Section 300. Chapter 27 Electrical

A. Change Section 2701.1 of the IBC to read:

2701.1 Scope. This chapter governs the electrical components, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical components, equipment and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 70.

B. Add Section 2701.1.1 to the IBC to read:

2701.1.1 Changes to NFPA 70. The following change shall be made to NFPA 70:

1. Change Sections 334.10(2) and 334.10(3) of NFPA 70 to read:

(2) Multifamily dwellings not exceeding four floors above grade and multifamily dwellings of any height permitted to be of Types III, IV and V construction except in any case as prohibited in 334.12.

(3) Other structures not exceeding four floors above grade and other structures of any height permitted to be of Types III, IV and V construction except in any case as prohibited in 334.12. In structures exceeding four floors above grade, cables shall be concealed within walls, floors or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.

For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 above, the first floor of a building shall be that floor that has 50% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade. One additional level that is the first level and not designed for human habitation and used only for vehicle parking, storage or similar use shall be permitted.

2. Change Exception 2 to Section 700.12(F) of NFPA 70 to read:

Exception No. 2 Where the normal power branch circuits that supply luminaires providing illumination immediately on the inside and outside of exit doors are supplied by the same service or feeder, the remote heads providing emergency illumination for the exterior of an exit door shall be permitted to be supplied by the unit equipment serving the area immediately inside the exit door.

C. Add Section 2701.1.2 to the IBC to read:

2701.1.2 Temporary connection to dwelling units. The building official shall give permission to energize the electrical service equipment of a one-family or two-family dwelling unit when all of the following requirements have been approved:

1. The service wiring and equipment, including the meter socket enclosure, shall be installed and the service wiring terminated.

2. The grounding electrode system shall be installed and terminated.

3. At least one receptacle outlet on a ground fault protected circuit shall be installed and the circuit wiring terminated.

4. Service equipment covers shall be installed.

5. The building roof covering shall be installed.

6. Temporary electrical service equipment shall be suitable for wet locations unless the interior is dry and protected from the weather.

D. Add Section 2701.1.3 to the IBC to read:

2701.1.3 Assisted living facility generator requirements. Generators installed to comply with regulations for assisted living facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services shall be permitted to be optional standby systems.

E. Change Section 2702.2.17 of the IBC to read:

2702.2.17 Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies. Emergency power shall be provided in accordance with Section 407.11 for Group I-2 occupancies licensed by the Virginia Department of Health as a hospital, nursing or hospice facility. Emergency power shall be provided for doors in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with Section 408.4.2.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 03, eff. November 16, 2005; Errata, 22:5 VA.R. 734 November 14, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008; Volume 27, Issue 02, eff. March 1, 2011; Change in Effective Date, 27:5 VA.R. 534 November 8, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.