HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-10 ELECTRICAL BOARD MEETING MINUTESMINUTES - MEETING OF THE ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND
APPEALS OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 10,1999,
AT 4:00 PM, IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF CITY HALL, 3519
LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:08 PM with the following present:
Robert Kettle Chairperson
Chris Brooks Boardmember
Ron Bavarian Boardmember
Charles Michna Boardmember
Chief Building Official Gene Tumlinson
Fire Marshal Larry Steed
Plans Examiner Randy Patro
Secretary Mona Ann Phipps
Electrician Martin Elfry
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Interpretation of the City of Pearland Electrical Code, Section 9-157(a) & (c)
Wiring Generally
Chief Building Official Gene Tumlinson explained that the building under construction at
7302 Broadway Street, has been completely wired in MC cable.
Chairperson Robert Kettle asked if the electrical work was complete. Martin Elfry ofJenco
Electric stated that the work is complete. Mr. Kettle stated that the original intent of this
ordinance was to keep BX out of the City. He stated that BX allows for a sloppy job and
less craftsmanship to install. He explained that they wanted conduit and wire with MC cable
to be used specifically in bathrooms where you could not pipe wires in. He added however,
that BX is a widely used product.
Boardmember Chris Brooks stated that BX cable is accepted by the National Electrical Code.
He presented a sample of BX and MC cables. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the
differences in the two cables.
Chief Building Official Gene Tumlinson stated that the electrical ordinance only allows a
flexible cable to be used in no more than eight foot lengths. He explained that the City of
Pearland has enforced this ordinance this way for ten years. He added that if the Board
interprets that this cable can be used, the red sticker will be removed from the job and they
can proceed. However, if the interpretation is that it is not allowed, the red sticker will
remain until the violations are corrected.
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Boardmember Ron Bavarian asked if the cable is in unexposed areas. Chief Building
Official Gene Tumlinson stated that most of it is concealed. He added that the problem is
that you could not just replace rigid cable. You would have to completely remove and
replace it.
Fire Marshal Larry Steed stated that he does not have a problem with this cable, however,
he does not want this to become a fire hazard.
Martin Elfiy explained that he assumed that BX cable was allowed because he has used it
on jobs in the past. He stated that Leon Sablatura school is wired ninety percent in MC cable
with a City issued certificate of occupancy. He asked if the interpretation of the Board is that
the ordinance does not allow this cable to be used, please at least grant a variance.
Board Member Charles Michna made a motion to resolve the problem at hand for the cable
that has already been installed and then revisit the ordinance to see if changes are needed.
Board Member Charles Michna withdrew his motion.
Boardmember Ron Bavarian made a motion that MC cable will be considered to be rigid
conduit.
Chairperson Robert Kettle seconded the motion.
Plans Examiner Randy Patro stated that the cable on this specific job is installed mainly in
the walls to receptacles in switch boxes.
Chairperson Robert Kettle added to the motion to accept MC cable in concealed areas only.
Motion passed 4 to 0.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:01 PM.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Mona Ann Phipps, Secretary
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this day of . 1999.
Robert Kettle, Chairperson
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