HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 11 - Electrical CodeCity of Oshkosh Municipal Codes
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 11 – Page 1 Municipal Codes
CHAPTER 11
ELECTRICAL CODE
ARTICLE I. ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
11-1 RESERVED – Repealed (Definitions)
11-2 NATIONAL AND STATE ELECTRICAL CODES ADOPTED
11-3 SCOPE OF PROVISIONS
11-4 ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
11-5 RESERVED
11-6 RESERVED
11-7 RESERVED
11-8 INTERPRETATIONS OF CODE BY INSPECTOR
11-9 RESERVED
11-10 RESERVED
11-11 RESERVED
11-12 RESERVED
11-13 INSPECTION PROCEDURE
11-14 RIGHT OF ENTRY
11-15 RESERVED – Repealed (Obstruction of Inspections)
11-16 INSPECTOR IS NOT LIABLE
11-17 CITY IS NOT LIABLE
11-18 LIABILITY OF OTHER CRAFTS
11-19 RESERVED – Repealed (Electrical License and Examining Board)
11-20 RESERVED – Repealed (Duties of Board)
11-21 RESERVED – Repealed (Suspension and Revocation of License)
11-22 LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICIANS REQUIRED
11-23 RESERVED – Repealed (Classification of Certificates and License)
11-24 RESERVED – Repealed (Application for Certificates and Fees)
11-25 RESERVED – Repealed (Applicants for Class 1 certificates.)
11-26 RESERVED – Repealed (Class 2 Application & Electrician Qualifications)
11-27 RESERVED – Repealed (Application for Type C Electrical Contractors’ License)
11-28 RESERVED – Repealed (Application for Type M Electrical Maintenance License)
11-29 RESERVED – Repealed (Dual License Prohibited)
11-30 RESERVED – Repealed (Application for Type S License)
11-31 RESERVED – Repealed (Provisions Applicable to All Electrical Certificates)
11-32 PERMITS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK REQUIRED
11-33 APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
11-34 RESERVED – Repealed (Optional Arrangement for Type M Licensee)_
11-35 ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
11-36 WORK WITHOUT PERMITS
11-37 LAPSE OF PERMIT
11-38 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED
11-39 PERMIT FEES
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11-40 AUTHORIZATION FOR ELECTRIC SUPPLY REQUIRED
11-41 RESERVED
11-42 RESERVED
11-43 RESERVED
11-44 UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
11-45 SEIZURE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
11-46 RESERVED – Repealed (Installation requirements.)
11-47 RESERVED
11-48 RESERVED
11-49 RESERVED
11-50 SERVICES
11-51 RESERVED
11-52 RESERVED
11-53 PRE-EXISTING USE
11-54 MULTIPLE DWELLINGS; HALLWAY ILLUMINATION
11-55 RESERVED
11-56 RESERVED
11-57 PENALTIES
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ARTICLE I. ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 11-1 DEFINITIONS
(A) All licenses and certificates referred to in this Code shall be those issued or approved by the State of
Wisconsin.
SECTION 11-2 NATIONAL AND STATE ELECTRICAL CODES ADOPTED
The provisions of Ch. 101, Subchapter IV, of the Wisconsin Statutes and Chapters PSC 114 and SPS 305 and
316 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code are adopted and fully incorporated into this Code by reference,
except as to penalties contained therein. It is intended that all modifications, amendments, recodification
and renumbering of the foregoing provisions as may occur from time to time shall likewise be immediately
adopted and fully incorporated into this Code by reference. Any act prohibited by any of the foregoing
provisions is prohibited by this Municipal Code.
SECTION 11-3 SCOPE OF PROVISIONS.
(A) Regulated Uses
The regulations of this chapter shall apply to the supply of electricity and to all sales, rentals, leases,
uses, installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals, replacements, disturbances, connections,
disconnections, and maintenance of all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings, devices,
appliances, fixtures, signs and apparatus, or parts thereof, or attachments therefore hereafter
referred to as electrical equipment which are intended to be, or are, within, on, under, over, or near,
all buildings, structures, equipment and premises, except as provided in the following subsection.
(B) Exceptions
The Permit and Inspection provisions of this chapter will not apply to the following:
(1) Installations described in 90-2(b) of the National Electric Code.
(2) Any work involved in the manufacturing or testing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
(3) Any work associated with:
(a) The repair of plug connected electrical appliances or devices.
(b) Permanently connected electrical appliances or devices which have been electrically
and mechanically disconnected and separated from all sources of electrical supply
by an electrical licensee.
The opening of switches or the blowing or removal of fuses shall not be considered
as electrical or mechanical disconnections or separation.
(4) Manufacturing machinery and specific processing equipment as defined in ss. 70.11(27).
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SECTION 11-4 ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
(A) Enforce Electrical Code
It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector and Deputy Electrical Inspector to enforce the
provisions of this Chapter and such other duties as may be imposed upon him from time to time by
the City Manager.
(B) Report to City Manager
It shall be the duty of said Electrical Inspector to make a monthly report to the City Manager.
Permit fees shall be remitted each week to the City Treasurer.
(C) Keep Record
The Electrical Inspector shall keep a record of all electrical permits. All records may be destroyed
after ten (10) years.
SECTION 11-5 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-6 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-7 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-8 INTERPRETATIONS OF CODE BY INSPECTOR
The Electrical Inspector shall have the discretion to fully interpret this ordinance, provided such
interpretation does not conflict with state law.
SECTION 11-9 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-10 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-11 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-12 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-13 INSPECTION PROCEDURE
(A) Notification to Inspector
Upon the completion of any installation, alteration or replacement of electrical equipment which
requires a permit, it shall be the duty of the licensee or other authorized person making the
installation, alteration or replacement, to notify the Electrical Inspector who shall inspect the
installation, alteration or replacement as soon thereafter as practicable. When an installation has
been satisfactorily completed the Electrical Inspector shall issue a certificate of approval to the
person authorized to receive it, if requested.
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(B) Inspection of Electrical Equipment
When any electrical equipment requiring a permit is to be concealed by the placement of parts of
the building (including removable wall or ceiling panels) or parts of the equipment, the electrical
equipment shall not be concealed by any authority until it has been inspected and approved by the
Electrical Inspector, unless otherwise approved by the Electrical Inspector. On installations where
concealment of electrical equipment proceeds continuously, the licensee or other authorized person
installing the electrical equipment shall give the Electrical Inspector due notice and inspection shall
be made periodically during the progress of the work. Concealment of electrical work before
inspection shall constitute a violation of this Article.
(C) When the installation is ready for inspection, the contractor, owner or agent shall make such
arrangements as necessary to enable the inspector to inspect all parts of the electrical system.
SECTION 11-14 RIGHT OF ENTRY
The Electrical Inspector, or Deputy, shall have the authority to enter at reasonable times all buildings and
premises and all parts thereof in order to make an inspection, reinspection, observation, examination or test
of the electrical equipment or wiring contained therein or thereon, to enforce the regulations of this
ordinance, provided however, that no inspection shall be made without a warrant, in the event that the
occupant of the premises shall fail to give his consent to such inspection.
SECTION 11-15 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “OBSTRUCTION OF INSPECTIONS”).
SECTION 11-16 INSPECTOR NOT LIABLE
In all cases where any action is taken by the Electrical Inspector to enforce the regulations of this chapter
such action shall be considered as done in the name of and on behalf of the City, and the said Electrical
Inspector in so acting for the City shall not be held liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or
property as the result of any such action or act committed in the discharge of their duties, and any lawsuit
or action brought against said Electrical Inspector by reason thereof shall be defended by the City Attorney
of the City until final termination of the proceedings contained therein.
SECTION 11-17 CITY NOT LIABLE
This Code shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person supplying
electricity to, or selling, renting, leasing, owning, using, operating, controlling, installing, altering,
repairing, removing, replacing, disturbing, connecting, disconnecting or maintaining, any electrical
equipment, for damages to persons or property caused by any defect therein or therefrom; nor shall the
City be held as assuming any such responsibility or liability by reason of the issuance or revocation, of any
license, permit or certificate, or the inspection or re-inspection authorized by this Code, or by reason of the
approval or disapproval or any electrical equipment, sales, rentals, drawings, plans, specifications,
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materials, samples, test reports, literature, information or schedules authorized in this Code; nor shall the
City be held liable for any damages resulting from the enforcement of this Code.
SECTION 11-18 LIABILITY OF OTHER CRAFTS
(A) Persons associated with crafts other than electrical and functioning in their native pursuits shall in
no way alter the character of an electrical installation by the placement of materials or equipment in
too close proximity, by concealment, by making inaccessible, or in any way affecting said approved
electrical installation so as to render it in violation of this Code. Exception to the provisions of this
Section shall be permitted where special written approval is obtained from the Electrical Inspector
and the person owning or occupying the affected premises.
(B) Violation of the provisions of this Section not only constitutes a violation of this Code but also
makes the offender liable for costs associated with construction necessary to remedy the electrical
installation so as to meet with Code approval.
SECTION 11-19 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “ELECTRICAL LICENSE AND
EXAMINING BOARD”).
SECTION 11-20 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “DUTIES OF BOARD”).
SECTION 11-21 RESERVED (Repealed – Formerly “SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF
LICENSE”).
SECTION 11-22 LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICIANS REQUIRED
No person or business shall install, alter, repair, remove, renew, replace, disturb, connect, disconnect or
maintain any electrical equipment or accept any payments therefor in the City unless such a person has a
license as required by Section 101.862 of the Wisconsin statutes.
SECTION 11-23 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “CLASSIFICATION OF CERTIFICATES
AND LICENSES”).
SECTION 11-24 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATES
AND FEES”).
SECTION 11-25 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “APPLICANTS FOR CLASS 1
CERTIFICATES”)
SECTION 11-26 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “CLASS 2 APPLICANT & ELECTRICIAN
QUALIFICATIONS”).
SECTION 11-27 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “APPLICATION FOR TYPE C
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS’ LICENSE”).
SECTION 11-28 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “APPLICATION FOR TYPE M
ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE LICENSE”).
SECTION 11-29 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “DUAL LICENSE PROHIBITED”).
SECTION 11-30 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “APPLICATION FOR TYPE S LICENSE”).
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SECTION 11-31 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL
ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES”).
SECTION 11-32 PERMITS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK REQUIRED
Except as provided in Section 11-3(B), no electrical equipment shall be installed, altered, renewed, replaced
or connected without first procuring a permit therefor, providing, however, that under emergency
conditions, the necessary electrical wiring may commence without obtaining a permit provided the owner
of the premises where the installation is to occur or their agent submits a permit application no later than
the next business day after commencement of the installation.
Exceptions:
1. Low voltage Installations in 1 & 2 Family Dwellings shall not require a permit.
2. Reconnection of existing power supplies to replacement heating plants, water heaters and other
appliances.
3. No permit shall be required for the repair, removal, disturbance or disconnection of any existing
electrical equipment or the renewal or replacement of any existing branch lighting circuit switches,
sockets, or receptacles.
SECTION 11-33 APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
An individual that is in compliance with the licensing requirements of Section 101.862 of the Wisconsin
statutes desiring a permit as required by this article shall file with the Electrical Inspector an application for
such permit in writing on a form furnished for such purpose. Such application shall describe and
enumerate the electrical equipment to be installed and shall give other reasonable information as may be
required by the Division of Inspection Services and when required shall be accompanied by further
information as regulated in Section 11-40.
SECTION 11-34 RESERVED (REPEALED – Formerly “OPTIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPE M
LICENSE”).
SECTION 11-35 ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
(A) Conditions Upon Which Permit Granted
If upon examination it is found that the information on the application is complete, the Electrical
Inspector shall issue a permit providing that the licensee agrees and expressly states that he is fully
capable, and in possession of knowledge and ability to design, lay out, install, alter, or replace the
work designated in the application in accordance with the regulations of this chapter and with all
other laws and ordinances pertinent thereto and will install electrical equipment as described in the
application for a permit in a safe, legal and workmanlike manner.
(B) Compliance With Other Provisions of Code Required
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The issuance of any permit or the serving of any notice shall not preclude compliance with all
ordinances or other laws relating to occupancy and use, construction or zoning.
(C) Restriction On Permits
No other electrical work shall be done except work as described in the application for permit.
SECTION 11-36 WORK WITHOUT PERMIT
(A) Inspector To Order Disconnection
When any work is begun on the installation, alteration, or replacement of any electrical equipment
without first obtaining a permit therefor as herein required, the Electrical Inspector shall have the
power and authority to disconnect or order to be disconnected any such equipment, and to stop
work until a permit has been procured.
(B) In addition to the foregoing, a fee plus the permit fee amount or double the permit fee, whichever is
greater shall be assessed, but the payment of such fees shall not relieve any person from fully
complying with all of the regulations of this chapter, nor from any other penalties prescribed in this
Code. Fees shall be determined according to the inspection fee schedule and will be established by
resolution.
SECTION 11-37 LAPSE OF PERMIT
(A) Twelve (12) Month Time Lapse
When any electrical work for which a permit has been issued is not started within twelve (12)
months from the date of the issuance of the permit, then said permit shall lapse and be void, and no
electrical work shall be begun or resumed until a new permit is obtained and the fees as prescribed
in Section 11-41 are paid therefore.
SECTION 11-38 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED
At the time of the issuance of a permit the Electrical Inspector may require the manufacturer, owner,
installer, or user of electrical equipment to submit plans (drawings), data, and specifications, schedules or
literature, information, materials, samples or test as may be necessary to determine the fitness of equipment
for safe installation and use.
SECTION 11-39 PERMIT FEES
(A) Payment of Fees
(1) Upon the issuance of a permit by the Electrical Inspector and before such permit shall be in
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effect, the applicant shall pay to the Electrical Inspector of the City a fee or fees.
(2) The fees referred to in this section and other sections of this article shall be established by
the governing body and may from time to time be modified by resolution. A schedule of
the fees established by the governing body shall be available for review in the administering
authority office, Room 205 City Hall, 215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
(B) Number of Inspections for Each Permit
(1) The number of inspections per permit to be allowed without further charge shall be based
upon the type or value of the improvement, or other approved criteria. Additional fees for
each unnecessary inspection shall be charged for additional inspections due to Code
violations or other valid reasons.
(2) The fees referred to in this section and other sections of this article shall be established by
the governing body and may from time to time be modified by resolution. A schedule of
the fees established by the governing body shall be available for review in the administering
authority office, Room 205 City Hall, 215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
(C) Misrepresentation of Fees
It shall be unlawful for any person to misrepresent the amount charged by the City for permit fees
or to misrepresent the amount of value of job on a permit.
SECTION 11-40 AUTHORIZATION FOR ELECTRIC SUPPLY REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful for any person to make any connection from any source or supply of electricity or to
supply electricity to any electrical equipment for which a permit is required, or which has been
disconnected by the Electrical Inspector, until a certificate or authorization has been issued by the Electrical
Inspector authorizing the connection and use of such equipment.
SECTION 11-41 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-42 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-43 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-44 UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
(A) Notice to Owner; Failure to Comply
When the Electrical Inspector finds any electrical equipment to be unsafe or dangerous to persons
or property, the person owning or using such electrical equipment shall be notified in writing by
the Electrical Inspector to remove or cause to be removed or to make any changes or repairs as
determined by the Electrical Inspector so as to restore such electrical equipment to a safe condition.
Failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such notice shall be sufficient cause
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for the Electrical Inspector to disconnect or order the discontinuance of electrical service to said
electrical equipment or to cause the arrest of such person owning or using such electrical
equipment.
(B) Emergency Situations
In any case of emergency affecting the safety of persons or property, or where electrical equipment
interferes with the work of the Fire Department, or where electrical equipment is not installed in
conformity with the regulations of this chapter, the Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to
disconnect immediately or cause the removal or disconnection of any such electrical equipment.
(C) Inspector to Attach Official Notice to Disconnect Equipment
When the Electrical Inspector disconnects or causes to be disconnected electric current from
electrical equipment, he shall attach an official notice, tag, lock or seal to such electrical equipment
to prevent the use of electricity. It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to detach such
official notice, tag, lock, seal or to break open, change, remove, destroy, tear, alter, mutilate, cover,
or otherwise deface or injury any such official notice, tag, lock or seal.
SECTION 11-45 SEIZURE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
(A) Seizure By Inspector
The Electrical Inspector shall have the power and authority and he is hereby authorized to seize
and take possession of any electrical equipment or materials or parts thereof or attachments
therefore which, in his opinion, are dangerous to life and property or which is suspected or found
by him to have been the cause of any fire, accident, injury, or fatality, and to retain possession of
same for the purpose of making an investigation, examination, of for official evidence.
(B) Return of Equipment At Request of Owner
After such electrical equipment or materials, in the possession of the Electrical Inspector, have
served their purposes, and an official report and record thereof has been made, such electrical
equipment or materials shall be returned to the owner, provided said owner requests in writing its
return within ninety (90) days from the date of seizure.
(C) Disposal of Seized Equipment If No Request by Owner Made
If no such request is made, such equipment or materials may be destroyed or disposed of.
SECTION 11-46 RESERVED (Repealed 3/28/06 – formerly “INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS”).
SECTION 11-47 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-48 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-49 RESERVED.
SECTION 11-50 SERVICES
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(A) Damaged Service
(1) In the event of damage to an electrical service, whether by storm, deterioration, vandalism,
or other causes, all electrical service, 60 Amperes or less shall be replaced with a minimum
of 100 Ampere service.
(2) At the time of service change, the wiring of the dwelling shall also be brought up to at least
the requirements of the Minimum Housing Code. (See Chapter 16 of this Code.)
(3) Failure to comply with this Section shall result in the disconnection of the electrical service
as provided in Section 11-44 of this Code.
SECTION 11-51 RESERVED
SECTION 11-52 RESERVED
SECTION 11-53 PRE-EXISTING USE
Existing electrical equipment which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter but which was
lawfully installed prior to the passage of this chapter may be continued in use only if maintained in a safe
condition. Providing, however, that in multiple occupancy residential buildings or in single family rental
homes, sufficient convenience outlets and adequate supply must be provided by the property owner as per
the City of Oshkosh Minimum Housing Code.
SECTION 11-54 MULTIPLE DWELLINGS: HALLWAY ILLUMINATION
It will hereafter be mandatory that the owner, or owners, of multiple family dwellings, consisting of four
(4) apartments or more, or rooming houses with six (6) or more rooms, shall be required to furnish hallway,
stair and exit illumination, twenty-four (24) hours per day which will have an average light intensity of one
(1') foot candle when measured four (4) feet from the floor.
SECTION 11-55 RESERVED
SECTION 11-56 RESERVED
SECTION 11-57 PENALTIES
Any person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a
forfeiture of not less than Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) for the first conviction, not less than One Hundred
Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) for the second conviction for violations of any provision of this chapter and
not less than Two Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($225.00) for the third or subsequent conviction for
violating any provision of this chapter, nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) together with the
costs of prosecution and in default of payment thereof by imprisonment for not exceeding sixty (60) days.
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Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.