Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance repealing and replacing City Code Chapter 25-12 Article 4 to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code and local amendments, and creating offenses and penalties.
De
Lead Department
Development Services.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
May 7, 2020 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20200507-027 adopting the 2020 National Electrical Code and related local amendments on Council Member Harper-Madison’s motion, Council Member Casar’s second on a 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
Martin Starrett, Building Inspections Division Manager, 512-974-3488; Todd Wilcox, Building Official, 512-974-1681
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
January 18, 2023 - Adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code and related local amendments recommended by the Electrical Board on an 6-0 vote. Commissioners Shope, Wallace, Flores, and King were absent.
Additional Backup Information:
The National Electrical Code provides a national standard for electrical installations associated with residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures. The proposed ordinance establishes amendments to address local installations, complies with state law, and is consistent with the State Electrical Law and the State’s adopted National Electrical Code.
Significant changes for the Adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code include:
• Section 210.8(A)(6), GFCI Protection for Personnel. Dwellings. Kitchens. all 125- to 250-volt receptacles located inside a kitchen require GFCI protection.
• Section 210.52(C)(2), Dwelling receptacles for island and peninsular, no longer requires receptacle outlets to serve kitchen islands and peninsulas in the dwelling unit.
• Section 210.8(D) added GFCI requirements for electric ranges, wall mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, and microwaves.
Highlights of the local amendments include:
• Minimized model code amendments to maintain consistency with national standards.
• Removed term “Electrical” from Professional Electrical Engineer for consistency with State Engineering Board.
• Removed Inspector qualifications that exist in the Building Criteria Manual.
• Removed the word “looping” from 110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work. National Code already has bending requirements.
• Removed 250.68(A)(1) Concrete Encased Electrode Accessibility. Already covered in the National Code.
• Revised 310.110(C)(1) Conductor Identification to 210.5(C)(1) and removed throughout each system at all terminations, connections, and splice points. Also added an exception for NM cable in one, two, and multi-family dwellings. Color and conductor identification were updated due to market changes. This is a legacy amendment remaining for consistency.