E-2701.1 Title: The provisions set forth in this chapter of the Philadelphia Building Code shall be known as the Philadelphia Electrical Code, hereinafter referred to as "this chapter".

E-2701.2 Administrative provisions: This section contains those provisions which are unique to the administration of this chapter. All other administrative provisions applicable to this chapter are as set forth in Chapter 1 and in the administrative code.

E-2701.3 Scope: The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of all new installations of electrical conductors, engaged in the transmission of electricity or intelligence or light through conductors or optical fiber cables equipment and systems in structures and premises; and all alterations to existing wiring systems therein to insure safety. All such installations shall conform to the provisions of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) inclusive and the work shall be performed by a qualified Licensed and Insured Electrical Contractor.

Exceptions:

1. By specific state and federal exemptions this code does not cover installations in mines, railway cars, automotive equipment or apparatus, conductors or equipment installed for or by public utilities, common carriers or commercial radio or television stations which are under the jurisdiction of the state of Pennsylvania or a Federal regulatory body. These exemptions for regulated utilities only apply to installations and equipment used directly in the conduct of their business as a utility, and located outdoors or in building used exclusively for the utility function.

When a regulated utility installs equipment in a privately owned building, a permit shall be required and the installation shall then conform to the provisions of this chapter.

Permits are required for installations for: The Board of Education, tenants in Utility owned buildings, and Federal and City operations in privately owned buildings.

ALL non-regulated companies making telephone installations are required to obtain permits, and their installations shall conform to this chapter.

E-2701.4 Intent. This chapter shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public safety, health and welfare insofar as they are affected by installation of electric conductors and equipment; and, in general, to secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the design, installation and alteration of electrical conductors and equipment.

E-2701.5 Electric installation standards: Conformance of installation of electric conductors and equipment to NFPA 70 shall be the prima facie evidence that such installations are reasonably safe for use in the service intended and in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

E-2701.6 Electric equipment standards: The materials, appliances and other equipment listed in published reports of inspected electrical equipment by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), and other approved agencies and testing organizations, and installed in accordance with any instructions included as part of such listing, shall be approved as meeting the requirements of this chapter.

E-2701.6.1 Fire Pumps: The electrical work associated with the installation of fire pumps shall also comply with the provisions of NFPA 20.

E-2701.6.2 Lift Safety Systems: Where low voltage conductors are required to be installed for life safety systems they are required to be installed in conduit or electrical metallic tubing.

E-2701.7 Electrical Code Advisory Board: Pursuant to Sections 3-100(4) and 3-917 of the Home Rule Charter, the Mayor is authorized to appoint an Electrical Code Advisory Board to act in an advisory capacity to the department.

E-2701.7.1 Duties: To inform the department of all necessary changes needed to this chapter to better the safety of the citizens residing in or visiting the City of Philadelphia. To review all testing agencies used by the department for contracting and inspector licenses in sections E-2707.0 and E-2708.0 of this chapter.

E-2701.8 Maintenance: Routine maintenance work shall include the replacement of lamps, broken switches, receptacles or ballast and the replacement of fuses or breakers and the upkeep of presently installed approved electrical systems. It does not include any additional installations of any kind under any conditions.[21]

E-2701.9 Aluminum Conductors: No new or replacement aluminum or copper clad aluminum conductors of (10) gauge (A.W.G.) or less shall be used in any occupancy or structure, nor shall any gauge be used as a service grounding electrode conductor.

E-2701.10 Prefabricated wiring systems and assemblies: All prefabricated assemblies, manufactured wiring systems and wiring assemblies shall be installed in accordance with Article 604 of the NFPA-70 and by a qualified Licensed and Insured Electrical Contractor. Receptacles and switches supplied with component parts intended to be installed behind building finishes shall not be installed prior to the installations of building finishes.