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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1963-664 .....' .... .... ~ ...... ' ,~ - ...... ........ ,- ..., .' -....,... . .. . '-__u -'7 ORDINANCE NO. 664 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATORY MEASURES PERTAINING TO ELECTRICAL WORK IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE, CREATING AN ELECTRICAL BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MEM- BERS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES TO MASTER ELECTRICIANS; PROVIDING FOR FEES, BONDS, THE KEEPING OF RECORDS, THE REVOCATION OF LICENSES; PROVIDING FOR AN APPEAL FROM ACTIONS OF THE ELE€TRICAL BOARD; CREATING OFFICE OF CITY ELECTlUCAL INSPECTOR AND PROVIDING THE DUTIES OF SAID OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK AND THE INSPECTION THEREOF; FIXING INSPECTION FEES; PRO- MULGATING RULES, AND REGULATIONS TO GOVERN AND TO BE OBSERVED IN ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING,. CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, REPAIR, ALTERATIONS, OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL WIRING, APPARATUS AND FIX1URES; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY OF NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AND NOII00 ($200.00) FOR VIOLATORS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS: Section 1. ELECTRICAL BOARD. There is hereby created an Electrical Board, which shall consist of three members. The City Superin- tendent of Public Works shall be a member of such Electrical Board. The remaining two members of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Commissioners. Each of said two positions shall be numbered. Position No. 1 shall be filled by an electrical engineer in the employ of a Public Utility Company. Position No. 2 shall' be filled by a member, of the Board of Commissioners of the City of La Port~, Texas. ' The first appointments to the Electrical Board created hereby shall be made immediately after the final passage hereof and each such person shall serve until May 1st next or until his succe,ssor has been appointed and quali - fied, and appointments thereafter shall be made on or after May ~st of each year and shall take effect fr~m the date of appointments. All appointments except the first shall be for the pe~iod until May 1st next, but each member of the Board shall serve until his successor has been appointed and qualified. Any member of the Board shall be subject to removal at the will and pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. The members of the BOard shall not receive compensation for their services. ' Section--2.. .ELECTRICAL WORK TO BE DONE ONLY BY OR UNDER LICENSED MASTER~ECTRICIAN. Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to do electrical work within the City unless such person is a master electrician licensed under the provisions of this ordinance, or,unless such person does such electrical work under the super- vision, direction and control of a master electrician licensed under the pro- visions of this ordinance. By the term "electrical work", as used in this section is pleant the installing, maintaining, altering, repairing or erecting of any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equip- ment for which a permit is required under the terms and provisions of this ordinance. Nothing in this Ordinance shall ever be construed or operate to prevent any person from doing electrical work in or on his property where he resides and which he maintains as a homestead. Such home owner shall not be required to be a licensed electrician but shall otherwise conform to '.. . ,~.. .. . . all other requirements of this' Ordinance. In doing electrical work on his own property as provided herein such owner shall not use any hired assis- tant unless such assistant is duly licensed under the terms of this ordinance. Section 3. APPLICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION FOR MASTER ELEC- TRICIAN'S LICENSE; EXAMINATION; PASSING GRADE; BOND; QUORUM OF ELECTRICAL BOARD; RECORDS OF EXAMINATIONS. Application for a license as a master electrician shall be made in writing to the electrical board, stating the name and address of the applicant, a statement as to the active and practical , experience of the applicant and such other relevant in- formation as may be required by the electrical board. All applications shall be sworn'to before an officerof the state authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by such officer under his seal of office. Each applicant, befor.e he shall be entitled to take the examination provided for herein, shall have had six years' experience, active and practical, during which six year period he shall have devoted not less than two-thirds of his time, exclusive of normal periods of rest and recreation, ,to electrical work in general as the term "electrical work" is defined in Section 2. For the purpose of this r.equirement, a degree or a diploma from a school of electri- cal engineering shall be considered as the equivalent of two years' active anq. practical experience. An oral or written examination shall be given such applicant by the electrical board, iri the discretion of the board. . \ . .. Those applying for said license shall be given a reasonable examination as to their qualifications to install, repair, alter and and maintain electrical appliances, wiring, apparatus, devices, fixtures or equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and conditions of this article, and as to their qualification to plan installations of electrical wiring and equipment, to plan changes, to prepare plans and specifications, to interpret plans and specifications and to supervise various types of electrical installations for which a permit is required in this article. Each applicant for such license shall give the bond hereinafter required. The board shall grant licenses applied for and shall issue certificates therefor to each applicant who shall :rnf!.ke a grade of 70% or better on the examination given him; providing that in no case shall a license be granted until after payment by the applicant of the fee provided for in Section 16; and provided further that all work previously performed by an applicant for renew- al of license shall have been done in accordance with the provisions of this article, and should any master, electrician refuse to complete any work in accordance with the provisions of this article, it shall be the duty of the City Inspector to report such said fact to the owner of the premises and to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Until such work has been completed in compliance witp. this article, it shall be the duty of the City Electrical In- spector to refuse further permits to said master electrician until such time as said work has been properly done. Two (2) members of the Board present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the granting and revocation of licenses and for the transaction of all other business of said Board, and a majority vote of the three (3) members of the Board at any meetings thereof shall prevail. The Board shall give written examinations for master electricians' licenses and either written or oral examinations for maintenanc,e electricians' licenses. A complete record of the examination given, consisting of the questions, answers, grades arid final results shall be kept in a permanent record book of the Board for a period of not less than one year. The appli- ..... e '- ". '.' . '. -3- / cants shall have the right at any time during regular 'office hours to inspect such record book as to his examination in the presence of the Secretary of the Electrical Board or any member of said Board. A complete record of the examination given, the applicant's answers, the grading and the result there9f, shall be kept by the electrical board in its permanent record book for a period of not less than one year, and such records shall be open for inspection at any meeting of the board and under supervision of the Board. No temporary licenses shall be issued to any person except in cases of emergency and then only on authorization of the City Commission of the City of La Porte. . Section 4. MASTER ELECTRICIAN DEFINED: The holders of the licenses provided for in Sections 2 and 3 shall be known as master electri- cians. Section 5. JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN pEFINED: Except as other- wise provided herein, those persons undertaking the work of installing, maintaining and repairing electric wiring, apparatus, devises, appliances, fixtures and equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and conditions of this article, under the supervision, direction and control of a master electrician an.d who have been properly registered with the Electri- cal Board as provided in thiE! article, shall be known as Journeyman Electri- cians. The term "journeyman electrician", however, shall not include an "apprentice" and nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting an appren- tice from doing electrical work under the direct, constant, personal super- vision and control of either ,a master electrician or journeyman electrician. Section 6. REGISTRATION OF JOURNEYMEN ELECTRICIANS: No person shall undertake any work as a journeyman electrician, as that term is defined in .Section 5, unless such person shall have first registered with the electrical 'board and received his certificate from said board as a journeyman electrician. Applications for such certificates shall be made in writing to the electrical board, stating the name and address of the applicant, a state- ment as to the active and practical experience of the applicant and such oth.er relevant information as may be required by the Electrical Board. All appli - cations shall be sworn to before an officer of this state authorized to admin- 'ister oaths, and officially certified to by such officer under his seal of office. Each person seeking such certificate shall furnish the Board two pictures of himself, one and one-half by two inches. One of such' pictures of the in- dividual receiving the certificate shall be placed on the certificate issued to him, and the other of such pictures shall be retained by the Board. Each certificate issued to a journeyman electrician shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued and the date of the issuance thereof. Each applicant before he shall be entitled to registration and the issuance of a certificate to him, shall have had four years' active and practi- cal experience, during which four-year period he shall have devoted not less than two-thirds of his time, exclusive of normal periods of rest and recreation, to electrical work in general as the term "electrical work" is defined in Section 2. For the purposes of this requirement, a degree or diploma from a school of electrical engineering shall be considered as the equivalent of two years' active and practical experience. '. '. :'. .' . -4- . Every holder, of such certificate shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while performing the act which such certificate entitles him to perform. Before a registration certificate is granted to any applicant and before any expiring registration certificate is renewed, the applicant shall pay to t:he assessor and cQllector of taxes of the City a fee' of $2. 00. Registration certificates shall expire on December 31st, following the date of issuance. Such registration certificates shall be renewed by the Electrical Board upon application and payment of the required fee. Section 7. MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN DEFINED: Electricians regularly employed on a permanent basis by any person, and who performs ,work only in the confine of the building or in or on the premises where they are regularly employed on a permanent basis, and who do "electrical maintenance work", as definec;l in Section 8, shall be knmm as maintenance electricians. Section 8. DEFINITION OF "ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE WORK": "Electrical maintenance work" shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installations, apparatus and equipment, and the keeping in safe repair or moving .and relocating of electrical equipment within a building or in or on the premises where the maintenance electrician, as de- fined in Section 7, is regularly employed on a permanent basis, for which work a permit is required under the terms' and provisions of this article, but does not include the installation of new and additional electrical work, electricai equipment or electrical apparatus. Section 9. AUTOMATIC ISSUANCE OF LICENSE TO MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIANS. Maintenance Electricians who were regularly employed on a permanent basis on December 1, 1962, and who had worked as main- tenance electricians for a period of four years prior thereto, two-thirds of such time actively, shall be issued a license to do maintenance work up~n the payment of a license fee of $5.00 without taking an examination. For the purpose of this requirement, a degree or diploma from a school of electrical engineering shall be considered as the equivalent of two years' active and practical experience. Maintenance electricians. entitled to a license under this section must obtain such license within sixty ,days from and after January 1, 1963. Section 10. ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE WORK TO BE DONE BY LICENSED MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIANS; EXCEPTIONS: It shall be unlaw- . ful for any person to do any electrical maintenance work, as defined in Section 8, 'within the City, unless such person is a maintenance electrician licensed under the provisions of this article; provided, however, that this section shall not prohibit a journeyman electrician employed not on a perma- nent basis, but temporarily, from doing such electrical maintenance work under the supervision, direction and control of a maintenance electrician licensed under the provisions of this article without said journeyman electri- cian having to obtain a license as a maintenance electrician; provided, further, that should the p-older of a journeyman electrcian's certi~icate at any time bring himself within the definition of a maintenance electrician by becoming employed on a permanent basis and in general as provided ~or in Section 7, such journeyman electrician shall be required to obtain a hcense ... .. . .f, . -5- . as a maintenance electrician, in addition to his journeyman electrcians' certificate. Nothing in this section 'shall be construed to limit the right of a master electrician to perform such electrical maintenance work, or to limit such work being performed by a journeyman electrician under the supervision, direction or control of a master electrician. Section.11. APPLICATION FOR MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN'S LI- CENSE;,EXAMINATION PASSING GRADE; NOTICE OF CHANGE OF EMPLOY- MENT: An application for a maintenance electrician's license shall be made , in writing'to the electrical board, -stating the name and the address of the , applicant and a statement as to the active and practical experience of the applicant. All applications shall be sworn to before an officer of the state authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by such officer , under his seal of office. . ' Those applying for such licenses shall,be giyen a reasonable written examination as to thei:r qualifications only to perform maintenance work as defined in Section 8. The board shall grant licenses applied for and shall issue certificates therefor to each applicant who shall make a grade of seventy per cent. or better on the examination given him; provided, that in no case shall a license be granted until after payment BY the applicant of the fee provided for in Section 16. A complete record of the examination given, the applicant's answers, the grade and the. result thereof, shall be kept by the electrical board in its permanent record book for a period of not less than one year, and such record shall be open for inspection at any meeting of the board and under its supervision. Each person seeking such maintenance electrician's license shall furnish the board two pictures of himself, one and one - half inches by two inches. One of such pictures of the individual receiving the license shall be placed on the license certificate issued to ,him, and the other of such pictures shall be re- tained by the board. Each such certificate issued to a maintenance electrician shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued, the loca.tion of the premises in or on which the maintenance work is to be done, and the date of the issuance thereof. Every holder of a maintenance electrician's license shall notify the Electrical Inspector immediately when such holder makes any change in his employment; giving in such notice the name of his new employer and the lo- cation of the premises in or on which he is to be employed to perform main- tenance electrical work. Every holder of such maintenance electrician's license shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while performing the acts which such license entitles him to perform. Section 12., ,ANNUAL PERMIT OF EMPLOYER OF MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN; PERMIT FOR MOVING AND RELOCATING EQUIPMENT: An annual permit shall, upon application therefor, be issued to any person em- ploying a maintenance electrician, as that term is defined in Section 8, for the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installation, apparatus and equipment within the confines of the building or in or on the premises where he is employed. The application for this annual permit shall be made in .' ~. . . . . -6- writing to the City Electrical Inspector and shall contain a description of the premises on which :work is to be done under the permit and information concerning the type of wor~ to.he done on such premises under such permit. The tee for said annUal permit shall be $12. 00 and shall expire on December 31st of the year in which said permit is issued; and the fee for the remainder of the year shall be prorated in like manner as provided for license fees in this article. '", For all mov,ing and relocating of electrical equipment authorized to be ' done under the terms and conditions of this article by a maintenance electri- cian' such maintenance electrician shall be required to obtain a permit in ac- cordance with', the other provisions of this article pertaining to permits and inspections. Section 13. APPRENTICE DEFINED: Except as otherwise provided herein, those persons undertaking the work of installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment and electrical work in general for which a permit is required un- der the provisions of. this article, under the direct, constant, personal supervision and control of either a master electrician or a journeyman electri- cian' and who have properly registered with the electrical Board, as herein- after provided,' shall be known as "apprentices". '. Section 14. REGISTRATION OF APPRENTICES: No person shall under- take any work as an apprentice, as that termhas been defined in Section 13, unless such person shall. have first registered with the Electrical Board and received his certificate from said Board as an "apprentice". Applications for such certificates shall be made in writing to the Electrical Board, stating the name and address of the applicant, and such other relevant information as 'may be required by the Electrical Board. Each person ~eeking such a certifi- cate shall furnish the Board two pictures of himself, one and one-half by two inches. One of such pictures of the individual receiving the certificates shall be placed on the certificate issued to him, and the other of such pictures shall be retained by the Board. Each certificate issued to an apprentice shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued, a.nd the date of the issuance thereof. Every holder of such apprentice's certificate shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while'performing the act which such certificate en- titles him to per.form. Before a registration certificate is granted to any applicant as an appren- tice' and before arty expiring registration certificate as an apprentice is re- newed, the applicant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes of the City, a fee of $.1. 00. Apprentice registration certificates shall expire on December 31st following'the date of issuance. Such registration certificate will be renewed by the Electrical Board upon a~plication and payment of the required fee. Section 15. Regular examinations for Master's licenses shall be held at the discretion of the Electrical Board but in no case less than two per year, and not more than seven (7) months between examinations. Any applicant failing an examination for Master's License for the first time shall be allowed to take a second examination after six (6) months. After the second failure, he shall be required to wait an additional six (6) months for a third examination" an additional one (1) year for a fourth, and an additional one (1) year between subsequent examinations after the fourth failure. Each applicant for re-examination shall make application for same p ""- " """,\ . . .' e . -7- to the Electrical Board on form issued and approved by said Board and each such application shall be accompanied by the "examination fee" of Ten ' Dollars ($10.00). ' Section 16. LICENSE FEES: Before a master. electrican's license is granted to any applicant, and before any expiring license is renewed, the applicant shal~ pay to the assessor and collector of taxes of the City, a fee of $25.00. Before a maintenance electrician's license is granted to any applicant, the applicant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes a fee of $5.00, and before any such license is renewed, the applicant shall pay a renewal :fee of $1. 00. Master electrician's licenses and maintenance electrician's licenses shall expire ,on December '31st following the date of issuance.' , " Master electrician's licenses and maintenance electrician's licenses shall be renewed by the Electrical Board upon application and payment of the required fee; provided,howeve:r; that no license which shall have elapsed for as much. as six months shall be renewed except on re-examination upon the same terms and conditions as provided for herein in the case of original examina tions. Section 17. WHEN BOARD SHALL ISSUE LICENSES AND CER TIFICA TES: When an applicant for a license or certificate. has complied with the pro- visions of this article, the Board shall issue a license or c'ertificate to such applicant forthwith. Section 18. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES NON-ASSIGNABLE: No master electrician's or maintenance electrician's license, or journeyman electrician's certificate or "~pprentice" certificate issued in accordance with the provisions ~f this article shall be, assignable or transferrable. Section 19. REVOCATION OF LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES; SUS- PENSION OF MASTER ELECTRICIAN'S LICENSE: Any license or certificate provided for in this article may, after hearing by the Electrical Board, be by it suspended or revoked' upon its finding that the person holding such license or certificate'ha's wilfully, maliciously, or by reason of incompetance, violated on more than one occasion this article or any amendment thereto. Section 20. APPEAL FROM ACTION OF THE ELECTRICAL BOARD: Any person dissatisfied with a decision of the Electrical Board shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Commissioners from any action of the Electri- cal Board with~n ten (10) days from the action appealed from, which appeal shall be perfected by addressing a letter to, the said Board of Commissioners stating that an appeal from the fuling of the Electrical Board is desired within.ten (10) days after the action appealed from. Upon receipt of notice of such appeal, the Boar.d of Commissioners shall set same down for hearing and shall notify the appellant and also the Chairman of the Electrical Board of the date of such hearing. The Electrical Board, as well as the appellant, shall have the right to be heard at the appeals above provided for. Furthermore, the Board of Commissioners shall have the right to affirm, modify or reverse the action andlor decision complained of. The action of the Board of Commissioners shall be final. If no appeal be taken within the time and in the manner herein - , above provided, the ruling of the Electrical Board sha1l be final. The action of the Electrical Board shall be in all things effective unless andlor until reversed or modified as provided for herein. I , Section 21. DUTIES OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS; ENGAGING IN BUSINESS: The electrical inspectors shall, ,upon application, cause to be issued permits for the installation and alteration of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and equipment, and certificates of final approval therefor, and shall be responsible for inspection of all new electrical . .. . .. i' '. . -8- installations and re-inspections of all electrical installations, all as pro- vided in this ~td~,na.nce.They shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections and re-inspections made, and. other official work performed in accordance with the provision of this article. They shall also maintain up to date a file of listed inspected electrical appliance cards issued by or for Underwriter'~ laborat9ries, Inc., which file shall be accessible for public reference during regular office hours. Section 22. AUTHORITY GRANTED TO ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS AND ASSISTANTS; POLICE POWER: The electrical inspectors and any of their assistants shall have the right from 8:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. to enter any building in the discharge of their offic,ial duties or for the purpose of making any inspection, re-inspection or test of the installation of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures, and electrical equipment contained therein, and shall have the authority to cause the turning off of all electrical currents and to cut or disconnect in cases of emergency any wire where such electrical currents are dangerous to life and property or where such wires may interfere with the work of ' the fire department. The electrical inspector is hereby empowered in emergencies to disconnect and to order the discontinu- ance of electrical service to any electric wiring, apparatus, device, appli - . l- ance, fixture or equipment found to be dangerous to five. or property because I \ \- e of its being defective or 'defectively installed or otherwise not inconformity with the provisions .of this article until such wiring, apparatus, device, appliance, fixtures and equipment and their installation have been made safe as directed by him in conformity with this article. The electrical inspectors of the City shall have and are hereby given the power and duties of special policemen while in the actual discharge of their official duties, and shall be authorized to wear badges as special policemen; provided, that before being permitted to wear such badges they shalf apply to the Chief of Po~ice for such badge. Section 23. PERMITS: No wiring, poles, duct line, guy anchors, appara- tus' devices, appliance, fixtures or equipment for the transmission, distri- bution or utilization of electrical energy for any purpose shall be installed within the City limits of the City, nor shall any alteration or addition be made in any such existing wiring, poles, duct lines, guy anchors, apparatus, de- vices, appliances, fixtures or equipment without first securing a permit therefor from the chief electrical inspector, except as stated in the following paragraphs numbered 1 to 5, inclusive. (1) No permit shall be required for replacing fuses or lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles which have been perma- nendy installed or for repairs to portable appliances. (2) No permit shall be required for minor repair-work, such as re- pairing or replacing flush and 'Snap switches, receptacles and lamp s0ckets, or minor repairs on permanently connected electric apparatus, appliances, fixtures or equipment, or the installation of light globes. (3) No permit shall be required for the installations, maintenance or. alteration of wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment for tele- graph, telephone, signai service or central station protective service used in conveying signals or intelligence, except where electrical work is done on the primary side of the source of power from the power company at a voltage over 50 volts and which generates more than 500 watts of energy. (4) No permits shall be required for poles and guy anchors, for the installation, maintenance or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment to be installed by an electric public service ... '. ,. .. ~ . . -9- corporation for the use 'of stich corporation in the generation, transmission distribution, sale or utilization of electrical energy. However, an electric' public service corporation shall not do any wiring on a customer's premises other 1:?an wiring which,'is part of the company's distribution system, nor shall any of I~S employees .do any work other than that done for the said company as herembefore provIded for, by virtue of this exemption. (5) No permit shall be required for the installation of temporary wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment uS,ed by a recognized school in teaching electricity. ' (6) It shall be unlawful for any person to bridge, tamper with or change from its original installation except upon the approval of the chief electrical inspector, and then only after a proper permit for alteration has been issued, any fuse of the plug, cartridge type or link type, installed in panel boards, main switches or switchboards, or to alter or change circuit breakers so that the original calibration will be affected or to tie down or 'secure any cir- cuit breaker so that it will not function properly. No such permit shall be issued to any person who is not the holder of a master 'electrician's license or a m~intenance electrician's license. ,1 Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment for the transmission, distribution or utili- zation of electrical energy for any purpose, the wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment shall be installed or repaired in conformity with the provisions of this article. The application for, a permit shall describe the work to be done and shall be made in wr.iting by a person holding a master electrician's license, or a maintenance electrician's license. The permit when issued shall be issued to such applicant to cover such work as described and detailed. Any changes or additions must be covered by additional pennits at the time' changes are made. The application shall be accompanied by such plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the installations as described will be in conforming with the requirements of this article. No such plans, specifications and schedule shall be submitted and no such pla~s, specifications and schedule will be examined under the provisions of this article, unless the same are submitted by the holder of a master electrician's license or 'maintenance electrician's license. If it is found that the installation as described will in general conform to the requirements of this article, and if the applicant has complied with all provisions of the ordi- nances of the City, a permit for such installation shall be issued; provided, however, that the issuance of a permit will not be taken as permission or as a license to violate any of the requirements of this chapter or any other ordinance of the City. ' On all new installations the permit for electrical work shall be displayed in a readily accessible location, as directed by the City Electrical Inspector, throughout the time such installation as is covered by the permit is being in- stalled. ' On all installations where wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fix- tures or equipment are added to previous installations, or 'where changes are made on wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, the permit for such installations or changes shall be delivered to the one person for whom the 'installation is to 'be made or posted on the building or structure as directed by the City ,Electrical Inspector before the installation or change ' is started. The City Electrical Inspector may issue and enforce any rules or " /t- :~.""""'" ~ . ' . ,~. . -10- . regulations he may deem necessary coveri~g the granting of emergency per- mits, where real emergencies exist. , Section 24. FRANCHISE TO INSTALL '~UIPMENT OF OR IN STREETS, , ETC.: No person or public service company that does not operate under a I franchise granted by the City shall have the right to install any electrical : conduit, wires, ducts, poles or equipment of any character for the trans- mission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy, or for the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence on, over or under the streets in the City, without first obtaining from the Board of Commissioners a franchise righ,t or grant for the particular installation so desired to be made, and any such installation so made under such franchise or grant shall be in strict conformity with all rule~ and regulations and ordinances of the City. Any installation of duct tube, conduit or'wires under the public streets shall be in accordance with this ordinance and other city ordinances covering the use of public places and streets. , . Section 25. INSPEcnON AND CERTIFICATES OF APPROVAL: When any part of a wiring installation is to be hidden from view by the permanent placement of parts of a building, the master 'electrician or maintenance electrician to whom the, permit has been issued shall notify the City Electri - , cal Inspector, providing that on such installation as the concealment of parts ,of the wiring must, in the discretion of the City ElectriCal Inspector, or his assistant, necessarily proceed continuously,' the master electrician or maintenance electrician,to whom the permit has been issued shall give the City El~ctrical Inspector due notice and inspection shall be made periodi- cally during the progress of the work, and where, in the discretion of the City Electrical Inspector ,or his assistant, it is necessary, he shall post notice upon the premises stating that work is approved and may be covered or is not approved and may not be covered, until such further inspection as is necessary has been made. ,Any person removing, destroying, altering or defacing said notiCe without the consent of the City Electrical Inspector, or his assistant, shall be deemed guilty of an offense under this section, and any work described in said notice shall be stayed pending the further necessary inspection. Upon the completion of the work which has been authorized by the issuance of a permit, it shall be the duty of the master electrician or maintenance electrician, toiliom the permit has been issued to immediately notify the City Electrical Inspector, who shall inspect such installations within three days, exclusive of Sundays and Holidays, of the time such notice is given. L If the work is found to be in compliance w~th the provisions of this article, the City Electrical Inspector, subject to the other applicable provisions of this article, shall issue a final certificate of approval to the public utility corporation furnishing the electrical service or the person supplying the energy, which certification shall authorize connection of such approved work to the source of energy of the electriCal service, the turning on of current and the use of the installation. No connection shall be made until such authorization and final certificate is issued. Section 26. SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR INSPECTION: The holder of a, master electrician's or maintenance electrician's license, making or super- vising the installation or alteration of electric wiring" apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, shall pay to the City a fee in such amount as specified below: Services: All services . All meter loops . . . . . . . . . $ 1. 00 each 1.00 each !. . . '.' ~. .' '.' .' e -11- Outlets: " First four lighting outlets are included in service service and meter loop fees. Over four to twenty-five inclusive . . . . . . . . . $ All over twenty -five. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. 30 each O. 20 each , I " All light, switch and receptacle openings are classed as outlets, also bell ringing transformers. Lighting fixtures:, Fixtures of one circuit or under and combination ceiling fan and lights. . . . . . . . . . Each additional circuit, per fixture . . . . . . $ $ o. 20 each ' 0.25 each . ", Any current-consuming device permanently attached to an outlet for illuminating purposes shall be classed as a fixture~ '. , Motors: Up to but not including 1/2 H. P. .. . 1/2 H. P. and less than 2 H. P. . 2 H. P. 'and le~s than 10 H. P. 10 H.P. and les,s than 25 H.P. . . . . . . . 25 H.P. and less than 100 H.P.. . . . . . . 100 H. P. and less than 150 H. P. . . . . 150 H. P. and over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $ o. 50 each 2. 00 each , 3. 00 each 4.00 each 8.00 each 10.00 each .08perH.P. The fee of eight cents per horse-power applied to individual motors rated 150 H. P. and over. Motor control equipment is included in motor fees. When future motor outlets are installed they shall be charged for at one- half the regular motor rates apply~ng. The other one-half shall be paid at tIle time the motors are installed. ~. Miscellaneous: Motion picture machines . . . . . . · . . Sound equipment, up to 10 watts output. . . , Sount equipment, 10 watts to 15 watts output Sound equipment, over 15 watts output ElectriG ranges not over '12, 000 watts Electric water heaters . . . X -ray machines lncandescent electric signs . Gas or vacuum tube signs .... . ' $ 2. 00 each 10.00 each 15. 00 each 20. 00 each 1.00 each 1.00 each 3. 00 each 1. 00 per cir. 1. 00 per trans"'; former . 50 each . . . . . . . . . . Poles, anchors and guy stubs Permanently connected electric appliances and equipment of any nature not otherwise specified shall be charged for as follows: Up to KW, inclusive . . . . . . . . . . All over 1 KW, to 10 KW . . . . . All over 10 KW to 50 KW . All over 50 KW to,100 KW .... All'over 100 KW, 100 KW at O. 10, excess KW at . . $ 0.50 each O. 40 per KW O. 30 per KW 0.20 per KW 0.04 per KW Temporary installations, such as wood saws, floor -surfacing machines, ' paint-spraying apparatus and the like shall be charged for at the rate of ~ . ~.' " . '. . ---..-- ._-.~ , , . "'-- , -' . -12- . $2. 00 ,per installation" plus the regular service and meter loop charge. Temporary lighting installations shall be charged for at the rate of $2.00 per installation, plus the regular service and meter loop charge. Additions to old work shall be charged for at the same rate as new work. The minimum inspection fee shall be $2.00. " On moving and re-locating of electrical equipment authorized to be done by a maintenance electrician and a master electrician for which a permit fee is not otherwise provided for in this section, the minimum inspection fee shall apply. .. " No fee shall be charged for routine re-inspections of electrical installa- tions. Section 27. FAILURE TO PAY INSPECTION FEES: Upon the failure of the holder of a master electrician's or maintenance electrician's license, within ten days after the final certificate of approval is granted on the in- stallation or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, to pay the City in full, the fees provided for in Section 26, the license of such master. electrician or maintenance electrician so failing shall be automatically suspended without action on the part of the Electrical Board, and shall be of no force and effect, and said license shall 'remain suspended and nullified until such time as such fees are paid in full; provided, that no license which shall have been suspended under' the terms and provisions of this section for as much as six months' time shall be renewed, except upon re-examination upon the same terms and conditions as provided' for in the case of original examination. Section 28. RE-INSPECTION; CORRECTION OF UNSAFE CONDITIONS: The City Electrical Inspector or his assistant electrical inspector shall make, upon information or belief-that faulty conditions exist, a thorough re-inspection of any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equip- ment now installed or that may hereafter be installed with the City and within the scope of this article, and when the installation of such wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment is found to be at variance with the original permit issued, or to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition, or if it is found that the electrical measuring device has been tampered with so as to '.create a condition danger<?us to the continuity of the electrical service or to property, the person owning, using or operating the same shall be noti- fied in writing and shall make the necessary repairs or changes required to place such wiring, apparatus, devices and equipment in safe condition so as to relieve the hazards created by such unauthorized conditions, and shall have such 'work completed within fif~een'days or any reasonably longer period specified by the electrical inspection in said notice,. Section 29. CONNECTION TO INST ALLA TIONS: It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixture and equipment for the installation of which a permit is required until it shall have received, as hereinbefore provided, and shall have retained, in its files available for in- spection, a certificate of approval issued by the City Electrical Inspector authorizing SUCh connection and the use of such wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment. It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection for a source of electrical energy to any electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment which have been disconnected by an electrical in- spector or the use of which has been ordered by an electrical inspector to be ~ , ' ".' '. . .. - -13- e discontinued until a certificate of approval has been issued by the City Electrical Inspector as ,herein provided. Section 30. INTERFERENCE'WlTH OR CHANGE OF INSTALLATION: It shall be unlawful for any person, in any manner, to interfere with any electrical wiring installed or being installed in, or on, within or without any structure or building. If in the course of erection of a building or structure 'the wiring is in such position as to interfere with the erection or completion of the building or structure as called for by the plans, notice shall immediately be given the person installing the wiring and the needed change shall be made by s.uch person. " .I~ , Section 31. REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS: 'Any persons aggrieved by any action of an electriCal inspector may within two days after such action file a petition in writing for review of said action 'Of such electrical inspector ,with the Electrical Board by serving same upon the Superintendent of Public Works, or leaving same at his office, and thereupon the Electrical Board, within fifteen days after date of the filing of said petition, shall hear and,determine said appeal. The Board shall have the right to sustain" modify or reverse the action of the electrical in- spector; provided, however, that until such time as the electrical inspector's action is reversed or modified ,by the Electrical Board, such action shall in all things be effective. The decision of the Electrical Board shall be subject to review by the Board of Commissioners 'as provided in Section 20 hereof. .. Section 32. ADOPTION OF NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE: The regula- tions and rules of the Natienal Board of Fire Underwriters embodied in the National Electric Code published in 1962 and such subsequent codes, amend- ments and supplements of the said Board, as they may officially adopt are hereby adopted as the rules and regulations to govern and be observed and followed in all electric wiring and in all electrical construction, installation, repair, alteration, operation and maintenance of electric wiring, apparatus and fixtures, except insofar as they may conflict'with the provisions of this . Ordinance. In the case of conflict between the provisions of the National Electric Code and the 'provisions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance shall previa!. " Section 33. SPECIAL RIQUIREMENTS: In general, any type of wiring or wiring system may be used within the City limits of La Porte as approved by the National Electric' Code adopted in Section 32 of this Ordinance except where specifically prohibited. Section 34. Wiring in all commercial or combination commercial and residential buildings shall be enclosed in rigid conduit, metallic tubing BX or BXL. Section 35. When the Electrical Board for good and justifiable reasons find it necessary to suspend or revoke the approval of certain materials or wiring immediately said suspension or revoking of approval shall not become effective until 30 days after date of said notice. , Section 36. No electrical materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment shall be sold or installed in the City unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this ,Ordinance, the Statutes of the State of Texas and the rules and regulations issued by the Industrial Commission of the State of Texas under authority of the State Statutes. The maker's name, trademark or other identification symbol shall be placed on all electrical materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures ~ ELECTRICAL CODE ' ~ City of La Porte, Texas ~ .~ Ordinance No. 664 January 18, 1963 the City Commission of the Citr of La Porte. the terms and provisions of this Ordmance shall prevail and such conflicting portions of the prior ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 68. Any Person. Firm., Corporation or the Agent of same, violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each offense, and in case of willful and con- tinuous violation of the provisions of this Ordinance by any such Person or his Agent. the City Commis- sion shall have the power to revoke and repeal all permits and privileges granted to said Person ., or Agent. This Ordinance shall be effective and shall be enforced on the eleventh day after the first of two consecutive publications of the caption in the offi- cial Newspaper of the City of La Porte. Passed and approved this the 18th day of January. 1963. APPROVED: H. P. Pfeiffer. Mayor of the City of La Porte. Texas ATTEST: Clovis D. Mann. City Clerk of the City of La Porte. Texas 35 provide a grounding conductor to which the ground- mg contacts of the grounding receptacle shall be connected. The metal annor of armored cable or a metallic raceway is acceptable as a groundirig con- ductor. Section 63. All central heating units, electric ovens and electric ranges shall be grounded. Section 64. Responsibilities of Master Electrician, Outside Electrician, Electrical and/or Owner. After the issuance of the Ceritficate of Approval by the Electrical Inspector, the Owner, Person, Finn or Corporation in whose name the meter or work is con- tracted for, shall be responsible for all defects caused by such Owner, Person, Firm or Corporation. Section 65. All Master Contractors certified under this Code shall be required to furnish and to keep in force each year during the life of his license, a Surety Bond to the City of La Porte in the sum of $1,000.00. The bond shall be conditioned that the holder thereof will indemnify and hold the City of La Porte harmless against all cost, expenses, dam- ages, and injuries sustained by said City by reason of the carelessness or neglect of said person in operating under this Code. All such Bonds shall be approved by the City Attorney as to fonn and shall be filed with the Chief Electrical Inspector. Section 66. II any section, sub-section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining por- tions of this Ordinance. The Board of Commission- ers of the City of La Porte hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, sub-section, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irre- spective of the fact that anyone or more sections, sub-sections, sentence, clauses or phrases be de- clared unconstitutional Section 67. Should any section of this ordinance conflict with any ordinance heretofore adopted by 34 ORDINANCE No. 664 An Ordinance adopting regulatorv measures per- taining to electrical work in the cltv of La Porte, creatillg an electrical board; providing for the ap- pointment of the members; providing for the issu- ance of licenses to master electricians; providing for fees, bonds, the keeping of records, the revoca- tion of IIcen5'es; providing for an appeal from actions of the electrical board; creating oHice of city electrical inspector and providing the duties of said officer. providing for the issuance of permits for electrical work and the inspection thereof; fix- ing ins'pection fees; promulgating rules and regula- tions to govern and to be observed in all electrical wiring, construction, installation, repair, alterations, operating and maintenance of electrical wiring, apparatus and fixtures; providing a savings clause; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and providing a penalty of not more than two hundred and no/1oo ($200.00) for violators. Be it ordained bV the citV commission of the city of La Porte, Texas: " Section 1. Electrical Board. There is hereby cre- ated an Electrical Board, which shall consist of three members. The City Superintendent of Public Works shall be a member of sllch Electrical Board, The remaining two members of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Commissioners, Each of said two posi- tions shall be numbered. Position No, 1 shall be filled by an electrical engineer in the employ of a Public Utility Company, Position No. 2 shall be filled by a member of the Board of Commissioners of the City of La Porte, Texas. The first appointments to the Electrical Board created hereby shall be made immediately after 3 the final passage hereof and each such person shall serve until May 1st next or until his successor has been appointed and qualified, and appointments thereafter shall be made on or after May 1st of each year and shall take effect from the date of appointments. All appointments except the first shall be for the period until May 1st next, but each member of the Board shall serve until his suc- cessor has been appointed and qualified. Any member of the Board shall be subject to removal at the will and pleasure of the Board of Commis- sioners. The members of the Board shall not re- ceive compensation for their services. Section 2. Electrical Work to be Done Only By or Under Licensed Master Electrician. Except as here. inafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any per- son to do electrical work within the City unless such person is a master electrician licensed under the provisions of this ordinance, or unless such p~~son d.oes :ouch electrical work under the super- VISion, du-ectlon and control of a master electrician licensed under the provisions of this ordinance. By the term "electrical work," as used in this section is . ~eant the in~talling, maintaining, altering, re- pamng or ~ectlDg C?f any ~lectrical wiring, ap- paratus, deVices, apphances, fixtures or equipment for which a permit is required under the terms and provisions of this ordinance. Nothing in this Ordi- nance shall ever be construed or operate to prevent any person from doing electrical work in or on his property where he resides and which he main- tains as a homestead. Such home owner shall not be required to be a licensed electrician but shall ot~erwi~ conform to. all other requirements of thiS Ordinance. In domg electrical work on his own property as provided herein such owner shall not use any hired assistant unless such assistant is duly licensed under the terms of this ordinance, Section 3. Applications for Examination for Mas- ter Electrician's License; Examination; Pa$sing 4 ~ less than ten (10) overcurrent devices, two (2) of which must be left unused as spares. Section 57. For the small appliance load in kit- chen, laundry, pantry, dining room, and breakfast room of dwelling occupancies, two (2) or more 20 ampere branch circuits of not more than five (5) duplex receptacles (each circuit shall be provided for all receptacle outlets (other than outlets for clocks) in those rooms and such circuits shall have no other outlets. Section 58. General lighting load in single fam- ily residences shall be divided into not less than three (3) circuits and shall be balanced as nearly as possible. Circuits may be of either 15 or 20 am. pere capacity or may be mixed. Not more than eleven (11) outlets may be connected to any 15 am- pere circuit, nor more than fifteen (15) outlets to any 20 ampere circuit. For purposes of this paragraph an "outlet" is considered to be a receptacle or fix- ture outlet. (Receptacles required in paragraph 10 of this Section are not to be considered a part of the general lighting load.) Section 59. Dishwashers in dwelling occupancies shall be supplied by one 20 ampere branch circuit for that use only and such circuit shall have no other outlets. \ Section 60. Garbage disposal units in dwelling occupancies shall be supplied by one 20 ampere branch circuit, additional connections to such circuit shall be limited to one kitchen vent fan and one light outlet. Section 61. All receptacle outlets in kitchens within five (5) feet of sink shall be considered at the sink location and shall be of the grounding type, Section 62. Where a grounding receptacle is in- stalled as specified in this Ordinance, the branch circuit or branch circuit raceway shalI include or 33 j, Section 53. Service Disconnecting Means shall be located so that the height to the center of the oper. ating handle shall be not less than four (4) feet and not more than six (6) feet above the floor of finish grade, except as installed in free standing or building type switchgear built to NEMA specifica- tions. Section 54. In New Buildings, or New Portions of Buildings, All Knob and Tube, Non-Metallic Sheath Cable and Armored Cable shall run through holes bored in joist or installed in furred spaces in a man- ner no subject to mechanical damage. Cables No, 10 or larger may be installed across face of joist pro- vided they are secured to guard strips Ilk inches high. When non-metallic and armored cable are in. stalled in attic area where there is less than thirty- six (36) inches head room the cable may be run on top of joist. If there is less than thirty-six (36) inches at the highest part of the attic area, then there shall be left a portion of the attic at least forty.two (42) inches wide, free from any cable on top of joist for the access of crawl space. Section 55, In Existing Buildings, Non.Metallic Sheath Cable and Armored Cable shall be run through holes bored in joist, except in that portir,n of the attic where the vertical clearance is less than thirty-six (36) inches or where the cables are se- cured to guard Ilk inches high. Section 56. (a) New residences of less than 1050 square feet living area (excluding attached garages), shall have service entrance capacity of not less than 3 No. 6 copper and branch circuit facilities of not less than seven (7) overcurrent devices, one (1) of which must be left unused as a spare. (b) New residences of 1050 or more square feet of living area (excluding attached garages), shall have service entrance capacity of not less than 3 No. 4 copper and branch circuits facilities of not 32 Grade; Bond; Quorum of Electrical Board; Records of Examinations. Application for a license as a master electrician shall be made in writing to the electrical board, stating the name and address of the applicant, a statement as to the active and practical experience of the applicant and such other relevant information as may be required by the electrical board. All applications shall be sworn to befo-re an officer of the state authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by such officer under his seal of office. Each applicant, before he shall be entitled to take the examination provided for herein, shall have had six years' experience, active and practical, during which six year period he shall have devoted not less than. two-thirds of his time, exclusive of normal periods of rest and recreation, to electrical work in general as the term "electrical work" is defined in Section 2. For the purpose of this requirement, a degree or a diploma from a school of electrical engineering shall be considered as the equivalent of two years' active and practical experience. An oral or written examination shall be given such applicant by the electrical board, in the discretion of the board. Those applying for said license shall be given a reasonable examination as to their qualifications to install, repair; alter and maintain electrical ap- pliances, wiring, apparatus, devices, fixtures or equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and conditions of this article, and a9 to their qualification to plan installations of elec- trical wiring and equipment, to plaIi changes, tG prepare plans and specifications, to interpret plans and specifications and to supervise various types of electrical installations for which a permit is required in this article. Each applicant for such license shall give the bond hereinafter required. The board shall grant licenses applied for and shall issue certificates therefor to each applicant who shall make a grade of 70% or better on the examination given him; providing that in no case 5 shall a license be granted until after payment by the applicant of the fee provided for in Section 16; and provided further that all work previously performed by an applicant for renewal of license shall have been done in accordance with the pro- visioIl$ of this article, and' should any master elec- trician refuse to complete any work in accordance with the provisions of this article, it shall be the duty of the City Inspector to report such said fact to the owner of the premises and to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Until such work has been completed in compliance with this article, it shall be the duty of the City Electrical Inspector to refuse further permits to said master electrician until such time as said work has been properly done. Two (2) members of the Board present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the granting and revocation of licenses and for the transaction of all other business of said Board, and a majority vote of the three (3) members of the Board at any meetings thereof shall prevail. The Board shall give written examinations for master electricians' licenses and either written or oral examinations for maintenance electricians' licenses. A complete record of the examination given, consisting of the questions, answers, grades and final results shall be kept in a permanent record book of the Board for a period of not less than one year. The applicants shall have the right at any time during regular office hours to inspect such record book as to his examination in the presence of the Secretary of the Electrical Board. or any member of said Board. A complete record of the examination given, the applicant's answers, the grading and the result thereof, shall be kept by the electrical board in its permanent record book for a period of not less than one year, and such records shall be open for inspection at any meeting of the board and under supervision of the Board. 6 ; Occupancies Normally Handling Gasoline' '01 Crude or Fuel Oil shall be lead covered or shall be code type, thermo-plastic marked "gasoline and oil resist- ant." Conductor No.4 AWG and larger may be heavy wall 900 C., Poly-vinyl Chloride Type (TW) provided that all conductors are permanently marked and installed such as to be readily identified. Section 49. All Joints in or to Branch Lighting Circuits shall Have Soldered Connections or shall be made with an approved solderless connector and such approved solderless connector shall be of the positive pressure type only and not of the non- metallic screw-on type. Section 50. Is Cold Storage Vaults All Wiring Shall be encased in rigid galvanized conduit, elec- trical metallic tubing, BXL. All conduits shall be sealed at the point where they enter or leave the vault. This sealing may be done by the use of duct sealing compound in an accessible fitting. Recep- tacle shall be of the grounding type. Light fixtures shall be controlled by wall switch. Lamps and fluorescent tubes within eight (8) feet of floor shall be protected by substantial guards or shields. One- third H.P. or less blower motors may be connected with rubber cord and grounding receptacle.. ' Section 51. Open Wiring IS' Approved Only for temporary work and in central stations, transformer vaults, substations and switchboards. Elsewhere than in central stations and substations, all circuits operating at more than 600 volts shall enter build- ings or structures in conduit run underground or extended overhead from another structure. Section 52. All Sockets within Eight (8) Feet of Earth or Grounded Surfaces, such as floors of COD- ducting material, bathroom fixtures, kitchen sinks or other grounded surfaces, shall be controlled by a wall switch. Underwriters' Laboratories approved range hoods or vent units with integral switches shall be approved without wall switches. 31 for this equipment except that in multi-family resi- dences having central facilities for washing ma- chines, this circuit may be omitted. Section 43. Branch Circuit Wiring for Window Air Conditioning Units or resistance type space heaters shall not be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G. copper wire or its, equivalent and not more than one air conditioning unit or air conditioning receptacle shall be installed on anyone single or multi-wire branch circuit. Section 44. Armored Cable Type ACL Cable Shall Not Be Used Under Ground or Embedded in Con- crete. Section 45. Flexible Metallic Conduit may be used for temporary work, for connection to store fix- tures, for connection to light fixtures installed within buildings, for electrie range connection, and for motor connection. Connections to individual light fixtures may not exceed 8 feet in length, and connections to motors or ranges may not exceed 4 feet in length. Section 46. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable or Knob and Tube Wiring shall be used only for Residential work, and apartment houses. Conductors in or on all tile and masonry walls of such buildings shall be encased in rigid conduit, electrical metallic tub- ing, BX or BXL cable. Minimum size non-metallic sheathed cable or knob and tube type systems shall be limited to No. 12 A.W.G. except No. 14 may be used for switch legs when the load is less than 500 watts. Section 47. Type UF Cable Shall Be Used Only for Branch Circuit Wiring on Residential Proper- ties. Where installed underground, the cable shall be buried 18 inches. The cable shall be protected by rigid conduit on exterior walls and at the points where it enters and leaves the ground. Section 48. All Conductors Installed Below .Grade in Service Stations, Bulk Storage Plants or Other 30 .. No temporary licenses shall be issued to any person except in cases of emergency and then only on authorization of the City Commissio,n of the City of La Porte, Section 4. Master Electrician Defined: The holders of the licenses provided for in Sections 2 and 3 shall be known as master electricians. Section 5. Journeyman Electrician Defined:' Ex- cept as otherwise provided herein, those persons undertaking the work of installing, maintaining and repairing electric wiring, apparatus, devises, appliances, fixtures and equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and conditions of this article, under the supervision, direction and control of a master electrician and who have been properly registered with the E!ectrical Board as provided in this article. shall be known as Journey- man Electricians. The term "journeyman electri. cian," however, shall not include an "apprentice" and nothing herein shall be construed as prohibit- ing an apprentice from doing electrical work under the direct, constant, personal supervision and cun- trol of either a master electrician or journeyman electrician. Section 6. Registration of Journeymen Electri- cians: No person shall undertake an.y work as a journeyman electrician, as that term IS defined in Section 5, unless such person shall have first regis- tered with the electrical board and received his certificate from said board as a journeyman elec- trician. Applications for such certificates shall be made in writing to the electrical board, stating the name and address of the applicant, a statement as to the active and practical experience of the applicant and such other relevant information as mar be required by the Electrical Board. All appli- cations shall be sworn to before an officer of this state authorized 'to administer oatlis, and officially certified to by such officer under his seal of office, Each person seeking such certificate shall furnish 7 the Board two pictures of himself, one and one- half by two inches. One of such pictures of the individual receiving the certificate shall be placed on the certificate issued to him, and the other of such pictures shall be retained by the Board. Each certificate issued to a journeyman electrician shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued and the date of the issuance thereof., Each applicant before he shall be entitled to registration and, the issuance of a certificate to him, shall have had four years' active and practi- cal experience, during which four-year period he shall have devoted not less than two-thirds of his time, exclusive of normal periods of rest and recre- ation, to, electrical work in general as the term "electrical work" is defined in Section 2. For the purposes of this requirement, a degree or diploma from a school of electrical engineering' shall be considered as the equivalent of two years' active and practical experience. Every holder of such certificate shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while per- forming the act which such certificate entitles him to perform. Before a registration certificate is granted to any applicant and before any expiring registration certificate is renewed, the applicant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes of the City a fee of $2.00. Registration certificates shall expire on December 31st, following the date of issuance. Such registra- tion certificates shall be renewed by the Electrical Board upon application and payment of the required fee. Section 7. Maintenance Electrician Defined: Elec- tricians regularly employed on a permanent basis by any person, and who performs work only in the confine of the building or in or on the premises 8 for service drop conductors of 10 feet above side- walks and 18 feet above driveways, alleys and public roads. The attachment should not be more than 30 feet above ground unless a greater height is neces- sary for proper clearance. Where it is impractical to get the point of attachment high enough to obtain the above clearances, the clearance over residential driveways may be reduced, provided a clearance of 10 feet over sidewalks, 18 feet over alleys and pub- lic roads, and a minimum of 12 feet over residential driveways is obtained, Section 40-B. Clearance from Ground. Open con- ductors of not over 600 volts shall conform to the following: (1) Over Driveways. Conductors above alleys and above driveways on other than residential property shall have a, clearance above g,round of not less than 18 feet. (2) Over Lots. Conductors supplying lights in automobile parking lots, drive-in establishments, and similar commercial areas shall have clearances above ground of not less than 12 feet. (3) Over Footwalks, etc. On residential property, and elsewhere across spaces accessible to pedes- trians only, conductors between buildings shall have a clearance of not less than 10 feet, Section 41. Service Switches and Other Electrical Equipment installed on the exterior of a building or outside any building shall be considered as being exposed to the weather and all switches and equip- ment shall be of a type approved for the prevailing conditions. Switches and equipment installed on the outside of the building in a recess in the outside wall and covered by a door as a part of the building structure shall be considered as being on the ex- terior of the building and exposed to the weather, Section 42, One or More 20 Ampere Branch Circuits Together with a Grounded Receptacle shall be installed in each residence for a washing ma- chine where plumbing facilities have been provided 29 meter cabinets or meter sockets shall be supplied by the electric public service company and installed by the Master Electrician performing the work, said meter cabinets to be located so the center of the opening for the meter dial shall be not less than five (5) feet nor more than six (6) feet above mean ground level, and to be readily accessible to the electric public service company to service. On apart- ment buildings, where' space limitations will not permit placing all meters at the same height, they may be arranged in two (2) tiers, with the openings for the meter dials in lower tier as near as practicable to five (5) feet abo-ve mean ground level and second tier placed as near as practicable above the first. Where space limitations will not permit placing of meter cabinets as outlined above, the electric public service company, subject to the ap- proval of the Chief Electrical Inspector, may deter- mine the arrangement to be used. All service out- lets shall be located so as to permit placing the electric public service company's service wires on the wall of the building next to the supply. Section 39. The Electric Public Service Company shall not require the placing of meters on the front of the building or street side of the building with- out the written consent of the owners, and where not practical to place metering devices on the ex- terior of the building, said location shall be at a point, or points, convenient to the electric public service company's service as determined by the company's engineer. Section 40-A, Clearance of Service Drops. (1) Clearance from Ground. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less than 10 feet from the ground or from any platform or projection from which they might be reached. (2) Point of Attachment to Building. The point of attachment of a service drop to a building shall not be less than 10 feet above finished grade and shall be at a height to permit a minimum clearance 28 where they are regularly employed on a permanent basis, and who do "electrical maintenance work," as defined in Section 8, shall be known as main- tenance' electricians. Section 8, Definition of "Electrical Maintenance Work": "Electrical maintenance work" shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installations, apparatus and equipment, and the keeping in safe repair or moving and relocating of electrical equipment within a building or in or on the premises where the maintenance electrician, as defined in Section 7, is regularly employed on a permanent basis, for which work a permit is re- quired under the terms and provisions of this article, but does not include the installation of new and additional electrical w(}rk, electrical equipment or electrical apparatus. Section 9. Automatic Issuance of License to Main- tenance Electricians: Maintenance Electricians who were regularly employed on a permanent, basis on December 1, 1962, and who had worked as main- tenance electricians for a period of four years prior thereto, two-thirds of such time actively, shall be issued a license to do maintenance work upon the payment of a license fee of $5.00 without taking an examination. For the purpose of this require- ment, a degree or diploma from a school of elec- trical engineering shall be considered as the equiva- lent of two years' active and practical experience. Maintenance electricians entitled to a license under this section must obtain such license within sixty days from and after January 1, 1963. Section 10. Electrical Maintenance Work to be Done by Licensed Maintenance Electricians; Excep- tions: It shall be unlawful for any person tG do any electrical maintenance work, as defined in Section 8, within the City, unless such person is a main- tenance electrician licensed under the provisions of this article; provided, however, that this section 9 shall not prohibit a journeym.an electrician ~m- ployed not on a permanent basIs, but temporanly, from doing such electrical maintenance work under the supervision, direction and control of a main- tenance electrician licensed under the provisions of this article without said journeyman electrician having to obtain a license as a maintenance elec. trician; provided, further, that should the holder of a journeyman electrician's certificate at any time bring himself within the definition of a maintenance electrician by becoming employed on a permanent basis ana in general as provided for in Section 7, such journeyman electrician shall be required to obtain a license as a maintenance elec- trician, in addition to his journeyman electricians' certificate. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of a master electrician to perform such electrical maintenance work, or to limit such work being performed by a journeyman electrician under the supervision, direction or control of a master electrician. Section 11. Application for Maintenance Elec- trician's License; Examination Passing Grade; Notice of Change of Employment: An application for a maintenance electrician's license shall be made in writing to the electrical board, stating the name and the address of the applicent and a state- ment as to the active and practical experience of the applicant. All applications shall be sworn to before an officer of the state authorized to admin. ister oaths, and officially certified to by 'such officer under his seal of office. ' Those applying for such licenses shall be given a reasonable written examination as to their quali- fications only to perform maintenance work as defined in Secti(m 8. The board shall grant licenses applied for and shall issue certificates therefor to each applicant who shall make a grade of seventy per cent or 10 .j of the State of Texas under authority of the State Statutes. The maker's name, trademark or other identifi- cation symbol shall be placed on all electrical ma- terials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment used or installed under the provisions of this Ordinance. Section 37. All Services and Interior Feeders shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, electric metallic tubing, or approved busways, except that under- ground services, feeders, and branch circuits may be installed in approved ducts or plastic conduit. Overhead services or feeders between two buildings less than six feet apart shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, electric metallic tubing, approved busways or duct. Where wiring is installed in ap- proved non-metallic duct or conduit, a continuous ground wire of the same size as the branch circuit conductors shall be installed within the duct to insure continuity of ground and the entire wiring system must be installed in a manner approved by the Electrical Board. Where approved underground duct is used, it shall in no case be smaller than two inches inside diameter, buried at least eighteen inches below the ground surface, and it shall be encased in at least two (2) inches of concrete. The portion of the service ahead of the meter cabinet shall not be run through attic spaces. Where con- duit fittings are used ahead of meter cabinets, same shall be of sealable type and shall be plainly visible. Sub.feeders in Residential (single and multiple) Buildings may be non.metallic sheath cable "ground- ed type." Section 38. The Meter Cabinets and Electrical Metering Equipment through which service is ren- dered by the electric public service company to domestic establishments and buildings combining domestic establishments with commercial or indus- trial usage, shall be installed where readily acces- sible on the exterior of the building. Fireproof 27 Section 32. Adoption of National Electric Code: The regulations and rules of the National Board of Fire Underwriters embodied in the National Electric Code published in 1962 and such subsequent codes, amendments and supplements of the said Board, as they may officially adopt are hereby adopted as the rules and regulations to govern and be observed and followed in all electric wiring and in all electrical construction! installation, repair, alteration, operation and mamtenance of electric wiring, apparatus and fixtures, except insofar as they may conflict with the provisions of this Ordi- nance. In the case of conflict between the provi- sions of the National Electric Code and the provi- sions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordi- nance shall prevail. Section 33. Special Requirements: In general, any type of wiring or wiring system may be used within the City limits of La Porte as approved by the National Electric Code adopted in Section 32 of this Ordinance except where specifically pro- hibited. Section 34, Wiring in all commercial or combi- nation commercial and residential buildings shall be enclosed in rigid conduit, metallic tubing BX or BXL. Section 35. When the Electrical Board for good and justifiable reasons find it necessary to suspend or revoke the approval of certain materials or wir. ing immediately said suspension or revoking of ap- proval shall not become, effective until 30' days after date of said notice. Section 36. No electrical materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment shall be sold or installed in the City unless they are in con- formity with the provisions of this Ordinance, the Statutes of the State of Texas and the rules and regulations issued by the Industrial Commission 26 .. better on the examination given him; provided, that in no case shall a license be granted until after payment by the applicant of the fee provided for in Section 16. A complete record of the exami- nation given, the applicant's answers, the grade and the result thereof, shall be kept by the elec- trical board in its permanent record book for a period of not less than one year, and such record shall be open for inspection at any meeting of the board and under its supervision, Each person seeking such maintenance electri- cian's license shall furnish the board two pictures of himself, one and one-half inches by two inches, One of such pictures of the individual receiving the license shall be placed on the license certificate issued to him, and the other of such pictures shall be retained by the board, Each such certificate issued to a maintenance electrician shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued, the location of the premises in or on which the maintenance work is to be done, and the date of the issuance thereof, Every holder of a maintenance electrician's li- cense shall notify the Electrical Inspector immedi- ately when such holder makes any change in his employment; giving in such notice the name of his new employer and the location of the premises in or on which he is to be employed to perform main- tenance electrical work. Every holder of such maintenance electrician's license shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while performing the acts which such license entitles him to perform, Section 12. Annual Permit of Employer of Main- tenance Electrician; Permit for Moving and Re- locating Equipment: An annual permit shall, upon application therefor, be issued to any person employ- ing a maintenance electrician, as that term is de- fined in Section 8, for the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installation, apparatus and 11 equipment within the confines of the building or in or on the premises where he is employed. The application for this annual permit shall be made in writing to the City Electrical Inspector and shall contain a description of the premises on which work is to be done under the permit and informa- tion concerning the type of work to be done on such premises under such permit. The fee for said annual permit shall be $12.00 and shall expire on December 31st of the year in which said permit is issued; and the fee for the remainder of the year shall be prorated in like manner as provided for license fees in this article. For all moving and relocating of electrical equip- ment authorized to be done under the terms and conditions of this article by a maintenance elec- trician, such maintenance electrician shall be re- quired to obtain a permit in accordance with the other provisions of this article pertaining to per- mits and inspections. Section 13, Apprentice Defined: Except as other- wise provided herein, those persons undertaking the work of installing, maintainil'!g and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment and electrical work in gen- eral for which a permit is required under the pro- visions of this article, under the direct, constant, personal supervision and control of either a mas- ter electrician or a journeyman electrician, and who have properly registered with the' electrical Board, as hereinafter provided, shall be known as "apprentices. " Section 14. Registration of Apprentices:' No per- son shall undertake any work as an apprentice, as that term has been defined in Section 13, unless such person shall have first reeistered with the Electrical Board and received his certificate from said Board as an "apprentice." Applications for such certificates shall be made in writing to the Electrical Board, stating the name and address of 12 I issued by the City Electrical Inspector authorizing such connection and the use of such wiring, appara- tus, devices, appliances, fixtures and. equipment. It shall' be unlawful for any person to make con- nection for a source of electrical energy to any electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fix- tures and equipment which have been disconnected by an electrical inspector or the use of which has been ordered by an electrical inspector to be dis- continued until a certificate of approval has been issued by the City Electrical Inspector as herein provided. Section 30. Interference with or Change of In. stallation: It shall be unlawful for any person, in any manner, to interfere with any electrical wiring installed or being installed in, or on, within or without any structure or building. If in the course of erection of a building or structure the wiring is in such position as to interfere with the erection or completion of the building or structure as called for by the plans, notice shall immediately be given the person installing the wiring and the needed change shall be made by such person, Section 31. Review of Decisions of Electrical In. spectors: Any persons aggrieved by any action of an electrical inspector may within two days after such action file a petition in writing for a review of said action of such electrical inspector with the Electrical Board by serving same upon the Super- intendent of Public Works, or leaving same at his office, and thereupon the Electrical Board, within fifteen days after date of the filing of said petition. shall hear and determine said appeaL The Board shall have the right to sustain, modify or reverse the action of the electrical inspector: provided, how- ever, that until such time as the electrical inspec- tor's action is reversed or modified by the Elec- trical Board, such action shall in all things be effective. The decision of the Electrical Board shall be subject to review by the Board of Com- missioners as provided in Section 20 hereof, 25 effect, and said license shall remain suspended and nullified until such time as such fees are paid in full; provided, that no license which shall have been suspended under the terms and provisions of this section for as much as six months' time shall be renewed, except upon re-examination upon the same terms and conditions as provided for in the case of original examination. Section 28. Re-Inspection; Correction of Unsafe Conditions: The City Electrical Inspector or his assistant electrical inspector shall make upon in- formation or belief that faulty conditions exist, a thorough re-inspection of any electrical wiring, ap- paratus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equip- ment now installed or that may hereafter be in- stalled with the City and within the scope of this article, and when the installation Of such wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures' and equip- ment is found to be at variance with the original permit issued, or to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition, or if it is found that the electrical meas- uring device has been tampered with so as to create a condition dangerous to the continuity of the elec- trical service or to property, the person owning, usin~ or operating the same shall be notified in writing and shall make the necessary, repairs or changes required to place such wirin~, apparatus, devices and equipment in safe condition so as to relieve the hazards created by such unauthorized conditions, and shall have such work completed within fifteen days or any reasonably longer period specified by the electrical inspection in said notice. Section 29. Connections to Installations: It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixture and equipment for the installation of which a permit is required until it shall have received, as herein. before provided, and shall have retained, in its files available for inspection, a certificate of approval 24 ~ the applicant, and such other relevant information as may be required by the Electrical Board. Each person seeking such a certificate shall furnish the Board two pictures of himself, one and one-half by two inches. One of such pictures of the indi- vidual receiving the certificates shall be placed on the certificate issued to him, and the other of such pictures shall be retained by the Board. Each cer- tificate issued to an apprentice shall specify the name and address of the person to whom the certificate is issued, and the date, of the issuance thereof. Every holder of such apprentice's certificate shall wear his certificate upon or about his person while performing the act which such certificate entitles him to perform. Before a registration certificate is granted to any applicant as an apprentice, and before any ex- piring registration certificate as an apprentice is renewed, the applicant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes of the City, a fee of $1.00. Apprentice registration certificates shall expire on December 31st following the date of issuance. Such registration certificate will be renewed by the Electrical Board upon application and payment of the required fee. Section 15. Regular examinations for Master's licenses shall be held at the discretion of the Electrical Board but in no case less than two' per year, and not more than seven (7) months between examinations. Any applicant failing an examination for Master's License for the first time shall be allowed to take a second examination after six (6) months. Mter the second failure, he shall be required to wait an additional six (6) months for a third examina- tion, an additional one (1) year for a, fourth, and an additional one (1) year between subsequent examinations after the fourth failure. Each appli- cant for re-examination shall make application for 13 same to the Electrical Board on form issued and approved by said Board and each such application shall be accompanied by the "examination fee" of Ten Dollars ($10,00), Section 16. License Fees: Before a master elec- trician's license is granted to any applicant, and before any expiring license is renewed, the appli- cant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes of the City, a fee of $25.00. Before a maintenance electrician's license is granted to any applicant, the applicant shall pay to the assessor and collector of taxes a fee of $5.00, and before any such license is renewed, the applicant shall pay a renewal fee of $1.00, Master electrician's licenses and main- tenance electrician's licenses shall expire, on De- cember 31st following the date of issuance. Master electrician's licenses and maintenance electrician's licenses shall be renewed by the Elec- trical Board upon application and payment of the required fee; provided, however, that no license which shall have elapsed for as much as six months shall be renewed except on re-examination upon the same terms and conditions as provided for herein in the case of original examinations. Section 17. When Board Shall Issue Licenses and Certificates: When an applicant for a license or certificate has complied with the provisions of this article, the Board shall issue a license or certificate to such applicant forthwith. Section 18, Licenses and Certificates Non.Assign. able: No master electrician's or maintenance elec- trician's license, or journeyman electrician's certifi- cate or "apprentice" certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be assign- able or transferrable. Section 19. Revocation of Licenses and Certifi. cates; Suspension of Master Electrician's License: Any license or certificate provided for in this article may, after hearing by the Electrical Board, 14 : ,j Permanently connected electric appliances and equipment of any nature not otherwise specified shall be charged for as follows: Up to KW, inclusive"",,"" ,$0.50 each All over 1 KW to 10 KW "",', 0,40 per KW All over 10 KW to 50 KW""" 0.30 perKW Allover 50 KW to 100 KW, , , , " 0.20 per KW Allover 100 KW, 100 KW at 0.10, excess KW at "',""" 0,04 perKW Temporary installations, such as wood saws, floor- surfacing machines, paint-spraying apparatus and the like shall be charged for at the rate of $2.00 per installation, plus the regular service and meter loop charge. Temporary lighting installations shall be charged for at the rate of $2.00 per installation, plus the regular servke and meter loop charge. Additions to old work shall be charged for at the same rate as new work. The minimum inspection fee shall be $2.00. On moving and re-Iocating of electrical equipment authorized to be done by a maintenance electrician and a master electrician for which a permit fee is not otherwise provided for in this section, the mini- mum inspection fee shall apply. , No fee shall be charged for routine re-inspections of electrical instal1ations~ '., Section 27, Failure to Pay Inspection Fees: Upon the failure of the holder of a master electrician's or maintenance electrician's license, within ten days after the final certificate of approval is granted on the installation or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equip- ment, to pay the City in full, the fees provided for in Section 26, the license of such master electrician or maintenance electrician so failing shall be auto- matically suspended without action on the, part of the Electrical Board, and shall be of no force and 23 Lighting fixtures: Fixtures of one circuit or under and combination ceiling fan and lights ""'.'"""",,, $0.20 each Each additional circuit, per fixture """"',',','" 0.25 each Any cUlTent-consuming device permanently at- tached to an outlet for illuminating purposes shall be classed as a fixture. Motors: Up to but not including 1h H.P..$ 0.50 each 1h H.P. and less than 2 H.P., , " 2,00 each 2 H.P. and less than 10 H.P., , " 3,00 each 10 H.P. and less than 25 H.P., " 4,00 each 25 H.P. and less than 100 H.P., , 8.00 each 100 H,P, and less than 150 H.P., 10.00 each 150 H.P. and over ""'.'",,, .08 per H.P. The fee of eight cents per horse-power applied to individual motors rated 150 H,P. and over. Motor control equipment is included in motor fees, When future motor outlets are installed they shall be charged for at one-half the regular motor rates ap- plying. The other one-half shall be paid at the time the motors are installed. Miscellaneous: Motion picture machines, , , , , , ,$ 2.00 each Sound equipment, up to 10 watts output " """"""""" 10.00 each Sound equipment, 10 watts to 15 watts output ,',',',,"" 15.00 each Sound equipment, over 15 watts ' output " """"""""" 20.00 each Electric ranges not over 12,000 watts """"""." Electric water heaters """" X-ray machines "",'.'""" Incandescent electric signs ,," Gas or vacuum tube signs, , , , , , Poles, anchors and guy stubs, , , 22 1.00 each 1.00 each 3.00 each 1.00 per cir. 1,00 per trans- former .50 each .' be by it suspended or revoked upon its finding that the person holding such license or certificate has wilfully, maliciously, or by reason of incompe- tence, violated on more than one occasion this article or any amendment thereto. Section 20. Appeal From Action of the Electrical Board: Any person dissatisfied with a decision of the Electrical Board shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Commissioners from any action of the Electrical Board within ten (10) days from the action appealed from, which appeal shall be per- fected by addressing a letter to the said Board of Commissioners statin~ that an appeal from the ruling of the ElectrIcal Board is desired within ten (10) days after the action appealed from, Upon receipt of notice of such appeal, the Board of Com- missioners shall set same down for hearing and shall notify the appellant and also the Chairman of the Electrical Board of the date of such hear- ing, The Electrical Board, as well as the appellant, shall have the right to be heard at the appeals above provided for, Furthermore, the Board of Commissioners shall have the right to affirm, modify or reverse the action and/or decision com- plained of. The action of the Board of Commis- sioners shall be final. If no appeal be taken within the time and in the manner hereinabove provided, the ruling of the Electrical Board shall be final. The action of the Electrical Board shall be in all things effective unless and/or until reversed or modified as provided for herein, Section 21. Duties of Electrical Inspectors; En. gaging in Business: The electrical inspectors shall, upon application, cause to be issued permits for the installation and alteration of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and equip- ment, and certificates of final approval therefor. and shall be responsible for inspection of all new electrical installations and re-inspections of all electrical installations, all as provided in this ordi- nance. They shall keep complete records of all 15 permits issued, inspections and re-inspections made, and other official work performed in accordance with the provision of this article. They shall also maintain ul' to date a file of listed inspected elec- trical apphance cards issued by or for Under- writer's laboratories, Inc., which file shall be ac- cessible for public reference during regular office hours. Section 22. Authority Granted to Electrical In- spectors and Assistants; Police Power: The electrical inspectors and any of their assistants shall have the right from 8:00 A,M. to 5:00 P.M. to enter any building in the discharge of their official duties or for the purpose of making any inspection, re- inspection or test of the installation of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures, and electrical equipment contained therein, and shall have the authority to cause the turning off of all electrical currents and to cut or disconnect in cases of emergency any wire where such electrical currents are dangerous to life and property' or where such wires may interfere with the work of the fire department. The electrical inspector is hereby empowered in emergencies to disconnect and to order the discontinuance of electrical service to any electric wiring, apparatus, device, appliance, fixtures or equipment found to be dangerous to life or property because of its being defective or defectively installed or otherwise not .in conformity with the provisions of this article until such wiring, apparatus, device, appliance, fixtures and equipment and their installation have been made safe as directed by him in conformity with this article. The electrical inspectors of the City shall have and are hereby given the power and duties of special policemen while in the actual discharge of their official duties, and shall be authorized to' wear badges as special policemen; provided, that before being permitted to wear such badges they shall apply to the Chief of Police for such badge. Section 23, Permits: No wiring, poles, duct line, 16 . a permit; it shall be the duty of the master electri- cian or maintenance electrician to whom the per- mit has been issued to immediately notify the City Electrical Inspector, who shall inspect such instal- lations within three days, exclusive of Sundays and Holidays, of the time such notice is given. If the work is found'to be in compliance with the provisions of this article, the City Electrical Inspec- or, subject to the other applicable provisions of this article, shall issue a final certificate of ,appro- val to the public utility corporation furnishing the electrical service or the person supplying the en- ergy, which certification shall authorize connection of such approved work to the source of energy of the electrical service, the turning on of current and the use of the installation. No connection shall be made until such authorization and final certifi- cate is issued. 't Section 26, Schedule of Fees for Inspection: The holder of a master electrician's or maintenance elec- trician's license, making or supervising the installa. tion or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, shall pay to the City a fee in such amount as specified below: Services: All services """,',""""" $1.00 each All meter loops """"',',", 1.00 each Outlets: First four lighting outlets are included in serv- ice and meter loop fees. ' Over four to twenty-five inclusive ,,',"""""""" $0.30 each All over twenty.five """"'" 0,20 each All light, switch and receptacle openings are classed as outlets, also bell ringing transformers. '.,. 21 ment of any character for the transmission, distri- bution or utilization of electrical energy, or for the operation of signals or the transmission of intelli- gence on, over or under the streets in the City, without first obtaining from the Board of Commis- sioners a franchise right or grant for the particular installation so desired to be made, and any such installation so made under such franchise or grant shall be in strict conformity with all rules and regu- lations and ordinances of the City. Any installation of duct tube, conduit wire or wires under the public streets shall be in accord- ance with this ordinance and other city ordinances covering the use of public places and streets. Section 25. Inspection and Certificates of Appro. val: When any part of a wiring installation is to be hidden from view by the permanent placement of pads of a building, the master electrician or maintenance electrician to whom the permit has been issued shall notify the City Electrical Inspec. tor, providing that on such installation as the con- cealment of parts of the wiring must, in the discre- tion of the City Electrical Inspector, or his assistant, necessarily proceed continuously, the master electri- cian or maintenance electrician to whom the permit has been issued shall give the City Electrical In- spector due notice and inspection shall be made periodically during the progress of the work, and where, in the discretion of the City Electrical In- spector or his assistant, it is necessary, he shall post notice upon the premlses stating that work is ap- proved and may be covered or is not approved and maf not be covered, until such further inspection as IS necessary has been made. Arlf person remov- ing, destroying, altering or defacmg said notice without the consent of the City Electrical Inspector, or his assistant, shall be deemed guilty of an of- fense under this section, and any work described in said notice shall be stayed pending the filrther necessary inspection. Upon the completion of the work which has been authorized by the issuance of 20 '5 guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliance, fixtures or equipment for the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy for an~ purpose shall be installed within the City lillllts of the City, nor shall any alteration or addition be made in any such existing wiring, poles, duct lines, guy anchor'll, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment without first securmg a permit therefor from the chief electrical inspectorJ except as stated in the following paragraphs numoered 1 to 5, in- clusive. (1) No permit shall be required for replacing fuses or lamps or the connection of portable de. vices to suitable receptacles which h:!ve been per- manently installed or for repairs to portable ap- pliances. (2) No permit shall be required for minor repair work, such as repairing or replacing flush and snap switches, receptacles and lamp sockets, or minor repairs on permanently connected electric ap- paratus, appliances, fixtures or equipment, or the installation of light globes. (3) No permit shall be required for the installa- tions, maintenance or alteration of wiring, appa- ratus, devices, appliances or equipment for tele- graph, telephone, signal service or central station protective service used in conveying signals or intelligence, except where electrical work is done on the primary side of the source of power from the power company at a voltnge over 50 volts and which generates more than 500 watts of energy. (4) No permits shall be required for poles, trans- formers, arresters, switches, wires, cables, guy anchors, for the installation, maintenance or al. teration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, ap- pliances or equipment to be installed by an electric public service corporation for the use of such corporation in the generation, transmission, dis- tribution, sale or utilization of electrical ener~y. However, an electric public service corporabon shaIl not do any wiring on a customer's premises 17 other than wmng which is part of the company's distribution system, nor shall any of its employees do any work other than that done for the said company as hereinbefore provided for, by virtue of this exemption. (5) No permit shall be required for the installa- tion of temporary wiring, apparatus, devices, appli- ances or equipment used by a recognized school in teaching electricity. (6) It shall be unlawful for any person to bridge, tamper with or change from its original installa- tion except upon the approval of the chief electri- cal inspector, and then only after a proper permit for alteration has been issued, any fuse of the plug, cartridge type or link o/.Pe, installed in panel boards, main switches, or SWitchboards, or to alter or change circuit breakers so that the original calibration will be affected or to tie down or se. cure any circuit breaker so that it will not function proper~. ' No such permit shall be issued to any person who is not the holder of a master electrician's license or a maintenance, electrician's license. Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wiring, apparatus, devices or equip- ment for the transmission, distribution or utiliza- tion of electrical energy for any purpose, the wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment shall be installed or repall'ed in conformity with the pro- visions of this article. The application for a permit shall describe the work to be done and shall be made in writing by a person holding a master electrician's license, or a maintenance electrician's license. The permit when issued shall be issued to such applicant to cover such work as described and detailed. Any changes or additions must be covered by additional permits at the time changes are made. The appli- cation shall be accompanied by such plans, speci- fications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the installations as described 18 1 , i >> will be' in conforming with the requirements of this article. No such plans. specifications and schedule shall be submitted and no such plans, specifications and schedule will be examined under the provisions of this article, unless the same are submitted by the holder of Ii master electrician's license or maintenance electrician's license, If it is found that the installation as described will in general conform to the requirements of this article, and if the applicant has complied with all provisions of the ordinances of the City, a permit for such installation shall be issued; provided, however, that the issuance of a permit will not be taken as permission or as a license to violate any of the requirements of this chapter or any other ordinance of the City. On all new installations the permit for electrical work shall be displayed in a readi~ accessible lo- cation, as directed by the City Electrical Inspector, throughout the time such installations as is covered by the permit is being installed. On all installations where wiring, apparatus, de- vices, appliances, fixtures or equipment are added to previous installations, or where changes are made on wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, the permit for such installa- tions or changes shall be delivered to the one per- son for whom the installation is to be made or posted on the building or structure as directed by the City Electrical, Inspector before the installation or change is started. The City Electrical Inspector may issue and enforce any rules or regulations he may deem necessary ~overing the granting of emergency permit,s, where real emergencies exist. Section 24, Franchise to Install Equipment of or in Streets, Etc.: No person or public service com- pany that does not operate under a franchise granted by the City shall have the right to install any electrical conduit, wires, ducts, poles or equip- 19 ..... . . -- . e e -14- and equipment used or installed under the provisions of this Ordinance Section 37. ALL SERVICES AND INTERIOR FEEDERS shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, electric metallic tubing, or approved busways, except that underground services, feeders, and branch circuits may be installed in approved ducts or plastic conduit. Overhead services or feeders between two buildings less than six feet apart shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, electric metallic tubing, approved busways or duct. Where ~iring is in- stalled in approved non-metallic duct or conduit, a continuous ground wire of the same size as the branch circuit conductors shall be installed within the duct to insure continuity of ground and the entire wiring system must be installed in a manner approved by the Electrical Board. Where approved underground duct is used, it shall in no case be smaller than two inches in- side diameter, buried at least eighteen inches below the ground surface, and it shall be encased in at least two (2) inches of concrete. The portion of the service ahead of the meter cabinet shall not be run through attic spaces. Where conduit fittings are used ahead of meter cabinets, same shall be of sealable type and shall be plainly visible. Sub-feeders in Residential (single and multiple) Buildings may be non-metallic sheath cable "grounded type" . Section 38. THE METER CABINETS AND ELECTRICAL METERING ~UIPMENTthrough which service is rendered by the electric public service company to domestic establishments and buildings combining domestic estab- lishments with commercial or industrial usage, shall be installed where readily accessible on the exterior of the building. Fireproof meter cabinets or meter sockets shall be supplied by the electric public service company and installed by the Master Electrcian performing the work, said meter cabinets to be located so the <;:enrer of ,the opening for the meter dial shall be not less , than.!J1X ChJ feet nor more tha11tf9've~feet above mean ground level, and to be readily accessible to the electric public service company to service. On \ , apartment buildings, where space limitations will not permit placing all meters at the same height, they may be arranged inP)'~tff tiers, with the openings for the meter dials in lower tier as near as practicable to 7"~ CiJ feet above mean ground level and second tier placed as near as practicabl~ above the first. Where space limitations will not permit placing of meter cabinets as outliried above, the electric public service company, subject to the approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector, may determine the arrangement to be used. All service outlets shall be located so as to permit placing the electric public service company's service wires on the wall of the building next to the supply. I I> Section 39. THE ELECTRIC PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY shall never require the placing of meters on the front of the building or street side of a building, without the written consent of the owners, and where not practical in the opinion of the Chief Electrical Inspector to place metering devices on the exterior of the building, said location shall be at a point, or points, con- venient to the electric public service company's service as determined by the Chief Electrical Inspector. Section 40. THE POINT OF ATTACHMENT OF SERVICE DROP CONDUCTORS. shall be at the highest practica1 point but in no instance less than ten (10) feet or more than twenty-five (25) feet above mean ground level unless a greater height is necessary to obtain the required clearance; except on buildings not high enough to permit a point of attachment of at least ten (10) feet above mean ground level, the point of attachment shall be as high as possible but no less than eight ,(8) feet above mean ground level with no exposed conductors within eight and one-half (8 1/2) feet and the point of service drop attachment shall in general be six (6) inches below the service head. Section 41. SER VICE SWITCHES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ~UIPMENT installed on the exterior of a building or outside any building shall be considered I as being exposed to the weather and all switches and equipment shall be. of a type approved for the prevailing conditions. Switches and equipment In- . -, . - . -15- "'. . stalled on the outside of the building in a recess in the outside wall and covered by a door as a part of the building structure shall be considered as being on the exterior of the building and exposed to the weather. Section 42. ONE OR MORE 20 AMPERE BRANCH CIRCUITS TOGETHER WITH A GROUNDED RECBPT ACLE shall be installed in each residence for a washing machine where plumbing facilities have been provided for this equip- ment except that in multi -family residences having central facilities for washing machines, this c,ircuit may be omitted. Section 43. BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING FOR WINDOW AIR CONDITION- ING UNITS or resistance type 'space heaters shall not 'be smaller than #12 A. W. G. copper wire or its equivalent and not more than one air conditioning unit or air c;onditioning receptacle shall be installed on anyone single or multi -wire branch circuit. " Section 44,. ' ARMORED CABLE TYPE ACL' CABLE SHALL NOT BE USED UNDER GROUND OR EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE. .. Section 45. FLEXIBLE METALLIC CONDUIT may be used for temporary work, for connection to store fixtures, for connection to light fixtures in- stalled within buildings, for electric range connection, and for motor connection. Connections to individual light fixtures may not exceed 8' in length, and connections to motors or ranges may not exceed 4' in length. Section 46. NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE OR KNOB AND TUBE WIRING shall be used only for Residential work, and apartment houses. Con- ductors in or, on all tile and masonry walls of such buildings shall be encased in rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing, BX or BXL cable. Minimum size non-metallic sheathed cable or knob and tube type systems shall be limited to #12 A. W. G. except #14 may be used for switch legs when the load is less than 500 watts. ' ' Section 47. TYPE UF CABLE SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING ON RESIDENUAL PROPER TIES. Where installed under- ground, the cable shall be buried 18". The cable shall be protected by rigid conduit on exterior walls and at the points where it enters and leaves the ground. . Section 48. ALL CONDUCTORS INSTALLED BELOW GRADE IN SER- VICE STATIONS, BULK STORAGE PLANTS OR OTHER OCCUPANCIES NORMALL Y HANDLING GASOLINE OR CRUDE OR FUEL OIL shall be lead covered or shall be code type, thermo-plastic marked "gasoline and oil resistant". Conductor No.4 AWG and larger may be heavy wall 900 C., Poly-vinyl Chloride Type (TW) provided that all conductors are permanently marked and installed such as to be readily identified. Section 49. ALL JOINTS IN OR TO BRANCH LIGHTING CIRCUITS SHALL HAVE SOLDERED CONNECTIONS or shall be made with an approved solderless connector and such approvep. solderless connector shall be of the positive pressure type only and not of the non-metallic screw-on type. , Section 50. IN COLD STORAGE VAULTS ALL WIRING SHALL be encased in rigid galvanized conduit, electrical metallic tubing, BXL.' All conduits shall be sealed at the point where they enter or leave the vault. This sealing may be done by the use of duct sealing compound in an accessible fitting. Receptacle shall be of the grounding type. Light fixtures shall be controlled by wall switch. Lamp and fluorescent tubes within eight '(8) feet of floor shall be protected by substantial grounds or shields. 1/3 H. P. or less blower motors may be connected with rubber cord and ground- ing receptacl~. '. . . . . II . e' . -16- Section 51. OPEN WIRING IS APPROVED ONLY FOR temporary work and in central stations, transformer vaults, substations and switchboards. Elsewhere than in central stations and substations, all circuits operating at more than 600 volts sha.ll enter buildings or structures in conduit run underground or e~tended overhead from another structure. Section 52. ALL SOCKETS WITHIN BIGHT ('8) FEET OF EARTH OR GROUNDED SURFACES, such as floors of conducting material, bathroom fixtures, kitchen sinks or other grounded surfaces, shall be controlled by a wall switch., ,Underwriters" Laboratories approved range hoods or vent units with integral switches shall be approved without wall switches. Section 53. SER VlCE DISCONNECTING MEANS shall be located so that the heigpt to the center of the operating handle shall be not less than four (4) 'feet and not more than six (6) feet above the floor of finish grade, except as installed in free standing or building type switchgear built to NEMA 'specifica tions . Section 54. IN NEW BUILDINGS, OR NEW POR nONS OF BUILDINGS, ALL KNOB AND WBE, NON-METALLIC SHEATH CABLE AND ARMORED CABLE shall be run through holes bored in joist, or installed in furr'ed spaces in a manner no subject to mechanical damage. Cables #10 or larger may be installed across face of joist provided they are secured to guard strips 1 1/2"high. When non-metallic and armored cable are installed in attic area where there is less than thirty-six (36) inches head room, the cable may be run on top of joist. If there is less than thirty-six (36) inches at the highest part of the attic area', then there shall be .left a portion of the attic at least forty-two (42) inches wide, free from any cable on top of joist fo:r the access of crawl space. .. Section 55. ,IN EXISTING BUILDINGS, NON-METALLIC SHEATH CABLE AND ARMORED, CABLE shall be run through holes bored in joist, except in that portion of the attic where the vertical clearance is less than thirty-six (36) inches or where the cables are secured to guard 1 1/2" high. Section 56. (a) New residences of less than 1050 square feet living area (exclud- ing attached garages), shall have service <,entrance capacity of not less than 3 #6 copper and branch circuit facilities of not less than seven (7) overcurrent devices, one (1) of which must be left unused as a spare. (b) New residences of 1050 or more square feet of living area (excluding attached garages), shall have service entrance capacity of not less than 3 #4 copper and branch circuits facilities of not less than ten (10) overcurrent devices, two (2) of which must be left unused as spares. Section 57. For the small appliance load in kitchen, laundry, pantry, dining room, and breakfast room of dwelling occupancies, two (2) or more 20 ampere branch circuits of not more than five (5) duplex receptacles (each circuit shall be provided for all receptacle outlets '(other than outlets for clocks) in those rooms and such circuits shall have no other outlets. Section 58. General lighting load in single family residences shall be divided into not less th~m three (3) circuits and shall be balanced as nearly as possible. Circuits may be of either 15 or 20 ampere capacity or may be mixed. Not more than eleven (11) outlets may be connected to any 15 ampere circuit, nor more than fifteen (15) outlets to aJ?y 20 ampere circuit. For purposes of this paragraph an "outlet" is considered to be a receptacle or fixture outlet. (Receptacles required in paragraph 10 of this Section are not to be considered a part of the general lighting loaq. Section 59. Dishwashers in dwelling occupancies shall be supplied by one 20 ampere branch circuit for that use only and such circuit shall have . .- .' . ~. . -17- e no other outlets. Section 60. Garb~ge disposal units in dwelling occupancies shall be supplied by one 20 ampere branch circuit, additional connections to such 'circuit shall be limited to one kitchen vent '~an and one light outlet. Section 61. All receptacle outlets in kitchens within five (5) feet of sink shall be considered at the sink location and shall be of the grounding type. Section 62. . Where a grounding receptacle is installed as specified in this Ordinance, the branch crrcuit or branch circuit raceway shall include or provide a grounding conductor to which the grounding contacts of the grounding receptacle shall be connected. The metal armor of armored cable or a metallic raceway is 'acceptable as a grounding conductor. Section 63. All ~entral heating units, electric ovens and electric ,,/ ranges shall be grounded. (I Section 64. RESPONSIBILITIES .oF MASTER ELECTRICIAN, OUTSIDE ELECTRICIAN, ELECTRICAL AND/OR OWNER. After the issuance of the ' Certiffcate of Approval by the Electrical Inspector, the Owner, Person, Firm or Corporation in whos,e ,name the meter or w@rk is ,contracted for, shall be responsible for all 4efects caused by such Owner, Person, Firm or Corpora- tion. Section 65. All Master Contractors certified under this Code shall be required to furnish and to keep in force each yea~ during the life of his license, a Surety Bond to the City of La Porte in the sum of $1, OOO~ 00. The bond shall be conditioned that the holder thereof will indemnify and hold the City of La Porte harmless against all cost, expenses, damages, and injuries sustained by said City by reason of the carelessness or neglect of said person in operating under this Code. All such Bonds shall be approved by the City Attorney as to form and shall be filed with the Chief Electrical Inspector. Section 66. ~ If any section, sub-section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such uncon- stitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Board of Commissioners of the City of La Porte hereby de- clares that it would have passed this ,Ordinance and each sectibn, sub-section, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections, sub-sections,' sentence, clauses 'or 'phrases be declared un- consti tutional. Section 67. Should any section of this ordinance 'conflict with any ordi- nance heretofore adopted by the City Commission of the City of La Porte, the terms and provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail and such conflicting portions of the prior ordinance are hereby repealed. ... Section 68. Any person, Firm, Corporation or the Agent of same, vio- lating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each offense, and , in case of willful and continuous 'violation of the provisions of this Ordinance by any such Person or his Agent, the City Commission shall have the power to revoke and repeal all permits and privileges granted to said Person or Agent. This Ordinance shall be effective and shall be enforced on the eleventh day after the first of two consecutive publications of the caption in the official " , . . -18- /'. .'( Newspaper of the City of La Porte. Passed and approved this the 1963. / ! ~ day of January, - . APPROVED: -............- ATTEST: . I!lj If cfn~ City Clerk of the ~ity of La 'Porte, Texas , I Clovis, D. Mann, City Clerk of the City of La Porte, Texas, bereby certify that all requiremcn~B of rbe Ci:y CharIer of t.he City of La Porte have be-cn compLt:cl wi h in the promulgation and/or issuance of this Ordinnnce (N".___n___~6~.-.n.-_-..") 8a followa: Reading (8) d(i.';:!..-.-~i~Ie1t)- .-_._._......_...._..._._......(.2~dr PuhncatiOD (8) .J.'1.~_.2:._1....Lr ~:l _l.'i_rJ._.:#.!.J._.(.~.~..;!... (Is.) (2nd) Provisions of Ordinance W~_i..e~~~-5.$._(f~g ... , ~ (Da.e) ~." . / /J e:::Y'_ ~~~ed: V A.R. //l~ Clovis D. Mama Cii y Cl~rk .e ,'" .