January 10, 2008

City of Largo – Community Room

18 Suncoast Division Members and 2 Guests attendance

1. The gavel wrapped at 1:30PM by Outgoing President Nelson Montgomery. Introductions and the Pledge to the Flag followed.


2. The minutes of the December meeting were approved with corrections to be made. A motion to accept was made by Neal Burdick and a second made by Paul Cameron All were in favor.
Secretary Christlieb gave his report from various e-mails received from the month of December

Handouts concerning the Combination Branch Arc Fault breakers were discussed. Enforcement is set for January 1, 2008. Nelson Montgomery noted reports that the Combination Arc Fault breaker is not readily available from suppliers. This could potentially lead to a house not being released with a certificate of occupancy. Temporary power would not be held up.
General consensus is that all municipalities are enforcing the January 1st requirement. Permit pulled prior to January 1st for the Combination Branch Arc Fault to not be required. . Permits pulled after January 1st will require the Combination Branch Arc Fault breaker to be installed.

Board of Director meeting on January 12 Th mentioned.
IAEI certification and renewal discussed.

On file is a report referencing residential fires from 1997 to 2006.


3. Gary Snodgrass took the floor with the Education report. Discussion on the February 2nd seminar and current pre registrants. Location and discussed and general duty assignments.

Secretary Christlieb ordered the 2008 analysis books, total of 150 for the seminar.

Gary reported good feedback for the seminar and there have been many inquiries about attendance.
Discussion ensued on a meeting place. The most important factor is the cost involved with locations.





4. Treasurers report was read. The Division remains solvent and discussion on current funds to be set aside for the 2010 State Chapter Meeting.

5. Discussion on a State proposal requiring a journeyman on the job was discussed. Also other municipality requirements for licensure.


6. OLD BUSINESS: Purchase of the books discussed. Arc fault circuit breakers discussed in more detail. There are some hand outs available. Article 680.25(A) discussed concerning pools. A conduit will be required.
Charlie Zito initiated further discussion concerning the pool feeder being in conduit. Reference to Article 215 concerning feeders and minimum size of #10. The previous installation of a 10/3 NM Cable may not be considered existing if installed in a new electrical installation. Installing a feeder and panel, the feeder must be installed in a conduit. Copper bonding ground in pools was discussed.

7. NEW BUSINESS: Tamper resistant receptacle discussed. Current smoke detectors requirements also noted that fire alarm circuits are not required to be arc fault protected. Pending 2008 Codes were discussed from arc fault circuit breakers, to pool bonding. Discussion on the UFUR bond wire techniques was discussed.

Discussions on the new disconnect means for light fixtures which is required on multi wire circuits.

George Blanton with Square D discussed available stock for the Combination Arc Fault circuit breaker. George noted that the market in different areas is affecting stock supplies. The current arc fault breaker in production will still be available due to other areas of the nation not on current Code Cycle. Mentioned was that a different color handle will designate the Combination Branch Arc Fault circuit breaker.

Eugene Swisher mentioned a contractor had a problem with a smoke alarm tripping an arc fault breaker.

Wes Colley with the ECF mentioned up coming meeting in Tampa on January 17th Neal Burdick will be conducting a 2 hour class.

General consensus is that the 2008 Code will be accepted and enforced by October 2008 if the State adopts the Code in June of this year. At least 90 days to implement from the time the 2008 Code is adopted.

Discussion on the location of the Combination Arc Fault requirement and which rooms will be required to have the protection.

Discussion on private provider inspectors took place.

UFUR bond in ground discussed. Inspection coordination and issues discussed.

Discussion on the Florida Building code requirement that if a permit is pulled, smoke alarms are required to be installed. “Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be interconnected where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling , unless there is an attic or crawl space .”





The smoke alarm requirement has produced some confusion over enforcement



8. Discussion concerning potential change in State Continuing education requirements, that ceu’s may not be able to be used for dual licensure between the ECLB and BCAI. Neal Burdick had concerns about having courses approved by both agencies.

Gary Snodgrass made a motion to ask the Florida Chapter Board of Directors, if courses will be approved for both the ECLB and BCAI for continuing education.
A second was made by Michael Jordan.

Secretary Christlieb will bring this up at the January 12th Board of Directors Meeting.


9. Discussion on Certification pays from various municipalities. Merit pay depending upon certifications held by the inspector.

10. Discussion on the 2010 Seminar. Discussion deferred to the February meeting.

11. Officers Installation commenced. The following officers were sworn in by Chairman Nelson Montgomery.

The year 2008 Officers:
President : Paul Cameron
1st Vice President : Gene Swisher
2nd Vice President : John Sheesley
3rd Vice President : Gary Snodgrass
Secretary : Robert Christlieb
Treasurer : Bob Moore



The gavel was presented to Paul Cameron. Much round of applause commenced and the Chair made the first official decision.

12. At 3:02 PM the meeting was motioned for adjournment. All were in favor.