Chapter 16.24
ELECTRICAL CODE Revised 3/24
16.24.000 Chapter Contents
Sections:
16.24.010 General.
16.24.020 Adoption of National Electrical Code Article 80.
16.24.030 Applicability.
16.24.040 Definitions.
16.24.050 Duties and Powers of the Code Official.
16.24.060 Violations. Revised 3/24
16.24.070 Electrical Code, Appeals.
16.24.080 Permits.
16.24.090 Application for Permit.
16.24.100 Permit Conditions.
16.24.110 Fees. Revised 3/24
16.24.120 Construction Documents.
16.24.130 Examination of Documents.
16.24.140 Approvals.
16.24.150 Testing.
16.24.160 Alternative Engineered Design.
16.24.170 Inspections.
16.24.180 Connection to Utilities.
16.24.190 Unsafe Systems and Equipment.
16.24.200 Electrical Provisions.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008, replaced entire chapter with new chapter).
16.24.010 General
A. Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Electrical Code-Administrative Provisions" of the City of Olympia and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code."
B. Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and maintenance or use of electrical systems and equipment.
C. Scope. This code shall regulate the design, construction, installation, alteration, repairs, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of electrical systems and equipment.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.020 Adoption of National Electrical Code Article 80
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is amended and supplemented by the addition of a new Article to be known as Article 80 – Adoption, to read as follows:
Article 80 - Adoption
80.1 Short Title. These regulations are known as the City of Olympia Electrical Code and must be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this Code.”
80.3 Washington Cities Electrical Code Adopted. The Washington Cities Electrical Code (WACEC) is hereby adopted and is applicable within the City, as amended, added to and excepted in this Code.
80.4 Conflicts. In accordance with RCW 19.28.010(3), where the State of Washington, Department of Labor and Industries adopts a more current edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), the Code Official may supplement use of the WACEC with newly adopted editions of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Including: Part 1 adopting the 2017 NEC and other necessary codes and standards adopted by the State of Washington.
Excluding: Part 2 amending the administrative chapter of the NEC based on portions of the ICC Electrical Code, as published by the International Code Council.
Including: Part 3 amending the NEC through supplements, deletions or revisions to be equal, higher, or better than the State of Washington’s rules.
(Ord. 7271 §9, 2021; Ord. 6854 §2, 2013; Ord. 6722 §3, 2010; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.030 Applicability
A. Existing Installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, a provision of this code shall not prevent the continued utilization and maintenance of existing electrical systems and equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code.
B. Maintenance. All electrical systems and equipment, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and hazard-free condition. All devices or safeguards that are required by this code shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the electrical systems and equipment. To determine compliance with this provision, the code official shall have the authority to require the electrical systems and equipment to be re-inspected.
C. Additions, Alterations or Repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to an electrical system and equipment without requiring the existing electrical system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of this code, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new electrical system and equipment and, provided further, that no hazard to life, health or safety will be created by such additions, alterations or repairs. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will create a fire hazard, will reduce required fire resistance, will cause the electrical system or equipment to become overloaded or exceed their rated capacities, will create a health hazard or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
D. Change in Occupancy. Electrical systems and equipment which are part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the building code, shall comply with the requirements of this code which are applicable to the new use or occupancy.
E. Moved Buildings. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of buildings or structures moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions set forth in WAC 296-46B-901(10) for moved buildings.
F. Conflicting Provisions. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where there is a conflict in requirements between this code, WAC 296-46B, or the NEC, precedence shall be in the order herein listed unless such would be a violation of state law. Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance, the condition of the listing and manufacturer’s instructions shall apply.
G. Validity. In the event any part or portion of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions thereof, which are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this code would have been adopted without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.
H. Subjects not Regulated by this Code. Where no applicable standards or requirements are set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations or ordinances adopted by this jurisdiction, compliance with applicable, nationally recognized standards as are approved shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from the authority of the code official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the code official’s jurisdiction or responsibility.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.040 Definitions
A. General. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this code, have their meanings set forth herein. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words referring to a specific gender may be extended to any other gender.
1. Approved. Approved by the code official or other authority having jurisdiction.
2. Approved Agency. An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, where the agency has been approved by the code official and/or the State of Washington.
3. City. The City of Olympia.
4. Code Official. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
5. Department. The city department of Community Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspection Services division.
6. Inspector. The electrical inspector charged with providing expertise for the code official in the area of electrical regulation who shall meet the qualification requirements mandated by the state of Washington pursuant to RCW 19.28.321.
7. Listed and Listing. Equipment, appliances or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of listed equipment, appliances or materials, and whose listing states that either the equipment, appliance or materials meet nationally recognized standards, or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specific manner.
8. NEC. The National Electrical Code as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, current edition, as adopted and amended by the state of Washington.
9. Occupancy. The purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is utilized or occupied.
10. OMC. The Olympia Municipal Code, current edition, as amended.
11. Permit. The temporary authority granted by the city to qualified individuals to perform installation, repair or maintenance of specific electrical installations.
12. RCW. The Revised Code of Washington.
13. WAC. The Washington Administrative Code.
B. Terms Not Defined. Where terms are not defined herein such terms shall have their meanings defined in the following documents: WAC 296-46B, National Electrical Code; or, if not otherwise defined, such terms shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.050 Duties and Powers of the Code Official
A. General. The code official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The code official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, and to adopt policies, procedures, and regulations supplemental to this code as may be deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code.
B. Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the code official shall have the authority to appoint inspectors, plans examiners, and other technical specialists. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the code official.
C. Rule-Making Authority. The code official shall have authority to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations and to designate special requirements as deemed necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and general welfare. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, or of violating accepted engineering methods involving public safety.
D. Right of Entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or when the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon a premises a condition that is contrary to or in violation of this code which makes the building or premise unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the code official may enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that if such building or premise be occupied, that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such building or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
E. Authority to Condemn Electrical Systems. Whenever the code official determines that any electrical system, or portion thereof, regulated by this code has become hazardous to life, health or property, the code official shall order in writing that such electrical systems either be removed or restored to a safe condition. A time limit for compliance with such order shall be specified in a written notice. A person shall not use or maintain a defective electrical system or equipment after receiving such notice.
When such electrical system is to be disconnected, written notice as prescribed in this code shall be given. In cases of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be made immediately without such notice.
F. Authority to Disconnect Utilities. The code official shall have the authority to disconnect or cause to be disconnected any utility service or energy source to a building, structure or system regulated by this code in case of an emergency where it is necessary to eliminated an immediate hazard to life or property. The code official shall notify the serving utility and, whenever possible, the owner and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure or service system, in writing, of such disconnection as soon as practical thereafter.
G. Liability. The code official charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the code official’s duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damages that may accrue to persons or properties as a result of any act or omission in the discharge of the assigned duties. Any suit instituted against any officer because of an act performed by that officer in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be defended by the legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings.
The code official shall not be liable for costs in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code; and any official, acting in good faith and without malice, shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of official duties in connection therewith.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.060 Violations Revised 3/24
A. General. It is a misdemeanor for any person, firm, or corporation to knowingly or intentionally erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, equip, or use any electrical system or equipment, or to remove, conceal, deface, obliterate or otherwise obscure any notice, permit, approval, or directive posted by the inspector in conformance with this chapter, or to cause or permit the same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Each day is a separate offense. In the event of continuing violation or failure to comply, the second and subsequent days are a gross misdemeanor.
As an additional and concurrent remedy, it is a civil infraction for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, equip, or use any electrical system or equipment, or to remove, conceal, deface, obliterate or otherwise obscure any notice, permit, approval, or directive posted by the inspector in conformance with this chapter, or to cause or permit the same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Each day is a separate offense.
B. Notice of Violation/Stop Work Order. Wherever the code official determines violations of this code or observes an apparent or actual violation of a provision of this code, the code official is authorized to prepare a written notice of violation or stop work order describing the conditions deemed unsafe or illegal and, where compliance is not immediate, specifying a time for re-inspection. Such order must direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
Any order or notice issued pursuant to this code must be served upon the owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by delivering it to, and leaving it with, some person of responsibility upon the premises.
The owner, occupant, or other responsible person responsible for the condition or violation to which the order or notice pertains, shall comply with orders and notices issued or served as provided by this code or other person.
C. Penalties. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this code or who fails to carry out an order made pursuant to this code or violates any condition attached to a permit, approval or certificate is subject to the penalties set forth herein.
1. The penalty for a gross misdemeanor is a fine not to exceed $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 365 days or both such fine and imprisonment.
2. A person, firm, or corporation found to have committed a civil infraction is subject to fine according to the Washington Administrative Code 296-46B-915 civil penalty schedule, which is hereby incorporated into this chapter by reference as if fully set forth herein.
(Ord. 7380 §6, 2023; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.070 Electrical Code, Appeals
Appeals under this chapter may be made pursuant to OMC 18.70.170.
(Ord. 6722 §4, 2010; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.080 Permits
A. General. The code official is authorized to accept applications, review construction documents, issue permits for the installation of electrical systems and equipment, and inspect the premises for which such permits have been applied for in determining compliance with the provisions of this code.
B. Permits Required. An owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert or replace electrical systems or equipment, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause such work to be done, shall first obtain the required permit for the work. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the code official.
C. Work Exempt from Permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for work classified as Class A basic electrical work as defined in RCW 19.28.010 or any limited energy power, control and signal circuits of Class II or Class III installed in residential occupancies except required fire alarm systems installations.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.090 Application for Permit
A. Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefore in writing on a form furnished by the department for that purpose. Each such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which the application is made.
2. Identify the premises upon which the work is to be done by street address, and, where necessary, give direction to the physical location of the work and/or premises.
3. Identify the property owner and the property owner’s address and telephone number.
4. Identify the contracting person or firm together with their state and city license numbers. Identify the person applying for the permit together with the authority of that person to commit the contracting person or firm to the liabilities of conformance to the NEC, or identify the applicant as the property owner under the exemptions from licensing set forth in RCW 19.28.261 and this chapter.
5. Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
6. Give such other information as may be required by the code official.
7. Be signed by the permittee or an authorized agent thereof. The documentation of signature authority of an agent shall be specific.
8. Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, calculations, and/or other data as required herein.
B. Occupancy Inspection. Where a building, structure or portion thereof undergoes a change in use or occupancy and before a permit is issued, the code official is authorized to inspect the systems, equipment, building, devices, and spaces or areas to be used to identify necessary alteration required resulting from the change in use or occupancy.
C. Time Limitation of Application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the code official is authorized to grant an extension of time for an additional period not to exceed 90 days.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.100 Permit Conditions
A. Issuance. When the code official is satisfied that the work described in an application for a permit, and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified have been paid, the code official shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant. The code official is authorized to issue a permit for installation of part of an electrical system before the construction documents for the entire system have been reviewed and approved, provided the information submitted has been deemed a complete submittal. The holder of such permit shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with no assurance that approval of said design features will be granted.
B. Contractors’ Responsibility. It shall be the responsibility of every contractor who enters into contracts for the installation or repair of electrical systems for which a permit is required to possess a valid electrical contractor’s license issued through the state of Washington Department of Labor and Industries and a city of Olympia Business and Occupation license.
C. Expiration. Every permit issued under the provisions of this code shall expire and become null and void unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work has commenced. Where the work covered by the permit is not completed by expiration, a renewal permit shall be obtained, the fee therefore shall be based on the extent of the incomplete work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work. In order to renew action on a permit where work has been suspended or abandoned for a period in excess of one year the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
D. Extensions. The code official shall be authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of the time period of a permit for periods of not more than 180 days. A permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence or be completed under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence or complete work within the time required by this section. Such application shall be in writing, addressed to the code official, shall state the reason for the requested extension, and shall be accompanied by payment of the extension fee. Lack of prosecution of the work alone, without extenuating circumstances, shall not be acceptable grounds for extension of time. Extensions of the time for commencement or completion of work shall be for not more than 180 days for each permit. In either case, commencement or completion, the period of time shall not be extended more than once.
E. Validity. The issuance of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
F. Suspension or Revocation. The code official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error, on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance, regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.110 Fees Revised 3/24
A. Permit Fees. The fee for each electrical permit is as set forth in Section 4.36.020, Electrical inspection and permit fees, of OMC Title 4. The City of Olympia follows the State of Washington Department of Labor & Industries current Fee Schedule set forth in WAC 296-46B-906, which is hereby incorporated into this code by reference, as if fully set forth herein. Applications may be submitted using the permit portal (https://ci-olympia-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home) or in person. A permit is not valid until the fees prescribed herein have been paid. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal, or demolition work done in connection with, or concurrently with, the work authorized by a permit does not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
B. Plan Review Fees. When submittal documents are required by Section 16.24.120, the applicant shall pay a plan review submittal fee at the time of submitting the documents for plan review. The plan review fee for electrical work is equal to 65 percent of the total permit fee as set forth in OMC Title 4. The plan review submittal fee will be applied to the plan review fee upon completion of the review and subsequent calculation of inspection fees. Where submittal documents are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, an additional plan review fee is assessed at the rate shown in Title 4.
C. Working Without a Permit. Whenever work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, an additional fee is assessed which is in addition to the required permit fees. The City of Olympia applies the Washington Administrative Code 296-46B-915 Civil penalty schedule, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this chapter as if fully set forth herein.
D. Refunds. The code official may authorize the refunding of a fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The code official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code. The code official may not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
(Ord. 7380 §7, 2023; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.120 Construction Documents
A. Submittal Documents. Plans, specifications, calculations, diagrams and other data shall constitute the construction documents and shall be submitted in 2 or more sets accompanied by a plan review submittal application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by WAC 296-46B. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional even if not required by state law. The code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to determine compliance with this code.
Installation of single phase, 240 volt services 320 amperes or less and all single family or duplex dwelling services shall not require submittal of construction documents unless the code official determines from the description of work in the application that such submittal is necessary to verify compliance with this code.
B. Information on Construction Documents. Construction documents shall be drawn to scale upon suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted where approved by the code official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and other relevant rules and regulations, as determined by the code official. Construction documents shall include, but are not limited to, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, one line diagrams, equipment schedules, panel schedules, load calculations and fault current calculations. Construction documents for multi-story buildings or other structures requiring fire resistant-rated construction shall include the methods and materials for maintaining required structural and fire resistive integrity where penetrations will be made for electrical, communications, and similar systems. Where substantial addition or alteration is made to an existing electrical system, an electrical load calculation complying with NEC Section 220.87(1) and WAC Section 296-46B-901(15)(j) shall be prepared to demonstrate adequate capacity of the electrical equipment.
C. Site Plan. The construction documents shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of exiting structures that are to remain.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.130 Examination of Documents
A. General. The code official shall examine, or cause to be examined, the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain from such examination whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent rules and regulations. Construction documents may be reviewed by other disciplines of this department to verify compliance with any applicable rules under their jurisdiction.
B. Approval of Construction Documents. When the code official issues a permit for which plan review is required, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as "Approved for Construction, Subject to Code and Field Inspection." One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the code official. The other set shall be issued with the permit, shall be kept at the site of work, and shall be open to inspection by the code official or the authorized representative.
C. Previous Approval. This code shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction or installation of electrical systems or equipment for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective date of this code and has not been abandoned.
D. Deferred Submittals. For the purposes of this section, deferred submittals are defined as those portions of the design that are not submitted at the time of the application and that are to be submitted to the code official within a specified period. Deferral of any submittal items shall have the prior approval of the code official. The applicant shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents for review by the code official. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until their design and submittal documents have been approved by the code official.
E. Amended Construction Documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the reviewed construction documents. Any changes made during construction which are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
F. Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall be deemed to have been abandoned, and construction documents submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the code official. The code official is authorized to grant an extension of time for an additional period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the applicant showing justifiable cause. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.140 Approvals
A. Approved Materials and Equipment. All materials, equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval. To determine the acceptability of technologies, products, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building subject to the inspection of the department, the code official is authorized to require the owner or the person in control of the building to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified electrical specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building and its facilities to recommend necessary changes.
B. Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the code official shall first find that special individual reasons makes the strict letter of this code impractical and that the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the project files.
C. Alternative Materials, Methods, Equipment and Appliances. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction may be approved where the code official finds that the proposed installation is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and, for the purposes intended, provides an equivalent level of safety and protection.
D. Materials, Equipment and Appliance Reuse. Materials, equipment, appliances and devices shall not be reused unless such elements have been reconditioned, tested and placed in good and proper working condition or whose reuse has been approved by the code official.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.150 Testing
A. Required Testing. Wherever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the code official shall have the authority to require tests or field evaluations as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.
B. Testing. All tests and field evaluations shall be performed by an agency or firm approved by the chief electrical inspector of the state of Washington using nationally recognized test standards. Detailed test reports shall be submitted to the code official, shall be made a part of the construction documents, and entered into the project files.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.160 Alternative Engineered Design
A. Design Criteria. An alternative engineered design shall conform to the intent of the provisions of this code and shall provide an equivalent level of quality, protection and safety. The registered design professional shall submit to the code official signed and sealed construction documents for the alternative engineered design which shall include sufficient technical data to substantiate the proposed alternative design and to prove that the performance meets the intent of this code. The registered design professional shall indicate on the construction documents that the electrical system is an alternative engineered design.
B. Design Approval. Where the code official determines that the alternative engineered design conforms to the intent of this code, the electrical system shall be approved. If the alternative engineered design is not approved, the code official shall notify the registered design professional in writing, stating the reasons therefore.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.170 Inspections
A. General. The code official is authorized to conduct inspections that are deemed necessary to determine the extent of compliance with the provisions of this code. All electrical systems and equipment for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the code official. The code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual, detailed or complex technical issues subject to the approval of the governing body.
B. Concealed Work. Work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. It shall be the responsibility of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Whenever any installation subject to inspection is covered or concealed prior to being inspected, the code official shall have the authority to require that such work be exposed for inspection. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
C. Underground. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, raceways, cables or conductors are installed, and before backfill is put in place. Where excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete or other rubble that would damage the raceway, cable or conductors, or where corrosive action will occur, protection shall be provided in the form of granular or selected material, sleeves or other means.
D. Rough-in. Rough-in inspections shall be made after the roofing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all plumbing, duct work and other components to be concealed which could conflict with the electrical installation are complete and ready for inspection.
E. Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above, the code official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other rules, which are enforced by the department.
F. Final Inspection. When the installation of the electrical system and all equipment required by the permit is complete the final inspection shall be made.
G. Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder has posted or otherwise made available an inspection record card such as to allow the code official to make conveniently the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This card shall be maintained by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the code official.
H. Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the code official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
I. Notification and Approval. The code official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed by a notice of approval left on site. Where work is done or materials are used which do not comply with the provisions of this code, notice of failure to comply and identification of items requiring correction shall be left on site. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portions shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
J. Validity. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
K. Re-inspections. The code official is authorized to assess a re-inspection fee for each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or re-inspection. In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.180 Connection to Utilities
A. Energy Connections. No person shall make connections to a utility, source of energy, fuel or power from any electrical system or equipment which is regulated by this code and for which a permit is required, until authorized by the code official.
B. Service Interruption. Where the power supply to an existing electrical service will be interrupted to facilitate the permitted work and it is impractical to leave the system out of service, the permit holder shall obtain the permission of the inspector to make a temporary connection to the energy source.
C. Permanent Connection. Upon determination by the code official that the artisanship and materials of the permitted work are in compliance with the provisions of this code the inspector shall provide written notification to the property owner to authorize the serving utility to make a permanent service connection. It shall be unlawful to make a permanent service connection to any electrical system or service without such notification and authorization.
D. Connection After Order to Disconnect. A person shall not make utility service or energy source connections to systems regulated by this code, which have been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the code official, or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the code official until the code official authorizes the reconnection and use of such systems.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.190 Unsafe Systems and Equipment
A. Unsafe Electrical Systems. Electrical systems regulated by this code that are unsafe, constitute a fire or health hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, are hereby declared as unsafe. Use of an electrical system regulated by this code constituting a hazard to health, safety or welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, fire hazard, disaster damage, or abandonment is hereby declared an unsafe use. Such unsafe equipment and appliances are hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal.
B. Notice Served. If an unsafe condition is found, the code official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in control of the structure, a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or that requires the unsafe condition to be removed within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the code official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order. Such notice shall be deemed properly served if a copy thereof is (a) delivered to the owner personally; or (b) sent by certified or registered mail addressed to the owner at the last known address with the return receipt requested.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).
16.24.200 Electrical Provisions
A. General. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design, construction, installation, use and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes or standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
B. Listing. All materials, devices, appliances, and equipment used in electrical installations shall be of a type that conforms to applicable standards or be indicated as acceptable by the established standards of an electrical product testing laboratory which is accredited by the state of Washington and shall be listed or field evaluated.
C. Wiring Methods. All electrical wiring operating at 120 volts or more in buildings, structures, uses or occupancies within the Downtown Business (DB) zone and the Urban Waterfront (UW) zone as established by the City Zoning Ordinance shall be installed using metallic wiring methods. Exception: Electrical Nonmetallic tubing (ENT) and Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (PVC) shall be permitted where installed within fire resistive assemblies.
D. Grounding Electrodes. Whenever rod type grounding electrodes, as defined in NEC Section 250.52(A)(5)(b), are used for grounding electrical systems in areas with salt water influence they shall be of nonferrous material or copper clad to provide additional corrosion resistance.
E. Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable. The use and installation of Type NM, NMC, and NMS (nonmetallic sheathed) cable wiring methods shall be limited to dry conditions. Any such wiring shall only be installed after the building or structure is roofed, sided or otherwise protected from the elements as approved by the code official. The installation of nonmetallic sheathed cable shall follow the building lines and shall be secured to the structure per section 334.30 of the NEC.
F. Smoke Detector Circuits. Smoke detectors required by the building code and installed within dwelling units shall not be connected as the only load on a branch circuit. Such detectors shall be supplied by branch circuits having lighting loads consisting of lighting outlets in habitable spaces.
G. Branch Circuit Panels. Multi-family residential occupancies shall have a branch circuit panel installed in each individual dwelling unit. Feeders supplying these panels shall be installed using the wiring methods required by this code.
H. Circuit Breakers. Tandem or twin-sized circuit breakers rated 20 amperes or greater shall not be used in new electrical installations.
I. Spare Circuits. Branch circuit panels in new single family and duplex dwelling units shall have a minimum of two (2) spare single pole spaces for future expansion. Circuit breakers need not be installed in these spaces.
J. Abandoned Conductors and Equipment. Electrical conductors, cables and equipment shall not be abandoned in place. Conductors and cables no longer in use shall be removed from the building or structure back to their originating panel board unless otherwise authorized by the code official. Raceways and other equipment in accessible spaces, or exposed as a result of construction, shall be removed back to the originating panel board or final point of access.
(Ord. 6523 §8, 2008).