Electrical Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE NORTHBROOK ELECTRICAL COMMISSION MEETING Terrace Room April 16, 2015 Commissioners Present: Chairman Rick Jamerson, Bob Boiko, Denny Lauer, Chief Jose Torres Staff Present: Corey Friedman (NBK DPS Electrical Inspector), Brian Lamberg (NBK DPS PT/OC Electrical Inspector), (NBK Fire Dept/Electrical Commission), Kevin Frangiamore (NBK Fire Dept. Fire Prevention) Not Present: Bernard Perchenik, Commissioner Other: Michael Margzigliano Recorder: S. Anetsberger Call to Order: Chairman Jamerson called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane at 5:35 p.m. Review of Minutes: On a motion made by Bob Boiko and seconded by Chief Jose Torres, the minutes from the January 08, 2015 meeting were approved as submitted. Public Comment-Hear from the Audience-None Review of Special Request to use a particular type of lighting instrument for Northbrook Days: Mike Margzigliano stated that the electric building located in Village Green Park was built in 1985 featuring 600 amp, 3 phase and is now undersized to handle the needs of Northbrook Days. Three options are available for consideration. #1) Revamp all electrical from 600 amp to 1,000 amp service #2) Reduce the size of the event. #3) Use the current power more efficiently. Lighting can be converted to LED . Currently in use is between 50-75, 500 linear quartz 3D lighting fixtures. Inexpensive LED lighting fixtures are available online. Due to budget constraints, Mr. Margzigiliano stated that purchasing ETL or UL listed lights are over the current operating budget. Lumen output, using 50 watt LED is very close to 500 watt quartz halogen. Two LED samples were shown to the Commission. One was UL listed, the other was not. LED lights have no infra-red heat output. This is a concern as should a light fixture get turned in the wind, the heat could easily burn a hole in a tent corner and possibly lead to cost of tent replacement etc. Cordick Electric offered an ETL and UL listed device with 18 watt, 5000 K color type when a 3000 K was desired. Light output vs dollars is a problem. The unit retails for $200. The non UL listed unit was made in China or Taiwan and offered a fixture, yoke and compression connector but only came with a 12 inch cord, is 50 watt, and cost $22.00 each. The unit would be in need of retrofitting. The main difference in the two units was that one had UL listing and offered peace of mind and compliance to safety standards. The other did not. Civic has 50-75 light fixtures with 500 watt quartz that need revamping. Currently cheap quartz lighting is used with a 25 ft. cord with three prongs. A good ground is present. The lights are UL listed but they are inefficient. The cost difference between the two types of lighting would come to $10K. Commissioner Boiko presented findings that OSHA could introduce fines from $7K - $70K for each violation and or possibly each fixture not meeting safety requirements. If an unlisted product goes undetected and is a hazard, the electrical inspector can be held accountable. By using an unlisted light, the liability would have to be checked with the Village attorney. State and federal laws must be followed by the Village and using an unlisted device should not be used if a listed device is available. It was suggested that UL be contacted to see if they would look at the unlisted lights and check their safety by performing a yearly field observation. The lighting will only be used for one week. The theme for Northbrook Days is "Go Green in 2015". Donations are being sought from outside sources to the Civic Association for several hundred A19 style LED bulbs that will be used in the tents throughout the event. The 10 watt bulb will give the light of a 60 watt incandescent. All of the lighting is used for security, egress, or for general crowd lighting. The lights are mounted high out of harm's way. All are plugged into ground fault protected outlets. Civic security is present on Monday night followed by police security from Tuesday evening throughout the entirety of the event. Police remain on the scene overnight. A note will notify Civic that a letter will be sent to the Carnival about the type of lighting they are using. The lighting must all be UL listed. The fixtures must be recognized as safe by the law and that the Village electrical inspector can be held personally liable. A motion was made by Bob Boiko to request the use of unlisted fixtures for use at Northbrook Days and seconded by Chief Torres. The motion did not pass. Lighting that is not UL listed will not be allowed for use at Northbrook Days. Northbrook Days is meant to be a safe, successful and equitable event for Civic and enjoyed by the public. New Business Bob Boiko shared information on a new hazardous way to get rid of mold. After an enclosed area is sprayed with retardant, it is next fogged with liquid salt. The salt is corrosive to electrical. Salt migration is dangerous. Codes and Regulations We will go to the 2017 NEC which is not out yet. Next spring the Commission will visit regulations. NEC amendments need updating. We need to be prepared for the 21st century. The intent of our regulations was good but now we have to rethink old school stuff. Old regulations need to be revisited. Electrical Commission Briefing Corey Friedman, Electrical inspector shared photos of hazardous installations made by contractors operating within the boundaries of Northbrook and then pointed out the necessary corrections and modifications that he and his inspectors face in their daily duties. The violations included poor grounding, pinched wires, poor piping, and other safety issues. OldBusiness None Adjourn A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Bob Boiko, seconded by Chief Torres. On voice vote the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.