Virginia regulations · Through 2026 Regular Session (effective July 1, 2026)

6VAC15-81-1360: Electrical

A. All wiring, conductors, and control tubing shall be concealed to the greatest extent possible.

1. Where wiring is exposed and accessible by inmates, it shall be housed in intermediate metal conduit or rigid metal conduit with threaded fittings.

2. Rigid nonmetallic conduit (PVC or CPVC) shall not be used above the ground floor slab except when encapsulated in concrete or in concrete masonry units. For transitions, rigid nonmetallic conduit may extend not more than six inches above floor.

3. Flexible metallic conduit not exceeding six feet in length may be installed above ceilings.

4. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) may be installed above ceilings. EMT, if utilized, shall have compression fittings.

5. Flexible conduit, if required for a moving part of a device (e.g., pan-tilt-zoom camera), shall not exceed 12 inches exposed and shall be liquid tight or equivalent.

6. Set screw fittings and other types of conduits are not permitted.

B. Surge protection is recommended on power supplies for critical life safety, security, and telephone systems. Surge protection shall be considered on control and alarm circuits that leave the building.

Where this section sits in the code

Title 6. Criminal Justice And Corrections
Agency 15. State Board of Local and Regional Jails
Chapter 81. Standards for Planning, Design, Construction, and Reimbursement of Local Correctional Facilities
Part VI. Community Custody Facilities Design and Construction
Article 4. Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Requirements