Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-21 Public hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m., on the 21st day of June, 2005, in City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE 2005 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE TO BE KNOWN AS THE IOWA CITY ELECTRICAL CODE. Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK Hisinsp/n ph-eleccode05.doc Date: June 13, 2005 To: City Council From: Tim Hennes, Senior Building Inspector'¢w Pat Hansen, Building Inspector Re: 2005 National Electrical Code The 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) is being forwarded to you for your consideration and approval. Staff has worked with the Iowa City Homebuilders Association, the licensed electricians and the Board of Appeals in the review of the NEC. The Board of Appeals has unanimously recommended approval of the 2005 NEC. Staff also recommends approval of the code. Clarification of cable protection requirements in insulated concrete foam wall construction, enforcement of the requirement to provide grounding to the footing or foundation steel and the interpretation and enforcement of cable protection in unfinished basements were discussed during the May 24, 2005 Board of Appeals meeting. Attached is a more detailed summary of the local amendments and general changes to the NEC. Hisbldg\memo\codecover05.doc 06/13/05 Summary of the Iowa City Amendments To the 2005 National Electrical Code Changes "A" through "A.17" "Administration and Enforcement" Change: Annex "G .... Administration and Enforcement" of thc 2005 NEC will be adopted, amended and relocated to thc first section of thc adoptive code. Commentary: Thc change helps maintain consistency with previously adopted Administrative Sections of the Iowa City Electrical Code. Change "B" Article 100 Definitions: Definitions were modified to clarify requirements throughout the Iowa City Electrical Code. Change "C" Section 210.52(A)(2) "Wall Space": Change: This Section has been modified. An exception was added to further clarify installation requirements for receptacles at open type "Guard Rail". Commentary: The exception was added to further clarify when installation of receptacles would be required with an open type railing installation. In these types of applications a receptacle installed in the floor is used to meet the receptacle spacing requirements. The exception does not require a receptacle to be installed in those portions of living areas clearly used as walkways. Change "D" Section 210.52{C )(2) "Island Counter Spaces": Change: This Section has been modified to not require receptacles at kitchen islands, however they will be permitted. Commentary: The change tries to help eliminate hazards that occur when appliances are placed on the island countertop. Receptacles that serve these countertops are usually installed below the countertop surface. When appliances are plugged in, the cords for these appliances hangover the countertops edge and create a serious hazard for small children. However receptacles that are installed at these locations shall be required to meet the 2005 NEC. Change "E" Section 210.52(C )(3) "Peninsular Counter Spaces": Change: This Section has been modified to provide 2 options for the installation requirements for receptacles at peninsular countertop areas. Commentary: The change provides options. One of 2 options requires receptacle placements to be installed above the kitchen countertop areas that they serve. The other option will allow receptacle(s) to be installed above and or below the countertop areas that they serve. This will leave some flexibility for the homeowners and contractors during their kitchen design. 06/13/05 Change "F" Section 210.52(D) "Bathrooms": Change: This Section has been modified to require bathroom receptacles to be installed above thc rim level of bathroom countertops. Commentary: The change added "above the rim" to the last sentence o£ the paragraph. This will help maintain consistency with other receptacle installation requirements for countertop type installations. Change "G" Section 210.52(H) "Hallways": Change: This Section has been modified to further clarify the requirements for thc installation of receptacles at landings, and entryways of dwelling units, and common areas of multi-family dwellings. Commentary: The change clarifies the installation of general convenience receptacles in common areas o£ apartment buildings. Further it clarifies installation requirements within dwelling units. Change "H" Section 210.52(I) "Water Conditioning Equipment": Change: This Section has been modified by, adding a new section that requires a receptacle to be installed for water conditioning equipment. Commentary: The change requires a receptacle to be installed in areas where water- conditioning equipment would normally sit. This is to help eliminate the use of extension cords, in areas that are not normally habitable. Change "I" Section 210.70(A)(1) "Switches for Habitable Rooms": Change: This Section has been modified to clarify the location of required switches for general lighting. Commentary: The change clarifies that a switch shall be located within 5' of where you enter a room, or a room that is accessible from grade, to operate the lighting outlets of each habitable room(s). Change "J" Section 225.19(D)(2) "Overhead Feeder & Branch Circuit Clearances": Change: This Section has been modified to clarify the point, at which measurements will be taken, to determine the height for overhead feeders and branch circuits over projections, platforms, or places where they maybe reached. 06/13/05 Commentary: The change helps determine that a 3' vertical clearance of final spans above, or within 3 ft (914 mm) measured horizontally of, platforms, projections, and walking/and or sitting surfaces shall be maintained. These areas will be a nominal 6" board width or wider or any other surface from which they might be reached. Change "K" Section 230.9(B) "Overhead Service Entrance Conductors": Change: This Section has been modified to clarify the point, at which measurements will be taken, to determine the height for overhead conductor heights for Service Entrance Conductors over projections, platforms, fire escapes, pomhes, balconies, ladders, stairs, etc. Commentary: The change helps determine that a 3' vertical clearance of final spans above, or within 3 ft (914 mm) measured horizontally over projections, platforms, fire escapes, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, and walking/and or sitting surfaces shall be maintained. These areas will also include areas constructed to be a nominal 6" board width or wider or any other surface from which they might be reached. Change "L" Section 230.50 "PVC for Protection of Service Entrance Conductors": Change: This Section has been modified to limit the use of PVC type conduit for Service Entrance Cable protection. Commentary: The change limits the use of PVC for protection of Service Entrance Conductors to 6'on the exterior of a building or structure. Metallic Raceways will offer better protection for longer runs of"non-fused" conductors, and also will not be effected by exposure to sunlight over long periods of time. Change "M" Section 230.79 "Rating of Service Disconnecting Means": Change: This Section has been modified to provide provisions to determine the minimum size over current protective devices to be installed to protect Feeder or Service Entrance Conductors installed to dwelling units. Commentary: The change allows the given square footage of thc dwelling unit to be served, to be used as the determining factor to size the Feeder / Service Entrance Conductor over current device. The number of circuit spaces available in an electrical panel is directly related to the Ampere rating of the Equipment itself. By requiring the larger size Over-Current Device rating, the more spaces that will be available within the electrical panels. 06/13/05 Change "N" Section 250.62 "Grounding Electrode Conductor Material": Change: This Section has been modified to allow only copper to be used in the Grounding Electrode System. Commentary: The change was made to clarify that all portions of the Grounding Electrode System shall be o£copper material. Change "O' Section 250.64 "Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation": Change: This Section was modified to clarify installation requirements for conductors that are part of the Grounding Electrode System. Commentary: The change requires that all conductors shall be of copper. Conductors that are installed on the exterior of a building will require further protection when they are exposed more than 24". Change "P" Table 250.66" Min. of a #4 AWG. Grounding Electrode Conductor": Change: This table has been modified to allow a #4 AWG conductor for the minimum size electrode conductor to be installed to the copper water service of a dwelling. Commentary: The change requires that a #4 AWG be required as a minimum size conductor to be used. This will save the Homeowner / Property owner money and time if and when they have the Service upgraded in the future. As far as the initial installation cost, it is minimal price difference between #8 AWG and #4 AWG Change "Q" Section 250.104{B) "Bondine of Metal Pil~in~ Systems": Change: This Section has been modified to further explain sizing requirements for the bonding conductor. Commentary: The change clarifies that the size of the bonding jumper for all metal piping systems will be determined by the rating of the Main or Feeder Over-current device for the unit that is being served. Change "R" Section 300.13{B) "Pigtails for Device Removal" Change: This Section has been modified to require that the continuity of all conductors shall not be dependent on devices and lamp-holders. Commentary: The change requires that all conductors, for all types of branch cimuits, that are terminated at devices or lamp holders shall be mechanically connected together and then terminated to the device. 06/13/05 Change "S' Section 314.27(C) "Ceiling Fan Rated Boxes": Change: This Section has been modified to require ceiling fan rated boxes to be installed at all lighting outlet locations where a ceiling fan could be installed. Commentary: The change requires that any ceiling opening used for lighting will require a ceiling fan rated box to be installed at that location. The Amendment allows for discretion for the areas not conducive for a ceiling fan installation. The electrical box that supports the fan is the first step in assuring the safety of the public. Change "T"~ Section 320.108 "AC Type Cable Grounding Construction Specs": Change: This Section has been modified to require a Grounding Conductor to be installed within the sheath of all AC type cables from the factory. Commentary: The change requires that a separate grounding conductor be installed within the sheath of all AC type cables. The internal grounding conductor will assist the metallic sheath of the cable to facilitate thc operation of the breaker. Change "U"~ Section 330.108 "MC Type Cable Grounding Construction Specs": Change: This Section has been modified to require a Grounding Conductor to be installed within the sheath of all MC type cables from the factory. Commentary: The change requires that a separate grounding conductor be installed within the sheath of all MC type cables. The internal grounding conductor will assist the metallic sheath of the cable to facilitate the operation of the breaker. Change "V"~ Section 334.10 NM ,type Cable "Uses Permitted": Change: This Section has been modified to allow NM type cable to be installed only in Residential Type Occupancies as determined by the Building Code. Commentary: The change allows the use of NM Type Cable ("Romex" / "Housewife") to only be installed in Residential Occupancies. Residential type occupancies do not alter their electrical systems without major remodels. Commercial type occupancies using other types of wiring methods, such as a raceway method, can be altered without major structural remodeling. Change "W"~ Section 348.12 "Flexible Metal Conduit Uses": Change: This Section has been modified to limit the use of Flexible Metal Conduit in concealed areas in new construction. Commentary: The change restricts the use of flexible metal conduit to be concealed in walls, and ceiling assemblies (including above drop ceilings) in lengths greater than 6' 06/13/05 unless approved prior to the installation. It shall be permitted in existing construction where fished in undisturbed walls or ceiling assemblies. Change "X"I Section 518.4(B) "Non-Rated Construction in Assembly Occupancy": Change: This Section has been modified to eliminate the use of NM type cable in an Assembly Occupancy. Commentary: The change does not allow the use of NM cable at all in an Assembly Occupancy. This also maintains consistency with other requirements for NM type installations. Change "Y" Section 680.41 "Emergency Switch for Private Hot Tubs and Spas": Change: This Section has been modified not to require "Emergency Shut-off' switches for all single-family dwellings. Commentary: The change clarifies that "Emergency Shut-off Switches" for spas and hot tubs will not be required for single family dwellings or those Hot Tubs & Spas that are not for use by the general public. 06/13/05 Summary of General Changes To the 2005 National Electrical Code 210.8(B)(4)&(5) ... GFCI Protection Requirements for "Other Than Dwellin~ Units". 2005 National Electrical Code has added new requirement to cover outdoor receptacles at other than dwelling units. Receptacles that are installed outdoors and are accessible to the public are required to be GFCI protected. In addition, receptacles installed outdoors for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment will be required to be GFCI protected. * 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit Protection Requirementsl 210-18 Guest Rooms & Suites: 2005 National Electrical Code has added additional ways for providing AFCI protection for dwelling unit bedrooms, a AFCI Breaker can be installed or the protection can come from a AFCI device (receptacle). If an AFCI device is to be installed to provide the protection, its location in the circuit is critical. January 1st of 2008 all AFCI breakers and devices will be required to be of the combination type. These breakers and Devices will be required to be tested and listed to be able to recognize a "Series" and or a "Parallel" type of arc. 210.18 Now requires that the same type of AFCI protection will also be required for Guest Rooms and Suites. 250.50 Grounding Electrode System: 2005 National Electrical Code has removed the word "available" from the Section 250.50. By deleting "available" it has clarified that all Electrical Services shall be bonded to the steel located in the within the footing. In addition there was an exception added. The exception does not require a connection be made to the footing steel on existing buildings or dwellings during remodeling or alterations. 314.16 (B)(1) Conductor Allowances for Looped Conductors in a Box: Unbroken loops of conductors that are installed within a junction box will have to be added to the box fill calculation. If the loop contains not less than twice the amount of free conductors (not < 12") an additional count of 2 conductors will be added to the calculation. 06/13/05 * 334.15 (B) Exposed NM Cable; Protection from Physical Damage: 2005 National Electrical Code has added verbiage to address installations of NM cable in shallow chases in masonry, concrete, or adobe. This would include those types of installations located in Foam Foundation type homes. It will be required to protect these types of cable installations with one of the following means; Rigid Metal Conduit, Intermediate Conduit, Electrical Metallic Tubing, or Scheduled 80 PVC, or 1/16th plate the length of the cable. * 334.15 (C) Exposed NM Cable; Unfinished Basement: 2005 National Electrical Code has addressed thc requirement for protection of NM cables installed in unfinished basements. Cables installed in walls in an unfinished basement shall be protected by a listed conduit system, and shall be installed to avoid abrasion damage where the cable enters the conduit system. Cables installed in a wall entering an Electrical Panel shall be protected per 312.5 (C) for Cabinets, Cutout Boxes, and Meter Enclosures. 408.4 Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification: 2005 National Electrical Code has addressed a long time problem. All circuits and circuit modifications shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose. Thc Panel Schedules for all panels will have to contain more detail to what each overcurrcnt device protects and controls. 422.51 Cord and Plug Connected Vending Machines: 2005 National Electrical Code does require as of January 1st, 2005 all vending machines will require GFCI protection as part of the vending machine itself. Vending machines prior to having this requirement shall be attached to a GFCI protected Receptacle. Article 605:605.6 Fixed-Type Partitions; 605.7 Freestanding-Type Partitions; 2005 National Electrical Code has added a new requirement to the installation of Fixed and Freestanding - Type Office Partitions. The wiring method is still required to be one of the methods allowed in Chapter 3 of the 2005 NEC. The new requirement is, when partitions are connected to a multi-wire branch circuit that there shall be a means to disconnect all of the ungrounded "hot" conductors simultaneously. 680.26 Equipotential Bonding for Swimming Pools: Sections 680.26 (B)(1) & 680.26 2005 National Electrical Code has clarified how thc Equipotcntial Bonding (Grounding) Grid shall be installed. The addition of the "Alternate Means" to Part C, has given direction on how to eliminate Voltage Gradients. 06/13/05 * Article 695 Fire Pumps: 695.4(B)(2) Disconnecting Means requirements: 2005 National Electrical Code has added a number (3) to the list of requirements for the disconnecting means for Fire Pumps. (3) Can not be located within equipment that feeds loads other than the fire pump. This now has made it clear that the disconnecting means for Fire Pumps shall be located in switch gear/enclosure completely separate from all other equipment. Hisbldgh~nemoX2005NEC Summary.doc NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE 2005 TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION PROJECT IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Public notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the construction of the 2005 Traffic Signalization Project in said city at 7:00 p.m. on the 21st day of June, 2005, said meeting to be held in the Emma J. Harvat Hall in the City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street in said city, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk. Said plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City Clerk in the City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may be inspected by any interested persons. Any interested persons may appear at said meeting of the City Council for the purpose of making objections to and comments concerning said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of making said improvement. This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by law. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE MISSING LINK TRAIL PROJECT IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Public notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the construction of the Missing Link Trail Project in said city at 7:00 p.m. on the 21st day of June, 2005, said meeting to be held in the Emma J. Harvat Hall in the City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street in said city, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk. Said plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City Clerk in the City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may be inspected by any interested persons. Any interested persons may appear at said meeting of the City Council for the purpose of making objections to and comments concerning said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of making said improvement. This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by law. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK