HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2020-33 - 2017 National Electric Code AdoptionORDINANCE NO. ZOZa - 3 3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS AMENDING SECTION 15.16 "ELECTRIC CODE" OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE
2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND CORRESPONDING LOCAL
AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING
CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS; AND ESTABLISHING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of Georgetown, Texas to adopt, in all
respects, the "2017 National Electrical Code," with the associated local amendments relating to
the building standards as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Georgetown, Texas has found that the present electrical
codes of the City of Georgetown has become obsolete and inadequate; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Georgetown, Texas has determined that the adoption of
the 2017 National Electrical Code is done to facilitate proper inspection activities by
Georgetown, Texas relating to building standards within the corporate city limits of Georgetown,
relating to public safety, health, and general welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Building Standards Commission, which has been appointed by the City
Council, has (1) reviewed the effect of the proposed regulations; (2) held public hearings related
to same; and (3) made recommendations to the City Council for adoption of the same, including
amendments noted herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The meeting at which this ordinance was approved was in all things conducted in
compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.
Section 2. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are hereby found
and declared to be true and correct and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part
hereof, as if copied verbatim
Section 3. Chapter 15.16, "Electrical Code," is hereby amended in its entirety as shown on Exhibit
A.
Section 4. All projects that are under construction and all projects with a complete applications for a
building permit accepted by the City of Georgetown, Texas prior to the Effective Date of this shall be
allowed to complete construction under the terms of the prior provisions of Section 15.16 and shall not be
required to meet the requirements of the 2017 National Electrical Code. All permit applications submitted
on or after the Effective Date of this Ordinance shall comply with the terms of Section 15.16 as amended
by this Ordinance in its entirety.
Section 5. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstance
shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or application thereof, of this
ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the
provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
Section 6. All ordinances that are in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be, and the same
are hereby, repealed and all other ordinances of the City not in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 7. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this ordinance and the City Secretary to attest.
This Ordinance shall become effective on June 1, 2020 and in accordance with the provisions of the
Charter of the City of Georgetown.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the ! Lk day of , 2020.
PASSED AND APPROVED on Second [leading on the Z% dayofkpe, t 2020.
ATTEST:
THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN
By:
Robyn Ddhsmore, City Secretary Dale Ross, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Charlie McNabb, City Attorney
CHAPTER 15.16. - ELECTRICAL CODE
ARTICLE I. - GENERAL
Sec. 15.16.005. - Purpose and adoption of 2017 National Electrical Code.
The purpose of this Chapter to assist in safeguarding persons and property from hazards
arising from the use of electricity. Except as otherwise specifically provided, all references to the
term "Code" in this Chapter 15.16 shall be to the NFPA 70, 2017 National Electrical Code,
published by the National Fire Protection Association, which is hereby adopted by reference as if
set forth in whole except as otherwise specifically stated herein, and including the provisions of
that Code pertaining to the registration with the City of Georgetown of the required State of
Texas Electrical License for the protection of the public.
Sec. 15.16.010. -Enforcement of code provisions.
Article 90 of the Code, Introduction, is specifically adopted by the City. The administration
and enforcement of this Chapter shall primarily devolve upon the City Building Official or
his/her representative. They shall have the right to inspect and enter upon all premises and
surrounding property and the public as a whole when applying current state law allowing right of
entry. The Police Department, City Electrical Department and the Fire Department shall also be
charged with the enforcement of this Chapter and shall, so far as possible, act to enforce this
Chapter.
Sec. 15.16.020. - Appeals Board.
The Building Standards Commission shall be the appeals board for matters relating to
interpretation and enforcement of the Code and to licensing registration. The Building Standards
Commission will also consider appeals of any decisions made by a City Inspector in accordance
with the By -Laws of the Building Standards Commission. The Building Standards Commission
shall perform its duties in accordance with all applicable laws, including without limitation those
ordinances and bylaws pertaining to the Building Standards Commission adopted and/or
approved by the City Council.
Sec. 15.15.030. - Penalty for violation of Chapter.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Chapter or who shall fail to
comply with the requirements of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Each
and every day's continuance of any violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall constitute and
be deemed a separate offense. In case of any such corporation, the officers and agents, and
person or persons actually performing the work for such corporation shall be subject to the
penalties herein provided. Any person violating any provision of this Chapter or the Code as
adopted is subject to punishment as provided in Section 1.08.010 of the City of Georgetown
Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 15.16.040. - Licenses —Registrations, permits required.
No person shall enter upon the erecting, construction, alteration or change of any electrical
installation, work, wiring or fitting or electrical machinery covered by this Chapter until such
person shall have first secured all necessary State of Texas license registration and permits as
required by this Chapter.
Sec. 15.16.050. - Supervision of placement of wires, etc.
The City Electrical Department or a regular franchised utility company, is hereby
authorized, empowered, and directed to have general supervision over the placing, stringing or
attaching of telegraph, telephone, electric light or other wires and cables, and the placing of all
poles and appliances, within their own system, so as to prevent fires, accident or injury to
persons or property; to cause all such wires and electric lights to be so placed, constructed, and
guarded as not to cause fire, accident, or endanger the life or property of any inhabitant of the
city; and all such lights and wires or electrical apparatus now existing, as well as those hereafter
constructed and placed, shall be subject to such supervision.
Sec. 15.16.060. - When wire is to be disconnected.
A. In time of fire, severe weather conditions, or other emergency, where in the safety of lives
or property may be endangered by the continued operation of electrical service wires or
apparatus providing electrical current, such may be ordered disconnected by the City
Electrical Department, the Mayor, the City Manager, Fire Chief, Emergency Operation
Coordinator, the Building Official, the Inspection Services Staff or the Chief of Police. Any
such order shall be binding on every person owning or controlling such wire or apparatus
and such wires or apparatus as may be designated by any of the above authorized officials
shall be promptly disconnected and left disconnected until authorization from the City
Building Official or designee is given to the electrical utility company for reconnection.
B. The City Utility Department shall request the electrical service to be disconnected from any
building and/or premises, except private residences and/or apartment buildings used as
residences, each time such buildings or premises have a change of occupants and shall not
be reconnected until authorized by the City Building Official or designee.
C. The City Utility Billing Department shall request the electrical service be disconnected for
private residences and/or apartment buildings when the occupant or owner, or the City
Building Official or designee requests such action. The utility company shall not again
supply electricity to such residence and/or apartment building until authorized to do so by
the City Building Official or designee.
D. The owners and/or the new occupants of such disconnected buildings and/or premises shall
make application to the City Building Official or designee for the inspection. The fee for
such inspection shall be set by the City Council. The electrical inspector shall make the
inspection as soon as practicable, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, after such
application is made.
ARTICLE II. - STATE OF TEXAS LICENSE REGISTRATION
Sec. 15.16.080. - Definition.
For the purpose of this Chapter, the "Commission" shall mean the Building Standards
Commission of the City of Georgetown.
Sec. 15.16.100. - Categories of electricians.
The City of Georgetown recognizes the same categories of electricians as the State of Texas
as set forth in Chapter 1305 of the Texas Occupations Code.
Sec. 15.16.110. - Supervision.
All work shall be done under the general supervision of a licensed Master Electrician.
Sec. 15.16.120. - Qualifications —Requirements for registration of State licenses.
Any person meeting the requirements of the State of Texas for a particular category of
license and possessing a valid license issued by the State of Texas shall be qualified to register
that license in the City of Georgetown.
Sec. 15.16.140. - Examinations of electricians.
Examinations will be conducted by the State of Texas in accordance with the Texas
Electrical Safety and License Act.
Sec. 15.16.160. - Registration
All electricians will register with the City of Georgetown at the Building Office prior to
commencing any work. Every application shall show a valid State of Texas Driver's License
Number, and provide the full name, date of birth, weight, height, color of eyes, color of hair,
gender, residence address, business address, and a photo ID of the applicant issued by a
government agency. The applicant shall be required to have his/her license and registration
in his/her possession at all times while on the job.
Sec. 15.16.200. - Transfer.
It is unlawful for any person to transfer his/her electrician's State of Texas license or City of
Georgetown registration to allow the use of this license directly or indirectly by another person
for the purpose of obtaining a permit to do electrical work. It is unlawful for any person not
holding a State of Texas license or City of Georgetown registration to use the same of another,
for purpose of doing electrical work or securing a permit to do electrical work.
Sec. 15.16.220. - Revocation of registration.
A. An electrical registration of any class issued by the City under the provisions of this
Chapter may be suspended or revoked upon the unanimous decision of the Commission.
B. Registrations may be suspended or revoked should the holder violate any provisions of the
Code as adopted, State Law or City Ordinance or regulation relating to or governing
electrical wiring, repairing or construction. In the event termination of a suspension or
revocation of an electrical license registration should fall within the next registering year.
C. No registration shall be suspended or revoked unless the registrant shall have been given an
opportunity to appear and be heard by the Commission. The registrant shall have at least ten
days written notice specifying the reason(s) for suspension or revocation.
D. Certain Acts Prohibited. It shall be a violation of this Code for any person:
1. To display, permit to be displayed or to have in one's possession, any instrument
purporting to be a registrant issued pursuant to this Code and the State of Texas license,
knowing such instrument to be fictitious, canceled, suspended, revoked or altered.
2. To knowingly lend, transfer or permit the use of any registration for the purpose of
performing or obtaining a permit for electrical work, to any person not entitled thereto
under the provisions of this Code or the State of Texas.
3. To fail or refuse to surrender to the City Building Official or designee, on demand, an
electrician's registration, which has been canceled, suspended, revoked or altered as
provided by law.
4. To apply for, or have in one's possession, more than one current license of the same
type provided for in this Code or the State of Texas.
5. To use a false or fictitious name or address in any registration 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.
6. To employ as a Master, Journeyman, or Apprentice Electrician any person not then
licensed as provided in this Code or the State of Texas.
7. To perform any electrical work requiring a State of Texas license or City of
Georgetown registration, without said license/and or City registration or while said
license is suspended or canceled.
8. To perform electrical work in any manner in violation of any restrictions imposed on a
licensee.
9. To perform electrical work as a Journeyman or Apprentice Electrician on a job while
not employed under the supervision of the Master Electrician of record of said job.
10. To fail to request a final inspection upon completion of all electrical wiring and
installation requiring a permit.
11. To use a Contractors License to secure a permit while not a Master Electrician or
having a Master employed by the person holding the Contractors License.
12. To perform electrical work as a licensed electrician or person for hire on any job
permitted under a home owners permit or to secure a home owners permit and then
allow someone else to perform the work.
Sec. 15.16.250. - Suspension/penalties.
A. The registration of any person may be suspended upon determination by the Commission
that said registrant has committed any of the following offenses:
1. Taking out a permit in the name of 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 Commission.
4. Violating a term of probation or suspension.
B. Suspension provided for in this Code shall in the first instance be for a period of up to six
months. For subsequent offenses said suspension shall be for a period of up to one year.
C. The suspension of any registration may be extended for a like period as the original
suspension upon a final determination by the Commission that a registrant has been
performing electrical work while his/her registration is suspended. Said suspension
extension may be in addition to any other penalty assessed, as provided in this Code.
Sec. 15.16.260. - Surrender and return of registration.
Any registration which has been suspended pursuant to this Code shall be surrendered to and
retained by the City Building Official or designee. At the end of the period of suspension, the
surrendered registration shall be returned to the registrant and be valid under the provisions in
this Chapter, provided:
A. No further violations of this Chapter or the Code are committed by suspension period;
and
B. if the period of suspension extends beyond the normal expiration date of said
registration, the registrant has paid all fees in accordance with this Chapter.
ARTICLE III. - PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
Sec. 15.16.280. - Inspection does not relieve owner responsibility.
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibilities of any
person who owns, operates, or installs electrical wires, appliances, apparatus
construction, or equipment for the damage to property or persons, injured by any defect
therein nor shall the City or any agent thereof be deemed to assume any such liability by
reason of the inspection authorized herein or the certificate of inspection issued by the
City Building Official or designee.
Sec. 15.16.290. - Permits required.
A. No person shall commence the erection, construction, alteration or change of any
electrical installation, machinery, apparatus, work or wiring in the City until a permit
has been issued by the City Building Official or designee covering each installation
to be made.
B. When any wiring or apparatus is installed in such a manner that the same could be
used for electric light or power purposes, it shall be deemed that the wiring or
apparatus is used for such purposes and permit shall be required and inspection made
as provided for such purpose.
C. It shall be unlawful for the City Electric Department to do any wiring of any nature
in or on any building, except power houses and substations of electric light, heat and
power companies operating under a franchise granted by the City, for which a permit
has not been issued, or to make any electrical connections to any building or
electrical wiring or apparatus until a certificate of inspection or written statement
authorizing connection has been issued by the City Building Official or designee. All
persons operating under a regular franchise granted by the City shall, upon written
notice by the City Building Official or designee, disconnect any circuit, main service
wires, branch feeder wires, or distribution system, as designated by such notice, and
shall not reconnect such installation except upon written permission from the City
Building Official or designee.
D. No permit shall be required for the installation of wires to operate telephone,
telegraph or district messenger services, or repair or replacement of the same
electrical equipment wiring or apparatus.
Sec. 15.16.300. - To whom permits shall be issued.
Permits required by the provisions of this article shall be issued only to those persons
who have secured a State of Texas Electrical Contractor's and Electrical Sign Contractor's
License and have registered with the City or his/her representative under the provisions
of this Chapter or to a person whose home is owned and occupied by him/her.
Sec. 15.16.310. - Permit fees.
A. Permit fees for Electrical work shall be set forth by the City Building Official or
designee and adopted by the City Council.
B. In case any work, for which a permit is required by this Chapter, is started prior to
obtaining said permit, the fee above specified shall be doubled. The payment of such
doubled fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements
of this Chapter in the execution of work nor from other penalties prescribed herein.
Ordinance Number: Page 8 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: , 2020
Sec. 15.16.320. - Issuance —Electrical permit.
The City Building Official or designee shall issue an electrical permit showing the
permit number, the building or house number, a description of the work to be conducted,
and the name of the contractor.
Sec. 15.16.330. - Construction power service, general.
Construction power services shall be authorized for a period of time necessary for
completion, final inspection, and testing of the building or structure's electrical system.
This service is not to exceed six months for dwelling unit or one year for commercial or
institutional occupancies. An extension may be granted by the City Building Official or
designee for up to three months on dwelling unit construction sites and six months on
commercial or industrial sites. Construction power service can be ordered disconnected at
any time by the City Building Official or designee when the installation is declared
unsafe or construction work ceases for a period of one month. Reconnection of
construction service thus ordered shall not be reconnected until approved by the City
Building Official or designee and a renewal fee is paid to the City utility department.
A. Temporary Construction Power Poles. A temporary construction power pole
shall be authorized to service not more than one construction site and only when
the following requirements are met:
1. The responsible contractor applies for service at the City Utility Office;
furnishes the assigned address for the site involved; certifies that a
temporary metered construction power pole meeting city standards has been
erected on the site within 60 feet of utility pole which is capable of
providing the service; and the site has been marked with an address -sign
clearly visible from the street.
2. The temporary power pole shall be long enough in length to be a minimum
of 12 to 14 feet above grade after installation. Pole shall be set in the earth
and shall be guyed to withstand lateral pressures of the service under
normal weather and wind conditions and will provide a 12-foot clearance
over driveways and an 18-foot clearance over public streets.
3. The temporary power pole shall be grounded as per City of Georgetown
requirements and have a metered service of sufficient size to meet the
construction needs. All receptacle outlets shall be protected by G.F.C.I's as
required per Article 590.6 of the Code.
B. Permanent Construction Service. Permanent construction service may be
authorized for a building or structure under construction provided that:
1. The permanent service equipment has been installed and the building is
dried -in.
2. The service disconnect and service grounding system has been completed.
3. All construction feeders and branch circuits to be activated are installed and
properly safe -guarded from electrical shock and overload.
Ordinance Number: Page 9 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: 92020
4. A notice is posted on the main disconnect and all activated main and sub -
panels indicating they are in-service and are not to be opened except by the
responsible electrical contractor.
5. The system has been inspected and approved by the City Building Official
or designee.
6. The fuses in the main disconnect switch or the breaker shall be in place
when the City Building Official or designee performs the permanent power
inspection of the electrical work.
Permanent construction service will be required on the building or structure prior to
final inspection and certification by the City Building Official or designee.
Sec. 15.16.340. - Inspections.
Inspections by the City Building Official or designee shall be requested by the
person performing electrical work for which a permit has been issued. The electrical
inspector shall make the inspection as soon as practicable exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays. The electrical contractor, electrical sign contractor or the Master
Electrician responsible may be required to be present at the construction site during the
final inspection.
Sec. 15.16.350. - Work not to be concealed.
Work will not be concealed until inspected and approval given of such work by the
City Building Official or designee.
Sec. 15.16.370. - Approval tag.
After inspecting any electrical wiring, the City Building Official or designee shall
leave notice in the form of a tag or label attached to the service entrance switch; which
such notice shall clearly state whether the wiring is approved or is to be kept open for
correction.
Sec. 15.16.380. - Defective workmanship.
Any person engaged in the business of electrical construction or the installation of
wiring or apparatus for electric light or power in the City who shall fail to correct any
defect(s) in any work done by him after having been notified of such defect(s) by the City
Building Official or designee and given a specified period of time within which to make
such correction and fails or refuses within such time to correct such defect(s) in
conformity with this Chapter or the lawful orders of the City Building Official or
designee, shall not be issued any further permits until such defect(s) have been corrected.
On any case in which any person shall continue to or persistently violate the provisions of
this Chapter or the orders of the City Building Official or designee in relation to the
same, the license of such person may be suspended or revoked upon recommendation by
the Commission.
Sec. 15.16.390. - Certificates of inspection.
On the satisfactory completion of the work covered by a permit in accordance with
all ordinances and laws, the City Building Official or designee shall issue a certificate of
inspection. The certificate of inspection shall certify that the work is in accordance with
the rules governing the respective class to which it belongs.
Ordinance Number: Page 10 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: 2020
Sec. 15.16.400. - Effect of nonconforming existing work on issuance of certificate of
inspection.
Where a permit is issued for an addition to existing work, wherein the new work is
satisfactorily completed, but the existing work to which it is connected does not conform
to the rules laid down by this Chapter, the City Building Official or designee shall issue a
written statement to the effect that the new work complies with the rules, but that the
existing work may not comply with the provisions of this Chapter. This statement shall
constitute notice to the owner or other interested party that the entire installation may not
comply with the provisions of this Chapter and may not prevent the issuance of a
completion certificate for the new work.
Sec. 15.16.410. - Refusal of certificate of inspection.
The City Building Official or designee is hereby given the authority to refuse to issue
a certificate of inspection for any addition, or extension to any electrical wiring in or on
any building wherein it is determined that the wiring is in an unsafe condition. The City
Building Official or designee shall refuse to issue a Certificate of Inspection and no
electric light and power company shall connect electrical current to the same if any
violations of this Chapter exist.
Sec. 15.16.420. - Routine inspection.
It shall be the duty of the City Building Official or designee to inspect all electrical
wiring and apparatus in the city at any time in order to ascertain whether such electrical
wiring or apparatus is in any respect dangerous to life or property; and, if any part of such
electrical wiring or apparatus is found to be in a defective or dangerous condition, the
City Building Official or designee shall have the authority to take whatever action is
necessary for safety of life and property. City Building Official or designee shall notify
the property owner or tenant within a reasonable time of any defect and/or action taken. If
the owner of such defective wiring or equipment shall refuse or fail to comply with this
requirement, he/she shall be held to be in direct violation of this Chapter.
Sec. 15.16.430. - Commercial buildings —Raceways.
A. All commercial buildings shall be wired in raceways;
B. All existing commercial buildings and those buildings used as residential -use
buildings and thereafter converted to commercial usage, the requirement for the
installation of raceway will be determined on a case by case basis by the City
Building Official or designee and/or Building Standards Commission.
ARTICLE IV. - TECHNICAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 15.16.440. - 2017 National Electrical Code.
A. The governing edition of the 2017 National Electrical Code shall be that edition
accepted by an adopting ordinance approved by the Commission and enacted by the
City Council for the City of Georgetown.
B. In the installation, construction, erection, repair, and maintenance of all electrical
wiring and apparatus, the rules and the requirements of the 2017 National Electric
Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, together with such
Ordinance Number: Page 11 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: 2020
requirements and rules as are provided herein, shall be complied with and become a
part of this Code.
C. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and the National
Electrical Code, the more stringent of the two Codes, as interpreted by the City
Building Official or designee, shall prevail.
Sec. 15.16.450. - Services —Location.
All service entrance wires into a building shall be located at a point on the building
specified by the City Electrical Department. Where practical, all service conduits shall be
extended through the outside building wall on a street or alley side at such point as will
avoid open service wires being placed over roofs or through courts, light and ventilating
shafts, and over adjoining property.
Sec. 15.16.460. - Service —Support.
A. Where service wires enter a building through stucco, tiles, brick or other masonry
walls, substantial support for the service wires must be provided, such support to be
able to withstand the strain and weight of service drop and shall be installed by the
contractor during the construction of the supporting wall and the location of same
shall be designated by the City Electrical Department.
B. Where service wires enter a building through other type walls, substantial support
for the service must be provided, such support to consist of an approved one point
terminal insulator of sufficient size to support the service for the distance and size
wire involved, bolted through a major structural member of the building or structure
and installed prior to the electrical rough -in inspection by the contractor.
Sec. 15.16.470. - Service —Entrance.
All service entrance wires making overhead entrances into buildings shall be carried
in metal conduit with weatherproof service head, and the conduit shall be brought from
the entrance to the fuse switch or breaker. The service entrance to the service switch
cabinet shall be as short as possible, but in no case greater than three feet within the
building without the special permission from the City Building Official or designee.
Length of outside service wire extension beyond service head shall not be less than two
feet.
Sec. 15.16.480. - Service —Mast.
A service mast is a service which penetrates a roof or supports a service drop. A mast
shall be used anytime proper clearance cannot be achieved without penetrating the roof.
A mast shall conform to the following specifications:
A. Minimum two-inch IMC or galvanized rigid conduit;
B. No coupling above the roofline;
C. Mast must penetrate a minimum of 18 inches above roof measured on the high
side of conduit;
D. Any mast over three feet in length (measured from high side of conduit) must
be properly guyed so as to relieve the strain of the service drop; and
E. Properly installed flashings and fittings must be installed to prevent leakage.
Ordinance Number: Page 12 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: , 2020
Sec. 15.16.490. - Service lateral.
A. Underground secondary service conductors shall be run in two-inch schedule 40
PVC conduit or better;
B. Conduit trenches shall be left open until they are inspected and approved by the City
Building Inspection Department or the City Electrical Department;
C. Greater than 200 amp services for Laterals shall be installed in a minimum three-
inch Raceway.
Sec. 15.16.500. - Service disconnects.
A. Single-family residences shall have a single current limiting service disconnect
located or adjacent to its primary service equipment. This disconnect must be located
on the building and not be a part of City distribution equipment. No line side taps
shall be allowed.
Sec. 15.16.510. - Meters —Types.
City Electric Department shall determine the type of metering and its location.
Sec. 15.16.520. - Meters —Installation.
A. The meter shall be installed outside the building unless special permission is
granted by the City Electrical Department.
B. Under no circumstances shall any meter be moved or relocated unless authorization
is given by employees of the City Electrical Department.
C. For one- and two-family dwelling and commercial applications —Meters shall be
placed between four feet and six feet above the finished grade measured to center of
meter can. The City Electrical Department will furnish the meter can, but the
contractor shall install them. If the height exceeds six feet special permission is
required by the City Electrical Department.
D. For three or more meters installed in anyone location, meters shall be installed not
less than four feet from finished grade and no more than six feet from finish grade.
Special installation shall be approved by the City Inspection Department or City
Electrical Building Official.
Sec. 15.16.530. - Circuit wire sizes —Copper.
A. Wire of size not smaller than No. 12 AWG shall be used for lighting distribution
circuits from panels to outlets.
B. Exceptions are in residential installations wherein No. 14 AWG wire may be used
for switch legs serving not more than 600 watts. All utility outlets shall be minimum
No. 12 AWG.
C. Control wiring maybe a No. 14 AWG conductor and must be fused by not more
than 15 amperes.
D. Electrical conductors of No. 14 AWG for branch circuits shall not be allowed.
Sec. 15.16.540. - Aluminum conductors.
A. Aluminum and copper -clad aluminum conductors of sizes smaller than No. 6 AWG
shall not be used.
Ordinance Number: Page 13 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: , 2020
B. Aluminum and copper -clad aluminum conductors of sizes No. 6 AWG and larger
may be used with approved devices and terminals provided suitable oxidation
inhibitors are used on all terminals, and splices are made as specified in a UL listing
for the device being used.
Sec. 15.16.550. - Installation of outlets, switches, receptacle boxes, smoke detectors.
A. All lighting outlets, switches, and receptacle boxes shall be attached to the wood,
steel, drywall or masonry framing of the building in accordance with the
manufacturer's written instruction.
B. All switch and receptacle devices will be U.L. approved. No "quick wire" devices
are allowed. Wiring must be attached to the device with factory screws or factory
screw and pressure plates. No push in pressure devices shall be allowed; all smoke
detectors shall be connected to a single dedicated circuit.
C. GFCI's installed in the kitchens and bathrooms shall be provided with a re -set type
of receptacle outlets in the kitchen and bathroom areas and not at one point of re -set
such as the main disconnect panel.
Sec. 15.16.560. - Outlets —Residential.
A. For general wiring of dwellings restricted to residential use, including apartments,
hotels and motels, not more than 12 outlets shall be permitted on any one branch
circuit.
B. Refrigerator shall be on a dedicated circuit.
C. In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling
unit, the two or more 20 ampere small appliance branch circuits shall consist of no
more than six outlets on each circuit.
Sec. 15.16.570. - Grounding.
The grounding and bonding methods shall comply with 2017 National Electrical
Code as adopted and as specified by this section for each service installed, including but
not limited to:
A. An underground metallic water pipe shall not be used as the only grounding
electrode for a service;
B. Primary Electrode: Due to the amount of rock in the Georgetown area, Article
250-52(A)3, "Concrete -Encased Electrode" shall apply to that of all new
construction within the corporate city limits and the ETJ areas where the City of
Georgetown supplies and inspects for Electrical service installations;
C. The grounding and bonding systems for the new construction of Commercial
and metal or steel structures shall meet the requirements of the 2017 National
Electrical Code and those as specified herein;
D. Bonding and/ or grounding conductors shall be installed so as to prevent
contact between dissimilar metal(s);
Ordinance Number: Page 14 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: 912020
E. Gas piping shall not be permitted for use as a Grounding Electrode. This
includes the following systems materials —Metal underground gas piping
systems and aluminum.
F. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) shall be properly bonded and
grounded in accordance with manufactures recommendations and specifications
and in accordance with Section 250.104(B) of the 2017 National Electric Code.
G. For that of existing structures where the encasement of the primary electrode in
concrete is not feasible for a service up -grade, change out, repair, or addition of
Services, at least one grounding electrode of the type specified in Article's 250-
50 of the 2017 National Electrical Code as adopted shall apply;
H. The interior metal water piping system shall be bonded to the service
grounding system with a conductor as per the 2017 National Electrical Code as
adopted, the point of attachment shall be accessible. This requirement shall
apply to both new construction and up -grade, change out, repair, or addition of
services of existing structures;
I. All metallic water piping systems with a softener systems shall have a bonding
jumper, #6 or larger, between incoming water supply piping and outgoing
treated water piping; and shall be installed with an approved bonding clamp
inside the wall with accessibility to the clamps;
J. Two concrete encased electrodes shall be installed when the water piping is a
non-metallic material; and
K. Concrete encased electrodes shall be used for the grounding for light poles.
Sec. 15.16.580. - Safeguards.
A. Color Coding of Conductors:
Single Phase 120/240 Volt System.
Phase: I
A TBlack
B Red
Neutral White
2. Three Phase 120/240 Volt center tap Delta System.
Phase:
A Black
B Orange (high
leg)
Ordinance Number: Page 15 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: , 2020
C Red
Neutral White
3. Three Phase 480 Volt Delta System.
Phase: J
A Brown
B Yellow
C I _ Purple
4. Three Phase 120/208 Volt WYE System.
Phase:
A Black
B Red
C Blue
Neutral White
5. Three Phase 277/480 Volt WYE System.
Phase:
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
Neutral Natural Gray
B. Terminal blocks are to be used in the connection of conductors within gutters.
C. On gutters serving new multiple services the electrical contractor will furnish
terminal blocks with the capacity to serve the maximum number of available services
(tenants).
Ordinance Number: Page 16 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: .12020
D. When adding a meter (tenant) to an existing gutter service, the electrical contractor
will be responsible for setting all meter cans and related equipment and furnishing
tails long enough to access the existing terminal blocks. Georgetown Utility Systems
will make connections after the service has passed inspection and meter is set. Under
no circumstances is the electrical contractor to tie in the service before it is inspected.
E. All gutters shall be marked on the exterior with available voltage, amperage and
phases.
Sec. 15.16.590. - Installation of cabinets and panel requirements.
A. All main and branch circuit panels shall be attached to wall or panel mountings with
screws, studs, or toggle bolts.
B. All panels installed for electrical disconnecting means shall be installed with spare
spaces and raceways for future use:
1. For each panel in residential buildings, a minimum of one spare one -inch
raceway shall be installed from the panel to an accessible location in the attic or
crawlspace for recessed panels only. All disconnect panels installed in
residential occupancies must be large enough to accommodate the present load
requirements and have at least three spare circuits for future use.
2. For each panel installed in commercial buildings, the requirements for that of
paragraph (1) of this section shall apply; except that all disconnect panels
installed in commercial occupancies shall provide at least four spare circuits for
future use.
Sec. 15.16.600. - Engineers seal required.
In accordance with the Texas Engineering Practice Act, all drawings pertaining to
non -dwelling construction projects of 5,000 square feet or more shall bear the seal of an
engineer licensed in the State of Texas. The Building Official is hereby authorized to
require at his/her discretion, said seal to be placed upon drawings for non -dwelling
construction projects of lesser square footage.
Ordinance Number: Page 17 of 17
Description: Electric Code Adoption
Date Approved: 12020