N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 605: Section FC 605: Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards

605.1 Abatement of electrical hazards.

Defective devices, equipment or systems shall not be used and the hazardous conditions shall be corrected or the device, equipment or system shall be removed from the premises. Electrical wiring, devices and other equipment that is damaged or otherwise constitutes an electrical or fire hazard shall not be used, and the hazardous condition shall be corrected or the equipment removed from the premises.

605.2 Illumination.

Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards.

605.3 Working space and clearance.

A working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches (762 mm), the working space shall not be less than the width of the equipment. No storage of any materials shall be located within the designated working space.

Exceptions:

1. Where other dimensions are required or allowed by the Electrical Code.

2. Access openings into attics or under-floor areas which provide a minimum clear opening of 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm).

605.3.1 Labeling.

Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording. The disconnecting means for each service, feeder or branch circuit originating on a switchboard or panelboard shall be legibly and durably marked to indicate its purpose unless such purpose is clearly evident.

605.4 Multiplug adapters.

Multiplug adaptors, such as cube adaptors, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with the requirements of the Electrical Code 

shall be prohibited.

605.4.1 Power tap design.

Portable power taps shall be of the polarized or grounded type, equipped with overcurrent protection, and shall be listed in accordance with UL 1363.

605.4.2 Power supply.

Portable power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.

605.4.3 Installation.

Portable power tap cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.

605.5 Extension cords.

Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to buildings or structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords shall be used only with portable devices.

605.5.1 Power supply.

Extension cords shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle, power tap or multiplug adapter and, except for approved multiplug extension cords, shall serve only one portable device.

605.5.2 Ampacity.

The ampacity of the extension cords shall not be less than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord.

605.5.3 Maintenance.

Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.

605.5.4 Grounding.

Extension cords shall be grounded when serving grounded portable devices.

605.6 Unapproved conditions.

Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.

605.7 Electrical devices and equipment.

Electrical devices and equipment shall be listed or labeled and installed in accordance with the construction codes and the Electrical Code.

605.8 Electrical motors.

Electrical motors shall be maintained free from excessive accumulations of oil, dirt, waste and debris.

605.9 Temporary wiring.

Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of the Electrical Code.

Exception: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed during periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities.

605.9.1 Attachment to structures.

Temporary wiring attached to a building or structure shall be attached in an approved manner.

605.10 Portable electric space heaters.

The use of portable electric space heaters shall be in accordance with this section.

605.10.1 Listed and labeled.

Portable electric space heaters shall be listed and labeled. Portable electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.

605.10.2 Power supply.

Portable electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into a receptacle. Extension cords shall not be used for electrical connections for portable electric space heaters.

605.10.3 Prohibited use.

It shall be unlawful to use portable electric space heaters in the following locations:

1. In any building or occupancy, where the power requirements for the portable electric space heater exceed the rating of the electrical circuit or receptacle from which the heater will draw current.

2. In any occupancy, within 3 feet (914 mm) of any combustible material.

3. In Group I-2 occupancies, except that a portable electric space heater with a heating element designed not to exceed a temperature of 212°F (100°C) may be used in nonsleeping staff and employee areas.

4. In Group R-1 college and university dormitories.

5. In any location considered to be a hazardous location in accordance with the Electrical Code, unless listed for such use.

605.11 Portable halogen floor lamps.

Portable halogen floor lamps shall be designed, operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section.

605.11.1 Prohibitions.

It shall be unlawful to:

1. store or use portable halogen floor lamps in Group I-2 occupancies and Group R-1 college and university dormitories.

2. use portable halogen floor lamps for any purpose other than lighting.

3. store or use portable halogen floor lamps that are not designed with an approved glass or wire bulb guard or when such guard is not in place.

605.11.2 Manufacturer instructions.

Portable halogen floor lamps shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

605.11.3 Placement.

Portable halogen floor lamps shall be placed in locations where the risk of the lamp being tipped over by occupant traffic or activities, or of igniting curtains, furnishings or other combustible materials, is minimized.

605.11.4 Bulb replacement and disposal.

Portable halogen floor lamp bulbs shall be replaced and discarded only when the bulb is cool to the touch.