PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Effective Date of Rule: June 30, 2005.
Purpose: Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation (chapter 296-46B WAC). The primary purpose of this rule making is to update the electrical rules to adopt the current American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards and the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC), which are national consensus standards that the industry is already using. Changes also made the electrical rule easier to use and understand, corrected some typographical errors, and reformatting for usability. The rule also allowed the electrical industry to make proposals to improve code interpretations and align rules with industry practices.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-46B-010 General. Adopted standards -- Inspectors -- City inspection -- Variance, 296-46B-020 General definitions, 296-46B-030 Industrial control panel and industrial utilization equipment inspection. Specific definitions, 296-46B-110 General--Requirements for electrical installations, 296-46B-210 Wiring and protection -- Branch circuits, 296-46B-220 Wiring and protection--Branch circuit, feeder, and service calculations, 296-46B-225 Wiring and protection--Outside branch circuits and feeders, 296-46B-230 Wiring and protection--Services, 296-46B-250 Wiring and protection--Grounding and bonding, 296-46B-300 Wiring methods and materials--Wiring methods, 296-46B-314 Wiring methods and materials--Outlet, device, pull and junction boxes, 296-46B-334 Wiring methods and materials--Nonmetallic-sheathed cable, 296-46B-410 Equipment for general use--Luminaires, 296-46B-700 Special conditions--Emergency systems, 296-46B-800 Communications systems--Communications circuits, 296-46B-900 Electrical work permits and fees, 296-46B-915 Civil penalty schedule, 296-46B-920 Electrical/telecommunications license/certificate types and scope of work, 296-46B-925 Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, 296-46B-930 Assignment--Administrator or master electrician, 296-46B-935 Administrator certificate, 296-46B-940 Electrician/training/temporary certificate of competency or permit required, 296-46B-945 Qualifying for master, journeyman, specialty electrician examinations, 296-46B-950 Opportunity for gaining credit for previous work experience gained in certain specialties, 296-46B-955 Appliance repair specialty electrician enforcement procedures, 296-46B-960 Administrator and electrician certificate of competency examinations, 296-46B-965 Training certificate required, 296-46B-970 Continuing education and 296-46B-998 Standards; new sections WAC 296-46B-590 Special occupancies -- Temporary installations and 296-46B-760 Fire alarm systems; and repealing WAC 296-46B-527 Special occupancies -- Temporary installations and 296-46B-951 Domestic appliance specialty.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, and 19.28.551.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 05-06-063 on March 1, 2005.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 2, Amended 29, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 2, Amended 29, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 2, Amended 29, Repealed 2.
Date Adopted: April 26, 2005.
Judy Schurke
Acting Director
OTS-7825.5
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-12-049, filed 5/28/04,
effective 6/30/04)
WAC 296-46B-010
General.
Adopted standards - inspectors - city inspection - variance.
(1) The ((2002)) 2005 edition of the National Electrical
Code (NFPA 70 - ((2002)) 2005) including Annex A, B, and C((,
but excluding Article 80)); the ((1999)) 2003 edition of
((Centrifugal Fire Pumps)) standard for the Installation of
Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection (NFPA 20 - ((1999))
2003); the 2002 edition of standard for Emergency and Standby
Power Systems (NFPA 110 - 2002); Commercial Building
Telecommunications Cabling Standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.1-May
2001 including Annex 1 through 5); Commercial Building
Standard for Telecommunications Pathway and Spaces
(ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A-7 December 2001 including Annex 1 through
4); Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for
Telecommunications (ANSI/TIA/EIA 607 - A - ((1994)) 2002);
Residential Telecommunications Cable Standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA
570-A-((1999)) December 2001); and the National Electrical
Safety Code (NESC C2-2002 excluding Appendixes A and B) are
hereby adopted by reference as part of this chapter. Other
codes, manuals, and reference works referred to in this
chapter are available for inspection and review in the Olympia
office of the electrical section of the department during
business hours.
The requirements of this chapter will be observed where
there is any conflict between this chapter and the National
Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20),
the Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110),
ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-((A))B, ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607,
ANSI/TIA/EIA 570, or the NESC C2-2002.
The National Electrical Code will be followed where there
is any conflict between ((Centrifugal Fire Pumps)) standard
for Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection (NFPA
20), standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA
110), ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-((A)) B, ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A,
ANSI/TIA/EIA 607, ANSI/TIA/EIA 570, or the NESC C2-2002 and
the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).
(2) Electrical inspectors will give information as to the interpretation or application of the standards in this chapter, but will not lay out work or act as consultants for contractors, owners, or users.
(3) The department may enforce city electrical ordinances where those governmental agencies do not make electrical inspections under an established program.
(4) A variance from the electrical installation requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter may be granted by the department when it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.
(a) Any electrical permit holder may request a variance.
(b) The permit holder must make the request in writing, using a form provided by the department, to the chief electrical inspector. The request must include:
(i) A description of the installation as installed or proposed;
(ii) A detailed list of the applicable code violations;
(iii) A detailed list of safety violations;
(iv) A description of the proposal for meeting equivalent objectives for code and/or safety violations; and
(v) Appropriate variance application fee as listed in WAC 296-46B-905.
Inspection.
(5) Electrical wiring or equipment subject to this
chapter must be sufficiently accessible, at the time of
inspection, to ((permit)) allow the inspector to visually
inspect the installation to verify conformance with the NEC
and any other electrical requirements of this chapter.
(6) Cables or raceways, fished according to the NEC, do not require visual inspection.
(7) ((Wires pulled into conduit systems are not
considered concealed.)) All required equipment grounding
conductors installed in concealed ((raceway,)) cable((,)) or
flexible conduit systems must be completely installed and made
up at the time of the rough-in cover inspection.
(8) The installation of all structural elements and mechanical systems (e.g., framing, plumbing, ducting, etc.) must be complete in the area(s) where electrical inspection is requested. Prior to completion of an exterior wall cover inspection, either:
(a) The exterior shear panel/sheathing nail inspection must be completed by the building code inspector; or
(b) All wiring and device boxes must be a minimum of 63 mm (2 1/2") from the exterior surface of the framing member; or
(c) All wiring and device boxes must be protected by a steel plate a minimum of 1.6 mm (1/16") thick and of appropriate width and height installed to cover the area of the wiring or box.
(9) In order to meet the minimum electrical safety standards for installations, all materials, devices, appliances, and equipment, not exempted in chapter 19.28 RCW, must conform to applicable standards recognized by the department, be listed, or field evaluated. Other than as allowed in WAC 296-46B-030(3), equipment must not be energized until such standards are met unless specific permission has been granted by the chief electrical inspector.
(10) The department will recognize the state department of transportation as the inspection authority for telecommunications systems installation within the rights of way of state highways provided the department of transportation maintains and enforces an equal, higher or better standard of construction and of materials, devices, appliances and equipment than is required for telecommunications systems installations by chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
Inspection - move on buildings and structures.
(11) All buildings or structures relocated into or within the state:
(a) Other than residential, wired inside the United States (U.S.) must be inspected to ensure compliance with current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department.
(b) Wired outside the U.S. or Canada must be inspected to ensure compliance with all current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department.
(12) Residential buildings or structures wired in the U.S., to NEC requirements, and moved into or within a county, city, or town must be inspected to ensure compliance with the NEC requirements in effect at the time and place the original wiring was made. The building or structure must be inspected to ensure compliance with all current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department if:
(a) The original occupancy classification of the building or structure is changed as a result of the move; or
(b) The building or structure has been substantially remodeled or rehabilitated as a result of the move.
(13) Residential buildings or structures wired in Canada to Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) standards and moved into or within a county, city, or town, must be inspected to ensure compliance with the following minimum safety requirements:
(a) Service, service grounding, and service bonding must comply with the current chapter 19.28 RCW and rules adopted by the department.
(b) Canadian Standards Association (CSA) listed Type NMD cable is allowed with the following qualifications:
(i) CSA listed Type NMD cable, American Wire Gauge #10 and smaller installed after 1964 utilizing an equipment grounding conductor smaller than the phase conductors, must be:
(A) Replaced with a cable utilizing a full-size equipment grounding conductor; or
(B) Protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device.
(ii) CSA listed Type NMD cable, #8 AWG and larger, must:
(A) Utilize an equipment grounding conductor sized according to the requirements of the NEC in effect at the time of the installation;
(B) Be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device; or
(C) Be replaced.
(c) Other types of wiring and cable must be:
(i) Replaced with wiring listed or field evaluated in accordance with U.S. standards by a laboratory approved by the department; or
(ii) Protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device and arc fault circuit protection device.
(d) Equipment, other than wiring or panelboards, manufactured and installed prior to 1997 must be listed and identified by laboratory labels approved by the department or CSA labels.
(e) All panelboards must be listed and identified by testing laboratory labels approved by the department with the following qualifications:
(i) CSA listed panelboards labeled "Suitable for Use as Service Equipment" will be considered to be approved as "Suitable for Use only as Service Equipment."
(ii) CSA listed panelboards must be limited to a maximum of 42 circuits.
(iii) CSA listed panelboards used as lighting and appliance panelboards as described in the NEC, must meet all current requirements of the NEC and this chapter.
(f) Any wiring or panelboards replaced or changed as a result of the move must meet current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
(g) The location, type, and ground fault circuit interrupter protection of receptacles and equipment in a bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, or outdoor area must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(h) 4, 15-ampere, kitchen small appliance circuits will be accepted in lieu of 2, 20-ampere, kitchen small appliance circuits. Receptacles will not be required to be added on kitchen peninsular or island counters.
(i) Spacing requirements for all other receptacles must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(j) Receptacles installed above baseboard or fixed wall space heaters must be removed and the outlet box covered with a blank cover. The receptacle is required to be relocated as closely as possible to the existing location.
(k) Lighting outlet and switch locations must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(l) Dedicated 20-ampere small appliance circuits are not required in dining rooms.
(m) Electric water heater branch circuits must be adequate for the load.
(n) The location, type, and circuit protection of feeders must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
Classification or definition of occupancies.
(14) Occupancies are classified and defined as follows:
(a) Educational facility refers to a building or portion of a building used primarily for educational purposes by six or more persons at one time for twelve hours per week or four hours in any one day. Educational occupancy includes: Schools (preschool through grade twelve), colleges, academies, universities, and trade schools.
(b) Institutional facility refers to a building or portion of a building used primarily for detention and correctional occupancies where some degree of restraint or security is required for a time period of twenty-four or more hours. Such occupancies include, but are not restricted to: Penal institutions, reformatories, jails, detention centers, correctional centers, and residential-restrained care.
(c) Health or personal care facility. Health or personal care facility refers to buildings or parts of buildings that contain, but are not limited to, facilities that are required to be licensed by the department of social and health services or the department of health (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, private alcoholism hospitals, private psychiatric hospitals, boarding homes, alcoholism treatment facilities, maternity homes, birth centers or childbirth centers, residential treatment facilities for psychiatrically impaired children and youths, and renal hemodialysis clinics) and medical, dental or chiropractic offices or clinics, outpatient or ambulatory surgical clinics, and such other health care occupancies where patients who may be unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance of another person are treated.
(i) "Hospital" means any institution, place, building, or agency providing accommodations, facilities and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more, for observation, diagnosis, or care of two or more individuals not related to the operator who are suffering from illness, injury, deformity, or abnormality, or from any other condition for which obstetrical, medical, or surgical services would be appropriate for care or diagnosis.
(ii) "Nursing home," "nursing home unit" or "long-term care unit" means a group of beds for the accommodation of patients who, because of chronic illness or physical infirmities, require skilled nursing care and related medical services but are not acutely ill and not in need of the highly technical or specialized services ordinarily a part of hospital care.
(iii) "Boarding home" means any home or other institution, however named, which is advertised, announced, or maintained for the express or implied purpose of providing board and domiciliary care to seven or more aged persons not related by blood or marriage to the operator. It must not include any home, institution, or section thereof which is otherwise licensed and regulated under the provisions of state law providing specifically for the licensing and regulation of such home, institution, or section thereof.
(iv) "Private alcoholism hospital" means an institution, facility, building, or equivalent designed, organized, maintained, and operated to provide diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals demonstrating signs or symptoms of alcoholism, including the complications of associated substance use and other medical diseases that can be appropriately treated and cared for in the facility and providing accommodations, medical services, and other necessary services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more for two or more individuals unrelated to the operator, provided that this chapter will not apply to any facility, agency, or other entity which is owned and operated by a public or governmental body.
(v) "Alcoholism treatment facility" means a private place or establishment, other than a licensed hospital, operated primarily for the treatment of alcoholism.
(vi) "Private psychiatric hospital" means a privately owned and operated establishment or institution which: Provides accommodations and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more, and is expressly and exclusively for observing, diagnosing, or caring for two or more individuals with signs or symptoms of mental illness, who are not related to the licensee.
(vii) "Maternity home" means any home, place, hospital, or institution in which facilities are maintained for the care of four or more women, not related by blood or marriage to the operator, during pregnancy or during or within ten days after delivery: Provided, however, that this definition will not apply to any hospital approved by the American College of Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association or its successor.
(viii) "Birth center" or "childbirth center" means a type of maternity home which is a house, building, or equivalent organized to provide facilities and staff to support a birth service, provided that the birth service is limited to low-risk maternal clients during the intrapartum period.
(ix) "Ambulatory surgical facility" means a facility, not a part of a hospital, providing surgical treatment to patients not requiring inpatient care in a hospital. This term does not include a facility in the offices of private physicians or dentists, whether for individual or group practice, if the privilege of using such facility is not extended to physicians or dentists outside the individual or group practice. (NEC; Ambulatory Health Care Center.)
(x) "Hospice care center" means any building, facility, place, or equivalent, organized, maintained, and operated specifically to provide beds, accommodations, facilities, and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more for palliative care of two or more individuals, not related to the operator, who are diagnosed as being in the latter stages of an advanced disease which is expected to lead to death.
(xi) "Renal hemodialysis clinic" means a facility in a building or part of a building which is approved to furnish the full spectrum of diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services required for the care of renal dialysis patients (including inpatient dialysis furnished directly or under arrangement). (NEC; Ambulatory Health Care Center.)
(xii) "Medical, dental, and chiropractic clinic" means any clinic or physicians' office where patients are not regularly kept as bed patients for twenty-four hours or more. Electrical plan review not required.
(xiii) "Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth" means a residence, place, or facility designed and organized to provide twenty-four-hour residential care and long-term individualized, active treatment for clients who have been diagnosed or evaluated as psychiatrically impaired.
(xiv) "Adult residential rehabilitation center" means a residence, place, or facility designed and organized primarily to provide twenty-four-hour residential care, crisis and short-term care and/or long-term individualized active treatment and rehabilitation for clients diagnosed or evaluated as psychiatrically impaired or chronically mentally ill as defined herein or in chapter 71.24 RCW.
(xv) "Group care facility" means a facility other than a foster-family home maintained and operated for the care of a group of children on a twenty-four-hour basis.
(d) Licensed day care centers.
(i) "Child day care center" means a facility providing regularly scheduled care for a group of children one month of age through twelve years of age for periods less than twenty-four hours; except, a program meeting the definition of a family child care home will not be licensed as a day care center without meeting the requirements of WAC 388-150-020(5).
(ii) "School-age child care center" means a program operating in a facility other than a private residence accountable for school-age children when school is not in session. The facility must meet department of licensing requirements and provide adult supervised care and a variety of developmentally appropriate activities.
(iii) "Family child day care home" means the same as "family child care home" and "a child day care facility" licensed by the state, located in the family abode of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of twelve or fewer children, including children who reside at the home. Electrical plan review not required.
Plan review for educational, institutional or health care facilities and other buildings.
(15) Plan review is a part of the electrical inspection process; its primary purpose is to determine:
(a) That ((loads and)) service/feeder conductors are
calculated and sized according to the proper NEC or WAC
article or section;
(b) The classification of hazardous locations; and
(c) The proper design of emergency and standby systems.
(16) ((All electrical plans for new or altered electrical
installations in educational, institutional, and health or
personal care occupancies classified or defined in this
chapter must be reviewed and approved before the electrical
installation or alteration is started. Approved plans must be
available on the job site for use during the electrical
installation or alteration and for use by the electrical
inspector. Plans are not required to be on the job site for a
preliminary electrical inspection if:
(a) Completed electrical plans have been submitted and conditionally accepted by the department for review; and
(b) The permit holder has requested the inspection in writing to the department noting that the preliminary electrical inspection is conditional and subject to any changes required from the plan review process. No other inspections will be allowed until the department has approved all submitted plans and the approved plans are on the job site.
(17) All electrical plans for educational facilities, hospitals and nursing homes must be prepared by, or under the direction of, a consulting electrical engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW, and chapters 246B-320, 180-29, and 388-97 WAC and stamped with the engineer's mark and signature.
(18) Plans for these electrical installations within cities that perform electrical inspections within their jurisdiction, and provide an electrical plan review program that equals or exceeds the department's program in plans examiner minimum qualifications per chapter 19.28 RCW, must be submitted to that city for review rather than to the department, unless the agency licensing or regulating the installation specifically requires review by the department.
(19) Refer plans for department review to the Electrical Section, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, Washington 98504-4460.
(20) Plans to be reviewed by the department must be legible, identify the name and classification of the facility, clearly indicate the scope and nature of the installation and the person or firm responsible for the electrical plans. The plans must clearly show the electrical installation or alteration in floor plan view, include switchboard and/or panelboard schedules and when a service or feeder is to be installed or altered, must include a riser diagram, load calculation, fault current calculation and interrupting rating of equipment. Where existing electrical systems are to supply additional loads, the plans must include documentation that proves adequate capacity and ratings. The plans must be submitted with a plan review submittal form available from the department. Plan review fees are not required to be paid until the review is completed. Plans will not be returned until all fees are paid.
(21) Plan review for new or altered electrical installations of other types of construction may be voluntarily requested by the owner or electrical contractor.
(22) For existing structures where additions or alterations to feeders and services are proposed, Article 220.35(1) NEC may be used. If Article 220.35(1) NEC is used, the following is required:
(a) The date of the measurements.
(b) A statement attesting to the validity of the demand data, signed by a professional electrical engineer or the electrical administrator of the electrical contractor performing the work.
(c) A diagram of the electrical system identifying the point(s) of measurement.
(d) Building demand measured continuously on the highest-loaded phase of the feeder or service over a thirty-day period, with demand peak clearly identified. (Demand peak is defined as the maximum average demand over a fifteen-minute interval.)
(23) Due to their minimal load requirements, plan review of the following limited energy systems will not be required: Fire alarm, nurse call, intrusion or security alarm, intercom, public address, music, energy management, programmed clock, or telecommunications.
(24) When the service or feeder load calculation is affected five percent or less by the addition or alteration of five or less branch circuits, plan review for the branch circuits may be requested from the department's local inspection office. Permission for such small project plan review may be granted at the discretion of the electrical inspection field supervisor, the plans examiner supervisor, or the chief electrical inspector.)) Electrical plan review.
(a) Electrical plan review is not required for:
(i) Lighting specific projects that result in an electrical load reduction on each feeder involved in the project;
(ii) Low voltage systems;
(iii) Projects where the:
Service and feeder load calculation is affected by five percent or less;
Work does not involve critical branch circuits or feeders as defined in NEC 517.2; and
Affected service or feeder does not exceed 250 volts, 400 amperes;
(iv) Stand-alone utility fed services that do not exceed 250 volts, 400 amperes where the project's distribution system does not include:
Emergency systems other than listed unit equipment per NEC 700.12(E);
Critical branch circuits or feeders as defined in NEC 517.2; or
A required fire pump system.
(b) Electrical plan review is required for all other new or altered electrical projects in educational, institutional, or health care occupancies classified or defined in this chapter.
(c) If a review is required, the electrical plan must be submitted for review and approval before the electrical work is begun.
(d) Electrical plans.
(i) The plan must be submitted for plan review prior to beginning any electrical inspection. If a plan is rejected during the plan review process, no electrical inspection(s) may proceed until the plan is resubmitted and a conditional acceptance is granted.
(ii) The submitted plan will receive a preliminary review within seven business days after receipt by the department.
(iii) If the submitted plan:
Is rejected at the preliminary review, no inspection(s) will be made on the project.
Receives conditional acceptance, the permit holder may request a preliminary inspection(s) in writing to the department. The request must note that the preliminary inspection(s) is conditional and subject to any alterations required from the final plan review process.
(iv) Once the submitted plan has plan review approval, the approved plan must be available on the job site for use by the electrical inspector.
(v) The approved plan must be available on the job site, for use by the electrical inspector, prior to the final electrical inspection.
(vi) If the approved plan requires changes from the conditionally accepted plan, alterations to the project may be required to make the project comply with the approved plan.
(e) All electrical plans for educational facilities, hospitals and nursing homes must be prepared by, or under the direction of, a consulting engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW, and chapters 246-320, 180-29, and 388-97 WAC and stamped with the engineer's mark and signature.
(f) Refer plans for department review to the Electrical Section, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, Washington 98504-4460.
(g) Plans for projects within cities that perform electrical inspections within their jurisdiction, and provide an electrical plan review program that equals or exceeds the department's program in plans examiner minimum qualifications per chapter 19.28 RCW, must be submitted to that city for review, unless the agency regulating the installation specifically requires review by the department.
(h) Plans to be reviewed by the department must be legible, identify the name and classification of the facility, clearly indicate the scope and nature of the installation and the person or firm responsible for the electrical plans. The plans must clearly show the electrical installation or alteration in floor plan view, include switchboard and/or panelboard schedules and when a service or feeder is to be installed or altered, must include a riser diagram, load calculation, fault current calculation and interrupting rating of equipment. Where existing electrical systems are to supply additional loads, the plans must include documentation that proves adequate capacity and ratings. The plans must be submitted with a plan review submittal form available from the department. Plan review fees are not required to be paid until the review is completed. Plans will not be returned until all fees are paid. Fees will be calculated based on the date the plans are received by the department.
(i) The department may perform the plan review for new or altered electrical installations of other types of construction when the owner or electrical contractor makes a voluntary request for review.
(j) For existing structures where additions or alterations to feeders and services are proposed, Article 220.35(1) NEC may be used. If Article 220.35(1) NEC is used, the following is required:
(i) The date of the measurements.
(ii) A statement attesting to the validity of the demand data, signed by a professional electrical engineer or the electrical administrator of the electrical contractor performing the work.
(iii) A diagram of the electrical system identifying the point(s) of measurement.
(iv) Building demand measured continuously on the highest-loaded phase of the feeder or service over a thirty-day period, with demand peak clearly identified. (Demand peak is defined as the maximum average demand over a fifteen-minute interval.)
Wiring methods for designated building occupancies.
(((25))) (17) Wiring methods, equipment and devices for
health or personal care, educational and institutional
facilities as defined or classified in this chapter and for
places of assembly for one hundred or more persons must comply
with Tables 010-1 and 010-2 of this chapter and the notes
thereto. The local building authority will determine the
occupant load of places of assembly.
(((26))) (18) Listed tamper-resistant receptacles or
listed tamper-resistant receptacle cover plates are required
in all licensed day care centers, all licensed children group
care facilities and psychiatric patient care facilities where
accessible to children five years of age and under. Listed
tamper-resistant receptacles are required in psychiatric
patient care facilities where accessible to psychiatric
patients over five years of age.
Notes to Tables 010-1 and 010-2.
1. Wiring methods in accordance with the NEC unless otherwise noted.
2. Metallic or nonmetallic raceways, MI, MC, or AC cable, except that metallic raceway or cable is required in places of assembly.
3. Limited energy system may use wiring methods in accordance with the NEC.
| Health or Personal Care Facility Type(1) | Plan Review Required |
| Hospital | YES |
| Nursing home unit or long-term care unit | YES |
| Boarding home or assisted living facility | YES |
| Private alcoholism hospital | YES |
| Alcoholism treatment facility | YES |
| Private psychiatric hospital | YES |
| Maternity home | YES |
| Birth center or childbirth center | NO |
| Ambulatory surgery facility | YES |
| Hospice care center | NO |
| Renal hemodialysis clinic | YES |
| Medical, dental, and chiropractic clinic | NO |
| Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth | YES |
| Adult residential rehabilitation center | YES |
| Group care facility | NO |
| Educational, Institutional or Other Facility Type | Plan Review Required |
| Educational(2)(3) | YES |
| Institutional(2)(3) | YES |
| Places of assembly for 100 or more persons(1) | NO |
| Child day care center(1) | NO |
| School-age child care center(1) | NO |
| Family child day care home, family child care home, or child day care facility(1) | NO |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-010, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-010, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(2) "Accreditation" is a determination by the department that a laboratory meets the requirements of this chapter and is therefore authorized to evaluate electrical products that are for sale in the state of Washington.
(3) "Administrative law judge" means an administrative law judge (ALJ) appointed pursuant to chapter 34.12 RCW and serving in board proceedings pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
(4) "ANSI" means American National Standards Institute. Copies of ANSI standards are available from the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, Inc.
(5) "Appeal" is a request for review of a department action by the board as authorized by chapter 19.28 RCW.
(6) "Appellant" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that has filed an appeal or request for board review.
(7) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials. Copies of ASTM documents are available from ASTM International.
(8) "AWG" means American Wire Gauge.
(9) "Basement" means that portion of a building that is partly or completely below grade plane. A basement shall be considered as a story above grade plane and not a basement where the finished surface of the floor above the basement is:
(a) More that 1829 mm (six feet) above grade plane;
(b) More than 1829 mm (six feet) above the finished ground level for more than 50% of the total building perimeter; or
(c) More than 3658 mm (twelve feet) above the finished ground level at any point.
Also see "mezzanine" and "story."
(10) "Board" means the electrical board established and authorized under chapter 19.28 RCW.
(((10))) (11) "Chapter" means chapter 296-46B WAC unless
expressly used for separate reference.
(((11))) (12) "Category list" is a list of nonspecific
product types determined by the department.
(((12))) (13) A "certified electrical product" is an
electrical product to which a laboratory, accredited by the
state of Washington, has the laboratory's certification mark
attached.
(((13))) (14) A "certification mark" is a specified
laboratory label, symbol, or other identifying mark that
indicates the manufacturer produced the product in compliance
with appropriate standards or that the product has been tested
for specific end uses.
(((14))) (15) "Certificate of competency" includes the
certificates of competency for master journeyman electrician,
master specialty electrician, journeyman, and specialty
electrician.
(((15))) (16) A laboratory "certification program" is a
specified set of testing, inspection, and quality assurance
procedures, including appropriate implementing authority,
regulating the evaluation of electrical products for
certification marking by an electrical products certification
laboratory.
(((16))) (17) A "complete application" includes the
submission of all appropriate fees, documentation, and forms.
(((17))) (18) "Construction," for the purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW, means electrical construction.
(19) "Department" means the department of labor and industries of the state of Washington.
(((18))) (20) "Director" means the director of the
department, or the director's designee.
(((19))) (21) "Electrical equipment" includes electrical
conductors, conduit, raceway, apparatus, materials,
components, and other electrical equipment not exempted by RCW 19.28.006(9). Any conduit/raceway of a type listed for
electrical use is considered to be electrical equipment even
if no wiring is installed in the conduit/raceway at the time
of the conduit/raceway installation.
(((20))) (22) An "electrical products certification
laboratory" is a laboratory or firm accredited by the state of
Washington to perform certification of electrical products.
(((21))) (23) An "electrical products evaluation
laboratory" is a laboratory or firm accredited by the state of
Washington to perform on-site field evaluation of electrical
products for safety.
(((22))) (24) "Field evaluated" means an electrical
product to which a field evaluation mark is attached. Field
evaluation must include job site inspection unless waived by
the department, and may include component sampling and/or
laboratory testing.
(((23))) (25) "Field evaluation mark" is a specified
laboratory label, symbol, or other identifying mark indicating
the manufacturer produced the product in essential compliance
with appropriate standards or that the product has been
evaluated for specific end uses.
(((24))) (26) A "field evaluation program" is a specified
set of testing, inspection, and quality assurance procedures,
including appropriate implementing authority regulating the
testing and evaluation of electrical products for field
evaluation marking.
(((25))) (27) The "filing" is the date the document is
actually received in the office of the chief electrical
inspector.
(((26))) (28) "Final judgment" means any money that is
owed to the department under this chapter, including fees and
penalties, or any money that is owed to the department as a
result of an individual's or contractor's unsuccessful appeal
of a citation.
(((27))) (29) "Fished wiring" is when cable or conduit is
installed within the finished surfaces of an existing building
or building structure (e.g., wall, floor or ceiling cavity).
(((28))) (30) HVAC/refrigeration specific definitions:
(a) "HVAC/refrigeration" means heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
(b) "HVAC/refrigeration component" means electrical power and limited energy components within the "HVAC/refrigeration system," including, but not limited to: Pumps, compressors, motors, heating coils, controls, switches, thermostats, humidistats, low-voltage damper controls, outdoor sensing controls, outside air dampers, stand-alone duct smoke detectors, air monitoring devices, zone control valves and equipment for monitoring of HVAC/refrigeration control panels and low-voltage connections. This definition excludes equipment and components of non-"HVAC/refrigeration control systems."
(c) "HVAC/refrigeration control panel" means an enclosed, manufactured assembly of electrical components designed specifically for the control of a HVAC/refrigeration system. Line voltage equipment that has low voltage, NEC Class 2 control or monitoring components incidental to the designed purpose of the equipment is not an HVAC/refrigeration control panel (e.g., combination starters).
(d) "HVAC/refrigeration control system" means a network system regulating and/or monitoring a HVAC/refrigeration system. Equipment of a HVAC/refrigeration control system includes, but is not limited to: Control panels, data centers, relays, contactors, sensors, and cables related to the monitoring and control of a HVAC/refrigeration system(s).
(e) "HVAC/refrigeration equipment" means the central unit primary to the function of the "HVAC/refrigeration system." HVAC/refrigeration includes, but is not limited to: Heat pumps, swamp coolers, furnaces, compressor packages, and boilers.
(f) "HVAC/refrigeration system" means a system of HVAC/refrigeration: Wiring, equipment, and components integrated to generate, deliver, or control heated, cooled, filtered, refrigerated, or conditioned air. This definition excludes non-HVAC/refrigeration control systems (e.g., fire alarm systems, intercom systems, building energy management systems, and similar non-HVAC/refrigeration systems) (see Figure 920-1 and Figure 920-2).
(((29))) (31) "IBC" means the International Building
Code. Copies of the IBC are available from the International
Code Council.
(32) An "individual" or "party" or "person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, government subdivision or unit thereof, or other entity.
(((30))) (33) An "installation" includes the act of
installing, connecting, repairing, modifying, or otherwise
performing work on an electrical system, component, equipment,
or wire except as exempted by WAC 296-46B-925.
(((31))) (34) An "identification plate" is a phenolic or
metallic plate or other similar material engraved in block
letters at least 1/4" (6 mm) high unless specifically required
to be larger by this chapter, suitable for the environment and
application. The letters and the background must be in
contrasting colors. Screws, rivets, or methods specifically
described in this chapter must be used to affix an
identification plate to the equipment or enclosure.
(((32))) (35) "License" means a license required under
chapter 19.28 RCW.
(((33))) (36) "Labeled" means an electrical product that
bears a certification mark issued by a laboratory accredited
by the state of Washington.
(((34))) (37) A "laboratory" may be either an electrical
product(s) certification laboratory or an electrical
product(s) evaluation laboratory.
(((35))) (38) A "laboratory operations control manual" is
a document to establish laboratory operation procedures and
may include a laboratory quality control manual.
(((36))) (39) "Like-in-kind" means having similar
characteristics such as voltage requirement, current draw,
circuit overcurrent and short circuit characteristics, and
function within the system and being in the same location. Like-in-kind also includes any equipment component authorized
by the manufacturer as a suitable component replacement part.
(((37))) (40) "Lineman" is a person employed by a serving
electrical utility or employed by a licensed general
electrical contractor who carries, on their person, evidence
that they:
(a) Have graduated from a department-approved lineman's apprenticeship course; or
(b) Are currently registered in a department-approved lineman's apprenticeship course and are working under the direct one hundred percent supervision of a journeyman electrician or a graduate of a lineman's apprenticeship course approved by the department. The training received in the lineman's apprenticeship program must include training in applicable articles of the currently adopted National Electrical Code.
(((38))) (41) "Listed" means equipment has been listed
and identified by a laboratory approved by the state of
Washington for the appropriate equipment standard per this
chapter.
(((39))) (42) "Low voltage" means:
(a) NEC, Class 1 power limited circuits at 30 volts maximum.
(b) NEC, Class 2 circuits powered by a Class 2 power supply as defined in NEC 725.41(A).
(c) NEC, Class 3 circuits powered by a Class 3 power supply as defined in NEC 725.41(A).
(d) Circuits of telecommunications systems as defined in chapter 19.28 RCW.
(((40))) (43) "Mezzanine" is the intermediate level or
levels between the floor and ceiling of any story with an
aggregate floor area of not more than one-third of the area of
the room or space in which the level or levels are located.
Also see "basement" and "story."
(44) "NEC" means National Electrical Code. Copies of the NEC are available from the National Fire Protection Association.
(((41))) (45) "NEMA" means National Electrical
Manufacturer's Association. Copies of NEMA standards are
available from the National Electrical Manufacturer's
Association.
(((42))) (46) "NESC" means National Electrical Safety
Code. Copies of the NESC are available from the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
(((43))) (47) "NETA" means International Electrical
Testing Association, Inc. Copies of the NETA standards and
information are available from the International Electrical
Testing Association, Inc.
(((44))) (48) "NFPA" means the National Fire Protection
Association. Copies of NFPA documents are available from the
National Fire Protection Association.
(((45))) (49) "NRTL" means Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory accredited by the federal Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) after meeting the requirements of
29 CFR 1910.7.
(((46))) (50) "Point of contact" for utility work, means
the point at which a customer's electrical system connects to
the serving utility system.
(((47))) (51) "Proceeding" means any matter regarding an
appeal before the board including hearings before an
administrative law judge.
(((48))) (52) "Public area or square" is an area where
the public has general, clear, and unrestricted access.
(((49))) (53) A "quality control manual" is a document to
maintain the quality control of the laboratory's method of
operation. It consists of specified procedures and
information for each test method responding to the
requirements of the product standard. Specific information
must be provided for portions of individual test methods when
needed to comply with the standard's criteria or otherwise
support the laboratory's operation.
(((50))) (54) "RCW" means the Revised Code of Washington.
Copies of electrical RCWs are available from the department
and the office of the code reviser.
(((51))) (55) A "stand-alone amplified sound or public
address system" is a system that has distinct wiring and
equipment for audio signal generation, recording, processing,
amplification, and reproduction. This definition does not
apply to telecommunications installations.
(((52))) (56) "Service" or "served" means that as defined
in RCW 34.05.010(19) when used in relation to department
actions or proceedings.
(((53))) (57) "Story" is that portion of a building
included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper
surface of the floor or roof next above. Next above means
vertically and not necessarily directly above. Also see
"basement" and "mezzanine."
(58) "Structure," for the purposes of this chapter and in addition to the definition in the NEC, means something constructed either in the field or factory that is used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy as defined by the IBC.
(59) A "telecommunications local service provider" is a regulated or unregulated (e.g., by the Federal Communications Commission or the utilities and transportation commission as a telephone or telecommunications provider) firm providing telecommunications service ahead of the telecommunications network demarcation point to an end-user's facilities.
(((54))) (60) "Telecommunications network demarcation
point" is as defined in RCW 19.28.400 for both regulated
carriers and unregulated local service providers.
(((55))) (61) "TIA/EIA" means the Telecommunications
Industries Association/Electronic Industries Association which
publishes the TIA/EIA Telecommunications Building Wiring
Standards. Standards and publications are adopted by TIA/EIA
in accordance with the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) patent policy.
(((56))) (62) A "training school" is a public community
or technical college or not-for-profit nationally accredited
technical or trade school licensed by the work force training
and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW.
(((57))) (63) "Under the control of a utility" for the
purposes of RCW 19.28.091 and 19.28.101 is when electrical
equipment is not owned by a utility and:
(a) Is located in a vault, room, closet, or similar enclosure that is secured by a lock or seal so that access is restricted to the utility's personnel; or
(b) The utility is obligated by contract to maintain the equipment and the contract provides that access to the equipment is restricted to the utility's personnel or other qualified personnel.
(((58))) (64) "UL" means Underwriters Laboratory.
(((59))) (65) "Utility" means an electrical utility.
(((60))) (66) "Utility system" means electrical equipment
owned by or under the control of a serving utility that is
used for the transmission or distribution of electricity from
the source of supply to the point of contact.
(((61))) (67) "Utilization voltage" means the voltage
level employed by the utility's customer for connection to
lighting fixtures, motors, heaters, or other electrically
operated equipment other than power transformers.
(((62))) (68) "Variance" is a modification of the
electrical requirements as adopted in chapter 19.28 RCW or any
other requirements of this chapter that may be approved by the
chief electrical inspector if assured that equivalent
objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining
effective safety.
(((63))) (69) "WAC" means the Washington Administrative
Code. Copies of this chapter of the WACs are available from
the department and the office of the code reviser.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-020, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, and chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-020, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) Specific definitions for this section:
(a) "Department evaluation" means a review in accordance with subsection (2)(c) of this section.
(b) "Food processing plants" include buildings or facilities used in a manufacturing process, but do not include:
(i) Municipal or other government facilities;
(ii) Educational facilities or portions thereof;
(iii) Institutional facilities or portions thereof;
(iv) Restaurants;
(v) Farming, ranching, or dairy farming operations;
(vi) Residential uses; or
(vii) Other installations not used for direct manufacturing purposes.
(c) In RCW 19.28.010, "industrial control panel" means a factory or user wired assembly of industrial control equipment such as motor controllers, switches, relays, power supplies, computers, cathode ray tubes, transducers, and auxiliary devices used in the manufacturing process to control industrial utilization equipment. The panel may include disconnecting means and motor branch circuit protective devices. Industrial control panels include only those used in a manufacturing process in a food processing or industrial plant.
(d) "Industrial plants" include buildings or facilities used in a manufacturing process, but do not include:
(i) Municipal or other government facilities;
(ii) Educational facilities or portions thereof;
(iii) Institutional facilities or portions thereof;
(iv) Restaurants;
(v) Farming, ranching, or dairy farming operations;
(vi) Residential uses; or
(vii) Other installations not used for direct manufacturing purposes.
(e) "Industrial utilization equipment" means equipment directly used in a manufacturing process in a food processing or industrial plant, in particular the processing, treatment, moving, or packaging of a material. Industrial utilization equipment does not include: Cold storage, warehousing, or similar storage equipment.
(f) "Manufacturing process" means to make or process a raw material or part into a finished product for sale using industrial utilization equipment. A manufacturing process does not include the storage of a product for future distribution (e.g., cold storage, warehousing, and similar storage activity).
(g) "Normal department inspection" is a part of the department electrical inspection process included with the general wiring inspection of a building, structure, or other electrical installation. Normal department inspection will only be made for equipment solely using listed or field evaluated components and wired to the requirements of the NEC. Fees for the normal department inspections required under this chapter are included in the electrical work permit fee calculated for the installation and are not a separate inspection fee. However, inspection time associated with such equipment is subject to the progress inspection rates in WAC 296-46B-905.
(h) For the purposes of this section, "panel" means a single box or enclosure containing the components comprising an industrial control panel. A panel does not include any wiring methods connecting multiple panels or connecting a panel(s) and other electrical equipment.
Safety standards.
(2) Industrial control panels and industrial utilization equipment will be determined to meet the minimum electrical safety standards for installations by:
(a) Listing, or field evaluation of the entire panel or equipment;
(b) Normal department inspection for compliance with codes and rules adopted under this chapter; or
(c) By department evaluation showing compliance with appropriate standards. Appropriate standards are NEMA, ANSI, NFPA 79, UL 508A or International Electrotechnical Commission 60204 or their equivalent. Industrial utilization equipment is required to conform to a nationally or internationally recognized standard applicable for the particular industrial utilization equipment. Compliance must be shown as follows:
(i) The equipment's manufacturer must document, by letter to the equipment owner, the equipment's conformity to an appropriate standard(s). The letter must state:
(A) The equipment manufacturer's name;
(B) The type of equipment;
(C) The equipment model number;
(D) The equipment serial number;
(E) The equipment supply voltage, amperes, phasing;
(F) The standard(s) used to manufacture the equipment. Except for the reference of construction requirements to ensure the product can be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code is not considered a standard for the purposes of this section;
(G) Fault current interrupting rating of the equipment or
the owner may provide documentation showing that the fault
current available at the point where the building wiring
connects to the equipment is less than ((10,000)) 5,000 AIC;
and
(H) The date the equipment was manufactured. Equipment that was manufactured prior to January 1, 1985, is not required to meet (c)(i)(F) of this subsection.
(ii) The equipment owner must document, by letter to the chief electrical inspector, the equipment's usage as industrial utilization equipment as described in this section and provide a copy of the equipment manufacturer's letter described in (c)(i) of this subsection. The owner's letter must be accompanied by the fee required in WAC 296-46B-905(14).
For the purposes of this section, the owner must be a food processing or industrial plant as described in this section.
(iii) The chief electrical inspector will evaluate the equipment manufacturer's letter, equipment owner's letter, and the individual equipment.
If the equipment is determined to have had electrical modifications since the date of manufacture, the chief electrical inspector will not approve equipment using this method.
(iv) If required by the chief electrical inspector, the owner must provide the department with a copy, in English, of the standard(s) used and any documentation required by the chief electrical inspector to support the claims made in the equipment manufacturer's or owner's letter. At the request of the owner, the department will obtain a copy of any necessary standard to complete the review. If, per the owner's request, the department obtains the copy of the standard, the owner will be billed for all costs associated with obtaining the standard.
If the industrial utilization equipment has been determined to be manufactured to a standard(s) appropriate for industrial utilization equipment as determined by the chief electrical inspector per RCW 19.28.010(1), the equipment will be marked with a department label.
The department will charge a marking fee as required in WAC 296-46B-905(14). Once marked by the department, the equipment is suitable for installation anywhere within the state without modification so long as the equipment is being used as industrial utilization equipment. If payment for marking is not received by the department within thirty days of marking the equipment, the department's mark(s) will be removed and the equipment ordered removed from service.
(v) If the equipment usage is changed to other than industrial utilization equipment or electrical modifications are made to the equipment, the equipment must be successfully listed or field evaluated by a laboratory approved by the department.
(vi) The equipment must be permanently installed at the owner's facility and inspected per the requirements of RCW 19.28.101.
(3) The department may authorize, on a case-by-case basis, use of the industrial control panel or equipment, for a period not to exceed six months or as approved by the chief electrical inspector after use is begun, before its final inspection, listing, or evaluation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-030, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-030, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
012 Mechanical execution of work.
(1) Unused openings. Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout boxes, meter socket enclosures, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Where metallic plugs or plates are used with nonmetallic enclosures, they shall be recessed at least 6 mm (1/4") from the outer surface of the enclosure. Unused openings do not include weep holes, unused mounting holes, or any other opening with less than .15 square inches of open area.
016 Flash protection.
(2) The flash protection marking required by NEC 110.16 must be an identification plate or label approved by the electrical inspector and may be installed either in the field or in the factory. The plate or label may be mounted using adhesive.
022 Identification of disconnecting means.
(3) For the purposes of legibly marking a disconnecting means, as required in NEC 110.22, an identification plate is required unless the disconnect is a circuit breaker/fused switch installed within a panelboard and the circuit breaker/fused switch is identified by a panelboard schedule. In other than dwelling units, the identification plate must include the identification designation of the circuit source panelboard that supplies the disconnect.
(4) Where electrical equipment is installed to obtain a series combination rating, the identification as required by NEC 110.22, must be in the form of an identification plate that is substantially yellow in color. The words "CAUTION - SERIES COMBINATION RATED SYSTEM" must be on the label in letters at least 13 mm (1/2") high.
030 Over 600 volts - general.
(5) Each cable operating at over 600 volts and installed on customer-owned systems must be legibly marked in a permanent manner at each termination point and at each point the cable is accessible. The required marking must use phase designation, operating voltage, and circuit number if applicable.
(6) Only licensed electrical contractors can use the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process. Health care, large commercial, or industrial facilities using an employee who is a certified electrician(s) can use the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process after permission from the chief electrical inspector.
(7) If the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process is used, the following requirements must be met:
(a) The certified electrician performing the installation must affix a Class B installation label on the cover of the panelboard or overcurrent device supplying power to the circuit or equipment prior to beginning the work.
(b) The job site portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date of the work;
(ii) Electrical contractor's name;
(iii) Electrical contractor's license number;
(iv) Installing electrician's certificate number; and
(v) Short description of the work.
(c) The contractor portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date of the work;
(ii) Electrical contractor's license number;
(iii) Installing electrician's certificate number;
(iv) Job site address;
(v) Contact telephone number for the job site (to be used to arrange inspection); and
(vi) Short description of the work.
(d) The label must be filled in using sunlight and weather resistant ink.
(e) The electrical contractor must return the contractor's portion of the label to the Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Section, Chief Electrical Inspector, P.O. 4460, Olympia, WA 98506-4460 within fifteen working days after the job site portion of the Class B installation label is affixed.
(8) Class B basic installation labels will be sold in blocks. Installations where a Class B basic installation label is used will be inspected on a random basis as determined by the department.
(a) If any such random inspection fails, a subsequent installation in the block must be inspected.
(b) If any such subsequent installation fails inspection, all installations in the block must be inspected.
(9) Any electrical contractor or other entity using the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process may be audited for compliance with the provisions for purchasing, inspection, reporting of installations, and any other requirement of usage.
(10) ((Class B basic electrical work is described in RCW 19.28.006 (2)(b). For the purposes of Class B basic
electrical work, a device includes: General use snap
switches/receptacles, luminaires, thermostats, speakers, etc.,
but does not include wiring/cabling systems, isolating
switches, magnetic contactors, motor controllers, etc. A
cover inspection is required for all fire-wall penetrations.
In addition, Class B basic electrical work includes the like-in-kind replacement in a household of an:
(a) Electrical/gas/oil furnace not exceeding 240 volts and 100 amps when the furnace is connected to an existing branch circuit; and
(b) Air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit not exceeding 240 volts, 30 minimum circuit amps when the air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit is connected to an existing branch circuit.
Class B basic electrical work does not include any work in:
(c) Areas classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Zone locations per the NEC;
(d) Areas regulated by NEC 517 or 680; or
(e) Any work where electrical plan review is required.)) Class B basic electrical work means work other than Class A basic electrical work. See WAC 296-46B-900(8) for Class A definition. A cover inspection is required for all fire-wall penetrations.
Class B basic electrical work includes the following:
(a) Extension of not more than one branch electrical circuit limited to one hundred twenty volts and twenty amps each where:
(i) No cover inspection is necessary; and
(ii) The extension does not supply more than two devices or outlets as defined by the NEC;
(b) Like-in-kind replacement of a single luminaire not exceeding two hundred seventy-seven volts and twenty amps;
(c) Like-in-kind replacement of a motor larger than ten horsepower;
(d) The following low voltage systems:
(i) Repair and replacement of devices not exceeding one hundred volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in one- and two-family dwellings;
(ii) Repair and replacement of devices not exceeding one hundred volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in other buildings, provided the equipment is not for fire alarm or nurse call systems and is not located in an area classified as hazardous by the NEC.
(e) The like-in-kind replacement of an:
(i) Electric/gas/oil furnace not exceeding 240 volts and 100 amps when the furnace is connected to an existing branch circuit. For the purposes of this section, a boiler is not a furnace; or
(ii) Unit heater, air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit not exceeding 240 volts, 30 minimum circuit amps when the unit is connected to an existing branch circuit;
(f) The replacement of not more than ten standard receptacles with GFCI receptacles;
(g) The combination replacement of not more than ten switches or dimmers used for controlling a luminaire(s); and
(h) The installation of a thermostat and/or thermostat cable where the thermostat cable is fished or extended in an existing building.
A device allowed in an extended circuit includes: General use snap switches/receptacles, luminaires, thermostats, speakers, etc., but does not include wiring/cabling systems, isolating switches, magnetic contactors, motor controllers, etc.
Class B basic electrical work does not include any work in:
(a) Areas classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Zone locations per the NEC;
(b) Areas regulated by NEC 517 or 680; or
(c) Any work where electrical plan review is required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-110, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-110, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(1) ((For the purposes of NEC 210.8(B), all 125-volt,
single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles must have
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel as
required by NEC 210.8(A). Kitchens in other than dwelling
units are considered to be any work surface where food and/or
beverage preparation occurs and other countertops or
islands.)) GFCI requirements.
(a) All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in wet locations must have Class A ground-fault circuit interrupter protections for personnel.
(b) Kitchens in other than dwelling units are considered to be any work surface where food and/or beverage preparation occurs and other countertops or islands.
011 Branch circuits.
(2) Circuits must be taken to all unfinished spaces adaptable to future dwelling unit living areas that are not readily accessible to the service or branch circuit panelboard. The circuits must terminate in a suitable box(es). The box must contain an identification of the intended purpose of the circuit(s). The branch circuit panelboard must have adequate space and capacity for the intended load(s).
012 Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
(3) For the purpose of NEC 210.12(B), Dwelling Unit Bedroom spaces that:
(a) Are accessed only through the bedroom;
(b) Are ancillary to the bedroom's function; and
(c) Contain branch circuits that supply 125-volt, 15- and
20-ampere, outlets must be protected by an arc-fault circuit
interrupter listed to provide protection ((of the entire
branch circuit)) per NEC 210.12.
For the purposes of this section, such spaces will include, but not be limited to, spaces such as closets and sitting areas, but will not include bathrooms.
051(B)(5) Receptacle outlet locations.
(4) Receptacle outlets installed in appliance garages may be counted as a required countertop outlet.
052(A)(2) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets.
(5) For the purpose of NEC 210.52(A)(2)(1), "similar
openings" include the following ((structures)) configurations
that are a permanent part of the dwelling ((structure))
configuration or finish:
(a) Window seating; and
(b) Bookcases or cabinets that extend from the floor to a level at least 1.7 meters (five (5) feet six (6) inches) above the floor.
Any outlets eliminated by such window seating, bookcases, or cabinets must be installed elsewhere within the room.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-210, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-210, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
003 Branch circuit calculations.
Occupancy lighting loads. In determining feeder and
service entrance conductor sizes and equipment ratings, the
currently adopted Washington state energy code unit lighting
power allowance table and footnotes may be used in lieu of NEC
((220.3)) 220.12.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-220, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
032 Location of outside feeder disconnecting means.
The building disconnecting means required by NEC 225.32 must be provided to disconnect all ungrounded conductors that supply or pass through a building or structure per the requirements of NEC 225.32 (except for Exceptions 1, 2, 3, or 4) in accordance with subsection (1) or (2) of this section.
(1) Outside location: Except for an outdoor generator set described in a NEC 700, 701, or 702 system, where the feeder disconnecting means is installed outside a building or structure, it must be on the building or structure or within sight and within fifteen feet of the building or structure supplied. The building disconnecting means may supply only one building/structure unless the secondary building(s)/structure(s) has a separate building disconnecting means meeting the requirements of the NEC and this subsection. The disconnecting means must have an identification plate with at least one-half-inch high letters identifying:
(a) The building/structure served; and
(b) Its function as the building/structure main disconnect(s).
(2) Inside location: The feeder disconnecting means may be installed anywhere inside a building or structure when there is a feeder disconnecting means, located elsewhere on the premises, with overcurrent protection sized for the feeder conductors.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490,