If visual inspection by the authority having jurisdiction reveals that
the wiring system of an existing dwelling unit is inadequate or if code certification
for any reason is required or requested, the following minimum standards should
be complied with:
A. Entrances and exits. Where two or more entrances and/or
exits exist, at least two shall be illuminated by exterior lights. Exterior
lights shall be controlled by interior wall switches, located for convenient
and readily accessible use.
B. Living room. The living room shall be provided with a
conveniently located wall-switch-controlled light or receptacle. The switched
receptacle may be one of the required receptacles in the room. Duplex receptacles
shall be equally spaced around the walls of the room, one duplex receptacle
on each wall, unless the spacing requirements of Section 210-52(a) of the
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) are met.
C. Kitchen.
(1) The kitchen shall be provided with illumination. The
required illumination shall be controlled by a wall switch.
(2) A separate kitchen appliance circuit shall be provided,
supplying a minimum of three grounding-type duplex receptacle outlets. The
grounding contacts of these receptacles shall be grounded. Two of these receptacles
shall be readily accessible and spaced for convenient use of portable appliances.
New appliance circuits shall be twenty-ampere capacity.
(3) Fine print notes (FPN). Ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection shall not be used as a substitute for grounding with kitchen receptacles.
D. Bathroom. Bathrooms shall be provided with illumination,
controlled by a conveniently located wall switch. A receptacle separate from
a light fixture shall be provided. All bathrooms shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection.
E. All other habitable rooms. Habitable rooms shall be provided
with a conveniently located wall-switch-controlled light receptacle. A minimum
of two additional duplex receptacles are required, equally spaced around the
room.
F. Basement. The basement shall have a minimum of one lighting
outlet for general illumination. All enclosed areas that may be walked into
(except coal bins) shall be provided with a lighting outlet.
G. Laundry area. Laundry areas shall be provided with illumination.
A grounding-type duplex receptacle shall be provided adjacent to the laundry
equipment, on a separate circuit. New laundry circuits shall be twenty-ampere
capacity.
H. Space heating system. Heating equipment that requires
electricity for operation of any facet shall be provided with an individual
circuit. A disconnect switch shall be provided on or adjacent to the equipment
(exception: thermopile controlled furnaces).
I. Stairwells. Stairwells shall be adequately illuminated.
Lighting outlets shall be controlled by wall switches. Switches shall not
be located where it is necessary to use darkened stair sections for their
operation. Stairwells connecting finished portions of dwellings shall be provided
multiple-switch control: one at the head; the other at the foot of the stairwell.
J. Service and/or feeder. The service or feeder to an existing
dwelling unit shall be a minimum of three-wire, one-hundred-ampere capacity.
Service equipment shall be dead front, having no live parts exposed whereby
accidental contact could be made. All plug-type fuses shall be Type S. (Exception:
an existing properly installed fifty-five-ampere capacity, three-wire service
and feeders of thirty-ampere, two-wire are acceptable if adequate for the
load being served.)
K. Existing wiring and equipment. Existing wiring and equipment
shall be in good repair. Circuit extensions made with flexible cord wiring
in lieu of permanent wiring shall be eliminated.
L. New wiring. All new work shall conform to the National
Electrical Code, as amended.
M. Evidence of inadequacy. Any of the following shall be
considered evidence of inadequacy:
(1) Use of cords in lieu of permanent wiring.
(2) Oversizing of overcurrent protection for circuits, feeders
or service.
(3) Unapproved extensions to the wiring system in order to
provide light, heat or power.
(4) Misuse of electrical equipment.
(5) Lack of lighting fixtures in bathrooms, laundry rooms,
furnace room, stairway or basement.