Chicagoland Electrical Code Ordinance

:smiley: Some of this is important information for the Illinois HI:

Electrical Code

2000 Chicago Electrical Code-Brief October, 1999

Implementation of New Electrical Ordinance

The 2000 Chicago Electrical Code is a consensus document that is the product of the City of Chicago Electrical Commission in conjunction with an electrical industry 16 member Code Work Group. The Code uses the 1999 National Electrical Code format and incorporates those items from the Chicago Electrical Code that have resulted in the safe installation of electrical systems in the past. The following is a brief summary of important safety issues addressed by the new Code.

**Metallic Raceway…**is the general wiring method for above grade new construction within buildings.

  • Nonmetallic raceway has expanded use underground, in corrosive atmospheres, in pools, and for signs.
  • Metallic cable has an expanded use for extensions to receptacle outlets in dwellings under 4 stories and for flexible whips to ceiling fixtures in commercial occupancies.

This global requirement is consistent with the requirements in over 90% of the surrounding cities, towns, villages and counties. (Based on a survey of 105 surrounding jurisdictions)

  • New Demand Tables for appliances… will have the effect of reducing the size of feeders and services in large buildings. (Economic savings for building owners)

  • New Technology… that has led to safety advances, such as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Arc Fault Circuit Breakers are included in this new Code. (Important safety advances for the protection of people from shock and fire hazards)

  • Permanent 277 volt utilization equipment (electric heating appliances)… will be allowed in most types of occupancies. This will allow for a more efficient use of electrical systems in hotels, commercial buildings and similar areas. (Large economic saving for building owners and users)

  • **Cable Tray…**will be allowed unrestricted for use in buildings for communication and signaling systems such as computers, telephone systems and fiber optic communication systems. (More efficient method of routing and distribution of these systems that will lead to economies of use)

  • **Utility Services…**will allow broader methods of providing utility service to the ever changing configurations of buildings in the City. (Eliminates some of the design restrictions that lead to more expensive systems)

  • **Metal-Clad Cable (MC)…**New wiring method to be permitted for extensions to receptacle outlets in existing dwellings and for flexible whips above ceilings and below raised floors…including the “other space for environmental air”. (Efficient use of this product could lead to great savings in cost and labor for building owners)

  • **Other Space for Environmental Air…(Plenum Spaces)…**Restricts all wiring in these spaces to metal raceway and metal cable wiring methods. (There is growing concern nationwide regarding the potential fire load of open cables in these air handling spaces), and removes the requirement for specific Chicago Plenum Approved fixtures above ceilings (Great cost savings to building owners and tenants developing commercial spaces)

  • **Sprinkler Protection…**will be permitted in electrical closets…other than the main switchboard room. (Eliminates the Code silence on a very confusing issue for developers and builders) (Provides an increased level of protection to areas of buildings that are a known source of fires)

  • **Switchboards…**Requirements for specific bolting and lapping of busbars has been eliminated.(Large switchboards will be more economical)

  • **Busway…**Adds increased protection requirements for busway. (Will greatly enhance the safe use of this equipment…Should eliminate the catastrophic faults similar to those that earlier this year resulted in over 400 families needing to evacuate their dwelling units)

  • **Low Voltage Lighting…**A new article that will allow safe use of this popular lighting system.

  • **Health Care Facilities…**Completely updates these requirements. (This Code article has been used voluntarily as a guide to design the new hospitals for the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Cook County)

  • **Signs…**Eliminates the outdated, restrictive construction requirements. (Relies on listing and labeling by a testing lab such as UL)

  • **Fire Pumps…**Adds the requirement for a second source where such source is available and will do the most good. (Adds more reliability to sprinkler systems in buildings without greatly adding to cost)

  • **Fire Alarm Systems…**Eliminates all of the outdated restrictive requirements that have made the design and installation of these life saving systems nearly impossible when trying to use state-of-the- art equipment. (Will greatly enhance the use of systems…and greatly reduce installation costs)

  • **Emergency Lighting systems…**Greatly enhances the practical design and use of emergency lighting and exit systems in buildings Requires non-utility sources such as generators and unit battery lights for all buildings needing emergency egress illumination)
    **SUMMARY

**This is the first complete update of the Chicago Electrical Code since 1970. The Code incorporates all of the recent City Council enhancements, such as for Emergency Lighting Systems, Highrise Buildings, and Signs. The document rewrites and updates 125 Articles that follow closely the 1999 National Electrical Code format, style and numbering system which will add greatly to usability for designers and installers. The addition of a comprehensive table of contents, index, graphical diagrams and examples will make the document very user friendly and will greatly enhance uniform interpretation.
The entire Chicagoland electrical industry has contributed to the document and is overwhelmingly supportive and enthusiastic regarding adoption of this Year 2000 Chicago Electrical Code.