El Paso City Code § 18.16.010 Short title.
18.16.010 - Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the "Electrical Code".
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
ELECTRICAL CODE
El Paso City Code tit. 18, ch. 18.16
in effectEl Paso City Code § 18.16.020 Adoption.
18.16.020 - Adoption.
The book entitled "NFPA 70 National Electrical Code," 2020 Edition, a copy of which authenticated by the City Clerk is on file in the City Clerk's Office is adopted as the Electrical Code of the City, as fully as if copied at length in this chapter, but with the changes set forth in this chapter and Chapter 18.02, the Building and Administrative Code of the City of El Paso.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.030 Article 80 Evaporative Coolers, added.
18.16.030 - Article 80 Evaporative Coolers, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Article 80 Evaporative Coolers, is hereby added to read as follows:
80.1 Evaporative Coolers. Evaporative cooler shall have their controls mounted in a metal box. Conductors -to the equipment.
80.2 Controls and Operating Mechanisms. In areas required by the Building Code to be accessible to persons with disabilities, the highest operable part of controls, receptacles and other operable equipment shall be placed within at least of one of the reach ranges specified in this section. Electrical and communications receptacles on walls shall be mounted no less than 15 in (380 mm) above the floor to the bottom of the box.
80.3 Forward Reach. If the clear floor space allows only forward approach to an object, the highest operable part of controls, receptacles and other operable equipment shall be placed not more than 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor to the top of the box.
80.4 Side Reach. If the clear floor space allows only parallel approach to an object, the highest operable part of controls, receptacles and other operable equipment shall be placed not more than 54 in (1370 mm) above finished floor to the top of the box.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.040 Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required (A)(2)(b), amended.
18.16.040 - Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required (A)(2)(b), amended.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required, (A) Dwelling Units, (2) Additional Locations, (b) is hereby amended to read as follows:
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required. (A) Dwelling Units, (2) Additional Locations (b). For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.050 Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required (A)(3), added.
18.16.050 - Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required (A)(3), added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 210.70 Lighting Outlets Required, (A) Dwelling Units, (3) Storage or Equipment Spaces, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the paragraph:
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required. (A) Dwelling Units (3) Storage or Equipment Spaces.
Add: An attic shall be considered storage area if it has either a decked area or permanent access ladder.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.060 Section 210.71 Additional Outlets, added.
18.16.060 - Section 210.71 Additional Outlets, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 210.70C Additional Outlets, is hereby added to read as follows:
210.70C Additional Outlets. The following receptacle outlets shall be installed, in addition to those required by National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Sections 210-50 through 210-70:
(1) On wall areas over work benches, behind bars, serving counters, or other wall spaces where electrical signs or appliances may be used or installed, not less than one (1) receptacle outlet shall be installed for every six (6) feet or major fraction thereof (i.e., the second receptacle outlet shall be located a maximum of (nine) 9 feet from the beginning of the work bench, serving counter or wall space) from the edge measured horizontally along such wall parallel to the floor or ceiling.
(2) In lounges, taverns, bars or other establishments where electrical signs, appliances or similar devices may be placed on or attached to the ceiling, sufficient receptacle outlets shall be installed on the ceilings so that no point on such ceiling is more than twelve (12) feet from a receptacle outlet.
(3) In "mini-warehouse" units or similar storage occupancies designed to be leased or rented individually the following minimum requirements for lights and receptacles shall be provided:
Exterior lighting providing a minimum 2.0 foot-candle illumination at the ground level at the center of the entry door of each unit.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.080 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.16.090 Section 230.28 Service Masts as Supports, amended.
18.16.090 - Section 230.28 Service Masts as Supports, amended.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 230.28, Service Masts as Supports, is hereby amended to read as follows:
230.28. Service Masts as Supports.
(a) Where a service mast is used for the support of service-drop conductors, it shall be of rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit supported and anchored to safely withstand the strain imposed by the service drop. All mast fittings shall be identified for use with service masts. Only power service-drop conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast.
(b) All other service masts shall be of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.110 Section 230.70 General, (A)(1), amended.
18.16.110 - Section 230.70 General, (A)(1), amended.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 230.70 General, (A) Location, (1) Readily Accessible Location, is hereby amended to read as follows:
230.70 General. (A) Location, (1) Readily Accessible Location.
(1) Readily Accessible Location.
(a) Services rated 800 amps or less. A load-break rated meter disconnect shall be installed on the exterior of the building or structure adjacent to and not more than five (5) feet from the meter. The service disconnecting means is allowed to meet this requirement if installed in compliance with this proximity requirement and the requirements of the NEC. If the service disconnecting means is located more than five feet from the meter, a separate and additional load-break rated meter disconnect that meets this proximity requirement is required on the supply (line) side of the service disconnecting means.
(b) Services rated over 800 amps. The service disconnecting means shall be located not more than five (5) feet, measured vertically and horizontally, from the point where the service conductors enter the building or structure.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.120 Section 230.70.1 "Six Hand Movement", added.
18.16.120 - Section 230.70.1 "Six Hand Movement", added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 230.70.1, "Six Hand Movement", is hereby added to read as follows:
230.70.1 "Six Hand Movement".
"Six Hand Movement" rule will apply to switches or circuit breakers used to disconnect feeders only. A "main" switch or circuit breaker will be required ahead of any branch circuit overcurrent protection.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.230 Section 406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations (G) Air Condition Equipment, added.
18.16.230 - Section 406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations (G) Air Condition Equipment, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations, is hereby amended to add paragraph (G) Air Condition Equipment, to read as follows:
406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.
(G) Air Condition Equipment.
Receptacles used solely for the maintenance of air condition equipment will not be required to have "In Use" type covers.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.240 Section 410.36 Means of Support (B) Suspended Ceilings, amended.
18.16.240 - Section 410.36 Means of Support (B) Suspended Ceilings, amended.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 410.36 Means of Support, (B) Suspended Ceilings, is hereby amended to delete the last sentence as follows:
410.36 Means of Support, (B) Suspended Ceilings, Luminaires installed in suspended ceilings shall be securely attached to building structure from above at appropriate levels.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.250 Section 422.12 Central Heating Equipment, amended.
18.16.250 - Section 422.12 Central Heating Equipment, amended.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 422.12 Central Heating Equipment, is hereby amended to read as follows:
422.12 Central Heating Equipment. Central heating equipment other than fixed electric space-heating equipment shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit.
Exception 1: Auxiliary equipment, such as pump, valve, humidifier, or electrostatic air cleaner directly associated with the heating equipment, shall be permitted to be connected to the same branch circuit.
Exception 2: Evaporative coolers may be supplied by the same individual branch circuit supplying the central heating equipment in residential occupancies only, provided the loads are non-coincidental.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.260 Section 590.4 General (K) Temporary Service Poles, added.
18.16.260 - Section 590.4 General (K) Temporary Service Poles, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 590.4 General, is hereby amended to add paragraph (K) Temporary Service Poles, to read as follows:
590.4 General.
(K) Temporary Service Poles.
Temporary service poles shall be a minimum of four (4) inch by four (4) inch treated wood posts, or four (4) inch diameter round treated poles securely imbedded in the earth.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.270 Section 600.10 Portable or Mobile Signs, deleted.
18.16.270 - Section 600.10 Portable or Mobile Signs, deleted.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 600.10 Portable or Mobile Signs, is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.280 Section 600.43 Miscellaneous Provisions, added.
18.16.280 - Section 600.43 Miscellaneous Provisions, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 600.43 Miscellaneous Provisions, is hereby added to read as follows:
600.43 Miscellaneous Provisions.
(A) Sign circuits shall contain a copper grounding conductor deriving from the circuit's supply source; exterior locations shall terminate in a weatherproof box and cover. Taps in metallic raceways shall not be allowed as the grounding means.
(B) All sign installations shall maintain a clearance from adjacent power lines as follows:
Voltage—Line To Ground | H (ft.) Minimum Horizontal Clearance | V (ft.) Minimum Clearance Measured Either Diagonally or Vertically | V (ft.) Over or Under Catwalks Minimum Clearance Measured Either Diagonally or Vertically
Guy Wires and Neutrals | 3 | 3 | 10.5
0—750 V Supply Cables Meeting Rule 230C2 and 230C3 NESC, 1997 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 11
0—750 V Open Conductors N.E.S.E. Rule 230C2 and 230C3 | 5.5 | 6 | 11.5
750V—22KV | 7.5 | 8 | 13.5
Notes to table: 1. Signs should never hang over any adjacent power circuits. 2. Voltages are line to ground on a Y-Circuit with multi-ground neutral or between phases on an underground circuit.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.290 Section 725.41 Class 1 Circuit Classifications and Power Source Requirements (C) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage Circuits, added.
18.16.290 - Section 725.41 Class 1 Circuit Classifications and Power Source Requirements (C) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage Circuits, added.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, Section 725.41 Class 1 Circuit Classifications and Power Source Requirements, is hereby amended to add paragraph (C) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage Circuits, to read as follows:
725.41 Class 1 Circuit Classifications and Power Source Requirements.
(C) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage Circuits.
(1) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage circuits shall be accessible.
(2) Transformers for Class 2 and Class 3 low voltage circuits shall be installed in accordance with their listing.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.300 Errata, adopted.
18.16.300 - Errata, adopted.
Errata to the 2020 NEC Code issued by the National Fire Protection Association is hereby adopted and shall become part of this Code.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.16.310 Conflicting ordinances.
18.16.310 - Conflicting ordinances.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed as follows: Ordinance No. 014308, 12-14-1999 and Ordinance No. 15900, 09-28-2004.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18BUCO_CH18.16ELCOFetched: 10/28/2026