EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) FOR ALL REFERENCES TO ELECTRICAL CODES

12/5/03

Introduction
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Building Code®, in this 2003 edition, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and
small.
This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2003 edition is fully compatible with all the International Codes (“I-Codes”) published by the International Code Council (ICC), including the ICC Electrical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code,
International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, International  Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Residential Code, International Urban-Wildland Interface Code and International Zoning Code.
The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers
an international forum for building professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides
an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application
of provisions.

Letter Designations in Front of Section Numbers
In each code development cycle, proposed changes to this code are considered at the Code Development Hearing by the International Building Code Development Committee, whose action constitutes a recommendation to the voting membership for final action on the proposed change. Proposed changes to a code section whose number begins with a letter in brackets are considered by a
different code development committee. For instance, proposed changes to code sections which have the letter [F] in front (e.g., [F] 1001.3), are considered by the International Fire Code Development Committee at the Code Development Hearing. Where this designation is applicable to the entire content of a main section of the code, the designation appears at the main section number and title
and is not repeated at every subsection in that section.
The content of sections in this code which begin with a letter designation is maintained by another code development committee in accordance with the following: [E] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee; [EB] = International Existing Building Code Development Committee; [EL] = National Fire Protection Association  ICC Electrical Code Development Committee; [F] = International Fire Code Development  Committee; [M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee; [P] = International Plumbing Code Development Committee; [PC] = ICC Performance Code Development Committee; [PM] = International Property Maintenance Code Development Committee; [RBE] = International Residential Code Building and Energy Development Committee; [RMP] = International Residential Code  Mechanical/Plumbing Development Committee; [UW] = International Urban-Wildland Interface Code
Development Committee; and [Z] = International Zoning Code Development Committee.

CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 104
DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes listed in Sections
101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code
shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference.
101.4.1 Electrical. The provisions of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical
Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including
alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances,
fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

SECTION 107
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
107.1 General. The building official is authorized to issue a
permit for temporary structures and temporary uses. Such permits
shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted
for more than 180 days. The building official is
authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
107.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform
to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility,
light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this
code as necessary to ensure the public health, safety and general
welfare.
107.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to
give permission to temporarily supply and use power in part of
an electric installation before such installation has been fully
completed and the final certificate of completion has been issued.
The part covered by the temporary certificate shall comply
with the requirements specified for temporary lighting, heat
or power in the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code.

CHAPTER 4
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED
ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

[F] SECTION 414
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

414.5 Inside storage, dispensing and use. The inside storage,
dispensing and use of hazardous materials in excess of the maximum
allowable quantities per control area of Tables 307.7(1)
and 307.7(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 414.5.1
through 414.5.5 of this code and the International Fire Code.

414.5.4 Standby or emergency power. Where mechanical
ventilation, treatment systems, temperature control, alarm,
detection or other electrically operated systems are required,
such systems shall be provided with an emergency
or standby power system in accordance with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. ICC Electrical
Code.

 [F] SECTION 415
GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5

415.9 Group H-5.
415.9.2.8 Electrical.
415.9.2.8.1 General. Electrical equipment and devices
within the fabrication area shall comply with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
ICC Electrical Code. The requirements for hazardous
locations need not be applied where the average air
change is at least four times that set forth in Section
415.9.2.6 and where the number of air changes at any
location is not less than three times that required by
Section 415.9.2.6. The use of recirculated air shall be
permitted.

CHAPTER 6
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 603
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL IN TYPE I
AND II CONSTRUCTION
603.1 Allowable materials. Combustible materials shall be
permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following
applications and in accordance with Sections 603.1.1
through 603.1.3:

603.1.3 Electrical. The use of electrical wiring methods
with combustible insulation, tubing, raceways and related
components shall be permitted when installed in accordance
with the limitations of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code.

CHAPTER 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

SECTION 904
ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC
FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

[F] 904.3 Installation. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems
shall be installed in accordance with this section.
[F] 904.3.1 Electrical wiring. Electrical wiring shall be in
accordance with the NFPA, National Electrical Code. ICC Electrical Code.

SECTION 907
FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

[F] 907.5 Wiring. Wiring shall comply with the requirements
of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code and NFPA 72. Wireless protection
systems utilizing radio-frequency transmitting devices shall
comply with the special requirements for supervision of
low-power wireless systems in NFPA 72.

SECTION 909
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

909.11 Power systems. The smoke control system shall be
supplied with two sources of power. Primary power shall be the
normal building power systems. Secondary power shall be
from an approved standby source complying with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code. The standby power source and its transfer
switches shall be in a separate room from the normal power
transformers and switch gear and shall be enclosed in a room
constructed of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated fire
barriers ventilated directly to and from the exterior. Power distribution
from the two sources shall be by independent routes.
Transfer to full standby power shall be automatic and within 60
seconds of failure of the primary power. The systems shall
comply with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code.

909.12 Detection and control systems. Fire detection systems
providing control input or output signals to mechanical smoke
control systems or elements thereof shall comply with the requirements
of Section 907. Such systems shall be equipped
with a control unit complying with UL 864 and listed as smoke
control equipment.
Control systems for mechanical smoke control systems shall
include provisions for verification. Verification shall include
positive confirmation of actuation, testing, manual override,
the presence of power downstream of all disconnects and,
through a preprogrammed weekly test sequence report, abnormal
conditions audibly, visually and by printed report.
909.12.1Wiring. In addition to meeting requirements of the
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code, all wiring, regardless of voltage, shall
be fully enclosed within continuous raceways.

[F] 909.16 Fire-fighter’s smoke control panel. A
fire-fighter’s smoke control panel for fire department emergency
response purposes only shall be provided and shall include
manual control or override of automatic control for
mechanical smoke control systems. The panel shall be located
in a fire command center complying with Section 911, and
shall comply with Sections 909.16.1 through 909.16.3.
to interrupt normal, nonemergency equipment operation
or produce a specific result to safeguard the building
or equipment (i.e., duct freezestats, duct smoke
detectors, high-temperature cutouts, temperature-actuated
linkage and similar devices), such means shall
be capable of being overridden by the fire-fighter’s

 [F] 909.16.3 Control action and priorities. The
fire-fighter’s control panel actions shall be as follows:
1. ON-OFF, OPEN-CLOSE control actions shall have
the highest priority of any control point within the
building. Once issued from the fire-fighter’s control
panel, no automatic or manual control from any other
control point within the building shall contradict the
control action. Where automatic means are provided
to interrupt normal, nonemergency equipment operation
or produce a specific result to safeguard the building
or equipment (i.e., duct freezestats, duct smoke
detectors, high-temperature cutouts, temperature-actuated
linkage and similar devices), such means shall
be capable of being overridden by the fire-fighter’s
control panel. The last control action as indicated by
each fire-fighter’s control panel switch position shall
prevail. In no case shall control actions require the
smoke control system to assume more than one configuration
at any one time.
Exception: Power disconnects required by the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. ICC Electrical Code.

CHAPTER 12
INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT

SECTION 1205
LIGHTING

1205.4 Stairway illumination. Stairways within dwelling
units and exterior stairways serving a dwelling unit shall have
an illumination level on tread runs of not less than 1 foot-candle
(11 lux). Stairs in other occupancies shall be governed by
Chapter 10.
1205.4.1 Controls. The control for activation of the required
stairway lighting shall be in accordance with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. ICC Electrical Code 
shall not apply to dwelling unit entrance doors; however,
such doors shall be tight fitting to the frame and sill.

CHAPTER 14
EXTERIOR WALLS

SECTION 1405
INSTALLATION OF WALL COVERINGS

1405.10 Metal veneers. Veneers of metal shall be fabricated
from approved corrosion-resistant materials or shall be protected
front and back with porcelain enamel, or otherwise be
treated to render the metal resistant to corrosion. Such veneers
shall not be less than 0.0149-inch (0.378 mm) nominal thickness
sheet steel mounted on wood or metal furring strips or approved
sheathing on the wood construction.
1405.10.4 Grounding. Grounding of metal veneers on
buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 27
and the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. ICC Electrical Code .
provided.

CHAPTER 27
ELECTRICAL

SECTION 2701
GENERAL
2701.1 Scope. This chapter governs the electrical components,
equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered
by this code. Electrical components, equipment and systems
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
provisions of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, except Article 80. ICC Electrical Code

Retain the following from the current edition of the Florida Building Code
Where provisions conflict, this code shall govern. Where definitions of the Florida Building Code, Building conflict with the definitions of NFPA 70, the definitions of NFPA 70 shall apply.

[F] SECTION 2702
EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER SYSTEMS
2702.1 Installation. Emergency and standby power systems
shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code,
NFPA 110 and NFPA 111.
2702.1.1 Stationary generators. Emergency and standby
power generators shall be listed in accordance with UL
2200.
2702.2 Where required. Emergency and standby power systems
shall be provided where required by Sections 2702.2.1
through 2702.2.19.
2702.2.1 GroupA occupancies. Emergency power shall be
provided for voice communication systems in Group A occupancies
in accordance with Section 907.2.1.2.
2702.2.2 Smoke control systems. Standby power shall be
provided for smoke control systems in accordance with Section
909.11.
2702.2.3 Exit signs. Emergency power shall be provided for
exit signs in accordance with Section 1011.5.3.
2702.2.4 Means of egress illumination. Emergency power
shall be provided for means of egress illumination in accordance
with Section 1006.3.
2702.2.5 Accessible means of egress elevators. Standby
power shall be provided for elevators that are part of an accessible
means of egress in accordance with Section 1007.4.
2702.2.6 Horizontal sliding doors. Standby power shall be
provided for horizontal sliding doors in accordance with
Section 1008.1.3.3.
2702.2.7 Semiconductor fabrication facilities. Emergency
power shall be provided for semiconductor fabrication
facilities in accordance with Section 415.9.10.
2702.2.8 Membrane structures. Standby power shall be
provided for auxiliary inflation systems in accordance with
Section 3102.8.2. Emergency power shall be provided for
exit signs in temporary tents and membrane structures in accordance
with the International Fire Code.
2702.2.9 Hazardous materials. Emergency or standby
power shall be provided in occupancies with hazardous materials
in accordance with Section 414.5.4.
2702.2.10 Highly toxic and toxic materials. Emergency
power shall be provided for occupancies with highly toxic or
toxic materials in accordance with the International Fire
Code.
2702.2.11 Organic peroxides. Standby power shall be provided
for occupancies with silane gas in accordance with the
International Fire Code.
2702.2.12 Pyrophoric materials. Emergency power shall
be provided for occupancies with silane gas in accordance
with the International Fire Code.
2702.2.13 Covered mall buildings. Standby power shall be
provided for voice/alarm communication systems in covered
mall buildings in accordance with Section 402.12.
2702.2.14 High-rise buildings. Emergency and standby
power shall be provided in high-rise buildings in accordance
with Sections 403.10 and 403.11.
2702.2.15 Underground buildings. Emergency and
standby power shall be provided in underground buildings
in accordance with Sections 405.9 and 405.10.
2702.2.16 Group I-3 occupancies. Emergency power shall
be provided for doors in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance
with Section 408.4.2.
2702.2.17 Airport traffic control towers. Standby power
shall be provided in airport traffic control towers in accordance
with Section 412.1.5.
2702.2.18 Elevators. Standby power for elevators shall be
provided as set forth in Section 3003.1.
2702.2.19 Smokeproof enclosures. Standby power shall be
provided for smokeproof enclosures as required by Section
909.20.
2702.3 Maintenance. Emergency and standby power systems
shall be maintained and tested in accordance with the International Fire Code.

CHAPTER 34
EXISTING STRUCTURES
NOTE: CHAPTER 34 OF THE IBC IS REPLACED WITH THE FLORIDA EXISTING BUILDINGS CODE (PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED BY THE ELECTRICAL TAC)

CHAPTER 35
REFERENCED STANDARDS

ICC
Falls Church, VA 22041 
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
ICC/ANSI A117.1—98 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406.2.2, 907.9.1.3,1007.6.5, 1010.1, 1010.6.5, 1010.9, 1011.3, 1101.2, 1102.1, 1103.2.13, 1106.6, 1107.2, 1109.2.2, 1109.3, 1109.4, 1109.8, 1109.15, 3001.3, 3409.5, 3409.7.2, 3409.7.3
ICC 300—02 ICC Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1024.1.1
ICC EC—03 ICC Electrical Code™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.4.1, 107.3, 414.5.4, 414.9.2.8.1, 904.3.1, 907.5, 909.11, 909.12.1, 909.16.3, 1205.4.1, 1405.10.4, 2701.1, 2702.1, 3401.3
IEBC–—03 International Existing Building Code™ . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.2
IECC—03 International Energy Conservation Code® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.4.7, 1202.3.2, 1301.1.1, 1403.2

NFPA
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101 
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
11—98 Low Expansion Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.7
11A—99 Medium- and High-expansion Foam Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.7
12—00 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.8, 904.11
12A—97 Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.9
13—99 Installation of Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.12, 707.2, 903.3.1.1, 903.3.2, 903.3.5.1.1, 904.11, 907.8,
1621.3.10.1, 3104.5, 3104.9
13D—99 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes . . 903.1.2, 903.3.1.3, 903.3.5.1.1
13R—99 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and
Including Four Stories in Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903.1.2, 903.3.1.2, 903.3.5.1.1, 903.3.5.1.2, 903.4
14—00 Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants and Hose System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905.2, 905.3.4, 905.4.2, 905.8
16—99 Installation Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.7, 904.11
17—98 Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.6, 904.11
17A—98 Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.5, 904.11
30—00 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.3
32—00 Drycleaning Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.4
40—97 Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409.1
61—99 Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Product Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
70---02 National Electrical Code, except Article 80 …………………….. 101.4.1, 107.3, 414.5.4, 415.9.2.8.1, 904.3.1, 907.5, 909.11, 909.12.1, 909.16.3, 1205.4.1, 1405.10.4, 2701.1, 2702.1, 3401.3

72—99 National Fire Alarm Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.4, 901.6, 903.4.1, 904.3.5, 907.2,907.2.1, 907.2.1.1, 907.2.10, 907.2.10.4,
907.2.11.2, 907.2.11.3, 907.2.12.2.3, 907.2.12.3, 907.4, 907.5, 907.9.2,
907.10, 907.14, 907.16,907.17, 911.1, 3006.5
80—99 Fire Doors and Fire Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302.1.1.1, 715.3, 715.4.6.1, 715.4.4, 715.4.7.2, 715.5, 1008.1.3.3
.
.
.

NOTE: THIS APPENDIX CANNOT BE ADOPTED BY THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE
APPENDIX A
EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.
SECTION A101
BUILDING OFFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS
A101.1 Building official. The building official shall have at
least 10 years’ experience or equivalent as an architect, engineer,
inspector, contractor or superintendent of construction, or
any combination of these, five years of which shall have been
supervisory experience. The building official should be certified
as a building official through a recognized certification
program. The building official shall be appointed or hired by
the applicable governing authority.
A101.2 Chief inspector. The building official can designate
supervisors to administer the provisions of the International
Building, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, International Fuel
Gas Code, and the ICC Electrical Code. Each supervisor shall
have at least 10 years’ experience or equivalent as an architect,
engineer, inspector, contractor or superintendent of construction,
or any combination of these, five years of which shall have
been in a supervisory capacity. They shall be certified through a
recognized certification program for the appropriate trade.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
IBC-2003 International Building Code–A101.2
IMC-2003 International Mechanical Code–A101.2
IPC-2003 International Plumbing Code–A101.2
IFGC-2003 International Fuel Gas Code–A101.2
ICC EC-2003 ICC Electrical Code–A101.2

NOTE: THE BUILDING CODE DOES NOT NORMALLY ADOPT APPENDICES BUT IN THE EVENT OF AN EXCEPTION THE FOLLOWING CHANGES WOULD BE MADE
APPENDIX H
SIGNS
SECTION H106
ELECTRICAL
H106.1 Illumination. A sign shall not be illuminated by other
than electrical means, and electrical devices and wiring shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code. Any open spark or flame shall not be used for display
purposes unless specifically approved.
H106.2 Electrical service. Signs that require electrical service
shall comply with the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code ICC Electrical Code.

SECTION H115
REFERENCED STANDARDS
ICC EC-2003 ICC Electrical Code H106.1,
H106.2