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// CODE SNIPPET

Section 604 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards

California Fire Code 2019 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 604 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
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604.1 Abatement of Electrical Hazards

Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the responsible code official. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances and other equipment that is modified or damaged and constitutes an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used.

604.2 Illumination

Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards.

604.3 Working Space and Clearance

A working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches (762 mm), the working space shall be not less than the width of the equipment. Storage of materials shall not be located within the designated working space.

Exceptions:

  1. Where other dimensions are required or allowed by the California Electrical Code.
  2. Access openings into attics or under-floor areas that provide a minimum clear opening of 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm).

604.3.1 Labeling

Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording. The disconnecting means for each service, feeder or branch circuit originating on a switchboard or panelboard shall be legibly and durably marked to indicate its purpose unless such purpose is clearly evident. Where buildings or structures are supplied by more than one power source, markings shall be provided at each service equipment location and at all interconnected electric power production sources identifying all electric power sources at the premises in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

604.4 Multiplug Adapters

Multiplug adapters, such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with the California Electrical Code shall be prohibited.

604.4.1 Power Tap Design

Relocatable power taps shall be of the polarized or grounded type, equipped with over-current protection, and shall be listed in accordance with UL 1363.

604.4.2 Power Supply

Relocatable power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.

604.4.3 Installation

Relocatable power tap cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.

604.5 Extension Cords

Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 817. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances. Extension cords marked for indoor use shall not be used outdoors.

604.5.1 Power Supply

Extension cords shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle, power tap or multiplug adapter and, except for approved multiplug extension cords, shall serve only one portable appliance.

604.5.2 Ampacity

The ampacity of the extension cords shall be not less than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord.

604.5.3 Maintenance

Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.

604.5.4 Grounding

Extension cords shall be grounded where serving grounded portable appliances.

604.6 Unapproved Conditions

Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.

604.7 Equipment and Fixtures

Electrical equipment and fixtures shall be tested and listed by an approved agency and installed and maintained in accordance with all instructions included as part of such listing.

604.8 Electrical Motors

Electrical motors shall be maintained free from excessive accumulations of oil, dirt, waste and debris.

604.9 Temporary Wiring

Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

Exception: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed during periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities.

604.9.1 Attachment to Structures

Temporary wiring attached to a structure shall be attached in an approved manner.

604.10 Portable, Electric Space Heaters

Where not prohibited by other sections of this code, portable, electric space heaters shall be permitted to be used in all occupancies in accordance with Sections 604.10.1 through 604.10.5.

604.10.1 Listed and Labeled

Only listed and labeled portable, electric space heaters shall be used.

604.10.2 Power Supply

Portable, electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle.

604.10.3 Extension Cords

Portable, electric space heaters shall not be plugged into extension cords.

604.10.4 Prohibited Areas

Portable, electric space heaters shall not be operated within 3 feet (914 mm) of any combustible materials. Portable, electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.

604.10.5 Group I-2 Occupancies and Ambulatory Care Facilities

Where used in Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, portable, electric space heaters shall be limited to those having a heating element that cannot exceed a temperature of 212°F (100°C), and such heaters shall only be used in nonsleeping staff and employee areas.

604.11 Abandoned Wiring in Plenums

Abandoned cables in plenums that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building, shall be tagged for future use or shall be removed.

Related Code Sections


Section 604 Building Services and Systems, Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention ...
California Fire Code 2019 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 604 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
Section 605 Building Services and Systems, Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
605.8 Building Services and Systems, Electrical Motors
Electrical motors shall be maintained free from excessive accumulations of oil, dirt, waste and debris ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.8 Electrical Motors
604.11 Building Services and Systems, Abandoned Wiring in Plenums
Abandoned cables in plenums that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building, shall be tagged for future ...
California Fire Code 2019 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 604 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 604.11 Abandoned Wiring in Plenums
605.12 Building Services and Systems, Abandoned Wiring in Plenums
Accessible portions of abandoned cables in air-handling plenums shall be removed. Cables that are unused and have not been tagged for future use shall ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.12 Abandoned Wiring in Plenums
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