The Inspector LLC. - New York State Electrical Inspections.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Section 1225.2 Carbon monoxide alarms. [amended text 12/14/2006]
Single and multiple station carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed and maintained in newly constructed dwelling units and multiple dwellings and in dwelling units and multiple dwellings offered for sale, as provided in this section. 
(a) Where required: 
(1) one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single family dwellings (townhouses);
(2) dwelling units in buildings [of Group R-2 occupancy classification] owned as condominiums or cooperatives; and 
(3) multiple dwellings (as defined in subdivision (f) of this section). 
However, a carbon monoxide alarm shall not be required in a dwelling unit if no fuel-fired appliance, no fuel-fired equipment, no solid-fuel burning appliance, no solid-fuel burning equipment, no wood stove, no fireplace, no other appliance or device that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel, no system that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel, no attached garage, and no other motor-vehicle related occupancy, is located in, or attached to, such dwelling unit or the structure in which such dwelling unit is located. 
(b) Location of carbon monoxide alarms.
(1) In the case of a building that contains at least one dwelling unit (as defined in subdivision (f) of this section), at least one carbon monoxide alarm shall be provided in each such dwelling unit. The required carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of bedroom(s) on the lowest floor level of the dwelling unit containing bedroom(s). 
(2) In the case of a building that contains at least one sleeping unit (as defined in subdivision (f) of this section), at least one carbon monoxide alarm shall be provided on each floor level containing sleeping unit(s). The required carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of such sleeping units(s). In addition, at least one carbon monoxide alarm shall be provided inside each sleeping unit that contains any fuel-fired appliance, fuel-fired equipment, solid-fuel burning appliance, solid-fuel burning equipment, wood stove, fireplace, any other appliance or device that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel, or any system that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel. 
(3) In the case of a building that contains at least one dwelling unit (as defined in subdivision (f) of this section) and at least one sleeping unit (as defined in subdivision (f) of this section), compliance with paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall be required.
(c) Equipment and installation. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed and labeled as complying with UL 2034-2002 (Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Second Edition, October 29, 1996 - with revisions through and including June 28, 2002, published by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.), shall be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, and shall conform with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subdivision. This subdivision shall not preclude the installation of listed combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. 
(1) Power source. Carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be permanently connected to the building wiring system, connected by cord or plug to the wiring system, or battery operated. Where carbon monoxide alarms are permanently installed, they shall receive their primary power from a lighting circuit of the building wiring system, provided that such wiring system is served from a commercial source. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection. 
(2) Combination systems and supervisory service. Where carbon monoxide alarms are a component of a fire/burglar/carbon monoxide system, or alarms are monitored by an approved supervising station, a distinctive alarm signal shall be used to differentiate between the carbon monoxide alarms and other alarm system functions. Activation of a carbon monoxide alarm shall not activate a fire alarm signal. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be wired such that short circuits, open circuits, or any other ground-fault will not interfere with monitoring for integrity of the fire warning system. 
(d) Maintenance. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be maintained in conformance with the manufacturer's instructions. Where a carbon monoxide alarm receives primary or backup power from a battery, the alarm shall emit a signal when batteries are low. Where the battery is of a removable type, it shall be replaced in conformance with the manufacturer's instructions. 
(e) Disabling of alarms. Required carbon monoxide alarms shall not be removed or disabled, except for replacement, service or repair purposes. 
(f) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings: 
(1) The term “dwelling unit” means a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. 
(2) The term “multiple dwelling” means a building all or any part of which is either rented, leased, let or hired out, to be occupied, or is occupied as the temporary or permanent residence or home of three or more individuals or families living independently of each other, including but not limited to the following: a tenement, flat house, maisonette apartment, apartment house, apartment hotel, tourist house, bachelor apartment, studio apartment, duplex apartment, kitchenette apartment, hotel, lodging house, rooming house, boarding house, boarding and nursery school, furnished room house, club, sorority house, fraternity house, college and school dormitory, convalescent, old age or nursing homes or residences. The term “multiple dwelling” shall also include a dwelling, two or more stories in height, and with five or more boarders, roomers or lodgers residing with any one family. For the purposes of this paragraph, each individual or family occupying a hotel, tourist house, lodging house, rooming house, boarding house, boarding school, nursery school, furnished room house, lodging, club, college or school dormitory, sorority house, fraternity house, convalescent, old age or nursing home or residence, or other similar facility shall be deemed to be living independently of each other individual or family occupying such facility notwithstanding any eating, cooking, kitchen, sanitation or other facilities that may be shared in common by such occupants. 
(3) The term “new construction” means a new facility or a separate building added to an existing facility. 
(4) The word “sale” means the transfer of ownership of a business or property, provided however, transfer of franchises shall not be deemed a sale. 
(5) The term “sleeping unit” means a room or space in which people sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.

Generator Signs

This document is to clarify the requirements for signs to indicate automatic generator transfer required in the National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA 70-1999, referenced standard in the Building Code of New York State (BCNYS) Chapter 27 and whether those requirements are also applicable to buildings constructed in compliance with the Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS). The answer is Yes. NEC section 700-8(a), Emergency Sources, states:
A sign shall be placed at the service entrance equipment indicating type and location of on site emergency power sources.
This section part of Article 700- Emergency systems. Section 700-1, scope, states n part: emergency systems are those systems legally required and classed as emergency by municipal, state, federal or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. 
Additionally, Article 701 – Legally required standby system, section 701-9(a), states: A sign shall be place at service entrance equipment that indicates the type and location of on site legally required standby power sources.
And Article 702 – Optional Standby Systems, section 702-8(a) states: A sign shall be place at the service entrance equipment that indicates the type and location of on site optional standby power sources.

Each of these sections has an exception for individual unit equipment, which is battery backup lighting fixtures and similar single unit power supplies.
With respect to the RCNYS, section E3301.2, scope, states in part:
The omission from these chapters of any material or method of construction provided for in the referenced standard NFPA 70 shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of such material or method of construction. Electrical systems, equipment or components not specifically covered in these chapters shall comply with the applicable provisions of the NFPA 70.
This requirement for generator signage at the service entrance equipment is applicable to all buildings, which have an automatic generator transfer switch (optional standby power), legally required standby power and emergency systems. This requirement is important to emergency responders when they are trying to kill the power to a building.

National Electrical Code and Arc-fault Circuit-interrupter Protection

This document provides information with regard to the referenced version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and to the requirements for arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection in BCNYS Chapter 27, which refers to NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and RCNYS Part VIII, Electrical.
What is applicable version of the NEC for enforcement and why?
The BCNYS, chapter 27, references the 1999 version of NFPA 70 (NEC). Electrical inspections shall provide for conformance to the referenced version and not to newer versions. Each version of the reference standards has to be approved by the Fire and Building Code Council (Codes Council) before it is effective. The inspection of electrical systems is the responsibility of the local code enforcement official. This provision is also applicable to electrical inspection companies who are third party inspectors.

Are arc-fault circuit-interrupters required in residential buildings regulated by the BCNYS?
YES. Chapter 27 of the BCNYS references the 1999 version of the NEC which in section 210-12, requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection for all branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere receptacle outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms (effective January 1, 2002).
Are arc-fault circuit-interrupters required in residential buildings regulated by the RCNYS?
The RCNYS is applicable to detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress. Part VIII of the RCNYS has specific requirements for electrical installations. Section 3301.1, entitled “Applicability”, provides that Chapter E33 through Chapter E42 shall establish the general scope of the electrical system and equipment requirements of this code. Chapter E33 through Chapter E42 cover those wiring methods and materials most commonly encountered in the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and structures regulated by the RCNYS. Section 3301.1 also states: Other wiring methods, materials and subject matter covered in the NFPA 70 are also allowed by this code. Arc-fault circuit-interrupters are not required by the RCNYS within the text of Part VIII and cannot be required by the inspector.

NEC Service entrance Length

This bulletin is intended to clarify questions regarding the maximum length of service entrance conductors prior to the service disconnecting means and the maximum length of unprotected service entrance conductors concealed within a wall cavity in NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC) - 1999, referenced standard for the Building Code of New York State and in the Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS). NEC section 230-70(a) and RCNYS section E3501.6.2, each state:
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. 
The code language does not limit the length of either exposed or concealed service entrance conductors. The intent is to provide a service disconnecting means that is at an accessible location as close as is practical to the point at which these conductors enter a building.
Furthermore, these codes do not prohibit, nor limit, the length of unprotected service entrance conductors which are concealed in a wall cavity. NEC section 300-4(d) and RCNYS section E3702.2.2 and table E3702.1 state that where cables are installed parallel to the sides of rafters, studs or floor joists, cables shall be installed not less than 1.25 inches from the edge of framing member where nails or screws are likely to penetrate or shall be protected by a steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent at least 1/16 inch thick. This section is applicable to both edges of the framing member. 
As a practical matter, the location of the disconnecting means and the length of the service entrance conductors should be established by the designer and installer in consultation with the local code enforcement official prior to the installation.
Some utility company specifications establish maximum lengths for service entrance conductors prior to the disconnecting means. These specifications cannot be enforced by a code enforcement authority because such specifications are not part of the enforceable rules and regulations of the State of New York.

Electrical Code Transition Policy

As of October 3, 2007 the effective date of adoption of the 2007 Codes of New York State. There was a transitional period from October 3, 2007 to December 31, 2007, in which design professionals may choose from the codes in effect previously or the 2007 New York State Codes, no mixing and matching permitted. This means that the application of the electrical standards will follow suit. For example: a designer may have chosen to employ the 1999 NEC for 1 & 2 family dwellings throughout this period, or the designer may have opted to use the 2002 NEC for 1 & 2 family dwellings and the 2005 NEC for apartments within multiple dwellings. After the close of business on December 31, 2007, the transitional period ended and it is now necessary to use the 2007 stand alone residential code or the 2002 NEC for one and two family dwellings and townhouses and the 2005 for multiple dwellings and all other building structures.
There are substantive differences among these editions requiring attentive interpretation and application. Comparing the provisions of 210.12 from 2002 to 2005 is an example having to do with arc-fault. There are others.
It is hoped that the adjustments will be made with the code cycles in the effort to move to one edition in the upcoming work, but that is not within the control of this office. Questions concerning this transition may be directed to this office.
Sincerely, David P. Smith President The Inspector, LLC

NYS Residential Electrical Code Chapter 41 Swimming Pools

The Residential Code of New York State has a stand alone electrical code within its text beginning at chapter 33 and extending to chapter 42.  This electrical code applies to all detached one-and-two family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) in New York State.  Appendix G of this code controls the design and construction of swimming pools.
The electrical part (Chapters 33 through 42) is produced and copyrighted by the National Fire Protection association and is based on the 1999 version of the National Electrical Code.
Swimming Pool Wiring is coved in Chapter 41.  The omission from the chapters of any material or method of construction provided for in reference standard NFPA-70, 1999, shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of such material or method. Electrical definitions are coved in chapter 34 and appendix g, and wiring methods are found in chapters 37 and more specifically at 41, Table 4102.  The provisions of Chapter 41 apply to the construction and installation of electric wiring and equipment associated with all swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and spas, hydromassage bathtubs.

Scope Applies To: Wiring and Equipment associated with:
1. Swimming and wading pools
2. Hot tubs and spas
3. Hydromassage bathtubs
4. Metallic auxiliary equipment

Receptacles- Receptacles that provide power for water-pump motors or other loads directly related to the circulation and sanitation system shall be permitted to be located between 5 fee and 10 feet from the inside walls of pools and outdoor spas and hot tubs, and where so located shall be of the single and of the locking and grounding type and shall be protected by GFCI’s.  Other receptacles on the property shall be located not less than 10 feet from the inside walls of pools and outdoor spa’s and hot tubs.  At least  one 125 V 15 or 20 A receptacle supplied by a general purpose branch circuit s shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the inside walls of pools and outdoor spas and hot tubs. All 125 V receptacles located within 20 feet of the inside walls of pools and outdoor spas and hot tubs shall be protected by GFCI.  Receptacles shall be located not less than 5 feet from the inside walls of indoor spas and hot tubs. A minimum of one 125 V receptacle shall be located between 5 feet and 10 feet from the inside walls of indoor spas or hot tubs. 125 V receptacles located within 10 feet of the inside walls of spas and hot tubs installed indoors shall be GFCI protected and 125 V receptacles located within 5 feet of the inside walls of hydromassage bathtubs shall be protected by a GFCI.
Switching Devices - Switching devices shall be located not less than 4 feet horizontally from the inside walls of pools, spas and hot tubs except where separated from the pool, spa or hot tub by a solid fence, wall or other permanent barrier.  Switching devices located in a room or area containing a hydromassage bathtub shall be located in accordance with the general requirements of the code. (Note: These rules are set forth at E3901.7 in the RCNYS and are similar to the provisions of NEC-70, 1999, 380-4).

Disconnecting Means - An accessible disconnecting means shall be provided and located within sight from all pools, spas and hot tub equipment, and shall be located not less than 5 feet from the inside walls of the pool, spa or hot tub.

Bonding - The following parts shall be bonded together: all metallic parts of pool, spa and hot tub shells, coping stones and decks; All forming shells and mounting brackets of no-niche fixtures; All metal fittings within or attached to pool, spa or hot tub; Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the installation; Metal sheeted cables and raceways, metal piping and all fixed metal parts that are within 5 feet horizontally of the pool, spa or hot tub and that are within 12 feet above the maximum water level.  Note: There are limited exceptions to these bonding rules for more information, see Section E4104.34 of the residential code. For proper methods of bonding refer to E4104.3.

Grounding - The following equipment shall be grounded: Wet-Niche and Dry-Niche underwater lighting fixtures, all electrical equipment located within 5 feet from the inside wall of pool, spa or hot tub, all electrical equipment associated with the re-circulating system, junction boxes, transformer enclosures, ground-fault circuit-interrupters, and panel boards that are not part of service equipment and that supply any electrical equipment associated with the pool, spa or hot tub.

Storable Swimming Pools - A cord-connect pool filter pump shall incorporate an approved system of double insulated or its equivalent and shall be provided with means for grounding only the internal and non-accessible non-current-carrying metal parts of the appliance. The means for grounding shall be an equipment grounding conductor run with the power-supply conductors in a flexible cord properly terminated in a grounding-type attachment plug having a fixed grounding contact.

Spa’s and Hot Tubs - The outlet(s) that supplies a self-contained spa or hot tub, or a packaged spa or hot tub equipment assembly, or a field-assembled spa or hot tub with a heater load of 50 amperes or less, shall be protected by a GFCI, for exceptions, see E4108.

Hydromassage Bathtubs - For GFCI protection requirements, see Spas and Hot Tubs above.  Lighting fixtures, switched, receptacles and other electrical equipment located in the same room and not directly associated with a hydromassage bathtub, shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this code relative to the installation electrical equipment in bathrooms. (this includes tub zones, and wet locations).

All metal piping, metal parts of electrical equipment and pump motors associated with the hydromassage bathtub shall be bonded together using a #8 or larger solid copper jumper.

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