City of Wichita Adopts the 2008 NEC

On October 28, 2008 the City Council adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) with amendments.   All permits issued starting January 1, 2009 will need to meet the requirements of the 2008 NEC.  A list of the most significant changes are listed here.

How do I get power restored to a building that had power shut off?

There are 3 main options to follow for getting the power restored:

1. If there has been a fire or if there is damage to the electrical system or missing recepts, light fixtures, plates, etc. you will need to contact a city-licensed electrical contractor who will obtain the permit, do the repairs and request an inspection before the power can be restored.

2. If the power has been off for 6 months or more you will need to purchase an electrical permit. Then call (316) 268-4465 between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM with the permit number and set a time that the electrical inspector can gain access inside the building to do a safety inspection before power can be restored.

3. If item 1 or 2 is not the case, you should contact WESTAR at (316) 383-8600 or fill out a Reguest for Service Form.

When do I need a permit for electrical work?

A permit is required to install any electrical wiring for light, heat or power within any building or on any premises in the city. If power has been off for 6 months or more a permit is required before power can be restored. Please call the Electrical section of the Office of Central Inspection at (316) 268-4465 for more specific information.

How and where do I get a permit for electrical work?

Permits are issued by the Office of Central Inspection, 7th floor, 455 N. Main.

What information do I need to provide in order to get an electrical permit?

An owner or tenant may complete and submit an electrical permit application for an inspection to restore power to building that has been without power for 6 months or more. A city-licensed electrical contractor must complete and submit an electrical permit application form for any electrical work to the Office of Central Inspection. This form is available at OCI or you can fill out the Electrical Permit Application Form online.

NOTE: If a building permit is required for the same building, structure or project, a complete set of electrical plans are required to be submitted and approved by OCI plan review section before the electrical permit may be issued. However, if an electrical contractor will be installing electrical work where a building permit is not required, an electrical permit is required, but electrical plans are not required to be submitted at the time the electrical permit is issued.

When do I need an inspection?

Most electrical permits require at least three inspections:

• rough-in
• service
• final

Call for rough-in inspection when:

1. All raceways, cables, conduits and boxes are installed

2. All circuit wiring, including grounding must be installed and secured.

3. All conductor terminations must be made with approved splicing devices (wirenuts) and pigtailed where required.

The electrical rough-in must be approved before the work is covered.

Call for electrical service inspection when:

1. The service panel is installed and properly grounded.

2. Any branch circuits installed in the service panel that may become energized, must have receptacles, switches or devices on that circuit installed.

3. A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle must be installed on a dedicated circuit. (On residential also the dryer receptacle must be installed.)

4. All outlet boxes where ceiling (paddle) fans will be suspended must be installed and approved for the purpose.

5. All outside boxes must be installed.

6. All floor boxes must be installed and approved for the purpose.

7. The building must be enclosed, weathertite (roof, windows, doors, etc.) and lockable.

8. The electrical rough-in must be approved.

Call for a final electrical inspection when the following items are met:

1. All breaker panel covers and all electrical box covers (switches, receptacles, etc.) are installed.

2. All circuits are identified and marked at the appropriate breaker panel.

3. All electrical equipment installed and energized.

4. The electric meter is installed and sealed.

Who can do the work?

All commercial electrical work must be installed by a City of Wichita licensed electrical contractor. All residential electrical work must be installed by a City of Wichita licensed electrical contractor with one exception.

EXCEPTION: An owner occupant of a single family dwelling can install their own wiring on the load side of the electrical service panel under certain provisions. For more information click on the Homeowners Guide to Installing Electrical Wiring or contact the Office of Central Inspection Electrical Section, 7th floor, 455 N. Main, (316) 268-4465.

Are there specific clearances that must be maintained in front of the A/C disconnect?

The National Electrical Code requires a working space of 30 inches wide, 36 inches in front of and 6 feet 6 inches high on all new circuits and disconnects. See the drawing for changing out an existing A/C unit.

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