§ 6-309. Electrical equipment.

(a)—(c)  Reserved.

(d)

Minimum standards . If visual inspection by the authority having jurisdiction reveals that the wiring system of an existing dwelling unit is inadequate, or if code certification for any reason is required or requested, the following minimum standards should be complied with:

(1)

Entrances and exits. Where two or more entrances and/or exits exist, at least two shall be illuminated by exterior lights. Exterior lights shall be controlled by interior wall switches, located for convenient and readily accessible use.

(2)

Living room . The living room shall be provided with a conveniently located wall-switch-controlled light or receptacle. The switched receptacle may be one of the required receptacles in the room. Duplex receptacles shall be equally spaced around the walls of the room, one duplex receptacle on each wall; unless the spacing requirements of section 210-52(a) of the National Electrical Code (N.F.P.A. 70) are met.

(3)

Kitchen . The kitchen shall be provided with illumination. The required illumination shall be controlled by a wall switch.

(4)

Minimum grounding-type duplex receptacle outlets. A separate kitchen appliance circuit shall be provided, supplying a minimum of three grounding-type duplex receptacle outlets. The grounding contacts of these receptacles shall be grounded. Two of these receptacles shall be readily accessible and spaced for convenient use of portable appliances. New appliance circuits shall be 20 ampere capacity.

NOTE: GFCI protection shall not be used as a substitute for grounding for utilization equipment-required to be grounded.

(5)

Bathroom. Bathrooms shall be provided with illumination, controlled by a conveniently located wall switch. A receptacle separate from a light fixture shall be provided. All bathroom receptacles shall have GFCI protection.

(6)

All other habitable rooms . Habitable rooms shall be provided with a conveniently located wall switch. A receptacle separate from a light fixture shall be provided. A minimum of two additionally duplex receptacles are required, equally spaced around the room.

(7)

Basement. The basement shall have a minimum of one lighting outlet for general illumination. All enclosed areas that may be walked into (except coal bins) shall be provided with a lighting outlet.

(8)

Laundry area. Laundry areas shall be provided with illumination. A grounding-type duplex receptacle shall be provided adjacent to the laundry equipment, on a separate circuit. New laundry circuits shall have 20 ampere capacity.

(9)

Space heating system . Heating equipment that requires electricity for operation of any facet shall be provided with an individual circuit. A disconnect switch shall be provided on or adjacent to the equipment. (Exception: Thermo-pile controlled furnaces.)

(10)

Stairwells. Stairwells shall be adequately illuminated. Lighting outlets shall be controlled by wall switches. Switches shall not be located where it is necessary to use darkened stair sections for their operation. Stairwells connecting finished portions of dwellings shall be provided multiple-switch control: one at the head, the other at the foot of the stairwell.

(11)

Service and/or feeder .

a.

Minimum requirement. The service or feeder to an existing dwelling unit shall be a minimum of three-wire, 100 ampere capacity. Service equipment shall be dead front, having no live parts exposed whereby accidental contact could be made. All plug type fuses shall be type S.

b.

Exceptions. An existing properly installed 55 ampere capacity, three-wire service and feeders of 30 ampere, two-wire are acceptable if adequate for the load being served.

(12)

Existing wiring and equipment. Existing wiring and equipment shall be in good repair. Circuit extensions made with flexible cord wiring in lieu of permanent wiring shall be eliminated.

(13)

New wiring. All new work shall conform to the National Electrical Code as amended.

(14)

Evidence of inadequacy. Any of the following shall be considered evidence of inadequacy:

a.

Use of cords in lieu of permanent wiring.

b.

Oversizing of overcurrent protection for circuits, feeders or service.

c.

Unapproved extensions to the wiring system in order to provide light, heat or power.

d.

Electrical overload.

e.

Misuse of electrical equipment.

f.

Lack of lighting fixtures in bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace room, stairway or basement.

(15)

Ground fault protection. All of the following receptacle outlets shall have ground fault protection:

a.

Bathrooms.

b.

Outdoors with grade level access.

c.

Garages and sheds where accessible from the floor.

d.

Kitchen countertops within six feet of the sink.

e.

Docks with the exception of locking type for shore power.

(Ord. No. 290, § 605, 11-12-2002; Ord. No. 321, 12-18-2006; Ord. No. 385, 4-24-2017)