CHAPTER 1: | General (Section 110.1 to 110.79) |
CHAPTER 2: | Wiring and Protection (Code Section 200.1 to 285.28) |
CHAPTER 3: | Wiring Methods and Materials (Code Section 300.1 to 398-104) |
CHAPTER 4: | Equipment for General Use (Code Section 400.1 to 490.74) |
CHAPTER 5: | Special Occupancies (Code Section 500.1 to 590.7) |
CHAPTER 6: | Special Equipment (Code Section 600.1 to 695.14) |
CHAPTER 7: | Special Conditions (Code Section 700.1 to 770.182) |
CHAPTER 8: | Communications Systems (Code Section 800.1 to 830.179) |
CHAPTER 9: | Tables (Table 1 to 12(B)) |
Articles: | A subdivision of a Chapter, comprised of a certain number of Sections |
Administrative: | General Requirements |
All interpretations are based on the 1999 NEC and associated NY City amendments.*
Chapter 1: General (Section 110.1 to 110.79)
Section General – BC 2702.1.7 - (4/1/2015)
Section General – BC 2702.1.7.1 - (6/30/2015)
We respectfully request a code interpretation regarding the location of automatic transfer switch serving an optional standby system supplied by a natural gas fired generator within an R-3 occupancy residence. 2014 NYC Building Code Chapter 27, Section 2702.1.7.1 – Mandates for automatic transfer switches serving “REQUIRED EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT” to be located in a separate room than that of the normal service equipment. Section 2702.2 does not require an R-3 occupancy residence to be equipped with an Emergency or Standby power system. This residence does not have any required emergency power equipment and it does not fall within any of the criteria as described within Section 2702.2.1 thru 2702.2.20.2
Yes, where there is no required emergency or Standby loads, ATSs that serve optional standby are allowed to share the main service room with service equipment.
Section General – Old Interpretations - (4/1/2015)
Section General – Continuing Education - (4/1/2015)
Section 110.2 - (2/4/2015)
Section 110.2(A) - (12/2/2015)
We have a hotel application where a UL listed 24VDC controller is provided for each guest room. The controller provides output power and control to 24VDC lighting, shades, and door hardware. Control of lighting and shades is either by a network connection or by means of momentary 24VDC switches rated for 24VDC, which are connected to the controller. Note that all wiring is Class 2 and the lighting fixtures are UL listed.
Section 110.25 - (10/7/2015)
Could the continuous, uninterrupted metallic conduits containing telephone cables pass through electrical closets?
There would be no telephone or communications equipment within the electrical closet.
Yes, where such communication conduit is installed in accordance with subsection 110.26(F).
Subsection 110.26 - (8/5/2015)
Article 110.26(F)(1)(a) of the NYC electrical code contains a requirement for a six-foot dedicated space above panelboards. Would this requirement also apply to panelboards that are recessed into a wall where the access to the space above the panelboard is not generally not accessible?
An example of such condition might be a panelboard in a dwelling unit.
Requirement of subsection 110.26(F)(1)(a) applies to equipment listed in the subsection, including panelboards located in dwelling units.
Section 210.12 - (10/7/2015)
Are we required to install AFCI for:
Section 210.52(F) - (8/5/2015)
For a multifamily building, a 4'x4' closet with 3' door is provided in each residential unit for stacked washer and dryer, one dedicated receptacle is provided for each of the washer and dryer , each receptacle is connected to separate dedicated circuit.
Does the code require another 20A receptacle in the closet per 210-52-F, in addition to the two receptacles provided for the washer and dryer?
No.
Section Subsection 210.52(I) - (4/1/2015)
Section 210.8(A)(5) - (6/30/2015)
From Article 210 Section 210.8(A)(5):
Unfinished basements - for the purposes of this section, unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like....
My question, who determines the habitability of areas of the basement?
Is it the homeowner when she/he installs sheetrock ceilings and walls or is it the architect when he/she files a plan with NYC Buildings and it is, subsequently, approved?
Habitability determines the need for GFCIs in that or those areas.
Habitability is determined by the Certificate of Occupancy and the construction document as filed and approved by the Department of Buildings.
Section 210.12 - (6/30/2015)
We are adding one receptacle in a bedroom. The existing circuit that we will tapping off is not AFCI protected. Are we required to have AFCI protection for the entire circuit?
Habitability is determined by the Certificate of Occupancy and the construction document as filed and approved by the Department of Buildings.
Section 210.60 - (4/1/2015)
No.
Section 215.2 - (4/1/2015)
For the purpose of the electrical code, the above is acceptable. For energy code when applying ASHRAE 90.1, you must direct your question to the department, energycode@building.nyc.gov
Section 220.55 - (2/4/2015)
No. Either standard method and section 220.53, or optional method applying section 220.84 shall be used.
Section 220.84 - (4/1/2015)
1a. i. No. See 440.3(B)
1a. ii. No.
2b. i. No.
2b. ii. No.
Section 220.84 - (4/1/2015)
Yes.
Section 220.84 - (6/30/2015)
We are installing a mini 120V condensate pump at each HVAC fan coil unit above the suspended ceilings, located 8ft or higher above the finished floor, and accessible only to qualified personnel. The pump will be located on a shelf adjacent to the fan coil unit. The pump is not provided with a junction box for termination of the power wiring. MC power cable is routed to each pump location, and the pump housing has wiring termination points and a cover for the termination screws. The manufacturer's installation instructions direct the wires to be stripped 1/4" and inserted into the termination points labeled L-N-G. The screw cover is then inserted so that no terminals or bare wiring is exposed.
Is the electrical installation as per the manufacturer's specifications for this application code permissible, or is a raceway or enclosure required between the MC cable and the pump wiring termination points?
No, equipment is not used per its intended listing and use.
Section 230.64 - (4/1/2015)
a. Yes.
b. Yes, when the gas service in not a high pressure gas service. The required clearance must be verified with the utility company.
Section Subsection 230.64(B)(1) - (4/1/2015)
1. May minimum 5 ft of clearance be allowed for service switches in a one line switchboard facing a stand-alone service switch where service equipment is 1000KVA or more?
2. May minimum 5 ft of clearance be allowed for two (2) stand-alone service switches facing each other where service equipment is 1000KVA or more?
1. No. 7 feet is required.
2. No.
Section 230.71 - (12/2/2015)
A new building currently under design is intended to not have a service connection to the local electric utility service. Instead, all normal power demand within the building will be supported by power generated by cogeneration engines. The building is expected to have approximately twenty 100kW rated cogeneration engines operating at 480/277V. These engines will operate in parallel with each other and output power to the building's main low votlage switchgear. A local disconnect will be provided on the electrical output of each cogeneration engine.
Question (1): Is the electrical output of a single cogeneration engine considered a Service as per Article 100 and therefore the local disconnect switch at each cogeneration engine would be classified as the local Service Disconnecting Means as shown in attached Example Diagram 1?
If the answer to Question (1) is 'Yes', then, the quantity of Services within the building will be twenty. Do these Service Disconnecting means need to be grouped in quantities of six or fewer as per 230.71 as shown in Example Diagram 2?
If the answer to Question (1) is 'No', then is the combined output of a group of cogeneration engines considered a Service as per Article 100 and therefore this output requires a local Service Disconnecting Means as shown in attached Example Diagram 3?
(Q1) No.
(Q2) N/A.
(Q3) N/A. Note that disconnection mean(s) may be required under other Articles, or for the purpose of isolating co-gen.
Section 240.24 - (2/4/2015)
No, the code section sited refers to service and feeders not branch circuits.
Section 240.32 - (4/1/2015)
Section 230.42 of NYC Electrical Code applies to service bus bars installed in service equipment of any voltage rating.
Section 250.1, 250.21, and 250.30 - (2/4/2015)
No. as per sections 250.1(A), 250.21(A), and 250.30 bonding between the two grounding electrode systems are required.
Section 250.52 - (8/5/2015)
Existing 30 story concrete commercial building.
A cold water riser is provided for the entire building. Electrical closets with panels and transformers are provided on each floor.
Can ground wire for each electrical closet connect to the existing cold water riser as an acceptable method of grounding?
No. See interpretation of April 4th, 2012.
Section 250.52 - (8/5/2015)
Existing 30 story concrete commercial building.
A cold water riser is provided for the entire building. Electrical closets with panels and transformers are provided on each floor.
Can ground wire for each electrical closet connect to the existing cold water riser as an acceptable method of grounding?
No. See interpretation of April 4th, 2012.
Section 250.52 - (8/5/2015)
Existing 30 story concrete commercial building. Continuous steel rebar is provided in columns. Electric closets with panels and transformers are provided on each floor.
Can the ground wire for each electric closet connect to the existing steel rebar in the columns?
No. The rebars must be mechanically joined or bonded in order to provide an effective grounding and low impedance path to earth.
CHAPTER 3: Wiring Methods and Materials (Code Section 300.1 to 398-104)
Section 310.4 - (12/2/2015)
We are in the process of designing an electrical system for a high rise building that will have multiple parallel risers for meterbanks. An example of 1 situation is where risers leave a 1200A switch as 3 sets of 600kcmil. These risers feed 2 meterbanks, 1 on the 6th floor and 1 on the 12th floor. Is it acceptable to use an lisco PBTD-9-500 Insulated Mechanical 2 Sided Tap, per phase in the riser box to distribute the tap and continue the riser? Does this satisfy the requirement of the code for parallel conductors? Please see the cut of the mechanical tap attached.
Yes, it does satisfy parallel conductors per section 310.4.
Section 320.30 & 330.30 - (6/30/2015)
Can AFC’s MC-Snap-IT, UL listed Positioning Device be used to secure and support Type Type AC and MC Cable in NYC where ever Type Type AC and MC Cable are permitted by the NYC Electrical Code( i.e. Hi rise structures above three stories enclosed in non-fire rated assemblies)?
Yes. MC-Snap-IT is acceptable for vertical support only when installed in accordance with its listing.
Section 324.10 - (12/2/2015)
Please clarify if Type FCC cable is permitted for use in NYC for power conductors.
Yes, when listed and installed in accordance with its intended use.
Section 330.12 - (12/2/2015)
As part of New York City Housing Authority's Hurricane Sandy Rehabilitation work, we are replacing and elevating existing electrical service and distribution equipment in the main electrical rooms to multi-family housing buildings that were constructed during the late 1950's. All building are high rises. In some buildings we plan on installing new elevated electrical rooms that are located on site and remote from the residential building. New electrical service will be installed to the new elevated electrical room. New feeders and branch circuits will be routed from this new elevated electrical room into the existing main electrical service room to splice into existing feeders. Feeders and branch circuits will be routed from the new remote electrical room to the existing residential building within the ceiling void of an elevated outdoor canopy that will physically link the new remote electrical room and the residential building. The canopy will be installed along an outdoor pedestrian walkway. Proper switching instructions will be provided in the existing and new main electrical service room.
The feeders and branch will terminate in the main electrical, compactor rooms, and other non-residential spaces on on the ground floor which are located on an exterior wall in the residential buildings. For the new installation, MC cable will be used beyond these areas at the ground floor.
Question 1. - Can MC cable with an outer jacket of PVC be installed above the canopy for feeder and branch circuits?
Question 2. Can MC cable (non-PVC coated outer jacket) be installed above the canopy?
Question 3. Can MC cable with an outer jacket of PVC be installed in the main electrical room, compactor areas, and non-residential spaces on the ground floor of the residential building and at the new elevated remote electrical room? The length of MC cable with PVC jacket will be limited to these areas and will not run within residential spaces.
Q1: No, unless it is located within 3000 ft. of salt water body.
Q2: No, unless it is located within 3000 ft. of salt water body.
Q3: No. Unless it installed in accordance with 330.12(5).
Section 335.10 - (4/1/2015)
Yes. It is a code violation to install such conduit exposed. You may request a special permission from EAB for the described installation above.
Section 362.10 - (2/4/2015)
a & b: if installing plug is within the manufacturer’s recommendation then it will be acceptable to be installed in NYC.
CHAPTER 4: Equipment for General Use (Code Section 400.1 to 490.74)
Section Subsection 406.3(D)(1)- (4/1/2015)
Replacement of existing receptacles must comply with subsections 406.3(D)(1) thru (3). The described work scope doesn’t trigger the rewiring of existing receptacles under NYC Electrical Code.
Section 408 - (8/5/2015)
Section 410.10(D) - (8/5/2015)
I would like to clarify 410.10(D) "Bathtub and Shower Areas", We constantly getting violations for light fixtures in bathrooms for not having Damp or Wet location approved light fixtures. "Even it’s NOT directly over the outside dimensions of the bathtub or shower or above 8 ft of the bathtub or shower stall".
I believe there is a confusion putting together the first part of the paragraph and the second part of the paragraph, meaning where it says which light fixtures are not approved to be installed 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft. vertically from the top of the bathtub.... with the second part of the paragraph where it says "Luminairs located within the actual outside dimension .... and 8 ft vertically should be marked for Damp...."
My question basically is: Are we requires to install Damp location lights in a Bathroom if its located outside the bathtub or shower area or above 8 ft directly above the bathtub or shower?
Yes. Refer to the definition of damp location in Article 100.
Section 410.10(D) - (12/2/2015)
We have a shower recessed light listed as damp location, installed in the inside dimensions of the bathtub at 6' above the bathtub,
My question is about the rating of the light fixture,
Section 465.10 - (12/2/2015)
As a follow up to the Electrical Code Revision and Interpretation committee minutes of the October 7th, 2015 meeting question #1, if a power distribution unit (PDU) with built-in branch circuit panels is located within a data center feeding information technology equipment in the data center, would opening the main circuit breaker of the PDU via a shunt trip comply with Article 645.10?
Yes.
CHAPTER 5: Special Occupancies (Code Section 500.1 to 590.7)
Section 517.30(C)(1) - (6/30/2015)
A hospital proposing to use a double-ended substation as their emergency distribution, at each end of the sub-station they want to derive the Essential Electrical System (EES) branches. The consultant has a concern that it does not meet the code intent where the EES branches are derived. The question is, would the separation of the EES branches have start at the Emergency Power Source (EPS) or they can be derived downstream at the Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS).
Section 517.30(C)(1) does not require the wiring of the essential electrical system (EES) to be kept entirely independent of all other wiring at the emergency power source (EPS). The EPS is permitted to supply a distribution overcurrent arrangement (switchboard) that further distributes and provides power for the equipment, critical and life safety branches of the EES. Any combination of these systems are permitted to be supplied by a single feeder up to the demarcation point of the EES branches where the critical and life safety loads must then be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment.
Section 517.30 (C)(3)(3) - (8/5/2015)
Our firm has been contracted to provide design services for the separation of emergency power for an existing Hospital facility. As part of this design we will be required to show feeder routing for normal and emergency power, to limit cost and maintain the required minimum ceiling heights in corridors and non-patient areas (in kitchen, office, and storage areas) while snaking through between existing structural beams and duct work we would like recommend the use of flexible armored metal raceway.
Flexible Metallic Raceway will meet one or more of the requirements of NEC section 250.118.
CHAPTER 6: Special Equipment (Code Section 600.1 to 695.14)
Section 645.10 - (10/7/2015)
We are in the process of designing the power distribution for a Data Center. According to Article 645.10 of the NY City Electrical Code all electrical services should be shut off, via a shunt trip breaker, located in the:
a. Building's electrical closet distribution board or
b. The distribution panel in the Data Center.
a and b; the intent is to provide a readily accessible disconnecting means to disconnect the conductors of circuits at the source. Either location is acceptable.
Section 645.10 - (12/2/2015)
(A) We have a fire pump on the roof of a 33 story hotel, we have a 2HR listed rated DEDICATED shaftway going
from the cellar to the roof just below the fire pump room, is it permissible to install the NORMAL feed in this shaft
with EMT conduit and THHN wire
(B) the same shaft way above has a horizontal offset on the 16th floor the rated enclosure covers the conduit all way on the horizontal is this installation permissible as above
(C) If this was and EMERGENCY feeder coming down the building for a fire pump will both (A) & (B) be permissible installations
(D) in this same shaftway are we able to run the respective fire pumps control wires within that shaftway to the genset on the roof
(A) No, the feeder must be RGS conduit when installed in 2-hours rated shaft. See 695.6(B)(1)(2).
(B) No, see above.
(C) No. What you are describing is a fire pump circuit.
(D) Yes, where they don’t share raceways or pullboxes.
Note: Normal and emergency fire pump circuits are not allowed to share same 2-hour fire rated enclosures.
Section 690.7(C) - (10/7/2015)
We are designing a 500kw canopy mounted (canopy will be installed above the building's roof) photovoltaic array on a commercial building. The inverter, combiner boxes, and DC disconnects will be located outdoors elevated approximately 16' above the building's roof (just below the canopy) and supported to structural steel. The only way to access the inverters, combiner boxes, and DC disconnects will be via a lift.
Section Subsection 695.4(B)(2)(4) - (2/4/2015)
The request for special permission must be submitted to NYC Electrical Advisory Board.
Option 1: taps and keys locations are acceptable.
Option 2: taps and keys locations are not acceptable.
Section 695.6 - (4/1/2015)
*A secondary power source is not required when connected to the street side of the service switch. The feeder from the basement to the special service fire pump is not required to be fire rated. See NYCEC, subsection 695.6(B)(2) for conduit requirements when not installing an alternate source of power.
*N/A
Section 695.6(B) - (12/2/2015)
Question 1:
In a high rise building there are stacked fire rated electrical closets from the basement to the top floor, the emergency generator is located on the roof. The closets contain an approved automatic fire suppression system. Can the fire pump emergency feeder in rigid conduit ( non-concrete encased) be installed in the electrical closets as per section 700.9(D)(1)(1)?
Question 2:
Does 695.6(B) where it says " they shall protected to resist potential damage by fire, structural failure, or operational accident" is it code compliant to install the emergency fire pump feeder in the stacked electrical closets, or must the emergency generator be located on grade level adjacent to the fire pump?
Q1: No.
Q2: fire pump circuits must be installed in accordance with subsection 695(B)(1). Location of generator is the applicant’s preference.
CHAPTER 7: Special Conditions (Code Section 700.1 to 770.182)
Section Subsection 700.4(E) - (4/1/2015)
a. Name plate kW rating of generator must be used
b. No
Section Subsection 700.6(G) - (4/1/2015)
Yes, when required permits are secured including zoning approval from the borough office.
Section 700.9 - (4/1/2015)
Subsections 700.9(D)(1)(1) thru (6) cover protection for Emergency Feeder-Circuit Wiring. Subsection 700.9(D)(2) covers additional protection for those rooms that house such emergency and transfer equipment. BC sections 2702.1.7.1 thru 2702.1.7.2.1 provide for protection of emergency equipment room, which happens to be a stricter requirement and therefore must be complied with.
Section 700.12, 701, 702 - (8/5/2015)
As part of NYCHA's Hurricane Sandy Restoration work, we are installing natural gas emergency/standby generators on the roof to back up 100% of the electrical loads in multi-story residential buildings that are at or above 125' high. The emergency/standby generators will be installed on the roof of each building in weatherproof, sound attenuated enclosures. There will be a new dedicated automatic transfer switch room with a 2 hour fire rating installed at the ground floor levels of each building, elevated at or above the design flood levels, that will house emergency (Article 700) automatic transfer switches and legally required (Article 701) automatic transfer switches, Optional standby (Article 702) automatic transfer switches will be installed in either the existing main electrical room or in the new main electrical service room. Both the existing main electrical room and new main electrical rooms are located at or above the design flood elevation. Emergency, Standby, and Optional Standby feeders will be routed from the rooftop generators down the exterior of each building to the respective automatic transfer switch location.
We respectfully request a code interpretation for the following:
Section 700.12, 701, 702 - (8/5/2015)
As part of NYCHA's Hurricane Sandy Restoration work, we are installing natural gas emergency/standby generators on the roof to back up 100% of the electrical loads in multi-story residential buildings that are at or above 125' high. The emergency/standby generators will be installed on the roof of each building in weatherproof, sound attenuated enclosures. There will be a new dedicated automatic transfer switch room with a 2 hour fire rating installed at the ground floor levels of each building or in new remote elevated electrical sheds, elevated at or above the design flood levels, that will house emergency (Article 700) automatic transfer switches and legally required (Article 701) automatic transfer switches, Optional standby (Article 702) automatic transfer switches will be installed in either the existing main electrical room or in the new main electrical service room. Both the existing main electrical room and new main electrical rooms are located at or above the design flood elevation. Emergency, Standby, and Optional Standby feeders will be routed from the rooftop generators down the exterior of each building to the respective automatic transfer switch location. The emergency, standby, and optional standby feeders will originate in respective service switches located in the generator enclosures. Each emergency, standby, and optional standby feeder will terminate at the respective transfer switch without local disconnect means at the transfer switch.
Based on Local Law 111 of 2013, Subsection 700.12(B)(6) was revised as follows: "Outdoor Generator Sets: Where an outdoor generator set is permanently installed, and is equipped with a disconnecting means and such generator set is located within sight of the building or structure supplied, an additional disconnecting means is not required where ungrounded conductors pass through the building or structure. Appropriate signage shall be provided at the generator set and at the first disconnecting means within the building or structure supplied."
We respectfully request an interpretation on the following: Do we need local disconnecting means at automatic transfer switches under the installation described above?
No.
Section Subsection 725.136(I) - (2/4/2015)
Yes, when listed as such and designated with “-PCS”, and having a minimum inner jacket thickness of 30 mils or more.
Section 760 - (8/5/2015)
In recent review of an installation in a private school building currently under construction, loose power limited fire alarm wiring (load side of power source) was found installed throughout the building, both exposed, and concealed in new partition construction, both above and within 8ft. of the finished floor. We respectfully request your formal interpretation of NEC 2008 article 760 part III as amended by NYC in the 2011 NYC Electrical Code, and its appropriate application to the installation described herein.
The installation as described is a code violation. All Fire Alarm wiring up to 8ft above floor must be installed in raceways in accordance with 760.130(1).
Section 760.33 - (10/7/2015)
The 2011 NYCEC amendment article 760.33(B) requires a separate green insulated equipment grounding conductor to be installed where conduits supply 120V to the command center, control unit or distributed control cabinets.
There are cables listed by UL under standard 2196 a 1(one) or 2(two) FHIT rated such as MI and MC where the copper sheath is recognized and listed as a suitable equipment ground. Is this an acceptable wiring method without the need for an additional separate equipment grounding conductor?
As per NYCEC section 760.46, MI cable is recognized wiring method for NPLFA Circuit Wiring. A Listed MC cable as FHIT system is not recognized as an acceptable wiring method.
Section 760.131 - (8/5/2015)
We are requesting interpretation on the following regarding fire alarm wiring in mechanical rooms:
CHAPTER 8: Communications Systems (Code Section 800.1 to 830.179)
CHAPTER 9: Tables (Table 1 to 12(B))
ADMINISTRATIVE: General Requirements
Section General – Administrative - (8/5/2015)
Is a master electrician's license required for the complete installation of a electrified grid lighting system as per The Administrative Code of the City Of New York - Title 27 Construction and Maintenance Chapter 3 Electrical Code defines Electrical Work: The installation, alteration, maintenance, or repair of electrical wires and wiring apparatus and other appliances used or to be used for the transmission of electricity for electric light, heat, power, signaling, communication, alarm or data transmission.
Work described shall by be installed by NYC Licensed Master Electrician or Licensed Special Electrician, and material shall be approved by the department.
Section General – Administrative 27-3018(b) - (8/5/2015)
By removing a panel from a wall after it had been previously de-energized and safed off at the service, by others, am I in violation of Provision 2 7-3018(b)?
Administrative Provision 2 7-3018(b) notes that before commencing any electrical work an application for a work Permit must be filed. As noted under provision2 7-3002, the NYC Electrical Code is enacted to regulate the business of installing, altering, or repairing electrical systems. Removal of a panel does not fall under any of these categories and is not noted the code. Some may argue that this is an act of alteration but by definition of the word, to alter is to change something, not to remove it. Electrical Permit Application ED16A, does not list removal of existing equipment under the noted categories required to be filed.
Removal of existing de-energized electrical equipment is demolition work. Demolition contractors do not hire Electricians to do demolition work, which entails removal of electrical parts, after they have been safed off.
Where electrical equipment has been safe-off by an electrical permit and licensed electrician, such equipment can be part of filed and permitted work for general demolition work. Please note that such work in an electrical space that contains other energized equipment must be performed by qualified person as defined in the NEC Electrical Code.
Copies of the NYC 2011 Electrical Code (only the amendments to the NEC 2008 Electrical Code) and the New York City Electrical Code (the amendments and the NEC 2008 Electrical Code) can be purchased at the CityStore.