Ordinance 079ORDINANCE N0. 79
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS IN THE CITY OF CUPERTINO.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
The rules and regulations here in this ordinance set forth
shall be applicable to the installations of all electrical instal-
lations made in the City of Cupertino, and the Electrical Inspector
shall enforce the same. The rules and regulations hereby adopted
are as hereinafter in this ordinance set forth, to wit:
Section 2. ADOPTION OF NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE
The provisions of the 1953 Edition of the National Electrical
Code, in effect at date of adoption of this Ordinance, an~3. each and
all of the regulations, provisions, and conditions and the terms of
said Code are hereby referred to ~,nd hereby adopted, the same as if
fully set forth in this Ordinance, and are by such reference adopted
as sections of this Ordinance.
Section 3. LOCAL AUTHORITY APPLIES
All electrical wiring, installations, apparatus and equipment
shall be in conformity with the provisions of the 1953 Edition of
the National Electrical Code in effect at date of adoption of this
Ordinance, except that where specific standards are prescribed by
Ordinance of the City, or by Statutes of the State, or by any
orders, rules or regulations issued by authority thereof, the pro-
visions of such Ordinances, Statutes, rules and regulations apply.
Section ~-. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide minimum standards,
provisions, and requirements to insure safe installation, operation
and maintenance of all manner of electrical work, apparatus, or
appliance in the City.
Section 5. SCOPE
This Ordinance shall apply to all installations of electrical
conductors, fittings, devices and fixtures, hereinafter referred to
as "electrical equipment", within or on public and private buildings
and the premises with the following general exceptions:
This Ordinance shall not apply to installations in railway cars
or to automotive equipment;
This Ordinance shall not apply to installations used by
utility or communication agencies in the generation, transmission, or
distribution of electricity or for the ope ration of signals or
the transmission of intelligence, and located within or on
buildings or premises used exclusively by such an agency or on
public thoroughfares.
Section 6. LICENSE REQUIRED
Before any person shall engage in the business of performing
electrical work in the City, he shall first secure from the City
a license to do so, and pay the license. fee imposed upon such a
business and must register his name and place of business in the
o~"ice of the Electrical Inspector.
Section 7. ISSUANCE OF LICENSE
When the City Clerk has satisfied himself that the applicant
for such license has complied with the preceeding provisions, he
shall issue a license to said person to engage in said business for
the remainder of the fiscal year, and said license shall expi re at
the end of that period unless sooner revoked as hereinafter provided.
Provided, however, that maintenance electricians will not be required
to file the bond nor pay the license fee herein prescribed when their
activities are wholly confined within the plant or plants which they
operate. Said maintenance electricians must, however, obtain the
necessary permits, and pay the inspection fees prescribed by this
Ordinance.
Section 8. REVOCATION--See License Procedure Resolution.
Any person regularly licensed and registered as hereinafter
provided, who shall lend his license or registration to any other
person or shall take out any permit to do electrical work pursuant
to the provisions of this Ordinance and shall allow any person not
regularly licensed and registered to do any electrical work under
said permit in addition to an irrespective of any other penalty
imposed have his license revoked and registration cancelled by the
City Council of the City, after a fair and impartial hearing.
Section. CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCY.
Before any person shall carry on, engage in, or labor at, the
work or trade of installing, connecting, constructing, maintaining,
or repairing, electrical equipment, such person shall first obtain
such license as may be required pursuant to the applicable state
laws and regulations.
Section 10. DUTIES
The electrical inspector shall enforce the provisions of this
Ordinance. He shall upon application grant permits for the instal-
lation or alteration of electrical equipment, and shall make inspec-
tions of electrical installations, all as provided in this Ordinance.
He shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections made
and re-inspections made, and other official work performed.
He shall also keep on file a list of inspected electrical equip-
ment issued by or for Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., which list
shall be accessible for public reference during regular office hours.
Section 11. BOARD OF APPEALS
Appeals under this Ordinance shall be processed through the
Board of Appeals established for this purpose under the rules and
regulations provided therefore.
Section 12.
SAME--A PPEALS
Section 13. PERMITS
No electrical equipment shall be installed within or on any
building, structure, or premises, publically, or privately owned,
nor shall any alteration or addition be made to any such existing
equipment without securing a permit therefore from the Electrical
Inspector, except as provided in Section 16 and except that no permit
stall be required to execute any of the classes of electrical work
specified in the next Section.
Section 1~-. PERMITS, WHERE NOT REQUIRED
Necessary repair to elec rical equipment, motors, generators,
or appliances that do not necessitate new wiring or alteration to
old wiring and such repairs as are necessary for the proper
maintenance of electrical heaters, socket appliances, sockets o r
switch parts, provided further that it shall not be necessary to
obtain a permit for minor repairs or replacement of extensions to
existing branch circuits where said extensions do not extend over six
feet (6') from the original outlet, and do not materially increase
the load.
Section 15. A PPLICATION FOR PERMITS
Application for permits shall be made in writing to the
Electrical Inspector by the person or firm installing the work.
Said application shall state the character of the work to be done,
the number of outlets, the number of fixtures, the number, size and
description of all pieces of electrical apparatus, the location by
street and number of the building or structure where the work is to
be done, and any other information which in the opinion of the
Electrical Inspector is necessary to describe fully and define the
work to be included in said application. No deviation may be made
in the installation described in said application without the
written approval of the Electrical Inspector.
Section 16. PERMITS, TO WHOM ISSUED
Permits shall not be issued to any person who is not a licensed
electrical contractor in the State and in the City except the
following:
a. Any person who is regularly employed by the Federal
Government, the State, the, County, the City, or any
other political subdivision, as an electrician to
perform electrical work in and upon premises owned
by themselves.
b. Ary person permanently employed as a maintenance
electrician for electrical work to be done within
the plant or property where he is permanently
employed.
c. Any owne r occupant of a single family residence for
electrical work to be done by himself in his own
residence or on the lot where such residence is
situated.
Section 18. AUTHORITY OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
The electrical Inspector shall- have the right during reasonable
hours to enter any building or premises in the discharge of his
official duties, or for the purpose of making inspection, rein-
spection of test of the electrical equipment contained therein.
When any electrical equipment is found by the Electrical Inspector
to be dangerous to persons or property because it is defective or
improperly installed, the person responsible for the electrical
equipment shall be notified in writing and shall make any changes
or repairs required in the judgement of the Electrical Inspector to
place such equipment in safe condition. If such work is not com-
pleted within ten (10) days or any longer period that may be
specified by the Electrical Inspector in said notice, the Electrical
Inspector shall have the authority to disconnect or order the
discontinuance of the electric service to said electrical equipment.
Section 19. SAME--EMERGENCY
In cases of emergency, where necessary for safety to persons or
property, or where electrical equipment may interfere with the work
of the Fire Department, the Electrical Inspector shall have the
authority to imrn.ediately disconnect or cause the disconnection of
any electrical equipment.
Section 20. SAME--REFUSAL TO ISSUE PERMITS
The Electrical Inspector may refuse to issue permits to any
person who has failed to make corrections to previous installations
until the required corrections have been made.
Section 21. INSPECTION
When electrical work is ready for inspection, the person who
has done such work shall notify the Electrical Inspector. The
Electrical Inspector shall cause ,~,n inspection of such work to be
made within forty eight (~-8) hours after receiving such notification--
exclusive of Saturday, Sunday and Holidays--or as soon thereafter as
is practicable.
Section 22. BEFORE INSPECTION
Before electrical wiring is inspected, all plumbing, heaters,
lathing strips, furring, piping, tube work, and all metal or wire
work construction, whatsoever, to be placed within partitions, or
wallks, or between or through studding, ceiling, or floor joists,
must be in place on work to be enclosed, covered, or concealed.
Section 23. A UTHORITY TO REMOVE
No person shall place any lath, or cover, or conceal any elect-
rical equipment until same has been inspected and accepted as herein
required, and the Electrical Inspector is authorized and directed
to remove at the expense of the person responsible for f~ e violation
of the foregoing provisions, any flooring, lathing, plastering,
sheet metal, or other material or covering whatsoever which may have
been placed contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 2~-. NOTICE OF INSPECTION AND APPROVAL
If, upon inspection, he Electrical Inspector, or his authorized
representative shall find said electrical work has been done and is
in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, he shall notify
in writing the person doing said work that it has been "inspected
and accepted". Notice left at the meter location of said electrical
installation shall constitute good and sufficient notice of
acceptance. If the said electrical work has not been done or is not
in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, he shall notify
the person doing the said work of defects which have been found to
exist.
Section 25. CONNECTION TO INSTALLATIONS
No person shall make connec ion from a supply of electricity
or supply electricity to any electrical equipment for the installation
of which a permit is required or which has been disconnected, until
such connection has been authorized by the Electrical Inspector. In
cases„where there is an urgent necessity for the use of electricity,
the Inspector may authorize the connection and use of certain specific
portions of an incomplete installation; such authorization shall be
revocable by the Electrical Inspector by cause.
Section 26. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Except as otherwise provide in Section 5, all installations
of electrical equipment shall be in conformity with the provisions
of this ordinance, with the Statutes of the State, and any orders,
rules and regulations issued by the authority thereof, and with
approved electrical standards for safety of persons and property.
Where no specific standards are prescribed by this Ordinance or by
the Statutes of the State, or by any orders, rules or regulations
issued by authority thereof, conformity with the regulations set
forth in the National Electrical Code shall be prima facie evidence
of conformity with approved standards for safety to persons and
property.
Section 27. SAME
Except as- co ~herwise provided in Section 5, all electrical
equipment installed or used shall be in conformity with the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, the Statutes of the State, and any orders,
rules and regulations issued by authority thereof, and with approved
electrical standards for safety to person and property. Unless by
this Ordinance, by a Statute of the State or by any orders, rules,
or regulations issued by authority thereof, a specific type or class
of electrical equipment is disapproved for installation and use,
conformity with the standards of UnderwritersT Laboratories, Inc.
and the electrical provisions of other standards approved by the
American Standards Association shall be prima facie evidence of
conformity with approved standards for safety to persons and property.
Section 28. RESPONSIBILITY
This Ordin~ce shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen
the responsibility of any party owning, operating, controlling or
installing any electrical wiring, electrical devices or electrical
material for damages to person or property caused by any defect
therein, nor shall the City or any of its employees be held as
assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection authorized
herein .
Section 29. PROHIBITIONS
No person, either as owner, architect, contractor, artisan or
otherwise, shall permit to be done any electrical wiring as defined
in this Ordinance in such a manner that the same shall not conform
to all the provisions herein.
Any person adding to, or altering an electrical installation
for any reason shall leave the installation entirely free of unsafe
or hazardous wiring.
Section 30 .- REGULATIONS OF SALE OR DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL MATERIALS
AND APPLICATIONS
No person shall sell, loan, rent, dispose o by gift or premium,
give or otherwise furnish for use any electrical material, device,
or appliance, designed or int ended for attachment, directly or
indirectly to any electrical system, circuit or electrical service
for light, heat or power, unless such electrical material, device or
appliance complies with the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 31. RATING
All electrical materials, devices and appliances designed or
intended for attachment, directly or indirectly to any electrical
system, circuit or electrical service for light, heat, o r power,
unless such electrical material, device or appliance complies with
the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 31. RATING
All electrical materials, devices and appliances designed or
intended for attachment or indirectly to any electrical system,
circuit or electrical service for light, heat or power shall be only
those which conform with the requirements of this Ordinance and of
rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Each such article
shall bear the maker's name, trademark or identification symbol
together with such rating by the manufacturer as may be necessary to
determine the intended use. The correct operating volts and
amperes or volts and watts shall 'pe stated and no person shall
remove, alter, deface or obliterate any such marking.
Section 32. ADOPTION OF STANDARDS
All electrical materials, devices and appliances cocvered by and
intended to be regulated by this Ordinance-shall conform with the
Code of Safety Standards for such materials, devices and appliances
entitled "Code of Standards for Electrical Materials, Devices and
Appliances in the City of Cupertino."
Section 33. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE POLICY AS TO SAFETY STANDARDS
The City Council declares that the National Safety Standards
for such materials, devices and appliances on file in the office of
the United States Bureau of Standards are the minimum standards
required to provide an adequate degree of safety to life and property
in said City, and further declares that itincorporates said National
Safety Standards in its "Code of Standards Electrical Materials,
Devices and Appliances in the City of Cupertino."
The City Council declares that there is need for uniformity
between National Safety Standards and Local Standards and that it is
one of the objects of this Ordinance that as technological progress
and refinements be made in Local Safety Standards, and to that end
the City Council declares that it is necessary that certain
administrative rules=making power be vested in the Chief Electrical
Inspector of the City in order to carry out the intent and purpose
of this Ordinance and to provide the City and its inhabitants with
the degree of safety required to adequately safeguard life and
property in said City.
Section 3~-. ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
Whenever the Chief Electrical Inspector of the City shall
determine that there is a lack of uniformity between the National
Safety Standards on file in the office of the United States Bureau
of Standards and the Code of Standards,and as and when refinements
are made in the National Safety Standards which have not been
incorporated as a part of the Code of Standards, the Electrical
Inspector of the City is empowered to adopt and promulgate such
rules and regulations as he shall deem necessary to bring such Code
of Standards into harmony with the National Safety Standards. Before
any rules or regulations may be adopted hereunder, the proposed rule
or regulation, in writing, dated and signed by such officer, shall
be filed with the said "Code of Standards for Electrical Materials,
Devices and Appliances in the City of Cupertino." Three copies of
such rule or regulation shall be filed with the three copies of the
said Code on file in the office of the City Clerk. Such copies
shall be available for use and examination by the public.. A copy
of the proposed rule or regulation referred to above shall likewise
be filed with the City Council, ~ d in the event that the same be
approved by them, it shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, have
full force and effect, as though originally set forth in the Code
of Standards.
Section 35. EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE
Listing or labeling of materials, devices, appliances by the
Underwriters) Laboratories, Inc., or other testing la3~oratory approved
by the Electrical Inspector as complying with Standards on file with
the United States Bureau of Standards may be accepted by the
Electrical Inspector as prima facie evidence of the conformity of such
materials, devices and appliances with corresponding provisions of
the Code of Standards of said City or of corresponding rules and
regulations adopted hereunder.
Section 36. WHERE NO STANDARDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR
Where no standards have been a opte for any such materials,
devices, or appliances, the Electrical Inspector may require that
such materials, devices, or appliances be submitted to a testing
laboratory deemed qualified by him for testing same. Upon receipt
of a report from such laboratory, he may designate a standard for
each article submitted and tested, which designation shall be in
writing and shall be adopted and promulgated as a rule or regulation
in the manner herein provided. Any such standards so prescri'ped
sra.ll be designated to provide as the minimum degree of safety to life
and property as is required by the standards adopted for materials,
devices or appliances of similar or related character or nature.
Section 37. REVOCATION OF APPROVAL
Any approval granted y he Electrical Inspector may be revoked
by him if the electrical materials, devices or appliances are found
to be hazardous to life and property for the purpose used or intended,
or do not conform with the standards under which they Mere approved
for use. Before any approval may be withdrawn, the Electrical
Inspector shall give notice in writing to the person to whom approval
was granted of his intention to withdraw approval and shall afford
such person an opportunity to be heard with respect thereto at a
public hearing to be held thereon. In the event that approval is
withdrawn or modified by the Electrical Inspector after such hearing,
any person aggreved thereby may appeal from the ruling of the
Electrical Inspector to the City Council in the manner provided in
this Ordinance for the consideration by the Council of Appeals.
Section 38. ENFORCEMENT
The Elec~rical Inspector is hereby directed to enforce the pro-
visions of this Ordinance. He is hereby authorized to delegate any
of his powers under this Ordinance to any of his assistants, with the
sole exception of the power to adopt and promulgate rules and
regulations, which power may not be delegated by him.
Section 39. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
This Ordinance shall not be construed as relieving or limiting
in any way the responsibility or liability of any person owning and
operating, controlling o~-installing any electrical materials, devices
or appliances for personal injury or property damage rea€zlting from
the use thereof by reason of any defect therein or for any other
cause, nor shall it be construed as imposing upon the City or its
officers or employees of any responsibility or liability by reason
of the approval of any materials, devices or appliances under the
provisions of this Ordinance.
Section ~-0. APPEALS
In the event that any person believes that unreasonable restrict-
ions or unnecessary or extraordinary hardship or damage will be
imposed upon him by the enforcement of any of the provisions of this
Ordinance or by the application. of any of the standards hereby adopted
or by the adoption or application of any rules or regulations by the
Electrical Inspector, or from any rulings or determinations of such
Inspector, such person may appeal therefrom to the City Council in
writing and request a public hearing thereon by the City Council.
Section ~+1. SAME
In the event of such appeal, the City Council shall fix a time
and place for a public hearing. and thereon and shall give notice
thereof in writing to the person requesting such hearing by mail,
postage prepaid to the address shown in such request, and shall also
give notice thereof to the Electrical Inspector. At the time fixed
for such. hearing or at any later time to which such hearing may be
adjourned, the City Council shall proceed to hear the testimony of
the appellant and of others in his behalf and of the Electrical
Inspector and others in his behalf and of other competent persons
who may be .present and desire to testify or who may be called by the
City Council to give testimony at such hearing, said City Council
shall by Ordinance declare its findings and the decision in the
matter. If it finds unreasonable restrictions or unnecessary and
extraordinary hardships or damage will be imposed upon the appellant,
then it may grant an exception or variance from the application in
whole .or in part-of such provisions of this Ordinance or of such
Standards, rules and regulations, ruling or determinations or it may
modiry, rescind or otherwise al'cer such standards, rules and
regulations, rulings or determinations, provided that in granting
such an exception or variance or in taking such other action, such
action may be taken in harmony with the general purpose and
objectives of this Ordinance, to preserve the public health, safety
and welfare.
FEE SCHEDULE -- ELECTRICAL
Permit fee for the inspection of wirint or equipment included
under one permit--for issuing each permit or additional
permit written .
Lamp outlets, baseboard wall outlets and floor receptacles,
switch outlet, and the like with necessary wring devices
therefore (except electric. signs( for each of the first
ten (10) outlets which are installed at a distance exceed-
ing 18" from each other .
For each of the next ten (lo) outlets which are installed at a
distance exceeding 1 " from each other
For each outlet exceeding 20 which are installed at a distance
exceeding 18" from each ocher .
Lighting outlets which are installed at a distance not exceeding
18" from each other .
For each fixture or drop cord
With permit fee of $1.00 plus .10¢ for each fixture, where permit
is taken out for fixtures only.
For each range, heater or dryer
. .
For each ta'ole top, bu~1.t-in range
For each built-in oven ,
For connection of each portable or stationary motor, including
control equipment, generator, transformer or other devices
consuming or generating current up to and including 15
kilowatt K.V.A., horsepower or fraction thereof, per
device--as per following schedule:
For each motor z H. P, or less,
For each motor exceeding 2 H. P.~'put including 2~H,P. .
For each motor exceeding 2 H.H. but including 5 H.P. .
For each motor exceeding 5 H.P. but including 15 H.P.
For each motor exceeding 15 H.P. but including 25 H.P. .
For each motor exceeding 25 H.P. but including 50 H.P. .
For each motor exceeding 50 H.P. 'cut including 100 H.P.
For each motor exceeding 100 H.P,and up
For each generator, each K.V.A. of capacity shall be considered
one horsepower (1 H, P.) as a motor
For ~°ach motor-generator set, the fee shall be 50/ greater than
the fee of the motor:
For each air cooled or oil-cooled lighting transformer, or banks
of transformers er K V A
. $1.00
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.75
.75
.75
. 25
.75
1.00
1.50
2.00
3, 00
6.00
g.oo
p
Arc lami-~s, arc or incandescent projection lamps with the necessary
wiring therefore, for each lamp
Mercury arc or other rectifier sets (except per K.V.A. Lamp
socket devices)
. 25
1.00
,50
Exterior electric signs, luminous gas type
For each transformer ( sign
Combination lamps and luminous 'gas type signs, ten lamps equal
one (1) transformer.
Interior, porta'ole, skeleton or window signs, gas or lamp type .
Outline or decorative luminous gas tube lighting .
Each transformer (sign)
Temporary installations :.
Per 10 K.V.A. .
Over 10 K.V.A.
For the inspection of any electrical equipment for which no fee
is prescribed herein for the time consumed, per hour
Minimum fee
For each special circuit not herein charged
For each. trailer space out let
For each temporary pole .
$1.50
.50
1.00
11.50
.50
2.00
3.00
x.00
1.50
1.00
. 50
l.oo
Double fees: Upon failure to make application and obtain a permit
before commencing work, the permit fees above specified shall be
doubled. A11 of such fees shall be paid to the City Collector of the
City of Cupertino.
ARTICLE 100--DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are supplementary to those contained
in the National Electric Code. Article 100:
PERSON: Corporations, Associations, Partnerships, Agents aryl.
Individuals.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: All wires, wiring, connections, appliances,
signs, neon installations, apparatus, and material used for or in
connection with the transmission or use of electricity for light
heat or poanrer.
ELECTRICAL WORK: The installation, construction, maintenance and
repair of electrical wiring and equipment.
A PARTMENT HOUSE: Any building or portion thereof which is designed,
built, rented, 1-eased, let. o.r hired out to be occupied, or which is
occupied as the home ar residence of three or more families living
independently of each other and doing. their own cooking in the said
buildings, and shall include flats and apartments.
ASSEMBLY BUILDING: A building used, in whole or in part,. for the
gathering of persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship,
entertainment, amusement or awaiting transportation.
BUILDING: Any structure built for the support or shelter of persons,
animals, chattels or property of any kind.
DWELLING: Any building or any portion thereof which is uaed for
living purposes, but is not an apartment house or a hotel as defined
in this Code.
ELECTRIC OR ELECTRICAL WIRIivG: The installation or the alteration
of any material, fixture, device, appliance or equipment in or on
any material, fixture, device appliance o r equipment in or on any
building., st.ru~cture or premises used or designed or intended to be
used to generate, trans mit, transfer or utilize electric energy.
HOTEL: Any building containing six or more rooms intended or designed
to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be ~veupied,
or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests.
TRAILER COURT: Any area or tract of land where space is rented o r
held out for rent to two or more owners or users of trailer coaches
furnishing their own equipment.
ARTICLE 110--GENERAL
The following sub-sections are hereby added to Section 1101 of
the National Electric Code, Article 110:
1101--APPROVAL
a. Quality of Material. All materials used shall bear the
Underwriters' (UL) approval and shall be of a design suitable for the
purpose to be used.
All materials used in the installation, alteration or repair
of electrical distribution systems shall be free from defects and
shall be at least of the minimum approved standards specified for
all types of materials provided for in this Ordinance.
b. Dielectric and voltage tests under load shall be made by
installing activity on request of the Building Inspector.
ARTICLE 210--BRANCH CIRCUITS
The following modifications are hereby made in Section 2115 of
the National Electric Code, Article 210:
a. Convenience plug receptacles shall be installed on circuits
that are separate from the lighting outlets. The conductors of the
circuit shall not be smaller than No. 12 A.W.G, and the voltage
between conductors, or between the conductors and ground, shall not
exceed 125 volts. The approved circuit protective device shall not
be set or rated more than 20 ampers.
Sub-section "b" shall be modified to read as follows:
b. In dwellings, flats and apartment houses, not more than 12
receptacles may be installed on any 2-wire circuit, or on either
side of a 3-wire circuit in bedrooms, living rooms, dens and
bathrooms.
In all other buildings or structures and in all other areas of
dwellings, flats and apartments, not more than eight plug receptacles
shall be installed on any 2-wire circuits or on either side of a
3-wire circuit.
Sub-section "c " shall be modified to read as follows:
c. In dwellings, flats, apartment houses and hotels, not more
than twelve (12) light outlets shall be placed in a 15 ampere branch
circuit of No. 1~ A.W.G.
To Section 2121, sub-section "c", Sub-section 1, there shall be
added the following:
c-1 Range circuits in new construction shall be run in raceway
with conductors not smaller than 2 #6 A.W.G, and 1 #8 A.W.G. Neutral.
(Note: ALL 220 volt circuits in new construction shall be run in
raceway. See article 300, Paragr~.ph "h" .
Range and other 220 volt circuits in old work may be installed
in cable.
Any work shall be considered "old work" when a property has
been placed in the possession of the occupant and all utilities have
been connected.)
To Section 2122, there shall be added the following:
Temporary service .poles shall be wired for the load to be
served in accordance with State Safety Orders and the Utility Guide
Sheets. (These branch circuits, main service and overcurrent
protection requirements shall not be constructed as pertaining to
temporary poles.)
Section 2122--Sub-section "a"-- change to read as follows:
__ Plug fuses and circuit breakers protecting branch circuits shall
be of the "Non-Tamperable" type.
Garbage disposals and dish washers may be installed on the same
circuit under the following conditions: Conductors of #12 wire
protected with 20 ampere time delayed tamper-proof fuse. Garbage
disposals and dish washers shall be connected with approved 3-wire
receptacles. There shall be no other loads on the circuit that
supplies the garbage disposal and/or the dish washer.
To section 212, Sub-section "b" there shall be added the
following:
Laundry receptacle shal
following restrictions shall
and not more than a total of
of the house except those in
room,
Electric clothes dryer,
30 ampere 3--wire receptacle
with a minimum of two No, 10
1 be on a restricted circuit. The
apply: Minimum wire size No. 12 A.W.G.
four (~) receptacles located in any area
the kitchen, dining room, or breakfast
230 volt type shall be provided with a
with "L" shaped grounding slot and wired
and one No. 12 neutral conductor,
ARTICLE 210 Section 212- Paragraph "b" (NEC),
Amend this paragraph as follows:
Delete the words "every 20 liner feet".
Substitute the words "every 15 liner feet",
ADD the following sentence:
"At least one receptacle shall be installed in any enclosed
garage" .
ARTICLE 220--FEEDERS
The following Sub-Sections are hereby added to Section 2201 of
the National Electric Code, Article 220:
a. All feeders and sub-feeders are to be placed in rigid
conduit or metallic tubing, (Industrial wireways permitted under
National Electrical Code conditions).
To Section 2203, sub-section "c", subsection 1, there shall
be added the following:
For the purpose of computing the size of feeders in residence
type occupancies: sub-feeders, etc., each lighting and convenience
receptacle circuit shall be assumed to be fully loaded. The first
two-wire branch circuit shall be considered as requiring 1500 watts,
Each additional 2-wire branch circuit shall be considered as requiring
1000 watts, and the first three-wire branch circuit shall be considered
as requiring 2500 watts and each additional 3-wire branch circuit
as requiring 2000 watts. The last paragraph of this section will
remain as it is,
All single phase lighting loads of 2500 watts or less shall be
served with not smaller than two No. 8 A.W..G, wire. Greater loads
than 2500 watts shall be served with three (3) wires not smaller
than No. 8 A.W.G. Where an installation has been wired and arranged
for 3-wire service, no 2-wire energy supply or 2-wire service shall
be connected thereto without approval obtained in advance from the
Electrical Inspector.
Article 230--SERVICES
In Section 230- of the National Electrical Code, Article 230,
sub-sections "a" and "b" shall be deleted and the following para-
graphs substituted.
a, All service conductors shall be in rigid metal conduit or
metallic steel tubing, Minimum 3-wire service conductors shall not
be less than three #2 wires in a i2" conduit. Old 2-wire 3~~+"
services may be increased to 3-wire by using TW wire, 1~"
conduit or larger shall be installed in all services feeding over
four circuits in all buildings.
b. All periscope services shall have a minimum of lam" conduit
on the periscope and securely fastened to take the strain of the
service drop conductors. Where the service drop conductors are not
secured to the periscope, electrical metallic tubing for the periscope
service will be permitted.
c. The length of service conduit in the building shall be as
short as is reasonably practical, and shall in no case exceed thirty
(30) linear feet.
d. Note more than one (1) set of service conductors shall be
installed on one piece of property, except by special permission of
the Electfical Inspector. At least twenty-four (2~-) inches of wire
shall be left beyond service head to make utility connections.
e. Service wires for overhead service connection shall be
located at the lighest and nearest assessable point on the building
from the utility company's pole and at the extreme front of the
building. On residences, services may be located on the side of the
building provided wires are not mere than eighteen (18") inches from
the front building wall. Where a building is located on a corner
lot, either street frontage may be considered as a front. Where the
utility company's pole is located at the rear of the building, the
service outlet wires shall be located at the rear of the building
in the same relative location as .applies when the pole is located
in front of the building. Where the building has an irregular
front, the service outlet wires may be located on the portion of the
front which is in the shortest direct line from the utility company's
pole provided the proper height a:nd clearance on the property can
be obtained. When other conditions exist, the location of the
service outlets shall be determined by the Electrical Inspector and
the utility.
f. All electric meters and entrance switches located in
residences must be installed accessible to the outside of either
weatherproofed equipment or rendered weatherproof by means of a
weatherproof cabinet; such cabinet shall be a minimum of 14" by 112"
deep and shall be constructed with 3~~+" minimum material if of wood.
Meter boxes shall be painted.
g. Conductors of each metered subdivision shall be in separate
raceways.
h. LABELLING OF METERS. When two or more meters are grouped
at one point, each individual met°r location shall be plainly and
permanently labelled so as to clearly identify the load to be
supplied through each meter.
i. Where a service is changed or a meter board moved because
of alterations to a building or fcr other reasons, a new service and
meter equipment shall be so installed so as to comply with this
Ordinance.
~. Each separate subdivisien of a main service shall be so
arranged that the utility company can permanently seal off all current
supplied by each meter.
k. All meter boxes shall be hinged on the sides. No door to
be hinged from the top.
1. Wiring Sequence:
METER--SWITCH--FUSE
2357. RATING. OF SERVICE SWITCH
Each installation shall have a main service switch which shall have
a rating of not less than the load to be carried as determined in
accordance with Section 2203, The service disconnection means for
single family dwellings shall have a rating of not less than 100
ampers if a switch is used, and net less than g0 ampers if a
Labeled Thermal magnetic non-tamp~~rable circuit breaker is used;
(Duplexes--2-60 amp.; Triplexes--3-30 amp.); however, fo r
installations consisting of not mere than two 2-wire branch circuits
a switch or non-tamperable labele~~. Thermal magnetic circuit breaker
of 30 amper minimum rating may b~~ used. Where multiple switches or
circuit breakers are used in accordance with Section 2371 - a - 3,
the ratings of the service equipment shall not be less than the
minimum specified in this Section. No straight thermal main service
switch will be permitted.
To Section 2373, there shall be a~~.ded the following:
a. Electric motors must not be confined in close quarters with
gas meters, unless they are separated by permanent gas tight partitions.
b. All service equipment, fuse blocks, switches, and firstr
installations of all fuses complete, together with all meter pro-
visions, including wires and conduit -from service switch to outside
of building ready for connection by the utility company, shall be
installed by the person, firm, or corporation obtaining the permit
for the interior wiring.
c. No fuse cabinet or meter box shall be more than seven (7)
feet from the floor or ground to the top of the bix, and the bottom
of the box shall be not less than twenty-four (2~-) inches from the
ground.
To Section 2382, sub-section "d`°', shall be added as follows:
d. No metal outlet box shall be installed within reach of any
ground connection, such as water pipe, gas pipe, floor furnace, bath
tub, wash trays, wash basin, masonry, bare concrete floor, ~r other
grounded surface, unless the outlet box is grounded to cold water
pipe with a No. l~+ A.W.G, wire with approved ground clamps. Plastic
boxes, when used in these areas, shall have non-conducting covers.
ARTICLE 300 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WIRING METHODS
The following sub-sections are hereby added to Section 3001 of
the National Electric Code, Article 300:
a. A11 stores, office buildings, hotels, factory buildings,
shops, warehouses, theaters, schools, public buildings, or any
commercial or hazardous buildings shall be wired in any type raceway
permitted by the National Electric Code except flexible conduit.
(M.I, type cable permitted). Where conditions prevent the use of
raceway as above in ceilings or walls, in alterations, individual
extensions or relocations, in such buildings flexible conduit may
be used only upon approval of the Electrical Inspector. Residential
buildin s located in Fire Zone 1 and 2 shall be wired in raceway
(condui t~ .
b. Where living quarters are combined with stores, offices or
other commercial uses, the entire building shall be installed with
raceway in accordance with paragraph "a".
c. No panel, disconnect switch, meter, or similar equipment
shall be placed directly over sinks, stoves, basins, water closets,
or other plumbing fixtures, nor shall any panel, disconnect switch,
meter or similar equipment be placed directly over stairs.
d. The following lighting outlets shall be switch controlled:
When placed over or adjacent to plumbing fixtures, when outside of
buildings, when in basements of buildings, when in basements less
than seven (7) feet high, or when located in damp places.
e. One (1) plug receptacle outlet shall be installed in each
bathroom in each dwelling, flat, apartment or hotel.
f. Bell transformers may be installed in fuse cabinet or
mounted on outlet boxes alongside of fuse cabinets, in kitchens on
outlet box covers alongside of the bells, or in accessible locations
in basements. Transformers shall not be installed in attics.
g. All wiring in basements, garages and accessory buildings of
dwellings, unless of concealed type, shall be wired in raceway in
accordance with Section 3010 paragraph "a" Article 300.
h. All circuits carrying 230 volts to heaters, water heaters,
or other 230 volt appliances, shall be run in raceway in accordance
with Paragraph "a", except in "old work" -- See Section 2121.
i. Nails shall not be used in lieu to support boxes, gutters,
etc., unless patent hangers are attached or part of assembly, or
unless equipment is designed for nail support.
j. All permanent ironing boards must be equipped with a plug
receptacle. Light sockets will not be approved for use in place of
receptacles. All receptacles must be of the concealed contact type,
screw type will not be approved. Electric iron plug receptacles must
not be installed inside of an iron board cabinet. There shall
be a plug receptacle installed at each gas range location. Plug
receptacle shall be in an accessible location after range is
installed.
k. An electric light outlet shall be provided at or near
furnace location, controlled by a switch located ahead of the passage
opening.
Section 3010--paragraph "a"
All knob and tube and non-metallic sheathed cable wiring in
basements, garages, and accessory buildings shall be securely fastened
to the sides of joasts, plates or studs. If the wires are run at
right angles through the members, they shall be placed in bored
holes and either concealed or be protected from mechanical damage by
the use of approved raceway.
ARTICLE 324--CONCEALED KNOB-AND-TUBE WORK
The following sub-sections are hereby added to Section 3242 of
the National Electric Code, Article 324:
a. Knobs used knob and tube work-shall be of a type designed to
hold the size and type of wire used.
ARTICLE 370--BOXES AND FITTINGS
Sub-section 1 is hereby added to sub-section "a" of Section 3707
of the National Electric Code, Article 370:
1. Plaster rings shall be installed for all four (~-) inch and four
and eleven=sixteenths (4-1116") inch boxes on concealed
installations where outlet boxes are to be used for fixtures.
ARTICLE 380--SWITCHES
Sub-section "a" is hereby added to Section 3808 of the National
Electrical Code, A rticle 38.0:
a. Where two (2) or more externally operated switches, motor
starters, motors, controllers, or• other units of electrical equipment
are installed at the same center of distribution, an auxiliary wiring
gutter shall be installed for the wiring connections to said equip-
ment. Each switch, controller, motor starter, meters or other units
of electrical equipment shall not be used for a wiring raceway for
conductors other than those of the specific switch or starter
control. All splices shall be made within the wiring gutter.
ARTICLE 410--FIXTURES AND LAMP HOLDERS
Sub-section "a" is hereby ad~.ed to Section 4194 of the National
Electrical Code, Article 410:
a. Corrected power factor transformers shall be used on all
flourescent, neon electric signs or similar circuits, to correct
power factor in such devices to not less than ninety (90/) per cent.
ARTICLE 430 -- MOTORS AND CONTROLLERS
Sub-section "a" is hereby added to Section 4312 of the National
Electrical Code, Article 430:
a. Kitchen or bathroom ventilators of 1~8 H.P. or less may be
installed on either a light or receptacle circuit and shall be
counted as one outlet. 1~4 H. 1', or less furnace or air-conditioning
motors may be connected to a receptacle- circuit, and shall be
counted as one outlet on the circuit.
ARTICLE 600-- SIGNS
Sub-section "a" is hereby added to Section 6001 of the National
Electrical Code, Article 600:
a. Electric sign circuits shall be not less than No. 12 A.W.G.
wire. All commercial buildings shall have a sign circuit run to an
accessible point on the front of the building. Dis lay window areas
in commercial buildings shall be provided with one (pl) receptacle
outlet above the window for each ten (10) feet of lineal window
space for window sigi s .
ARTICLE 700 -- EMERGENCY SYSTEMS
Subsection "a" is hereby added to Section 7003 of the National
Electrical Code, Article 700:
a. Minimum requirements of emergency lighting systems as
required by the Uniform Building Code - 1952 Edition - Section 3312.
Where required in assembly buildings, the emergency lighting
systems shall consist of the following: General lighting of not
less than one (1) foot candle shall be supplied to the assembly
areas and foyers or corridors lea~~.ing from the assembly area. This
general foyer or corridor leading from the assembly area. This
general lighting shall be supplie~~. through the following means:
1. By a one and one-half (12) hours capacity wet-cell battery
system automatically controlled t~~ operate at the instant of a ower
failure. (Automobile storage type batteries shall not be used.
This battery system shall furnish current at any convenient voltage
to floodlights mounted strategically throughout the area to be
lighted. Battery charge shall be maintained by means of a permanently
connected, automatically controlled tricke charger.
2. By an engine-driven generator system automatically
controlled to operate at the instant of power failure. The generator
shall take over full load with a maximum of five (5) seconds,
starting from a cold engine. .Lighting furnished shall be as described
above.
Requirements for exit lights.
Exit lights shall be supplied by one (1) or more circuits
entirely separated from other circuits in the building. Exit light
circuits may be supplied from panel boards serving other lighting
fixtures provided that only exit lights shall be supplied from the
exit light circuit. Each light shall be equipped with two (2)
individual lamps of 20 watt minimum size.
ARTICLE 725 -- REMOTE CONTROL, LOW ENERGY POWER AND SIGNA L CIRCUITS
The following sub-sections are hereby added to Section 7261 of
the National Electrical Code, Article 725:
a. All conductors shall be 300 volt type "T: or "R" or equal,
No. 18, A.W.G. or larger, conductors and shall be placed in holes
bored through joists and studs if run at right angles to them, and
when run parallel to joists and studs or strongbacks, they shall be
fastened with eye rings or approved staples.
b. Switch boxes shall be placed at all switch outlets. Four
(~F) inch square outlet boxes shall be used at all relay locations
and relays shall be installed so that they can be removed without
removing the building finish.
c. Transformers shall be located in accessible locations and
shall not be installed in attics, except under the following con-
ditions: If the transformer is a fixed part of an attic type furnace,
the transformer may be permitted to remain in this fixed position;
door bell transformers may be installed immediately adjacent to these
furnace installations.
d. All transformers shall be properly fused at not over three
(3) ampers, unless they are of the current limiting type, and shall
not be of a size over 100 V.A. Fuses shall be located adjacent to
transformers and shall be of the non-tamperable type.
e. All remote control conductors placed in or on commercial,
industrial or assembly buildings shall be run in conduit or other
approved metal raceway.
f. A11 connections shall be soldered or an approved terminal
or solderless connector shall be used and all joints and splices
shall be taped.
g. Relays shall not be installed in the pull box of the recessed
fixture unless such fixture is approved by the Underwriter's
Laboratory for relay installation.
h. For the purpose of inspection each remote control switch,
each relay and each transformer shall be counted as a separate
device.
Section ~-2.
This Ordinance shall, after first reading, be scheduled fo r
public hearing as provided in Section 50022.3 of the Government
Code. Notice of hearing shall be published pursuant to Section 6066
of the Government Code in the Cupertino Courier. Copies of the
Uniform Code and this Ordinance shall be on file with the City
Clerk and open for public inspection.
Section ZI-3.
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or copartnership who
wilfully violates any of the provisions, or fails to comply with
any of the mandatory requirements of this Ordinance, is guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a
fine of not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment not to exceed six
(6) months, or by both fine and imprisonment, except that nothing
herein contained shall be deemed to bar any legal, equitable, or
summary remedy to which the City of Cupertino or other political
subdivision, or any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or
copartnership may otherwise be entitled, and the City of Cupertino
or any other political subdivision, or person, firm, corporation,
partnership, or copartnership may file a suit in the Superior Court
of the County of Santa Clara, to restrain or enjoin any attempted
or proposed subdivision, or acts, in violation of this Ordinance.
Section ~-~-:
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30)
days after its passage, and before the expiration of fifteen 15
days from and after its passage, this Ordinance shall be publish ed
once with the names of the members voting for or against the same in
the Cupertino Courier, a newspap er published in said County of
Santa Clara.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City
of Cupertino on the 23rd day of February, 1959.
Passed and adopt
the City of Cupertino
following vote:
AYES: Councilmen:
NOES: Councilmen:
ABSENT: Councilmen:
ed at a regular meeting of the City Council of
on the 2nd Say of March, 1959, by the
Nathanson, Pelosi, Saich, Wilson
None
La,zaneo
APPROVED:
Mayor, City of Cupertino
ATTES
(l~,~.~
City Jerk
I, LAWRENCE K. MARTIN, City Clerk of the City of Cupertino and ex-
officio clerk of the legislative body of said City do hereby certify
that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 79
on file in my office and that the same has been published pursuant
to law.
IN W NESS WHEREO~ I have hereunto set y hand and City Seal this
day of ~--~--~ _,19-~ ~''
o -----
City Clerk