June 28, 2018 Minutes (Development Services Conference Room)
|
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
|
Verlon Myers, John Delfelder, Chris King, Chairperson Eric Hethcoat, Robert Heacock, Vice-Chair Alben Stilley
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS ABSENT: |
|
Mike Wessell, Chris King |
|
|
|
|
|
STAFF PRESENT: |
|
Ex-Officio Adrian Jones – Senior Plans Examiner |
|
|
|
|
|
PUBLIC PRESENT: |
|
Bobbie Flory Executive Director Lawrence Home Builders Association
|
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order 11:13 am
Review Minutes
Review Minutes from June 07, 2018.
Myers moved to approve the minutes from June 07, 2018. Second by Delfelder. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comment
Bobbie Flory addressed the use of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters or AFCIs. She said that based on the research done by the National Association of Home Builders they have come to the conclusion that most of the electrical fires are occurring in homes that are 20 years or older. Homes today are built to higher code standards and use better products and as a result are having less electrical fires. AFCIs are less helpful and at the same time there is an extraordinary cost associated with installation. According to research done by the state of Michigan their conclusion was there were fewer electrical fires than the research done by the Home Builders Association. Also according to the homebuilders research there was $430,000,000 spent on AFCIs which is 24 times the cost of fire damage per year caused by electrical devices. The Home Builders Association would like the Board to keep the current amendment to the code to limit the use and installation to bedrooms only in single family and townhome projects. She also briefly discussed the nuisance tripping caused by conflicts with electronic devices. Flory said she takes fire safety very seriously.
Delfelder said he would agree with the statements made by Bobbie Flory. He further stated the power supplies in computers have been creating a lot of problems with AFCIs.
The Board discussed nuisance tripping of ACFIs
Stilley moved to carry the AFCI amendments forward in the IRC and NEC. Seconded by Myers. Motion passed 5-0.
The Board discussed the amendment to Article 210.23 which requires a dedicated circuit for sump pumps. The Board determined to carry forward the amendment to Article 210.23 and corresponding amendment in the IRC.
The Board had a brief discussion on the definition of fixed cabinets as it related to wall space in Article 210.52 as currently amended in the code. The Board determined the current amendment was not needed and would cause more confusion without providing for more safety.
Stilley moved to strike the amendment and keep the article as written in the code. Seconded by Delfelder. Motion passed 5-0
Myers moved to adjourn. Seconded by Hethcoat. Motion passed 5-0.