ARC 5152C

ARC 5152C

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT[661]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rule making related to standards for electrical work

and providing an opportunity for public comment

The Electrical Examining Board hereby proposes to amend Chapter 504, "Standards for Electrical Work," Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rule Making

This rule making is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 103.6.

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rule making implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 103.6.

Purpose and Summary

The purpose of this proposed amendment is to update the Standards for Electrical Work to the National Electrical Code, 2020 edition. Consistent with rule making in this chapter, the entire National Electrical Code (NEC) is adopted, with the amendments included in this chapter. It is the intention of the Department and the Board to not make further amendments, regardless of new additions to the NEC, until it is necessary for the state of Iowa. A significant effect of the adoption of the 2020 edition of the NEC would have been the requirement for 250-volt receptacles, but the Board, in addition to adopting the 2020 edition of the NEC by reference, is amending the 2020 edition to remove that requirement. Although the ground fault circuit interrupter requirement for 250-volt receptacles is removed, it is possible that future NEC amendments will return this provision to the administrative rules.

Fiscal Impact

This rule making has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rule making would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any. Pursuant to the provisions of rule 661—10.222(17A), the Department does not have authority to waive requirements established by statute.

Public Comment

Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rule making. Written comments in response to this rule making must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 15, 2020. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rule making.

Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rule making by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rule making at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee's meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

The following rule-making action is proposed:

Amend 661—Chapter 504 as follows:

CHAPTER 504

STANDARDS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK

661—504.1(103) Installation requirements. The provisions of the National Electrical Code, 2017 2020 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, are adopted as the requirements for electrical installations performed by persons licensed pursuant to 661—Chapters 500 through 503 and to installations subject to inspection pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 103 with the following amendments:

504.1(1) Delete section 210.12(D). Delete section 210.8(A) and insert in lieu thereof the following new section:

210.8(A) Dwelling Units.

All 125-volt receptacles installed in locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through 210.8(A)(11) shall ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

(1)Bathrooms

(2)Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended to be habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas or similar use

(3)Outdoors

Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are suppled branch circuit dedicated to electrical snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.

(4)Crawl spaces – at or below grade level

(5)Basements

Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

Informational Note: See 760.41B and 760.121(B) for power supply requirements for fire alarm systems.

Receptacles installed under the exception to 210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G)

(6)Kitchens – where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces

(7)Sinks – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink

(8)Boathouses

(9)Bathtubs or shower stalls – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall

(10)Laundry areas

Exception to (1) through (3), (5) through (8), and (10): Listed locking support and mounting receptacles utilized in combination with compatible attachment fittings installed for the purpose of serving a ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan shall not be required to be ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected. If a general-purpose convenience receptacle is integral to the ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan, GFCI protection shall be provided.

(11)Indoor damp and wet locations

504.1(2) Delete section 406.4(D)(4). Delete section 210.8(F).

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 103.