• Codes
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Sign Up
  • Log in
Log in
Sign Up
  • Code Library
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Terms
  • Privacy
// CODE SNIPPET

Section 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards

California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
JUMP TO FULL CODE CHAPTER

605.1 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.

605.2 Illumination

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

605.3 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 California Electrical Code.
  2. Access openings into attics or under-floor areas which provide a minimum clear opening of 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm).

605.3.1 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.

605.4 Multiplug adapters

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

605.4.1 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.

605.4.2 Power supply

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

605.4.3 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.

605.5 Extension cords

Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. 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.

605.5.1 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.

605.5.2 Ampacity

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

605.5.3 Maintenance

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

605.5.4 Grounding

Extension cords shall be grounded where serving grounded portable appliances.

605.6 Unapproved conditions

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

605.7 Appliances

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

605.8 Electrical motors

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

605.9 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 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.

605.9.1 Attachment to structures

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

605.10 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 other than Group I-2 and in accordance with Sections 605.10.1 through 605.10.4.

Exception: The use of portable, electric space heaters in which the heating element cannot exceed a temperature of 212°F (100°C) shall be permitted in nonsleeping staff and employee areas in Group I-2 occupancies.

605.10.1 Listed and labeled

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

605.10.2 Power supply

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

605.10.3 Extension cords

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

605.10.4 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.

605.11 Solar photovoltaic power systems

Solar photovoltaic power systems shall be installed in accordance with Sections 605.11.1 through 605.11.2, the California Building Code or California Residential Code, and California Electrical Code.

605.11.1 Access and pathways

Roof access, pathways, and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 605.11.1 through 605.11.1.3.4. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such as vent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment.

Exceptions:
  1. Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, detached garages serving Group R-3 buildings, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures.
  2. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements need not be provided where the fire code official has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.

605.11.1.1 Roof access points

Roof access points shall be located in areas that do not require the placement of ground ladders over openings such as windows or doors, and located at strong points of building construction in locations where the access point does not conflict with overhead obstructions such as tree limbs, wires or signs.

605.11.1.2 Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings

Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings shall comply with Sections 605.11.1.2.1 through 605.11.1.2.5.

Exception: These requirements shall not apply to structures designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code.

605.11.1.2.1 Pathways to ridge

A minimum of two 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathways on separate roof planes, from lowest roof edge to ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. At least one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, at least one 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathway from lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, or on an adjacent roof plane, or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes.

605.11.1.2.2 Setbacks at ridge

For photovoltaic arrays occupying 33 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a minimum 18-inch-wide (457 mm) setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, a minimum 36-inch-wide (914 mm) setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.

605.11.1.2.2.1 Alternative setbacks at ridge

Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed within the dwelling in accordance with NFPA 13D, setbacks at ridge shall conform with one of the following:
  1. For photovoltaic arrays occupying 66 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a minimum 18-inch-wide (457 mm) setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
  2. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, a minimum 36-inch-wide (914 mm) setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.

605.11.1.2.3 Single-ridge roofs

Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings with a single ridge shall be located in a manner that provides two, 3-foot-wide (914 mm) access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels and modules are located.

Exception: This requirement shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less.

605.11.1.2.4 Roofs with hips and valleys

Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings with roof hips and valleys shall not be located closer than 18 inches (457 mm) to a hip or a valley where panels/modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where panels are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the panels shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.

Exception: These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less.

605.11.1.2.5 Allowance for smoke ventilation operations

Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings shall be located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the ridge in order to allow for fire department smoke ventilation operations.

Exception: Panels and modules shall be permitted to be located up to the roof ridge where an alternative ventilation method approved by the fire chief has been provided or where the fire chief has determined vertical ventilation techniques will not be employed.

605.11.1.2.6 Emergency escape and rescue opening

Panels and modules installed on dwellings shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape and rescue opening. A 36- inch-wide (914 mm) pathway shall be provided to the emergency escae and rescue opening.

605.11.1.2.7 Locations of DC conductors

Conduit, wiring systems, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits shall be located as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes shall be installed in a manner that minimizes the total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes shall be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays. DC wiring shall be installed in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building. Conduit shall run along the bottom of load bearing members.

605.11.3 Other than Group R-3 buildings

Access to systems for buildings, other than those containing Group R-3 occupancies, shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.3.1 through 605.11.3.4.

Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the roof configuration is similar to that of a Group R-3 occupancy, the fire code official shall be permitted to allow the residential access and ventilation requirements in Section 605.11.1.2 to be used.

605.11.3.1 Perimeter pathways

There shall be a minimum 6-foot-wide (1829 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.

Exception: Where either axis of the building is 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less, the clear perimeter around the edges of the roof shall be permitted to be reduced to a minimum 4 feet wide (1219 mm).

605.11.3.2 Interior pathways

Interior pathways shall be provided between array sections to meet the following requirements:
  1. Pathways shall be provided at intervals no greater than 150 feet (45.7 m) throughout the length and width of the roof.
  2. A minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway in a straight line to roof standpipes or ventilation hatches.
  3. A minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway around roof access hatches with not less than at least one minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway to a parapet or roof edge.

605.11.3.3 Smoke ventilation

The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements:
  1. Where nongravity-operated smoke and heat vents occur, a minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway shall be provided bordering all sides.
  2. Smoke ventilation options between array sections shall be one of the following:

    1. A minimum 8-foot-wide (2438 mm) pathway.
    2. Where gravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents occur, a minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway on not less than one side.
    3. A minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) pathway bordering 4-foot by 8-foot (1219 mm by 2438 mm) “venting cutouts” every 20 feet (6096 mm) on alternating sides of the pathway.

605.11.3.4 Locations of DC conductors

Conduit, wiring systems, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits shall be located as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes shall be installed in a manner that minimizes the total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes shall be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays. DC wiring shall be installed in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building. Conduit shall run along the bottom of load bearing members

605.11.4 Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems

Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall comply with Section 605.11 and this section. Setback requirements shall not apply to ground-mounted, free-standing photovoltaic arrays. A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be required for ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays.

605.12 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 be considered abandoned.
Share URL

Copy and paste the link below into emails, chats or browsers.

Copy

You can also copy or bookmark the link from your browser's address bar.

Related Code Sections


Section 605 Building Services and Systems, Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the responsible code official. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances and other equipment ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards
605.3 Building Services and Systems, Working space and clearance
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 ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.3 Working space and clearance
605.7 Building Services and Systems, Appliances
Electrical appliances and fixtures shall be tested and listed in published reports of inspected electrical equipment by an approved agency ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.7 Appliances
605.2 Building Services and Systems, Illumination
Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.2 Illumination
605.11 Building Services and Systems, Solar photovoltaic power systems
or California Residential Code , and California Electrical Code ...
California Fire Code 2016 > 6 Building Services and Systems > 605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards > 605.11 Solar photovoltaic power systems
About UpCodes

UpCodes provides an intuitive resource to navigate building regulations.

Codes are organized by jurisdiction to help you understand which regulations apply to your project.


Find Your Codes
COMPANY INFO About Free Law Contact Careers Terms Privacy Press Kit
CATEGORY General New York City New York State California Codes Building Codes Online
PREMIUM Features Pricing Sign Up Log In
CODES IBC 2015 IRC 2015 IPC 2015 California Building Code 2016 Popular Sections

FOLLOW US