§ 231-23. Mechanical and electrical requirements.

A. 

General.

(1) 

Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the minimum mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment to be provided.

(2) 

Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

B. 

Heating facilities.

(1) 

Facilities required. Heating facilities shall be provided in structures as required by this section.

(2) 

Residential occupancies.

(a) 

Dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68° F. (20° C.) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms based on the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code. Cooking appliances shall not be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of this section.

(b) 

Exception. In areas where the average monthly temperature is above 30° F. (-1° C.), a minimum temperature of 65° F. (18° C.) shall be maintained.

(3) 

Heat supply.

(a) 

Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guest room on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from October 1 to May 1 to maintain a temperature of not less than 68° F. (20° C.) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.

(b) 

Exceptions.

[1] 

When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required, provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code.

[2] 

In cases where the average monthly temperature is above 30° F. (-1° C.), a minimum temperature of 65° F. (18° C.) shall be maintained.

(4) 

Occupiable work spaces.

(a) 

Indoor occupiable work spaces shall be supplied with heat during the period from October 1 to May 1 to maintain a temperature of not less than 65° F. (18° C.) during the period the spaces are occupied.

(b) 

Exceptions. Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions; areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.

(5) 

Room temperature measurement. The required room temperatures shall be measured three feet (914 mm) above the floor near the center of the room and two feet (610 mm) inward from the center of each exterior wall.

C. 

Mechanical equipment.

(1) 

Mechanical appliances. All mechanical appliances, fireplaces, solid-fuel-burning appliances, cooking appliances and water-heating appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition and shall be capable of performing the intended function.

(2) 

Removal of combustion products.

(a) 

All fuel-burning equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.

(b) 

Exception. Fuel-burning equipment and appliances which are labeled for unvented operation.

(3) 

Clearances. All required clearances to combustible materials shall be maintained.

(4) 

Safety controls. All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation.

(5) 

Combustion air. A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space containing the fuel-burning equipment shall be provided for the fuel-burning equipment.

(6) 

Energy conservation devices. Devices intended to reduce fuel consumption by attachment to a fuel-burning appliance, to the fuel supply line thereto, or to the vent outlet or vent piping therefrom shall not be installed unless labeled for such purpose and the installation is specifically approved.

D. 

Electrical facilities.

(1) 

Facilities required. Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section and code.

(2) 

Service. The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the ICC Electrical Code. Dwelling units shall be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, single-phase electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes.

(3) 

Electrical system hazards. Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the Housing Officer shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.

E. 

Electrical equipment.

(1) 

Installation. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.

(2) 

Receptacles. Every habitable space in a dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets. Every laundry area shall contain at least one grounded-type receptacle or a receptacle with a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Every bathroom shall contain at least one receptacle with a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

(3) 

Lighting fixtures. Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and furnace room shall contain at least one electric lighting fixture.

F. 

Elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters.

(1) 

General. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained to sustain safely all imposed loads, to operate properly, and to be free from physical and fire hazards. The most current certificate of inspection shall be on display at all times within the elevator or attached to the escalator or dumbwaiter, or the certificate shall be available for public inspection in the office of the building operator.

(2) 

Elevators.

(a) 

In buildings equipped with passenger elevators, at least one elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is occupied.

(b) 

Exception. Buildings equipped with only one elevator shall be permitted to have the elevator temporarily out of service for testing or servicing.

G. 

Duct systems. Duct systems shall be maintained free of obstructions and shall be capable of performing the required function.