21 NCAC 18B .0809          SCOPE OF SP‑ES LICENSE

(a)  Definitions.  As used in this Rule:

(1)           "Electric sign" means fixed, stationary, or portable self‑contained, electrically illuminated utilization equipment that has words or symbols designed to convey information or attract attention.  The term includes outline lighting.

(2)           "Outline lighting" means an arrangement of incandescent lamps or electric discharge tubing that outlines or otherwise calls attention to certain features, such as the shape of a building or the decoration of a window.

(b)  Scope of License.  A special restricted electric sign electrical contracting license (SP‑ES) authorizes the licensee to install, maintain, or repair electric wiring or devices only as an incident to the licensee's electric sign business.  Furthermore, the license authorizes the licensee to install, maintain, or repair only wiring that is directly related to electric signs and is electrically isolated from the building wiring system.  Wiring that is directly related differs depending on the type sign involved:

(1)           Except for electric signs described in Paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this Rule, related wiring is the portion of the electric sign wiring that originates at the load‑side terminals of a disconnecting means located immediately adjacent to the electric sign involved, or originates within a junction box so located.  Related wiring does not include the installation of the disconnecting means, complete with line‑side connections, or the installation of the junction box, complete with free‑length circuit conductors to accommodate the connection of the related wiring in the box.

(2)           For electric sign installations having sign transformers installed physically apart from the sign, related wiring is the portion of the electric sign wiring that originates at the load‑side terminals of a disconnecting means located immediately adjacent to the sign transformer supplying the electric sign involved, or originates within a junction box so located.  Related wiring does not include the installation of the disconnecting means, complete with line‑side connections, or the installation of the junction box, complete with free‑length circuit conductors to accommodate the connection of the related wiring in the box.

(3)           For free‑standing electric sign installions supplied through underground circuit conductors, related wiring is the portion of the electric sign wiring that originates at a wiring termination point located at, within, or immediately above the permanent base for the sign structure.  Related wiring does not include the installation of:

(A)          a junction box, located at, within or immediately above the permanent base for the sign, complete with free‑length circuit conductors to accommodate the connection of the related wiring; or

(B)          if the base of the structure is suitable for use as a raceway, the installation of bushing, complete with free‑length circuit conductors extending through to accommodate the connection of the related wiring within the sign structure raceway.

(4)           For electric signs specifically designed to be connected directly to the building wiring raceway or cable supply, related wiring is the portion of the electric sign wiring that originates at the point where the free‑length circuit conductors extend through the building wiring raceway or cable at the specifically designed supply location for the electric sign involved.  Related wiring does not include the installation of the building wiring raceway or cable system to the specifically designated point of supply for the electric sign involved, complete with free‑length circuit conductors extending through the building wiring raceway or cable to accommodate the connection of the related wiring.

(5)           Except for the related wiring on the secondary side of sign transformers, related wiring is restricted to circuits or parts of circuits that operate at voltages not exceeding 600 volts, phase‑to‑phase.

(6)           No related wiring, or any part thereof, may be installed in a location considered as hazardous under the National Electrical Code.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 87‑42; 87‑43.3;

Eff. October 1, 1988;

Amended Eff. February 1, 1990;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. February 2, 2016.