HomeMy WebLinkAbout1153 ORDINANCE NO. 1153
AN ORDINANCE, relating to and regulating the installation, arrangement,
alteration, repair, use, and operation of electric wiring connections and
fixtures and all other electrical appliances in or on buildings or other
structUres in the City of Bremerton, Washington; adopting the National Electrical
Code, as amended; creating the office of Electrical Inspector, providing for the
securing of permits, and providing penalties for the violation of this Ordinance,
and repealing Ordinances Nos. 654, 813, and 962, and all other ordinances, or
parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith.
THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
There is hereby created the office of Electrical Inspector. The person
chosen to fill the office of Electrical Inspector shall be a competant elect-
rician of good character, shall be possessed of such executive ability as is
requisite for the efficient performance of his duties and shall have a thorough
knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in the installation of
electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment; shall be versed in approved
methods of electrical construction for safety of life and property, the statutes
of the State of Washington relating to electrical work, the rules and regulations
issued under authority of the statutes, the National Electrical Code as approved
by the American Standards Association; and the National Electrical Safety Code
as approved by the American Standards Association.
Section 2. ~POINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS:
The Electrical Inspector shall, be appointed by the Mayor and with the
advice and consent of the City Commission.' The salary to be paid to the
Electrical Inspector shall be named by the Mayor and ~ity Commission. He shall
be removed from office for cause only after full hearing by the City Commission.
Any violation of the provisions of any section of this ordinance by the
Electrical Inspector shall be sufficient cause for his removal from office, but
he may be removed for other just causes.
Section 3. DUTIES OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to see that the provisions
of this ordinance are enforced. He shall, upon application, grant permits for
the installation or alteration of electric wiring, devices, appliances and
equipment, and shall make inspections of all work authorized by such permits.
He shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections made, and
other official work performed in accordance with the provisions of this
ordinance. It shall be unlawful for the Electrical Inspector or any of his
assistants to engage in the business of the sale, installation or maintenance
of electric wiring, devices, appliances or'equipment, either directly or indirectly,
and they shall have no financial interest in any concern engages in such business
at any time while holding such office as herein provided for.
Section 4. AUTHORITY GRANTED TO ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
The Electrical Inspector shall have the right during reasonable hours to
enter any building in the discharge of his official duties, or for the purpose
of making any inspection of the installation of wiring, devices, appliances
and equipment contained therein, and shall have the authority to disconnect any
wire or wires in case of emergency where necessary for safety to life or
property, or where such wire or wires may interfere with the work of the fire
department. The Electrical Inspector is hereby authorized to disconnect or
order the discontinuance of electric service to any electric wiring, devices,
appliances or equipment found to be dangerous to life or property because they
are defective or defectively installed, until such wiring, devices, appliances
and equipment and their installation have been made safe and approved by said
Electrical Inspector. It shall be unlawful to fail to obey a legal order of
the Inspector.
Section 5. NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE ADOPTED.
All new electric wiring, apparatus, and fixtures, in, on or about buildings
and other structures, within the provisions of this ordinance in the City of
Bremerton, shall be governed by and conform to the rules and regulations as
laid down by the latest edition of the National Electrical Code which shall be
filed with the City Clerk of the City of Bremerton, except as modified or amended
by other provisions of this ordinance. All such electric wiring, apparatus and
fixtures shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance.
Section 6.~ NEB WIRING IN FIRST FIRE DISTRICT.
All new wiring for heat, light or power within the First Fire District of
the City of Bremerton, and in theaters, hospitals, assembly halls and publicly
owned and operated buildings outside the First Fire District, hereafter
installed, shall be encased in rigid iron conduit, electric metallic tubing,
cast-in place raceways or under-floor ducts, except in the following cases:
1. On motor connections a flexible conduit or cable may
be used not to exceed two feet.
2. Extensions within a single room may be made in
surface metal raceways.
3. Where it is necessary to fish wires in the hollow
spaces of a building flmxible conduit may be used.
Metallic sheathed cable, non-metallic sheathed cable, kno~ and tube wiring and
open wiring shall not be used in the First Fire District nor in the buildings
specifically referred to in this Section. In buildings specially subject to
moisture, such as breweries, ice plants, creameries, or where the walls may be
frequently washed down with a hose, wire with rubber or other approved insulation
with a lead covering installed in rigid conduit shall be the method used.
Section 7. SERVICE WIRING.
All service entrance conductors shall be installed in rigid iron conduit
from the weatherhead to the service entrance equipment except that an approved
metal meter socket or equivalent meter enclosure may be inserted in such conduit
run. The service entrance equipment shall be installed in a metal enclosure and
shall include an externally operated switch or an approved externally operated
circuit breaker which shall break all ungrounded wires of the service, except
that in residences an approved assembly of externally operated circuit breakers
may be used in lieu of the required service switch and fuses.
No service conduit smaller than three-quarter inch, nor service entrance
conductors smaller than No. 8, shall be installed.
In buildings where more than one set of service entrance conductors enters
the building each service entrance equipment shall be marked or identified as to
it s supply.
Section 8. ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATIONS.
Each motor having a rating of 1/2 H.P. or over shall be controlled by an
approved type switch, externally operated. All polyphase motors abive i H.P.
rating shall be protected by an approved device which will automatically
disconnect the motor in case of failure of one phase, except where the motor is
at all times under the care of an attendant. All motors above i H.P. shall be
protected by an approved type low voltage release.
Section 9. LIGHTING IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES.
In commercial or industrial occupancies no more than three (3) major lights
shall comprise a lighting branch circuit, and no more than two (2) convenience
outlets shall be connected on an appliance branch circuit. Wire not smaller than
#12 shall be used for wiring appliance circuits. Branch circuits supplying only
lamp holders or sockets of the mogul type shall be protected by fuses, having a
ratin~ of not more than 20 amperes and in that case shall be wired with not less
than ~12 wire. Show window lights outlets shall be wired with not smaller than
#12 wire and slow burning or asbestos covered wire shall be used. Exceptions may
be made by the Electrical Inspector for stores displaying electric light fixtures.
In no case shall they exceed the number of outlets on a branch circuit applied
elsewhere in this ordinance.
Section 10. C0~ENIENCE OUTLETS ETC.
No more than 6 convenience outlets shall be connected to an appliance branch
circuit and not smaller than #12 wire shall be used. At least one appliance
outlet shall be installed in each livable room. No switch or convenience outlet
shall be installed inside a bathroom unless, in the case of the switch it has an
approved insulated switch cover and handle, and in the case of the convenience
outlet it is an approved insulating receptacle, and it shall be located sufficiently
away from a grounded object to eliminate contact with the object and the live
parts of the switch or receptacle when being worked on. Wire for electric ranges
and heaters other than in the First Fire District shall be encased in rigid iron
conduit, flexible metal conduit, metallic sheathed cable or non-metallic cable.
Where metallic sheathed cable is used, if it goes through a concealed wall the
cable through the wall shall be encased in a conduit bushing. Where non-~etalllc
sheathed cable is used, that portion which may be subjected to mechanical damage
shall be run through a flexible or rigid or thin-wall conduit, fastened securely.
In dwellings, not more than l0 lighting outlets shall be installed on one lighting
branch circuit.
Section ll. 0I~ BURNERS ETC.
Separate circuits of not analler than #12 wire shall be used for installation
of oil burners, coal stokers, or furnace fans, and shall terminate in a metal
enclosed switch of approved type. Where oil burner and an air circulating fan,
or a coal stoker and an air circulating fan are used, each motor shall be
controlled by its own separate switch. Rigid conduit or thin-wall conduit shall
be used between the metal enclosed switch and the motor, and control switches. A
flexible conduit or cable not to exceed two feet may be used to connect the motor.
Ordinance 1153 (cont)
Section 12. ELECTRIC SIGNS. ~' .~ ~~
A permit shall be required to hang an electric sign on a building or structure
overhanging a sidewalk, a street, or an alley. A person, firm or corporation in
applying for a permit, excepting an electrical contractor licensed by the State
of Washington who already has on file a bond as required herein, shall file with
the City Clerk of Bremerton a bond of $1,000.00 payable to the City of Bremerton,
which will save harmless the City of Bremerton from all claims, actions or
damages of any kind and description which may accrue to, or be suffered by, any
person by reason of the negligent and the improper erection and connection of the
sign for which permit has been issued. It shall be unlawful for any person to
hang a sign in or over a street, avenue, or alley, or any other public place,
within the City of Bremerton, without first obtaining permission from the owner
of the property or the lessee of the property where the electric sign is to be
hung. It shall also be unlawful for any person to hang any such electric sign
in any other manner than that prescribed by ordinances of the City of Bremerton
regulating the use thereof.
Section 13. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to place or install,
or to cause or permit to be placed or installed, in, on or about any building or
structure any wiring apparatus or fixtures for the use of electricity for heating,
lighting or power purposes or communicating purposes when the voltage exceeds 50
Volts, or to make or cause or permit to be made any alteration or change in or
addition to any wiring, apparatus or fixtures for such use without first obtaining
from the Electrical Inspector of the City of Bremerton a written permit so to do,
except as stated in the following four paragraphs:
1. No permit shall be required for minor repair work, replacement of
lamps, installation of meter, or the connection of portable devices to suitable
receptacles which have been permanently installed.
2. No permit shall be required for the installation, alteration, or
repair of wiring, devices, appliances or equipment for the operation of signals
or the transmission of intelligence, where such wiring, devices, appliances or
equipment operate at a voltage not to exceed 50 Volts between conductors and
does not include generating or transforming equipment capable of supplying 50
Watts of energy, or less.
3. No permit shall be required for the installation, alteration, or
repair of electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment installed by or
for an electrical service corporation for the.use of such corporation in the
generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy, or for
the use of such a corporation in operation of signals or the transmission of
intelligence.
4. No permit shall be required from a public service company for the
installation of temporary wiring for testing electrical apparatus or equipment.
Any applicant for a permit shall specify on the form provided the location by
street and number, and the work to be done, and~the permit shall be valid only
for the location so stated. The Electrical Inspector shall keep on file a copy
of such form. If work authorized by the permit is not completed within 90
days from the issuance thereof, the permittee shall notify the Electrical Inspector
and a continuance will be granted. Any permit issued that has run 90 days and
a continuance has not been asked for, the Electrical Inspector may require a
permit fee for the balance of the unfinished work.
Section 14. INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE.
When any part of a wiring installation for which a permit has been issued
or is required is to be hidden from view by the permanent placement of parts of
the building, the permittee shall notify the Electrical Inspector and such parts
of the wiring installations shall not be concealed until they have been inspected
and approved or until 24 hours shall have elapsed from time of such notification,
excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, providing that on large installations
where concealment of parts of the wiring proceeds continuously the permittee shall
give the Electrical Inspector due notice and he shall make periodical inspections
during progress o2 the work.
A preliminary Certificate of Inspection may be issued authorizing the conn-
ection and use of certain portions of an incompleted installation. Such pre-
liminary c~rtiftcate may be revoked for cause.
Upon completion of the work which~as been authorized by the issuance of a
permit, it shall be the duty of the permittee to notify the Electrical Inspector
who shall inspect the installation within 24 hours of the time such notice is
given, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays.
If upon fina~ inspection it is found that the installation is in accordance
with the provisions of this Ordinance, the Electrical Inspector shall issue to
the permittee a Certificate of Inspection in duplicate. The duplicate copy shall
be forwarded to the owner of the property, showing that he is authorized to use
the installation and is authorized to have a connection made to the source of
supply of electrical energy.
If upon final inspection it is found that the installation is not in accord-
ante with the provisions of this Ordinance, the Electrical Inspector shall notify,
in writing, the permittee, stating the defects which ex~ist and must be corrected
before Certificate of Inspection is issued.
When the Electrical Inspector has issued a Certificate of Inspection author-
izing the connection and use of temporary work, such certificate shall expire
at the time stated therein and shall be revokable for cause.
Section 15. DEFECTS TO BE CORRECTED.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make connections
to a source of electrical energy or to supply electric service to any electric
wiring, devices, appliances or equipment until defects found by the Electrical
Inspector have been corrected. The Electrical Inspector may inspect all wiring
installations within the City of Bremerton, and where he finds any wiring
installation dangerous to the safety of life and property, or the same constitutes
a fire hazard, he shall serve written notice upon the consumer, owner or lessee of
the property of the dangerous condition of such wiring installations and order the
immediate alterations, repairs or changes necessary to conform to the provisions
of this Ordinance. If the consumer, owner or lessee fails, neglects or refuses
to comply with such order within five (5) days, the Electrical Inspector shall
disconnect or cause to be disconnected the main line service until such wiring
and installation is made to conform to the provisions of this Ordinance.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to reconnect to
any source of electric energy any electric wiring, devices, appliances or equip-
ment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected, or the use of
which has been ordered to be discontinued, nntil a Certificate of Inspection has
been issued authorizing the reconnection and use of such wiring, devices or
equipment.
When the Electrical Inspector finds extra-hazardous conditions to exist, he
is authorized to immediately disconnect or order the immediate disconnection of
electric service.
In the case of carnivals or traveling shows where electric installations do
not comply with this Ordinance, the Electrical Inspector is authorized to immed-
iately disconnect or order the immediate disconnection of electric service.
Section 16. PERMIT FEES.
Before any permit is granted, the applicant shall pay to the City Treasurer
a fee in the amount specified below:
a. Service and 20 fixture outlets ............................. $ 1.00
21 to 30 fixture outlets, per outlet, 5¢
All over 30 fixture outlets, per outlet, 4¢
b. Electric range ......................... .~ 1.00
co Permanently connected motors, ~ H.~'a~d'~.~..l~..$ 1.00
d. 0il burners ................................................ $ 2.00
Note: $1.00 of this fee shall cover electrical inspection,
and $1.00 to cover other ordinances or as directed
by fire and building inspector.
e. Coal stokers and furnace fans .............................. $ 1.00
f. Temporary wiring for construction work and decorative lights 1.00
g. Wiring service and connecting permanent sign ............... $ 1.00
h. For connecting sign only ......... ~ .50
i. No permit shall exceed...li ~i ~... i~.~i~.~.~i 5.00
Section 17. PERM..IT DOES NOT RELIEVE FROM DAMAGES.
This ordinance shall not be construed as relieving from or lessening the
responsibility of any person owning, operating or installing any electrical wires,
appliances, apparatus, or equipment for damages to any building, or to any person
injured by any defect therein, nor shall the City of Bremerton, its officers,
employees, or any agent thereof, be held liable to damages, or otherwise, by
reason of the issuance of any permit or of the inspection authorized herein, or
the certificate of inspection issued by the Electrical Inspector, or otherwise.
Section 18. PENALTY.
Every firm, person or corporation violating any of the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or
imprisonment in the city Jail not exceeding thirty (30) days, or by both such fine
and imprisonment.
Ordinance 1153 (cont)
Section 19. REPEALING ORDINANCES NO. 654, 813, 962.
That Ordinance Number 654 passed by the City Council and approved by the
Mayor, October 27, 1919, Ordinance Number 813, passed by the City Commission and
approved by the Mayor April 15, 1925 and as amended, and Ordinance Number 962,
passed by the City Commission and approved by the Mayor, April 20, 1932, Ordinances
of the City of Bremerton relating to the installation of Electrical wiring, be
and the same are hereby repealed, and all other ordinances, or parts of ordinances
in conflict herewith be, and the same hereby are repealed.
Section 20. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage,
approval and publication as provided by law.
Section 21. If any ~c?~use2, sentence, paragraph or part of this Ordinance
shall for any reason be adjudged by any court of competent Jurisdiction to be
invalid or unconstitutional, such Judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate
the remainder of this Ordinance but shall be confined in its operation to the
clause, sentence, paragraph or part thereof directly involved in the controversy
in which such Judgment shall have been rendered.
PASSED by the City Commission, approved by the Mayor, and attested by the
City Clerk in authentication of such passage this third day of July, 1937.
Attest: / ~ / ' Ma%v v
~City Clerk
State of
C~un~ of Kitsa~ ~ S. $.
! Ih. u~a~ign~ do ~rt]~ t~at the
and f~e~inE (s a true a~ correct copy ot
~ ~e pas~d by the ~ cemmi~ion
~ the ~ly of Breme~on, Washington
~ date.
Ci~ C~