N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 308: Section EBC 308: Electrical

308.1 General.

Electrical work, installation of and work on emergency and standby power systems, and the increase in size of electrical service in alterations of parking garages and open parking lots shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the New York City Electrical Code, Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code, this section, and the applicable provisions of Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this code.

308.2 Group A occupancies in prior code buildings.

Where a stationary generator is not otherwise required, the power source for emergency power to the voice/alarm communication system may be served by a gas generator or an uninterruptable power source (UPS) in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

308.3 Optional standby power systems in existing buildings.

The installation of optional standby power systems shall comply with Sections 308.3.1 and 308.3.2.

308.3.1 Required loads for optional standby systems.

Where an optional standby power system is installed in an existing building, it shall supply power to the loads listed under Section 2702.4 of the New York City Building Code. Such loads shall be connected to the optional standby power system unless such loads are already supplied by a functioning emergency power system or legally required standby system. All installations and connections shall be in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code. If an optional standby power system is used to supply required standby power loads, it shall comply with Section 2702.4.2 and 2702.4.3 of New York City Building Code. Natural gas from the public utility shall be permitted as the fuel supply for optional standby power systems if such optional standby power system is supplying only optional standby loads. If an optional standby power system is supplying emergency or standby loads, the natural gas supply shall be taken ahead of the main, provided that an outside gas cut-off valve is separate from other gas services installed in accordance with Section E.6 of Appendix E of the New York City Fuel Gas Code.

308.3.2 Additional optional standby power system.

Where a functioning emergency power system or required standby system is in place and provides power to all required emergency or required standby power loads, any additional optional standby power system installed need not supply power to such emergency or required standby power loads.

308.4 Emergency power requirements for fire pumps.

New or replacement fire pumps in existing buildings shall be connected to an emergency power system in accordance with Sections 308.4.1 and 308.4.2.

308.4.1 Existing buildings equipped with an emergency power system.

In an existing building equipped with an emergency power system, new or replacement fire pumps shall be connected to the emergency power system where Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code requires fire pumps to be connected to the emergency power system.

308.4.2 Existing buildings not equipped with an emergency generator.

In an existing building that is not equipped with an emergency power system, but where fire pumps are required to be connected to an emergency power systems in accordance with Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code, a new emergency power system shall be installed to supply power to the new fire pump.

Exception: A new emergency power system need not be installed where the scope of alteration does not involve a change in the main use or dominant occupancy of the building, provided that electrical power to the motor is taken ahead of the main from the street side of the house service switch, and

1. The scope of alteration does not include modifications to an existing fire pump; or

2. The scope of alteration includes the replacement of an existing fire pump with a new fire pump of the same or smaller capacity.

308.5 Parking garages and open parking lots.

Where an alteration of a parking garage or an open parking lot includes an increase in the size of the main electric service that serves such parking garage or open parking lot, such alteration shall include provisions for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in accordance with Section 406 of the New York City Building Code, as applicable.