Chapter 22 - ELECTRICAL CODE

Sec. 21.24. - Electronic Reporting/Penalties. Chapter 23 - COMMUNICATIONS RIGHT-OF-WAY UTILIZATION Chapter 22 - ELECTRICAL CODE[1]

Footnotes: --- (1) ---

Editor's note— Section 1 of an ordinance enacted Dec. 6, 1971, amended ch. 22 to read as set out in §§ 22.01—22.61. Prior to amendment, ch. 22, §§ 22.01—22.65, was derived from Ord. of 5-5-1969, § 1; Ord. of 7-13-1970, § 1; Ord. of 9-14-1970, § 1; and Ord. of 9-21-1970, § 1.

Cross reference— Building code, ch. 13, building trades, ch. 14; fire protection, ch. 24; gas code, ch. 29; minimum standards codes, ch. 30A; plumbing code, ch. 47; air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilating code, ch. 47A.

ARTICLE I. - ADMINISTRATIVE

Sec. 22.01. - Definitions.

The following words and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this section:

Apprentice Electrician. A helper or assistant to a journeyman. The apprentice is not qualified to work on electrical construction alone but must at all times work under the direct supervision and be accompanied by a qualified journeyman or master electrician.

Board. The Building and Fire Codes Board of Appeal.

Electrical Construction. All work and materials used in installing, maintaining or extending a system of electrical wiring for light, heat or power and all appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection therewith, inside or attached to any building or structure, lot or premises.

Electrical Contractor. A person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of electrical contracting. The person in charge of the electrical installations for such person, firm or corporation shall have qualified by the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board ("ECLB").

Maintenance Electrician. A person who is qualified as hereinbefore prescribed as a journeyman or master electrician, but who must be regularly employed to maintain and make minor repairs to the electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment which is installed, contained and used upon the premises or in buildings owned, occupied or controlled by the person by whom the maintenance electrician is employed. Under this paragraph a maintenance electrician is not authorized to install any new electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment for light, heat or power.

Master Electrician. A person who possesses the necessary qualifications, training and technical knowledge to plan, layout and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for light, heat or power and who is qualified under the provisions of the ECLB.

National Electric Code. The most recently adopted edition of the National Electric Code by the Florida Building Commission.

Qualified Person. A person qualified under the provisions of this Chapter and licensed under the ECLB.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 3-5-1984, Doc. #18408; Ord. of 3-12-1990, Doc. #23704; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Secs. 22.02, 22.03. - Reserved.

Editor's note— See Ord. of 3-12-1990, Doc. #23704.

Sec. 22.03-1. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.03-1, which pertained to journeyman electrician; master electrician—qualification to take examination and derived from an ordinance adopted June 5, 1978, § 1; an ordinance adopted Mar. 5, 1984, Doc. #18408; and an ordinance adopted Mar. 12, 1990, Doc. #23704.

Sec. 22.03-2. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.03-2, which pertained to residential journeyman—qualification. This section bore no history note.

Sec. 22.04. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.04, which pertained to journeyman electrician; master electrician—examination; issuance of certificate of competency and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1; an ordinance adopted June 5, 1978, § 2; and an ordinance adopted Mar. 5, 1984, Doc. #18408.

Sec. 22.05. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.05, which pertained to certificate of competency required; exception and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1.

Sec. 22.06. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.06, which pertained to examination fees for certificate of competency and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1; an ordinance adopted June 5, 1978, § 3; an ordinance adopted Dec. 29, 1980, § 1; and an ordinance adopted Feb. 10, 1992, Doc. #25464.

Sec. 22.07. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.07, which pertained to temporary certificates of competency and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1; and an ordinance adopted Mar. 5, 1984, Doc. #18408.

Sec. 22.08. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.08, which pertained to suspension and revocation of certificates of competency—grounds and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1; and an ordinance adopted Mar. 12, 1990, Doc. #23704.

Sec. 22.09. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.08, which pertained to suspension and revocation of certificates of competency—grounds—method and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1.

Sec. 22.10. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.10, which pertained to master electrician—license certificate required and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1.

Sec. 22.11. - [Bond].

Before a permit can be issued, a Registered Electrical Contractor shall file with the Director of Finance or his designee a surety bond payable to the City, in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). Such bond shall be executed by the master electrician as principal and by a surety company licensed to do business in the state as surety and shall be conditioned as follows: That the principal therein shall protect the City and the owner of the premises upon which the principal does any work, against all loss or damage occasioned by the negligence of the principal in failing to promptly perform and protect all work done by him, or his employees, or under his direction or supervision; and from all loss or damage occasioned by or arising in any manner from any such work done by the principal or his employees, or under his direction or supervision, which is not caused by negligence of the City, its agents or employees; and that the principal therein shall keep and observe all ordinances at any time in force in the City relating in any way to electrical wiring and installations. The bond shall also be for the benefit of all persons injured or aggrieved by any violation of or neglect to observe this Chapter or the rules and regulations established under the authority thereof. Such bond shall be renewed at the end of each license year, as a condition precedent to obtaining a renewal of a certificate of competency.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 7-22-1974, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.12. - Expiration of License Certificates and Bonds; Certificate Renewals.

All license certificates and bonds shall expire on September thirtieth of each year, and no electrical work shall be done by and no permit shall be issued to any Electrical Contractor who has no such license certificate and bond, as hereinbefore provided, in full force and effect.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 8-21-1978, § 1; Ord. of 12-17-1990, Doc. #24466; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.13. - Electrical Contractor Not to Allow Use of Name.

No licensed Electrical Contractor shall allow his name to be used by any person or party other than himself or his principal employer directly or indirectly, either for the purpose of obtaining a permit, or do any work under his license certificate.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, changed the title of § 22.13 from "Master Electrician Not to Allow Use of Name" to read as set out herein.

Sec. 22.14. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.14, which pertained to electricians holding certificates of competency required on electrical work and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1; and an ordinance adopted Feb. 10, 1992, Doc. #25464.

Sec. 22.15. - Electrical Contractor; Limitations in Connection Therewith.

The Electrical Contractor may be the owner, proprietor, employee or corporation officer but shall, in all cases, be the person who is directly responsible for the physical and mechanical manner in which electrical material, equipment and devices are placed or installed.

An Electrical Contractor or authorized supervisory employee shall countersign all applications for electrical permits and supervise electrical work authorized by such permit.

An Electrical Contractor may be relieved from the responsibility under any permit countersigned by him if notice in writing to that effect is filed with the chief inspector of electrical installations prior to the actual construction covered by the permit or upon the discharge or termination of the services of such master electrician.

No person shall receive a certificate of competency as a master electrician who has not attained the age of twenty-one (21) years.

No person shall engage in or carry on the business of electrical contracting or install, alter or repair any electrical wiring for which a permit is required.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208, changed the title of § 22.15 from "Master Electricians; Limitations in Connection Therewith" to read as set out herein.

Sec. 22.16. - Installation of Wiring or Equipment by Homeowner.

Nothing herein shall prohibit a bona fide owner from personally installing electrical wiring or the installation of electrical equipment within his own bona fide residence; providing that he is a qualified person and work is in a single-family residence used exclusively by him or his family. Such privilege does not convey the right to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter, nor is it to be construed as exempting any such property owner from obtaining a permit and paying required fees thereof. He shall comply with the following:

(1)

File plans and specifications and prove qualifications satisfactorily to the chief inspector of electrical installations, which plan, specifications and qualifications must be approved by the said inspector.

(2)

Apply for and secure a permit.

(3)

Do work in accordance with the most recently adopted edition of the National Electric Code with the State of Florida.

(4)

Receive the approval of installation by the chief inspector of electrical installations.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.17. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.17, which pertained to permit for electrical construction—application; issuance, etc. and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1.

Sec. 22.18. - [Fees].

(1)

Before any permit is issued for the installation or alteration of electrical wiring, devices or equipment, the Electrical Contractor making application for such permit shall pay to the City a fee. Permit fees shall be set by the City Council of the City of Orlando, by Resolution, which may be amended from time to time. A certified copy of the Resolution setting forth current permit fees shall be on file with the City Clerk and the Building Official.

(2)

Failure to Obtain a Permit. Where any electrical installation is commenced before a permit is obtained, the permit fees shall be doubled. Double fees shall not be charged if, prior to the start of any electrical work, a master electrician satisfies the chief electrical inspector that he is unable to obtain a permit prior to the start of the work. However, if the contractor does not obtain a permit within seventy-two (72) hours after the start of the work, double fees will be charged.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 5-13-1974, § 1; Ord. of 1-13-1975, § 1; Ord. of 9-21-1981, § 1; Ord. of 3-5-1984, Doc. #18408; Ord. of 12-17-1990, Doc. #24466; Ord. of 2-10-1992, Doc. #25464; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.19. - [Meter Service].

For the purpose of this Chapter to regulate the issuing of permits, each recording watt-hour meter and all feeder wires, sub-feeder wires and branch circuit wires connecting the same shall be constructed as one meter service, and a separate permit must be obtained for work requiring a permit performed on each such meter service.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.20. - Application of National Electrical Code.

The rules and regulations of the National Electrical Code as adopted shall govern all electrical construction and all materials and appliances used in connection with the installation, maintenance and operation of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment for light, heat or power within the City.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 1-13-1975, § 2; Ord. of 6-5-1978, § 4; Ord. of 9-21-1981, § 2; Ord. of 3-5-1984, Doc. #18408; Ord. of 2-10-1992, Doc. #25464; Ord. of 12-13-1993, Doc. #27095; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.21. - Conformance to Rules and Regulations.

All electrical construction and all materials and appliances used in connection with the installation, maintenance and operation of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment for light, heat or power within the limits of the City shall conform to the rules and regulations embodied in this Chapter and such as may be adopted as hereinbefore provided and shall conform with such construction and approved methods of construction as is reasonably necessary for safety to life or property. The current regulations, as laid down in the National Electrical Code, as approved by the American Standards Association; the National Safety Code, as approved by the American Standards Association; and other installation and safety regulations approved by the American Standards Association shall be prima facie evidence of such approved methods as of the time such regulations are laid down.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. of 1-13-1975, § 3; Ord. of 6-5-1978, § 5; Ord. of 9-21-1981, § 3; Ord. of 3-5-1984, Doc. #18408; Ord. of 12-13-1993, Doc. #27095; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.22. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Former § 22.22, relative to approved materials, devices, or appliances, derived from Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1, was repealed by Ord. of 6-5-1978, § 6.

Sec. 22.23. - Powers and Duties Generally of Chief Inspector of Electrical Installations.

It shall be the duty of the City Building Official to designate a chief inspector of electrical installations, who under the supervision and direction of the Building Official shall issue permits for, and inspect all electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment for light, heat or power, inside of or attached to buildings within the limits of the City, and to look after the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to same, and to exercise a general supervision over all electrical construction.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.24. - Interfering with Chief Inspector of Electrical Installations.

It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or interfere with the chief inspector of electrical installations or any assistant City electrical inspector in the discharge of his duties under this Chapter.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.25. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted § 22.25, which pertained to inspection procedure, etc. and derived from an ordinance adopted Dec. 6, 1971, § 1.

Sec. 22.26. - Unsafe or Dangerous Wiring, etc.

The chief inspector of electrical installations or any of his assistants is hereby empowered to inspect or reinspect all interior wires and apparatus conducting or using electrical current for light, heat or power, and when the conductors or apparatus are found to be unsafe to life or property, he shall notify the person owning, using or operating them to place the same in a safe and secure condition within twenty-four (24) hours, or within such further time as the chief inspector of electrical installations shall reasonably determine is necessary.

Whenever any wiring, apparatus or fixtures conducting or using current for light, heat or power is found upon inspection by the chief inspector of electrical installations or one of his duly authorized assistants, to be especially or immediately hazardous to life and/or property, the chief inspector of electrical installations, or one of his duly authorized assistants, shall immediately open the switch or circuit breaker controlling the supply of current to such wiring, apparatus or fixtures, and shall post in a conspicuous place near such switches or circuit breaker, a notice, printed in red letters as follows:

"NOTICE—WIRING CONDEMNED. The use of electric current is prohibited through this wiring or equipment until proper repairs have been made and approved by the chief inspector of electrical installations. Repairs must be made by a licensed electrician and the chief inspector of electrical installations must be notified when completed."

After such notice is posted as provided in the foregoing, no person shall close the switch or circuit breaker which has been opened by the chief inspector of electrical installations, or one of his duly authorized assistants, nor use or attempt to use any current through such wiring, apparatus or fixture, which has been condemned, until necessary repairs have been made and approved by the chief inspector of electrical installations. The chief inspector of electrical installations may also notify the Orlando Utilities Commission or other person furnishing current to such wiring, apparatus or fixtures to disconnect the supply wires and cut off the current from the premises where such wiring, apparatus or fixtures are located.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.27. - Electrical Work Not to be Delayed.

It shall be the duty of an Electrical Contractor to construct and complete all electrical work entrusted to his care without unreasonable delay and with all possible diligence.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.28. - Wiring of Motors.

Since the characteristics, voltage and phase, of the service available in different localities vary, it is necessary to consult the Orlando Utilities Commission before any motor installations are made, except as provided hereafter, in order to determine the character of service available for a particular installation. The Commission will also furnish advice and assistance to customers in the selection of proper motors for the load to be served, but such advice shall not impose any liability on the Commission.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.29. - Temporary Wiring.

The chief inspector of electrical installations may issue permits for the installation and use of approved systems of temporary wiring for light, heat or power when proper application is made for the same and there exists a reasonable necessity for such use; provided, that no such temporary wiring shall be allowed to remain in service for a period longer than thirty (30) days after the date of the permit, and that such temporary wiring shall not be dangerous to the safety of life or property. The chief inspector of electrical installations may renew this permit at his discretion.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.30. - Current Supplied from Private Plants.

(1)

All wiring or apparatus for light, heat or power in premises of whatsoever nature in locations within the City limits, which is to be supplied with current from a private plant, where the current is furnished by means of motor generator sets, or otherwise, may be arranged and connected so as to operate on any approved system of wiring, whether A.C. or D.C. two or three wire, subject to all other provisions of this Chapter and subject to the provisions that such wiring, arrangement and connection shall be such as to be reasonably safe to life and property.

(2)

No person shall furnish or supply any other person with any electrical current in the City unless such person shall have received a franchise to do so from the City.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.31. - Service Wiring to be Installed by Electricians Doing Inside Work; Exceptions.

All service wires inside of a building for supplying electrical current for light, heat or power shall be installed by the Electrical Contractor doing the inside wiring, except where service wires are to be primary or connected to an underground wiring system, in which case the electrical department of the Orlando Utilities Commission may install the service wires and meter equipment to the main service switch inside of the building; provided, that when service wires are installed by the electrical department of the Orlando Utilities Commission, they shall be installed in accordance with the rules and regulations of this Chapter.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 11-16-2015, Doc. #1511161208)

Sec. 22.32. - Meters Owned by Orlando Utilities Commission.

In no case shall an electrical meter owned by the Orlando Utilities Commission be allowed to be removed or changed by anyone other than a representative of the Orlando Utilities Commission.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.33. - Change of Load.

On all wiring installation where an increase or decrease of load is to be made, the Orlando Utilities Commission must be notified before appliances or equipment are connected, so that proper arrangements may be made by them.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

Sec. 22.34. - Service Entrance to Buildings.

The point of service entrance to buildings shall in each case be determined by the Orlando Utilities Commission.

(Ord. of 12-6-1971, § 1)

ARTICLE II. - RESERVED[2]

Footnotes: --- (2) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted Art. II, §§ 22.35—22.42, which pertained to rules and regulations governing electrical sign contractors and servicemen and derived from an ordinance adopted Mar. 5, 1984, Doc. #18408.

Sec. 22.35—22.42. - Reserved.

ARTICLE III. - RESERVED[3]

Footnotes: --- (3) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, adopted Nov. 16, 2015, Doc. #1511161208, deleted Art. III, §§ 22.43—22.65, which pertained to National Electrical Code and amendments. See the Code Comparative Table for a complete history of former Art. III.

Secs. 22.43—22.65. - Reserved.

Sec. 21.24. - Electronic Reporting/Penalties. Chapter 23 - COMMUNICATIONS RIGHT-OF-WAY UTILIZATION