§ 12-25. Amendments to adopted electrical code.

The electrical code adopted in this division is amended as follows:

(1)

Section 14-16-370 is amended to read:

Service entrance conductors. The following provisions shall be followed with respect to service entrance conductors:

a.

Service entrance conductors, including underground services, shall have a current-carrying capacity sufficient to carry the load as determined by section 14-16-300 and in accordance with tables 14—68 of chapter 88-10 of the Chicago Electrical Code.

b.

Service entrance conductors shall not be smaller than two no. 3 copper type RH and one no. 4 or its equivalent in current-carrying capacity, except that when only one lighting circuit is supplied the service entrance conductors may be no. 8 minimum (14-16-300 Chicago Electrical Code).

(2)

Section 87-230-57 is amended to read as follows:

a.

Rating of service switch. The following provisions shall be followed with respect to rating of service switches:

1.

A service switch shall have a rating not less than the load to be carried, determined in accordance with section 14-16-370.

2.

In general, the service disconnecting means shall have a rating of not less than 100 amperes if a switch is used and not less than 100 amperes if a circuit breaker is used.

3.

(Deleted.)

4.

Where multiple switches or circuit breakers are used in accordance with 87-230-51A, the ratings of the service equipment shall not be less than the minimum specified in this section.

5.

Conductor size shall otherwise conform to the provisions of the 1996 Chicago Electrical Code.

6.

A distribution panel with a minimum of 12 branch circuits is required.

b.

Grounding. Where a metallic water system is not available driven ground is used in lieu of grounding to the water system, an approved bond must be installed between the electrical conduit and the main water supply leading into the building before the meter.

c.

Receptacle circuits (dwelling occupancies). The following provisions shall be followed with respect to receptacle circuits:

1.

For the small appliance load in kitchen, laundry, utility room, pantry, dining room and breakfast room of dwelling occupancies, two or more balanced branch circuits shall be provided for all receptacle outlets (other than outlets for clocks) in these rooms, and such circuits shall have no other outlets.

2.

The conductors of such circuits shall be no smaller than no. 12.

(3)

Low voltage transformer. All low voltage transformers must be readily accessible.

(4)

Swimming pools. Electrical regulations pertaining to swimming pools shall be as stated in 14-32-1570 of the 1996 Chicago Electrical Code.

(5)

Cables; grounding. The use of aluminum cable for electrical services is herewith prohibited.

a.

[For] all grounds for new services, the cable must go directly to the water meter and not to the nearest water pipe.

(6)

Section 87-250-92 is hereby amended, eliminating "ground electrode" and adding "water meter."

(7)

Section 87-25-112 is herewith amended to eliminate "electrode" and add "water meter" and to further eliminate items (a) and (b) of the section.

(8)

All grounding for new surfaces shall be directly to the service side of the water meter and bonded to the street side of the water meter.

(Code 1978, § 4-2-4; Code 1997, § 18-130)