ARC 3153C
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT[661]
Notice of Intended Action
Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b.”
Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.
Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 103.6, the Electrical Examining Board hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 504, “Standards for Electrical Work,” Iowa Administrative Code.
The Electrical Examining Board is authorized to adopt administrative rules for the licensing of electricians and electrical contractors and for the state electrical inspection program. The proposed amendment will adopt the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), with specified exceptions. The 2017 edition of the NEC reflects current industry standards, and adoption of the current NEC helps to promote consistency in the regulations affecting electricians and electrical contractors.
Revisions in the 2017 edition of the NEC reflect changes in communication and energy demands in industrial, business and consumer contexts. Business and industry and consumers increasingly rely on Internet services and communications devices, which has increased energy demands and driven technological innovation. The revisions in the 2017 edition of the NEC reflect modifications in the industry related to energy efficiency, energy production, residential uses, and special needs for health care facilities, and offer better protection for people and their property as the demands on electrical service increase.
These types of changes are particularly relevant in Iowa. The economic recovery in Iowa has outpaced other states and remains strong. Iowa will benefit from having the most recent version of the NEC. Demands for electrical work are likely to continue to rise, and Iowa can maintain a competitive edge with other states by updating its standards to meet the current industry expectations and to provide better protection and safety for individuals and property. Most of the states which border Iowa have adopted or are in the process of adopting the 2017 edition of the NEC. Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota are adopting the 2017 edition of the NEC with an effective date of July 1, 2017, and Wisconsin is adopting the 2017 edition of the NEC with an effective date of September 1, 2017.
Prior to the filing of this Notice of Intended Action, the Electrical Examining Board sought input and comments from stakeholders. Comments were received from many stakeholders, including the Iowa Association of Building Officials, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa, the Home Builders Association, Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers, and the local union, as well as from members of the public and members of the Board. The comments received have been considered in drafting this amendment to the rule.
The Board anticipates that this amendment will become effective on or before January 1, 2018.
Any person may comment on the amendment by e-mail at admrule@dps.state.ia.us; or by mail to Rules Coordinator, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Oran Pape Building, 215 East 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m.	on August 17, 2017.
A public hearing on the amendment will be held on August 17, 2017, at 10 a.m.	in the First Floor Public Conference Room (Room 125), Oran Pape Building, 215 East 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Persons may present their views orally or in writing at the public hearing.
The fiscal impact for the adoption of the 2017 edition of the NEC is expected to be minimal, and less than $100,000.
Pursuant to the provisions of rule 661—10.222(17A), the Board does not have authority to waive requirements established by statute. Pursuant to the provisions of rule 661—501.5(103), the Board has the authority to grant waivers from the rules.
It is expected that there will be a positive impact on jobs. The adoption of the 2017 edition of the NEC will lessen the burden for electricians entering into Iowa’s job market, simplify the examination process and enable Iowa electricians to compete for business in other states.
This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code section 103.6.
The following amendment is proposed.
	Amend rule 661—504.1(103) as follows:
661—504.1(103) Installation requirements. The provisions of the National Electrical Code, 2014 2017 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, are adopted as the requirements for electrical installations performed by persons licensed pursuant to 661—Chapters 500 through 503 and to installations subject to inspection pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 103 with the following amendments:
	504.1(1) Add the following exceptions to section 210.8, paragraph (A), subparagraph (2):
	a. 	Exception No.	1 to (2): Receptacles that are not readily accessible.
	b. 	Exception No.	2 to (2): A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected in accordance with 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8).
	c. 	Receptacles installed under the exceptions to 210.8(A)(2) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G).
Delete section 210.12(D).
	504.1(2) Add the following exceptions to section 210.8, paragraph (A), subparagraph (5):
	a. 	Exception No.	2 to (5): Receptacles that are not readily accessible.
	b. 	Exception No.	3 to (5): A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected in accordance with 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8).
	c. 	Receptacles installed under the exceptions to 210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G).
Delete section 406.4(D)(4).
	504.1(3) Delete section 210.12(B).
	504.1(4) Delete the exception to section 220.12 and insert in lieu thereof the following exception:
Exception: Where the building is designed and constructed to comply with an energy code adopted by the local authority, the lighting load shall be permitted to be calculated at the values specified in the energy code.
	504.1(5) Delete section 406.4(D)(4).
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 103.