shall be independently and solidly supported from the structure. Raceways entering boxes shall not be construed as proper support, nor shall the box be the support for the raceway.
(5) A four-inch square box shall be used with a suitable flush cover as outlet demands. Should it be impossible, owing to construction of the building, a single gem box with the depth not less than two and one-half inches may be used, providing not more than one raceway enters. Ganging of gem boxes is prohibited in new construction.
(6) A four-inch octagon box, minimum depth one and one-half inches may be used in unfinished basement for lights or for garage lights, commercial or industrial lighting when using a four-inch porcelain light receptacle or swivel-type cover with rigid conduit stem to light bulb socket, providing that not more than two knockouts are used.
(7) Back-to-back box nipples with locknuts shall be used between boxes.
(N) Fixtures and outlets required. The minimum number of outlets for connection of permanent lighting fixtures and convenience receptacles in residential buildings shall be as follows.
(1) A light shall be installed directly over every kitchen sink, bathroom lavatory and utility sink in addition to the general lights in the room. Stairways, halls, passageways, corridors, garages, patios and rooms accessible by more than one entry or exit shall have a ceiling light or outlet controlled by three-way or four-way switches, one lighting outlet for each 250 square feet or fraction thereof in basements or cellars.
(2) All outlet receptacles shall be three-pole ground type and shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than six feet, measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space including any wall space two feet wide or greater and the wall space occupied by sliding panels in exterior walls. The receptacle outlets shall, insofar as practicable, be spaced equal distances apart. Floor receptacles may be used only by special permission. A duplex wall receptacle shall be installed in each hallway, foyer or stair landing. Outside receptacles shall be watertight and be of the ground-fault circuit interrupter type. Electric clothes dryers shall have separate circuit and approved receptacle to meet load requirements.
(3) Kitchen and dining area: A wall receptacle shall be installed at each counter space 12 inches or wider, but distance between receptacles on single counter space shall not be more than three feet. A receptacle shall be installed in spaces provided for refrigerators, ranges and other permanently installed appliances. All countertop receptacles shall be of a ground fault circuit interrupter type.
(4) Not less than one fixture or wall receptacle in each room shall be controlled by a wall switch adjacent to entry doors.
(5) An outside light fixture controlled by an interior switch or by photo cell switching when approved by the Building Inspector shall be installed at each entrance and porch.
(6) Garages attached or detached shall have switch controlled interior lighting. At least one receptacle shall be provided for each garage.
(7) Each clothes closet or storage area of six square feet or larger shall have a ceiling light. Walk-in closets shall have a light controlled by a wall switch.
(8) All new construction shall have at least one general lighting circuit for each 300 square feet of area or fraction thereof, approved by the Building Inspector.
(9) All detached structures requiring electrical service must be served by underground conductors installed per division (Q) in an approved manner and shall be suitably protected against physical damage.
(O) Conductors.
(1) The use of aluminum conductors is prohibited.
(2) All conductors shall be insulated and of a type approved for the purpose for which they are used. (It is not hereby intended to prohibit use of bare wire for bonding raceways or equipment to ground.) The use of uninsulated wire for neutral conductors is prohibited.
(3) Conductors installed in raceways which are in concrete slabs or walls in direct contact with earth, fill or are otherwise subject to excessive moisture, shall have not less than type THWN, MTW and AWW insulation.
(4) Connections of conductors to terminal parts shall be mechanical electrical secure without damaging the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure conductors, including set screw type, or splices to flexible leads either soldered, brazed or welded, except that Number 8 AWG or smaller conductors may be connected by means of clamps or screws with terminal plates having upturned lugs. Terminal for more than one conductor shall be so listed.
(5) (a) Conductors shall be so spliced or jointed as to be mechanically and electrically secure. Joints must be soldered with a fusible metal or alloy or brazed or welded unless an approved splicing device is used. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equal to that on the conductors. AWG No. 12 and No. 14 wire splices must be soldered. If the power supply wires to each individual fixture are cut, then each separate free conductor (pigtail), a minimum length of six inches each, shall be provided and such splices shall conform to this section.
(b) Mechanical connectors may be used to attach light fixture wires to the free end of the power supply conductors (pigtails) or uncut power supply conductors.
(6) The minimum conductor size for all commercial installations is #12.
(P) Over-current protection; branch circuit devices. Except as may be specifically approved by the Electrical Inspector, each occupancy shall be provided with fuse or circuit breaker type branch circuit over-current devices for the number of circuits as required to serve the minimum loads states herein, except that for single-family dwellings, the minimum shall not be less than one circuit for every 350 square feet or fraction thereof of floor area. The floor area shall be computed from the outside dimensions of the building area involved, including one-half the area of basements enclosed porches, garages and breeze ways.
(Q) Underground service.
(1) Services must be installed underground as required by Chapter 155 of this code of ordinances.
(2) The underground primary and secondary cable and the service cable are covered by General Order 160, the Illinois Commerce Commission, and therefore under their jurisdiction.
(R) Raceways or conduits.
(1) New work. All new interior installations or alterations shall be approved metal raceways. All raceways exposed to the weather shall be in rigid heavy wall conduit and approved type boxes and fittings. Flexible metal conduit shall comply with Article 350 of the National Electrical Code. Exception: 3/8 inch flexible steel conduit may be used where length does not exceed six feet, conductors are limited to two number 12 A.W.G. Rigid aluminum conduit can only be used by special written permission from the Building Department. Dissimilar metals shall not be used.
(2) Old work.
(a) New installations of one or more concealed extensions and/or additional outlets or open construction due to remodeling or repair in single- or two-family dwellings shall be in rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing or flexible metal conduit and shall be bonded to the ground. One or more concealed extensions, in more than a two-family dwelling shall be minimum one-half inch electrical trade size raceway.
(b) In basements, exposed extensions or additional outlets shall be in rigid conduit or electrical metallic tubing. Exposed flexible extensions from basement floor to upper floor shall not exceed 18 inches in length. Existing and new installations must comply with the applicable section, sections or parts of this code. Any flexible conduit longer than six feet shall have a grounding conductor installed.
(3) Raceways in concrete. All raceways installed in a concrete base or slab shall be rigid galvanized heavy wall conduit, electrical metallic tubing, PVC Schedule 40 or approved floor duct. Any permanently exposed risers emerging from the concrete base or slab shall be rigid galvanized heavy wall conduit. All raceway connection or fittings installed in or under concrete base, slab or underground shall be PVC Schedule 40. Rigid steel or electrical metallic tubing shall not be used underground, in or underneath concrete bases or slabs in contact with the earth or fill.
(4) Raceway fittings. All raceway fittings, locknuts, bushings, couplings or connectors shall provide secure mechanical and electrical joints.
(5) Bushings. Where a raceway enters a box or other fitting, an insulating bushing should be used to protect the wires from abrasion unless the design of the box or fitting is such as to afford equivalent protection. For electrical trade size one inch or larger or for installations of more than 150 volts to ground, insulating bushings shall be used or approved equal where raceways enter enclosures.
(S) Smoke detectors. Required smoke detectors shall be connected to a 120-volt circuit. In residential occupancies, smoke detectors are required as indicated in the BOCA® Building Code or the International Residential Code.
(T) Remote water meter readers.
(1) In new construction or major remodeling, a one-half inch or larger UL listed conduit shall be installed for the remote reader. It shall be located one foot from the inside water meter to a location on the front of the house or adjacent to gas meter at a minimum two feet in height from finished grade.
(2) This conduit must be marked or identified on the exterior of the building for the water meter installer. Remote readers are not available for water meters over one and one-half inch in size. The conduit shall be installed when rough electrical inspection is made.
(U) Signs and border lighting.
(1) All signs must bear the approval stamp of the Underwriters Laboratories.
(2) Sign and border lighting shall be wired with No. 12 wire and a maximum of 1,500 watts per circuit will be permitted. Sign lighting supply shall be taken only from the points on the wiring system for which correct fusing can be provided.
(3) All outdoor electrical signs shall be controlled by a disconnect installed on or near the outside of the sign and shall be accessible.
(4) On all neon signs, the high voltage transformer and high voltage equipment shall be installed in approved metal boxes and all metal parts shall be grounded to the conduit.
(5) All wiring for permanent free standing electrical signs and billboards shall be underground installed as per division (Q). All exposed wiring shall be encased in rigid galvanized or PVC Schedule 40 conduit.
(6) Illuminated temporary or portable signs shall be connected to a ground fault protected interrupter type of receptacle and shall not be subject to mechanical injury.
(V) Wiring for carnivals and/or festivals.
(1) All electrical work of temporary nature must meet both this code and National Electrical Codes (NEC).
(2) Electrical generators must be so located that the grounding electrode can be driven in the earth that is not covered with concrete, blacktop or any other material that will prevent moisture from entering the earth.
(3) Grounding electrode and grounding conductors must be sized to meet NEC Article 250.
(4) All grounding shall be carried by a grounding conductor from the power source to each appliance or device using electrical current.
(5) The grounding conductor shall be green in color. Exception: other color conductors may be used, providing the ends are identified with either green tape or green paint.
(6) A driving ground electrode will not be permitted on any device or appliance using electric current.
(7) Each device or appliance requiring electric current must have a disconnect switch with proper size wire and protective devices.
(8) All junctions must be made in the “Minnesota” type boxes. The cover must be locked.
(9) An electrical permit and inspection will be required before the carnival or festival can be opened.
(W) Conflicts. In all instances where the provisions of this code, adopted in this subchapter, conflict with specific provisions of the Building, Plumbing, Heating or Fire Prevention Codes of the village, either as presently adopted or to be adopted or amended in the future, the specific provisions of these individual codes shall supercede and take precedence over the conflicting provisions in this code.
(Am. Ord. 2001-17, passed 9-17-2001; Am. Ord. 17-54, passed 11-20-2017; Am. Ord. 19-25, passed 7-8-2019)