Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Codes Administrator
CC:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director
Date:	September 15, 2009
RE:	Ordinance No. 8461 – Adoption of the 2008 National Electrical Code

The attached Ordinance No. 8461 includes adopting language for the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) with amendments as recommended by the Electrical Code Board.  The 2008 NEC contains several changes that are significant and impact local stake holders.

Arguably the most controversial change is the requirement for expanded use of Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) overcurrent devices.  An AFCI is a device, typically a circuit breaker, capable of detecting inappropriate electrical arcing conditions that may result in fire if left unchecked.  Because of concerns with nuisance tripping, the Board recommends amending out the expanded use of AFCI’s and maintaining the current standard for use of these devices in sleeping rooms only.

Another controversial change is the requirement for the use of tamper resistant receptacle devices in all areas of the home.  Based on the reports from the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the relative low cost for the added protection the Board recommends leaving the requirement for these devices as written in the 2008 NEC.

Among the most significant of numerous changes in the 2008 NEC include:

• Expanded requirements on ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection
• GFCI devices typically are receptacles or circuit breakers designed to protect persons from electrocution and are generally installed where cord and plug connected electrical equipment may be used in proximity to sources of moisture (including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, unfinished basements and exterior locations)
• Weather resistant receptacles in exterior locations
• New provisions for multi-wire circuits

Staff would like to recognize the work of the Electrical Code Board.  The Board expended significant time and great effort in review of the 2008 NEC.

Attachments

Proposed Ordinance No. 8461

Approved minutes (03/04/09, Electrical Code Board)

Action Recommended

Staff recommends adopting Ordinance No. 8461 with an effective date of January 1, 2010