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Schedule 40 PVC in Chicago?

24K views 56 replies 14 participants last post by  Gary in WA  
#1 ·
The 1/2" EMT that holds the conductors that power my garage is corroding. I want to replace it with 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC, but I live in Chicago. Is this allowable by Chicago code?

Am I allowed to use Schedule 40 indoors if it's under concrete and I run a separate ground wire? Again, allowed by Chicago code standards.
 
#2 ·
The seperate ground wire is not allowed by anyone's standards. All conductors for a circuit have to be in the same raceway.

As far as PVC vs. EMT in Chicago...who the hell knows...I sure don't...someone that does will be along later though. :)
 
#3 ·
I think he meant adding new ground wire along with the existing conductors when he pulls them into the new conduit. Presumably the EMT was being used as the EGC.
 
#4 ·
Yeah, sorry for the confusion: I plan to pull a ground wire along with my new conductors in my new pipe. I just need to know if I can use PVC in Chicago.
 
#5 ·
Why not just call the Building Inspector dept at City Hall and ask?
Quick read of their building code:
"
Image
18-27-300.37 Aboveground wiring methods.


Aboveground conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit, in electrical metallic tubing, or as busways. In locations accessible to qualified persons only, open runs of Type MV cables, bare conductors, and bare busbars shall also be permitted. Busbars shall be permitted to be either copper or aluminum.
(Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 5)"


I don't see PVC in that but code interpretation is very complicated and there may be another citation that allows it. Need an official ruling or perhaps a Chicago electrician will weigh in.
 
#6 ·
When I lived there you could not and that was only a few years ago.

You are not even supposed to change out an outlet without a permit and that has to be signed by an electrician, given that, there is a lot of stuff that gets done without permits.

Everything needs to be in EMT or short greenfield whips unless things have changed which I highly doubt.
 
#7 ·
You are not even supposed to change out an outlet without a permit and that has to be signed by an UNION electrician, given that, there is a lot of stuff that gets done without permits.
I corrected your post to show the real cause of the problems!
 
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#10 ·
Have you ever lived or spent any measurable time in Chicago. If you had you would know that the city has a history of corruption and pandering.

Google McCormick place and look at how business has been lost there due to crazy union rules. It used to be you could not plug in an electric cord to a socket when you exhibited there. It had to be done by a union electrician. Those rules have started to ease but many are still there.

I'm okay with Unions but Chicago has taken to the next level.

A good joke about it is how many teamsters does it take to change a light bulb, Five, you got a problem with that?
 
#16 ·
Say, I've got a question: Why are we talking about plumbing, anyway?

If the building code snippet posted a while ago doesn't have any listed exceptions, than that's the OP's answer. Or part of it, anyway. Apparently, PVC and other nonmetallic conduit types cannot be used for aboveground wiring in Chicago. Doesn't say anything about underground, though.
 
#19 ·
Say, I've got a question: Why are we talking about plumbing, anyway?

If the building code snippet posted a while ago doesn't have any listed exceptions, than that's the OP's answer. Or part of it, anyway. Apparently, PVC and other nonmetallic conduit types cannot be used for aboveground wiring in Chicago. Doesn't say anything about underground, though.
Currently looking that up actually, looking for below ground requirements for wiring residential in Chicago.

I know in WA it's very, very common.
 
#17 ·
ive worked all the trades electrical/hvac/plumbing politics is politics in all the trades :)
 
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#20 · (Edited)
For some reason I can't edit my last post? :eek:

Anyways

ELECTRICAL CODE REGULATION



St. Clair County has adopted the 2005 National Electrical Code in its entirety for the unincorporated areas of the county and all communities that have contracted with the county to do their inspections, with the following 10 exceptions:

A. Conductors – Minimum Ampacity and Size. All power wire shall be 12 AWG and larger. (Article 210-19 NEC 2005)

B. Dwelling Unit Receptacles Outlet. Four (4) receptacles per circuit in kitchen. Dining room receptacles shall be on a separate circuit. All major appliances shall be on a dedicated circuit [dishwasher, disposal, microwave, refrigerator, etc.]. Heating and/or cooling unit blowers shall be on a dedicated circuit. (Article 210-52 NEC 2005) Note: All single outlets shall be installed so cords hang down properly.

C. Feeder or Service Neutral Load. Entrance conductors and neutral must be of the same size and rating. (Article 220-61 NEC 2005)

D. Maximum Number Of Disconnects. All dwelling units’ service panels shall have a single main disconnect. On new construction, all service panels shall have three (3) spaces for future circuit. No one-half (½) size circuit breakers permitted on new construction. (Article 230-71 NEC 2005) Note: Also, workspace shall be maintained and top of main breaker no more than 6’6”.

E. Disconnecting Means and Branch-Circuit Protective Equipment. The minimum size service for manufactured homes is 100 Amp. (Article 550-11 NEC 2005)

F. Ground Electrode Conductor. Ground wire shall be in PVC conduit from meter socket to ground rod. (Article 250-64B NEC 2005)

G. Conductors Material. Aluminum wire shall not be permitted for dwelling units or manufactured homes. (Article 310-2B NEC 2005)

H. Non Metallic Sheathed “NM” (Romex). Is permitted only in residential or dwelling not commercial buildings. (Article 210 & 215 NEC 2005)

I. Manufactured Homes. All manufactured homes shall be connected from their service disconnect to their panel in approved raceway. (Article 550-10 NEC 2005)

J. Smoke Detectors. All dwelling shall have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, they shall be hard wired (110V) with battery backup and interconnected. Smoke detectors shall be located in every bedroom and halls outside of bedroom with in 15’ of the bedroom door and each level of the home. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be within 15’ of every bedroom door. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in security systems will not be acceptable.

However it is a bit outdated.

http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&t...tart=10&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=dc9072f4d1d34f4c&biw=1688&bih=810

Scroll down to the bottom link, and download the document.

SERVICE

1. Minimum Dwelling service is 100 amp.
#4 copper is the minimum entrance conductor for 100 amp residence.
2/0 copper is the minimum entrance conductor for 200 amp residence.
2. Aluminum wire is not permitted in dwelling units.
3. Entrance conductors and neutrals must be the same size and rating.
4. Neutrals shall be identified with white tape or white insulation and unbroken from the weather head thru the meter to the panel.
5. All service entrance conductors shall be installed in conduit from the meter to the panel. When using PVC conduit it shall have a ground wire in it. There shall be no splices in these conductors.
6. The ground wire from the meter to the ground rod shall be in PVC conduit.
7. All PVC conduit shall have the proper size ground wire in it.
8. All service panels must have a single main disconnect. On new construction, panels will have at least three spaces for future circuits.
9. Panel boxes shall be mounted with a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches to the center of the main breaker. A maximum of 42 circuits are allowed in the main panel.
10. Panel boxes are not permitted to be mounted in closets or bathrooms.
11. Panel boxes require work clearance of 30 inches wide, 3 feet deep and floor to ceiling height unobstructed area. There shall be nothing in this area.
12. Meters shall be 5 feet 6 inches to the center of the meter above final grade.
13. Weather heads shall be a minimum height of 13 feet above ground.
14. Inspectors must be able to inspect under manufactured homes before shirting is installed.
15. Conduit ditches shall remain open until the inspection.
 
#21 ·
What has St. Clair county have to do with Chicago? And I suspect that the unions have the final say so in Chicago, no matter what the AHJ or building codes say. Years ago while doing carpentry on a Chicago mall project the scenario was, when mixing concrete for the project was 1. Union electrician plugged in and turned on the cement mixer. 2. Union carpenter added the concrete to the mixer while 3. Union plumber turned on the hose to add the water. And the reverse when each batch was finished. And there is absulutely NO exaggeration in this post.
 
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#26 ·
What has St. Clair county have to do with Chicago? And I suspect that the unions have the final say so in Chicago, no matter what the AHJ or building codes say. Years ago while doing carpentry on a Chicago mall project the scenario was, when mixing concrete for the project was 1. Union electrician plugged in and turned on the cement mixer. 2. Union carpenter added the concrete to the mixer while 3. Union plumber turned on the hose to add the water. And the reverse when each batch was finished. And there is absulutely NO exaggeration in this post.
Did you read the 2005 NEC codes?

compare them to 2009 NEC codes, and the new 2011 NEC codes, any changes? If not, there's your answer.

That said, I call complete BS. Per UNION CONTRACTS A UNION PLUMBER is NOT ALLOWED to have ANYTHING to do with anything outside of Plumbing and Pipefitting for a building or home.

And a UNION ELECTRICIAN is not allowed to plug equipment used by the other trades into anything, if it's not directly a part of the Electricians job to do the Electrical Work. The only thing a UNION Electrician can plug in, is his Drill, Sawzall, or a work light that HE/SHE is using. And furthermore, a UNION Carpenter, will NOT handle concrete, or handle ANYTHING at a construction site that is two forms or lower. That falls onto the UNION Cement Mason.

Try again, I've played this game before, and have worked with Union guys before too, Unions have nothing to do with policy or procedure, or building codes. That is purely legislature that determines building codes. As far as JOB descriptions, that's what the UNIONs do, is they negotiate TERMS OF WORKING CONDITIONS. Which believe it or not, SAVES MONEY, and IMPROVES QUALITY of the job. I.e. I call complete BS you're going to pay an Electrician $40 an HOUR to mix and pour concrete, set rebar, and make concrete forms and slabs, when you can pay the CEMENT MASON $25 an hour to do that job.

You're not going to pay a Plumber $35 an hour to spray water into a Cement Mixer, when the CEMENT MASON does that AS A PART OF THE CEMENT MASONS JOB for $25 an hour.

Furthermore, DO YOU THINK THE UNIONS will PERMIT another Union Trade to do that Union Trades job? That's the point of a Union, that is why you have the "United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers", The United Brotherhood of Painters Plasterers and Cement Masons", "The United Association of PLumbers and Pipefitters" etc. Because if the job does not fall into that specific craft/trade of Construction, it does not fall into that Union, therefore, per UNION policies, another UNION will NOT do another UNIONS job. That COMPLETELY removes the entire reason of a Union to exist.

And cost wise, I call BS because no contractor is going to pay such insane pay rates for the same jobs they can have for OTHER Union Tradesmen for MUCH cheaper.

Now, that said and done with.

Compare NEC Codes, that will be the answer. Waiting on response via e-mail to the Chicago City Hall to get the answer direct.
 
#23 ·
From the conversations over the years with electricians from Chicago, all wiring is in metal.
 
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#24 ·
I agree. A quick browse through Chicago's version of articles 3xx gives the impression that they don't recognize nonmetallic conduit as a legal wiring method at all.
 
#25 ·
Basically for all the trades they don't recognize any materials or methods that are designed to reduce material or labor costs! :thumbup:
 
#27 ·
First of all, I was on that job and I described it exactly as it happened.
Secondly, Your long winded responses and comments have more mis-information than most on this board...that began with your "red wire transfer" reply.

And again I ask...what does St. Clair have to do with Chicago?

I suggest that you answer only what you actually know about, not what you think you know. And I do know that if anyone knows BS it certainly must be you.
 
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#28 · (Edited by Moderator)
First of all, I was on that job and I described it exactly as it happened.
Secondly, Your long winded responses and comments have more mis-information than most on this board...that began with your "red wire transfer" reply.

And again I ask...what does St. Clair have to do with Chicago?

I suggest that you answer only what you actually know about, not what you think you know. And I do know that if anyone knows BS it certainly must be you.
St Clair is a county in Illinoise, which is the same state you can guess which city is in? Oh crap, it's Chicago!

SSSSOOO, what happens when you have NEC (NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE) numbers that are cited by the state of ILLINOISE per its REFERENCES TO STATE Electrical Guidelines, and you somehow get someone with a copy of the latest NEC Book?

What happens, is you take Article 250-64B NEC, and then see what that article says in the newest edition.

And THEN you go HERE http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html and then you send them the code reference in the NEC, and you ask, "HEY, I WAS TALKING TO SOME GUY ON THE INTERNET AND WE FOUND AN ONLINE DOCUMENT STATING ARTICLE 25-64B NEC REQUIRING THE GROUND TO BE IN PVC, CAN PVC BE USED AS CONDUIT IN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING?"

Then, what they will say in response is this:

"Oh, yeah it's ok, here are some other references for Electrical work found here here and here" OR, "Oh no, I'm sorry that's outdated, to see our current Electrical Code, view this this and this"

And then do you know what happens then?

You get your answer.

Holy freeholies.

And BTW, A Travel wire is the same as a Transfer, FYI.

Furthermore, I call complete and total BS that was the set-up your construction site had. Do you know why? Cement Masons Unit would have exploded over the Electrical Brotherhood, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers, and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, so much to the point that contractor who hired them to do that job violated contracts, and each other Union violated their own contracts for working conditions.

I call BS.

EDIT

Also, the Plasterers and Cement Masons Union, would be suing the living crap out of the other Unions for doing THEIR work, when each UNION has signed AGREEMENTS and LEGAL CONTRACTS that they would NOT do another Unions work.
 
#29 ·
There are many examples of union work rules that did not lead to productive use of maintenance resources! Take changing a pump for example, it requires a minimum of three unions to be involved, electricians, pipefitters and millrights. In reality, the people does it really take to do that job?

There are many more examples but especially in the maintenance crafts each union tries to protect their niche and really is concerned about lowering costs and raising productivity. :furious: This is especially true in the Chicago area but also could be seen in many other Northeastern and Midwestern areas.
 
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#32 · (Edited)
There are many examples of union work rules that did not lead to productive use of maintenance resources! Take changing a pump for example, it requires a minimum of three unions to be involved, electricians, pipefitters and millrights. In reality, the people does it really take to do that job?

There are many more examples but especially in the maintenance crafts each union tries to protect their niche and really is concerned about lowering costs and raising productivity. :furious: This is especially true in the Chicago area but also could be seen in many other Northeastern and Midwestern areas.
Did you know in the State of Washington, its illegal for anyone in a commercial setting to do anyform of Electrical work of anykind without either being licensed, or having a Licensed Electrician oversee the work being done? That holds true on a maintenance team as well.

Did you know a Plumber isn't allowed to connect the three wires that go into an Electric Water Heater, despite having adapters that plug into each other? And it has nothing to dow ith being union, it has to do with who's licensed to do what.

Same mentality can be taken into the medical sector. You're not going to have a gynocologist conduct chemo therapy for cancer in the female genitals. Nor will you have a Gynocologist do a Prostate Exam, without a Proctologist overseeing the gynocologists work.

Nor will you have an EKG Technician doing MRIs, or an X-Ray Technician doing EKGs.

If you're not licensed to do the work, guess what? You're not licensed to do it, therefore, you're not legal to do the work unless properly supervised by the person who has the license.

REason you have a Plumber involved, is because a Plumbers job and licensure is installing fuel lines. Anyform of gas or fluid piping, is done by a Plumber. Anything that has to do with high pressure or high temperature steam, falls onto a pipefitter.

The Millwrights job, is to assemble and/or repair Mechanical components or machines. Which an Electrician would not be qualified, or educated enough to do. Nor would a Plumber.

It's why on a Maintenance Team, a typical Maintenance TEam, you will have: Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC-R Technician, Pipefitter/Steamfitter, Equipment Operation and Landscaper. Those are the primary slots you'll typically see on a maintenance team, and then any low level personelle that help/support them doing their work.

Every member of the maintenance team will have a basic understanding and knowledge of all tasks, conditions, and types of work and products each member of the maintenance team specializes in, so everyone can do everyones job on the basic level, to allow SMEs to focus on the more in-depth work towards their trade. Saves time, money, and increases production.

And it allows the Team to do all tasks, because they have someone who has the required license to inspect/oversee work being done. Making that work legal.

Unions have absolutely nothing to do with it, state legislature does, because teh STATE wants to see a LICENSE to do the work. Why? Because they want to know who's going to sue who and who's liable to pay for damages being done.
 
#30 ·
Now that the OP has been scared off back in the first few posts of page 1, the takeaway lesson from this is that Chicago has their own, completely independent electrical code, which includes NEC article numbers purely to make it more convenient for electricians familiar with the NEC to look stuff up.
 
#31 · (Edited by Moderator)
St Clair is a county in Illinoise, which is the same state you can guess which city is in? Oh crap, it's Chicago!
WRONG!!!!!!


St. Clair County is across the river from St. Louis, MO....missed it by only 400 miles, darn.

Chicago is in Cook County, learn to read a map.

Even if you find a code book for COOK COUNTY, believe me it doesn't mean it applies to the CITY of Chicago.





Illinoise
by the way...there is no NOISE in Illinois.....so learn to read a map AND spell correctly...if you found Illinois(no "e") on a map, just copy the spelling from that.....
 
#33 · (Edited)
WRONG!!!!!!


St. Clair County is across the river from St. Louis, MO....missed it by only 400 miles, darn.

Chicago is in Cook County, learn to read a map.

Even if you find a code book for COOK COUNTY, believe me it doesn't mean it applies to the CITY of Chicago.


Document said St Clair County Illinois unless I misread it.

Even if it was cook county, you'd still have a code reference to discuss with the commissioners office, which was the entire point of it. :thumbsup:




by the way...there is no NOISE in Illinois.....so learn to read a map AND spell correctly...if you found Illinois(no "e") on a map, just copy the spelling from that.....

Document said St Clair County Illinois unless I misread it.

Even if it was cook county, you'd still have a code reference to discuss with the commissioners office, which was the entire point of it. :thumbsup:


County of St. Clair
Building & Zoning Department
10 Public Square

Belleville, Illinois 62220


Mike Mitchell, Director (618) 277-6600 Ext. 2530
Schedule Inspections (618) 277-6600 Ext. 2644
Hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
BUILDING INFORMATION SHEET


All ground disturbing activities in the unincorporated area of St. Clair County MUST FIRST FILE A SEDIMENTATION AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN with the St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District prior to a building permit being issued. Soil and Water Conservation office is located at 2031 Mascoutah Road, Belleville, Illinois, phone number is (618) 233-5577.

Property must have an assigned address from the 9-1-1 Coordinating office prior to a building permit being issued. The 9-1-1 Coordinating office is located at 101 First St., Belleville, Illinois, phone number is (618) 277-7316.

A Copy of the recorded deed must accompany this application for Zoning Compliance. All contracts for deed must be recorded in the Recorder of Deeds office prior to applying for a building permit.

If this is an application for a commercial/industrial structure, (2) two sets of plans and specifications designed by the architect that is licensed and registered in the State of Illinois must accompany this application. The seal must appear on all sheets of the plans and specifications.

You must also have a letter from the architect indicating that the plans are for the construction as being submitted.
And please tell me where it states missouri...
 
#34 · (Edited)
Even if it was cook county, you'd still have a code reference to discuss with the commissioners office, which was the entire point of it.
OK, well regardless of what county it is in, your "code reference to discuss with the commissioners office" would be invalid unless the place your working is governed by the COUNTY code....which Chicago CITY isn't.

And on that note, I won't argue this point (again and again and again) any more. Chicago code is a CITY code...Chicago city could care less what Cook County says, or what the state of Illinois says because Chicago CITY code is more strict than either of those, so Chicago CITY code can and does overrule them.



And please tell me where it states missouri...
OK then...St. Clair County is where Belleville, IL is...feel better...know where that is?? Didn't think so....well I'll tell ya....it's across the Mississippi River (which seperates Illinois and Missouri) from St. Louis, MO (I assumed that would be a more nationally known reference than Belleville, IL)
 
#35 ·
OK, well regardless of what county it is in, your "code reference to discuss with the commissioners office" would be invalid unless the place your working is governed by the COUNTY code....which Chicago CITY isn't.

And on that note, I won't argue this point (again and again and again) any more. Chicago code is a CITY code...Chicago city could care less what Cook County says, or what the state of Illinois says because Chicago CITY code is more strict than either of those, so Chicago CITY code can and does overrule them.





OK then...St. Clair County is where Belleville, IL is...feel better...know where that is?? Didn't think so....well I'll tell ya....it's across the Mississippi River (which seperates Illinois and Missouri) from St. Louis, MO (I assumed that would be a more nationally known reference than Belleville, IL)

Which is why you BRING IT UP TO THE CITY and you ASK THEM HEY does THIS CODE apply to CHICAGO's building conformaties?

IS THIS acceptable per BUILDING code for THIS city?

THAT is why I even POSTED THE LINK to the commissioners office, which has a contact section.

So the OP DOES have a reference to Electrical code, and can ASK IF IT APPLIES, or what Chicagos ammendments to that code are, if at all.

THAT is why it's posted, THAT is how it helps.

Have you ever done this before? With respect, it defintiely doesn't seem like it.
 
#36 ·
BigGuy01, I am sorry that your state (as well as many others) are so shortsighted that they truly believe a person is only capable of successfully and safely performing maintenance tasks in one field of expertise. Because of that your area and company are probably going to go the way of many others who were so shortsighted! In today's real world efficiency of the workforce is the name of the game in order to stay competitive.

The multinational company that I work for trains all of our maintenance professionals to be at least skilled in two major fields and many of them are experts in at least three! Obviously none of our facilities have unions and are all located in right to work states. Having a union does nothing to promote better craftsmanship nor a better working relationship between labor and management, all it does is interfere in that relationship.
 
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#38 ·
BigGuy01, I am sorry that your state (as well as many others) are so shortsighted that they truly believe a person is only capable of successfully and safely performing maintenance tasks in one field of expertise. Because of that your area and company are probably going to go the way of many others who were so shortsighted! In today's real world efficiency of the workforce is the name of the game in order to stay competitive.

The multinational company that I work for trains all of our maintenance professionals to be at least skilled in two major fields and many of them are experts in at least three! Obviously none of our facilities have unions and are all located in right to work states. Having a union does nothing to promote better craftsmanship nor a better working relationship between labor and management, all it does is interfere in that relationship.
Where I train and do work, it's the same way. Everyone cross trains into everyones field on a basic level, but then have licensure in a specific area to legally oversee work being done.

For your Company, unless you have dual license holders (like Plumbing and Electrical Licenses with one guy etc.) it would be legally impossible to have people have two major focus areas.

However, the reason why they have licensed personelle, is so they have someone to fall back to for more complicated matters of the job, and to legally sign off on the quality of work, and determine if work meets specs.
 
#37 · (Edited)
Can't edit my above for some reason its locked?

Anyways, no point even discussing this, Per Chicago a homeowner is not permitted to even touch electrical work.

Electrical Inspections


Phone: (312) 743-3622
keith.hall@cityofchicago.org

The goal of the Electrical Inspection Bureau is to enforce the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment and to avoid the danger of electrical shock and fire. Inspectors work in conjunction with electrical contractors and building owners to ensure all buildings meet the City of Chicago electrical code requirements.
The Electrical Bureau is responsible for a variety of inspections. Our primary function is to inspect all electrical installations and to check that they are installed in an approved manner to ensure public safety. The Bureau responds to complaints of code violations and assures that they are corrected. We also conduct annual inspections of nursing homes, day care centers, electrical signs, and buildings defined as Public Places of Assembly. In addition, the Bureau inspects fire alarms, and life safety emergency systems in a variety of buildings and institutions, to ensure code compliance and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can owners do their own electrical work?
A: No. Due to the potential for electric shock or fire hazard, only Electrical Contractors licensed by the City of Chicago can perform electrical installations.
Q: Can an owner obtain an electrical permit?
A: The licensed electrical contractor completes the required permit application, along with the supervising electricians signature and license number.
Q: Does the City's Electrical Bureau recognize T U V AMERICA as a national recognized testing laboratory?
A: The city of Chicago Electrical Inspection Bureau does recognize T U V AMERICA as a national recognized testing laboratory. Products bearing a TUV label would be acceptable to the city's electric inspection bureau. Please see Section 18-27-110.2 of the city electrical code for this requirement.
Q: As a tenant, who do I call if I have electrical violations that the landlord will not repair?
A: Call 311. Please give as much detailed information as possible, including a daytime phone number so that the inspector can contact you to arrange a date and time for an inspection.

Additional Information

Electrical regulations are found in Title 14 of the Chicago Building Code, chapters 14-8 through 14- 72. Only registered electrical contractors are issued permits to perform electrical work. Electrical work is permitted either as part of a "Building Permit" or as "Electrical Work Only".
Electrical Work associated with a "Building Permit":
Building Permit Applications must include a properly filled out short form Electrical Permit Application. These applications are available from the Department of Buildings website. All short form electrical applications are signed by the licensed supervising electrician employed by the Contractor. Note that the Electrical Contractor's name, address and license number should be entered on the face of the Building Permit Application in the appropriate area. Electrical plans are required by various sections within the Code. An outline of these requirements can be found on the following page. Required drawings, load calculations or letters of relief should accompany the Building Permit submittal. Relief from the Code will only be considered before a permit is issued. Jobs that require Exit/Emergency Fire Prevention review will be accepted with a receipt from FPB confirming submittal along with the required electrical drawing. Jobs requiring a Standard Fire Alarm will be accepted without drawings but must include a FPB receipt confirming submittal. Before work begins on a required fire alarm system, all reviews must be complete and a separate wiring permit shall be obtained.




http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/electrical_inspections.html

EDIT

BTW, I see nothing in this that says anything about Unions
 
#39 ·
it would be legally impossible to have people have two major focus areas.
You make assumptions based on where YOU live. Some places don't require all trades to be licensed...in other words, they finally got over themselves.....when WA does, you will have more opportunity too :thumbsup:
 
#41 · (Edited by Moderator)
You make assumptions based on where YOU live. Some places don't require all trades to be licensed...in other words, they finally got over themselves.....when WA does, you will have more opportunity too :thumbsup:
There isn't a state in the country that does not require an Electrician to be Licensed, or any states that don't require their Plumbers to be Licensed, Nor any states that don't require general contractors to be Licensed.

Then you have individual cities that have their own licenses which require state licenses to even apply for the city licenses.

Such as what I'm finding wit Chicago, to get a Chicago Electricians License, you have to be licensed as an Electrician with the State of Illinois, and then apply for Licensure with the City of Chicago. Both licenses are required to remain current to work as an Electrical Contractor in Chicago.

That said, the OP cannot legally even touch his electrical circuits in his home, much less even touch conduit per Chicagos statutes.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/electrical_inspections.html

Also finding in Chicago, Concrete work doe snot fall under a General Contractors License, you have to get the General Contractors License through the state of Illinois, then to do anything with concrete in Chicago, you have to get a Chicago Masonry License.

Also, Electricians in Chicago are not permitted to handle circuit breakers in Chicago City Limits. So, an Electrician in Chicago has to have an Illinois Electricians License, then get a Chicago Electrical Contractors License, and THEN they have to get a Chicago Circuitbreaker License.

That's outright ridiculous. O.O

They also have to start at "C" Level in each of Chicago cities licenses, and get 6,000hrs performing each the Electrical Contractors License and Circuit Breakers Licenses to get them to "A" level.

They literally do expect home owners to be nimrods. holy crap O.O Even California's not that hard to get licenses.
 
#40 ·
franwalker The best thing you can do is contact the local AHJ and see what they recommend. It's very unlikely that you will be allowed to do the work yourself in Chicago. You will wind up paying a local contractor that the city has licensed for work there.
 
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#42 ·
There isn't a state in the country that does not require an Electrician to be Licensed
I'm done with you.......




ILLINOIS *
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington
Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: (217) 785-0800
Fax: (217) 782-7645

100 W. Randolph, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 814- 4500
Fax: (312) 814- 3145

No Licensing of Electricians at State Level, Check with Local Jurisdictions.
From THIS site

and before you say it, and I KNOW you will....some "local jurisdictions" don't care one way or another.



Good day sir
 
#44 ·
I'm done with you.......






From THIS site

and before you say it, and I KNOW you will....some "local jurisdictions" don't care one way or another.



Good day sir
That's funny, because the city of Chicago requires an ILLINOIS ELECTRICIANS LICENSE to even APPLY for a City of Chicago Electrical Contractors License, and a City of Chicago Circuit Breaker License.
 
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