Municipal Code of Chicago § 14E-6-600 Electric signs and outline lighting.
14E-6-600 Electric signs and outline lighting.
The provisions of Article 600 of NFPA 70 are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise section 600.3 by adding new subsection (C) to read:
"Existing signs. Unlisted signs constructed or erected prior to February 7, 2002, shall comply with Chapter 14-36 of the Chicago Building Code, 1999 edition."
2. Revise subsection 600.9(A) to read:
"Vehicles. Sign or outline lighting system equipment shall be at least 4.9 m (16 ft) above areas accessible to vehicles unless protected from physical damage.
Informational Note: See Chapter 13-20, Article XIII, of the Chicago Building Code."
3. Insert new section 600.25 to read:
"Connections. Where signs are connected to previously installed branch circuits, the electrical contractor connecting the sign will be held responsible for the condition of the branch circuit. Connections shall not be made unless the branch circuit referred to is of sufficient capacity, in good condition, and in compliance with this Code. Signs may be connected to existing interior lighting circuits (except circuits feeding show windows) provided the combined load on the circuit does not exceed 1440 volt-amperes.
All outside wiring for signs shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing which shall be made waterproof; provided, however, for swinging signs the conduit or electrical metallic tubing shall terminate at the level of the crane within 914 mm (3 ft) of the sign and flexible conduit or other approved means shall be used to complete the connection. The flexible conduit shall have a drip loop and be arranged as not to bring moisture into the sign.
Sign branch circuits shall be installed so that the load connected shall in no case be more than 80% of the 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit overcurrent protective device.
Branch circuit conductors for each section of attraction board signs shall be routed to the distributing center of the section in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit or electrical metallic tubing."
4. Insert new section 600.26 to read:
"Floodlights, Spotlights, and Flashing Lights. No floodlight or spotlight shall be installed in or on any sign in such a manner as to be detrimental to automobile or street traffic. The use of the colors, green, red, or amber is restricted to those signs where the use of such colors does not create a traffic hazard. Under no conditions shall flashing lights be used on a sign where they can be construed as traffic regulation or judged to be distracting to motor vehicle traffic."
5. Insert new section 600.27 to read:
"Detailed Drawings. Detailed drawings shall be submitted with all sign permit applications. Each drawing shall contain the following information:
(1) Test laboratory listing number
(2) Manufacturers name or trademark
(3) Size in feet and inches
(4) Weight in pounds
(5) Volt-ampere load
(6) Branch circuit(s) required
(7) Scaled graphical drawing of sign
(8) Elevation showing the location of sign
(9) Engineered drawing number (where required in Section 600.28)
Informational Note: See Chapter 13-20, Article XIII, of the Chicago Building Code."
6. Insert new section 600.28 to read:
"Engineered Drawings Required. Drawings prepared by an architect or structural engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, and bearing the seal of the architect or engineer are required for and shall be presented with the applications for permits for the erection or alteration of signs which fall into the following categories:
(1) Signs requiring a roof structure which extends more than 3.66 m (12 ft) from the roof to the top of the structure
(2) Signs requiring a roof structure if any face of the sign exceeds 5.57 m2 (60 ft2) in area
(3) Signs held by diverging guys or supports at angles less than 45 degrees with the sign (4) signs which exceed 91 kg (200 lb) in weight
(5) Projecting signs with any face which exceeds 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) in area
(6) Projecting signs having more than 50% of the vertical dimension of the sign above the roof line and having any face that exceeds 5.57 m2 (60 ft2) in area
(7) Projecting signs supported by roof structures
(8) Signs erected entirely above the roof of a building
(9) Signs supported from the ground by independent structure(s) with a top which is more than 7.32 m (24 ft) above the level of the adjoining street or surrounding grade
(10) Installation of new sign boxes or channel letters
(11) Exterior signs not made of a solid material or substance, including but not limited to paper, fabric, cloth, vinyl or similar flexible material or substance which (i) exceed 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) in area or which are 7.32 m (24 ft) or more above grade and (ii) are secured to a building by means of brackets, channels, cables, hooks, nails, screws, straps, cords or other means other than a painted wall sign
(12) Where, in the opinion of the Building Department, the erection or alteration of a sign poses an unusual hazard or is not covered by this Code."
7. Insert new sections 600.43 through 600.50 to read:
"600.43 Switches on Doors. Doors or covers giving access to uninsulated parts of signs, or outline lighting systems exceeding 600 volts nominal, and accessible to the general public, shall either be provided with interlock switches which, on the opening of the doors or covers, disconnect the primary circuit, or shall be so fastened that the use of other than ordinary tools will be necessary to open them.
600.44 Fixed Outline Lighting and Skeleton-Type Signs for Interior Use.
(A) Tube Support. Gas tubing shall be supported independently of the conductors by means of insulators of noncombustible, non-absorptive materials such as glass, or porcelain or by suspensions from suitable wires or chains.
(B) Transformers. Transformers shall be installed in metal enclosures and as near as practicable to the gas tubing system.
(C) Supply Conductors. The supply conductors for the transformers shall be enclosed in grounded metal raceway.
(D) High-Tension Conductors. High-tension conductors shall be insulated for the voltage of the circuit and shall be enclosed in an approved raceway.
Exception: Conductors not exceeding 1.22 m (4 ft) in length between as tubing and adjacent metal enclosures shall be permitted to be enclosed in continuous glass or other insulating sleeves.
600.45 Window-Type Gas Tube Sign for Show Windows and Interior Use. This section shall apply to the installation and use of window-type gas tube signs.
(A) Location. Window gas tube signs shall be for indoor use only.
(B) Transformer. The transformer shall be in a metal enclosure.
(C) Supply Conductors. Supply conductors shall consist of hard or extra-hard usage-type cord containing an equipment grounding conductor. The cord shall not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) in length.
(D) High-Voltage Conductors. High-voltage conductors shall be as short as practicable, but not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) long and shall be located where not subject to mechanical injury, and shall be insulated for the voltage of the circuit and be protected by continuous glass or other insulating sleeves or tubing.
(E) Grounding. Transformers and attached noncurrent-carrying metal parts shall be grounded in accordance with Article 250.
(F) Support. Window-type indoor signs shall be held in place by not more than two open hooks attached to the transformer case.
(G) Permit. Window-type indoor signs shall be installed only under the authority of a permit issued to an electrical contractor.
600.46 Supports. Any sign or device covered by Article 600 Part II shall be supported by approved fastening means as described in other sections of this Code.
600.47 Receptacles. No receptacles shall be installed in any sign or device covered by this section of the chapter.
600.48 Modular Signs. Where a sign is made up of several pieces the wiring to and between such pieces shall be enclosed in a metal raceway unless specifically approved by special permission.
600.49 Length of Cord. Where flexible cord is used as the method of supplying current to any device or sign covered by this section of the chapter, such cord shall not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) in length. All such cords shall be approved three conductors and shall be equipped with a ground-type plug.
600.50 Voltage. In no case shall primary voltage to any sign or device covered by Article 600 Part II exceed 150 volts between conductors."
8. Insert new parts III through IV to read:
"Part III. 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less
600.60 Installation of Conductors.
(A) Wiring Method. Conductors shall be installed in rigid or flexible metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable, and metal poles complying with all requirements of 410.30(B). Aerial feeders to signs shall not be permitted.
(B) Insulation and Size. Conductors shall be of a type listed for the purpose and shall not be smaller than 14 AWG.
Exception No. 1: Conductors not smaller than 18 AWG of a type listed in Table 402.3 shall be permitted:
(a) As short leads permanently attached to lampholders or electric-discharge ballasts.
(b) As leads not more than 2.44 m (8 ft) long permanently attached to electric-discharge lampholders or electric-discharge ballasts if the leads are enclosed in wiring channels.
(c) For signs with multiple incandescent lamps requiring one conductor from a control to one or more lamps whose total load does not exceed 250 watts, if in an approve cable assembly of two or more conductors.
Exception No. 2: Conductors not smaller than 20 AWG shall be permitted as short leads permanently attached to synchronous motors.
(C) Exposed to Weather. Conductors in rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, or in metal trough, raceways, or enclosures, exposed to the weather shall be of a type listed in 310.10(C).
(D) Number of Conductors in Raceway. The number of conductors in a raceway for sign fixtures shall be in accordance with Article 900.
(E) Conductors Soldered to Terminals. Where the conductors are fastened to lampholders other than of the pin type, they shall be soldered to the terminals or made with wire connectors, and the exposed parts of conductors and terminals shall be treated to prevent corrosion. Where the conductors are fastened to pin-type lampholders that protect the terminals from the entrance of water and that have been found acceptable for sign use, the conductors shall be of the stranded type but shall not be required to be soldered to the terminals.
Part IV. Hanging Flat and Projecting Signs
600.70 Support.
(A) Flat Signs. Flat signs shall be anchored below roof line except that additional support other than chain may be provided over parapet to roof.
(B) Projecting Signs. Projecting signs exceeding 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) in area of one face shall be rigidly hung on beams. Separate projecting signs so hung as to appear as one sign shall be rigidly hung on beams if the total area of all faces on one side of the sign exceeds 9.3 m2 (100 ft2).
600.71 Bracing.
(A) Chain, Side Guys, and Rigid Brace Supports. All projecting signs shall have standard chain supports and fastenings to the building as shown in Table 600.71(A). Fastenings shall be so installed that attached supports or guys make an angle of 45° or greater with the sign. Where machine or lag screws enter strong structures, anchorage will be considered as equivalent to bolt throughout the wall. Expansion bolts shall be not less than 10 mm (3/8 in.) in diameter and shall enter through brick or stone walls not less than 64 mm (2-1/2 in.). Lag bolts in solid woodwork shall be not less than 10 mm (3/8 in.) in diameter and shall enter woodwork not less than 76 mm (3 in.).
Table 600.71(A) Support Chains
Weight of Sign (lb) | Number of Chains | Trade Size of Chains | Fastening to Wall
Up to 75 | 1 | 4/0 | Two expansion bolts per chain
76 to 150 | 2 | 4/0 | Two expansion bolts per chain
151 to 400 | 2 | 8/0 | One expansion bolts per chain
401 to 1,000 | 2 | 10/0 | One expansion bolts per chain
(B) Supporting Chain. No supporting chain shall be attached back of the center of gravity of the sign, except in the case of the rear supports of vertical signs.
(C) Lift Chain. Each lift chain shall be capable of carrying the sign alone. Fastenings for signs, supports or guys shall not be attached to, or rest on, parapet walls and shall be not less than 203 mm (8 in.) from any corner of the building.
(D) Projecting Signs. All projecting signs shall have standard chain side guys or rigid brace supports as shown in Tables 600.71(D)(1), (2), or (3).
Table 600.71(D)(1) Number and Size of Chain Guys for Each Side of Guy
[image omitted; see the official code]
Table 600.71(D)(2) Capacity in Square Feet of Sign Surface for Pipe Braces
[image omitted; see the official code]
Table 600.71(D)(3) Capacity in Square Feet of Sign Surface for Angle Iron Braces
[image omitted; see the official code]
Note 1. There shall not be more than 40 ft2 to one brace.
Note 2. Pipe braces shall not have joints near center.
Note 3. The ends of the pipe shall be closed by welding or by the use of an approved fitting.
(E) Hinged Projecting Signs. Projecting signs with chain or rigid pipe side guys shall be hinged at the building so that, should the sign swing on account of loosening of the side guys, no undue strain will be placed on the supporting bolts. Where the length of the hanger iron projecting from the sign frame is of a length that will not permit hinging due to the interference of the sign drum with the supporting wall said wall connections shall be made by means of two anchor bolts in the wall for each hanger iron, and the wall plates shall be fastened with not less than two bolts to the iron frame of the sign.
(F) Side Guy Chain. Each chain used for the support of for the side guy of sign shall have an independent attachment to the building or supporting structure, and shall make an angle of 45° or greater with the sign.
(G) Supporting Chains. Where supporting chains are attached to bolts through the wall such bolts shall be not less than 16 mm (5/8 in.) in diameter. The bolt shall be anchored by a washer plate of not less than 610 mm2 (24 in.2) of surface and of not less than 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) thick.
(H) Window Frames or Sills. Chains or signs shall not be fastened to window frames or sills.
(I) Turnbuckle. A turnbuckle shall be provided for all supporting chains and side guys. Turnbuckles shall have a breaking strength equivalent to that of the chain to which they are attached and shall be not less than 4.8 mm (3/16 in.).
(J) Split Links. Split links used for connections of chains shall be of standard design and shall have a breaking strength at least equivalent to that of the chain to which they are attached.
(K) Corrosion Protection. All chains, turnbuckles, split links, bolts and screws, and all other devices which support or form part of the support of a sign shall be galvanized or otherwise suitably protected from corrosion in some approved manner.
(L) Saddling. Where necessary to use a saddle for the fastening of a building iron, rigid construction shall be used. Chains will not be approved.
(M) Machine Screws. Machine screws in iron fronts shall be not less than 1/2 in. in diameter and shall pass through iron work.
(N) Wooden Bays. Projecting signs, lift chains or guys shall not be attached to wooden bays.
600.80 Swinging Signs. Swinging signs shall be supported by a pipe crane, or the equivalent, as shown in Table 600.80.
Swinging signs having a length of more than 2.44 m (8 ft) shall have not less than three hanging irons. Not less than two bolts shall be used to fasten strap to hanging iron. All cranes shall be further supported by an additional lift chain not more than 610 mm (2 ft) from building. No crane shall be erected higher than 8.53 m (28 ft) above the public way.
Table 600.80 Swinging Sign Supports
Weight | Pipe Size
0 – 75 lb | 1 in.
76 – 150 lb | 1-1/4 in.
151 – 300 lb | 1-1/2 in.
301 – 450 lb | 2 in.
451 – 1,000 lb | 2-1/2 in.
600.90 Supporting Poles or Posts. Supports for signs shall be either steel beams, round steel pipe sections or square steel (hollow) sections.
(A) Single Supporting Member. Signs which have a single supporting member shall be restricted to round steel pipe sections or square steel sections. The sections may consist of a fabricated and welded assembly, provided the welding is performed by a certified welder.
(B) Minimum Support. The minimum requirements for the support of signs shall be based upon a combined torsional and bending moment for a wind pressure of 1440 Pa (30 psf) and sign weight involved, using a maximum fiber stress of 138,000 kPa (20,000 psi).
(C) Drawing. A sketch, or engineer’s drawings where required by this Code, shall accompany each permit application. The sketch or drawing shall show complete and detailed information of the construction and installation of the sign.
(D) Design Values. The values listed in Tables 600.90(A) and (B) are minimum and are based upon an elevation of not more than 3.7 m (12 ft) above the surrounding grade or ground level to the bottom of the sign. The dimensions of the sign shall be such that a ratio between the two dimensions of the sign shall not exceed two to one. The distance between the center line of the support and the sign edge shall not exceed 750 mm (30 in.) for projecting signs. Deviation from the provisions of this section may be permitted by special permission, provided drawings are submitted from a structural engineer licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. Such drawings must attest to the fact that the proposed installation is equal to or greater than the standard required by this section.
Table 600.90(D)(1) Minimum Support Size for Projecting Signs
Area of One Face in ft2 | Round Pipe in Inches | Square Tubular Section in Inches
Area of One Face in ft2 | Round Pipe in Inches | Square Tubular Section in Inches
Up to 10 | 4 (.237 wall) | 3 x 3 x 1/4
11 to 20 | 6 (.280 wall) | 4 x 4 x 3/16
21 to 30 | 8 (.250 wall) | 5 x 5 x 1/4
31 to 40 | 8 (.250 wall) | 6 x 6 x 1/4
41 to 50 | 8 (.322 wall) | 7 x 7 x 1/4
51 to 60 | 10 (.250 wall) | 8 x 8 x 1/4
61 to 70 | 10 (.365 wall) | 8 x 8 x 1/4
71 to 75 | 10 (.365 wall) | 10 x 10 x 1/4
Table 600.90(D)(2) Minimum Support Size for Concentrically Mounted Signs
Area of One Face in ft2 | Round Pipe in Inches | Square Tubular Section in Inches
Area of One Face in ft2 | Round Pipe in Inches | Square Tubular Section in Inches
Up to 10 | 4 (.237 wall) | 3 x 3 x 1/4
11 to 20 | 5 (.258 wall) | 4 x 4 x 3/16
21 to 30 | 6 (.280 wall) | 5 x 5 x 1/4
31 to 40 | 8 (.280 wall) | 6 x 6 x 1/4
41 to 50 | 8 (.322 wall) | 7 x 7 x 1/4
51 to 60 | 10 (.250 wall) | 8 x 8 x 1/4
61 to 70 | 10 (.368 wall) | 8 x 8 x 1/4
71 to 75 | 10 (.365 wall) | 8 x 8 x 1/4
600.100 Obstructions
(A) Obstructions. Signs shall not obstruct or be attached to any part of a fire escape, and where a sign is hung near a fire escape, it shall be arranged to swing away from such fire escape.
(B) Clearance from Conductors. Signs shall be installed so that a clearance of not less than 900 mm (3 ft) is maintained between any wire of a high potential circuit and the sign, sign support, or sign guy. Similar clearance of not less than 300 mm (12 in.) shall be maintained between any other municipal or public utility wire. Sign hangers shall make arrangements to have wires rerouted when necessary before the sign is hung.
(C) Windows. Signs covering windows used for required natural light or required natural ventilation will not be approved without special permission.
600.110 Roof Structures. Roof structures shall be installed when the required 45° angle of the lift chain cannot be made of the building wall. Roof structures less than 3.7 m (12 ft) shall conform to Figure 600.110.
Where the height does not exceed 3.7 m (12 ft) for signs up to 3.7 m2 (40 ft2) in area the main angles shall be 2" x 2" x 1/4" and the intermediate angles shall be 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 3/16"; for signs over 3.7 m2 (40 ft2) in area the main angles shall be 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 1/4" and the intermediate angles shall be 2" x 2"x 1/4". Roof structures over 3.7 m (12 ft) high or more than 5.6 m2 (60 ft2) shall have engineer’s drawings required by 600.28.
Figure 600.110 Roof Structures
[image omitted; see the official code]
600.120 Catwalks and Ladders
(A) Catwalks. Catwalks for maintenance purposes on signs and sign structures shall be constructed of metal.
(B) Ladder on Sign Structures. Ladder on sign structures shall be at least 375 mm (15 in.) wide. Ladders on signs shall be metal and shall be not less than 250 mm (10 in.) wide. Horizontal projecting signs, the bottoms of which are more than 8.5 m (28 ft) above the public way, shall be provided with catwalks and handrails.
(C) Horizontal Flat Signs. Horizontal flat signs, the bottoms of which are more than 8.5 m (28 ft) above the public way shall be provided with catwalks and handrails unless signs can be maintained by means other than ladders supported from the way.
(D) Vertical Signs. Vertical signs, the bottoms of which are more than 8.5 m (28 ft) above the public way, or with a vertical dimension of more than 7.5 m (25 ft), shall have ladders the full vertical distance of the sign. In addition, all signs in the above category which are more than 1.2 m (4 ft) wide shall be provided with a steel structure at the top of the sign for maintenance purposes."