(A) General provisions.
(1) Application. This section applies to all installations of electrical conductors, fittings, devices and fixtures referred to as electrical equipment, within or on public and private buildings and premises. This section does not apply to installation in mines, ships, railway cars, aircraft, automotive equipment or to installations or equipment employed by a railway, electric or communication utility in the exercise of its functions as a utility, except as otherwise provided in this Code.
(2) Definition. As used in this section, REASONABLY SAFE TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY, as applied to electrical installations and electrical equipment, means safe to use in the service that the installation or equipment is intended without unnecessary hazard to life, limb or property.
(3) Interpretation. For purposes of interpretation of this section, the most recently published edition of the National Electrical Code will determine the definitions, interpretations, scope of the work and terms used in this section.
(B) Electrical Inspector; emergencies. In cases of emergency when necessary for safety to persons and property, or when electrical equipment may interfere with the work of the Fire Department, the Electrical Inspector has the authority to disconnect or cause immediate disconnection of any electrical equipment.
(C) Permits.
(2) Exception. No permit will be required for electrical installations of equipment owned, leased, operated or maintained by a public service corporation that is used by the corporation in the performance of its function as a utility, except that the electrical installation must conform to the minimum standards of the National Electric Safety Code.
(4) Form. Application for the permit describing the electrical work to be done must be made by the person registered to do the work. The application must be accompanied by the plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the electrical installation as described will be in conformity with all the legal requirements.
(D) Standards for electrical equipment installation.
(1) Safety. All installations of electrical equipment must be reasonably safe to persons and property and in conformity with the provisions of this section and applicable state law and all orders, rules and regulations issued.
(2) Compliance. Conformity of installations of electrical equipment with applicable regulations in the current National Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code or electrical provisions of other safety codes which have been approved by the American Standards Association, will be evidence that such installations are reasonably safe to persons and property, together with such additions and exceptions contained in this section. Noncompliance with the provisions of this section will be evidence that the installation is not reasonably safe to persons and property.
(3) Moved buildings. Buildings or structures moved into the city must conform to all of the requirements of this Code for new buildings or structures.
(4) Existing buildings. Existing buildings or structures that have been changed in use must conform in all respects to the requirements of this section for the new use.
(E) Connections to installations. It is unlawful for any person to make connections from a supply of electricity to any electrical equipment for the installation that a permit is required or that has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Electrical Inspector. The public or private utility providing services must disconnect the same upon a written order from the Electrical Inspector, if the Inspector considers any electrical installation unsafe to life and property or installed contrary to this section.
(F) Inspections.
(1) Rough in inspection. All electrical installations that involve the concealment of wiring or equipment must have a “rough in” inspection prior to concealment, and the Inspector must be duly notified in advance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
(2) Hidden equipment. When any electrical equipment is to be concealed by the permanent placement of parts of the building, the person, firm or corporation installing the equipment must notify the Electrical Inspector. The equipment must not be concealed until it has been inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector or until 24 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays have elapsed from the time of such notification. For large installations, where the concealment of equipment is continuous, the person, firm or corporation installing the electrical equipment must give the Electrical Inspector due notice and inspections may be made periodically during the progress of the work.
(3) Routine inspections and compliance. At regular intervals, the Electrical Inspector will visit all premises where work may be done under annual permits and will inspect all electrical equipment installed since the previous inspection. The Electrical Inspector may issue a certificate of approval for the work if it is found to be in conformity with the provisions of this section.
(4) Defects; notice. When any electrical equipment is found by the Electrical Inspector to be dangerous to persons or property because it is defective or defectively installed, the person responsible for the electrical equipment will be notified in writing of the defective conditions. The person responsible must make any changes or repairs required in the judgment of the Electrical Inspector to place such equipment in safe condition within 15 days or any longer period that may be specified in the notice. If such work is not completed within the time allowed, the Electrical Inspector may disconnect or order a discontinuance of electrical service to the electrical equipment.
(2001 Code, § 410)