Since there is danger to life and property inherent in the use of electrical
energy, this chapter is enacted to provide for the inspection and reinspection
of electrical wiring and electrical equipment installations and alterations
for all electric light, heat, power and signal systems operating on 50 volts
or more in or on all real property within the village to ensure compliance
with the standards set forth in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code, which code has been adopted by the village, and any local
laws, ordinances and regulations hereafter adopted pertaining to electrical
installations and alterations.
The Board of Trustees may by resolution designate a representative of
the Board of Trustees whose duty it shall be to enforce the provisions of
this chapter.
[Added 11-21-1983 by L.L. No. 5-1983]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
AUTHORIZED ELECTRICAL INSPECTION AGENCY
Any corporation or agency recognized by New York State Electric and
Gas Corporation as qualified to do electrical inspections and approved by
the Board of Trustees of the Village of Owego.
[Amended 11-21-1983 by L.L. No. 5-1983]
A. A certificate of compliance shall be issued by an authorized
electrical inspection agency upon receipt of the written report of an inspection
stating that electrical installations and alterations are in conformity with
the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and all local
laws, ordinances and regulations of the village pertaining to electrical installations
and alterations.
B. A temporary certificate shall be issued by an authorized
electrical inspection agency upon receipt of the written report of an inspector
stating that in his opinion electrical wiring may be connected to a source
of electrical energy without danger to life or property prior to the completion
of work on an electrical installation or alteration.
[Amended 11-21-1983 by L.L. No. 5-1983]
The chief inspector and each of the duly appointed inspectors of an
authorized electrical inspection agency are hereby authorized and deputized
as agents of the village to make inspections and reinspections of all electrical
installations and alterations heretofore and hereafter described and to approve
or disapprove the same as complying or not complying with the standards set
forth in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and
any local laws, ordinances and regulations hereafter adopted. In no event,
however, shall the cost or expense of such inspections and reinspections be
a charge against the village.
In the event of an emergency, it is the duty of the electrical inspector
to make electrical inspections upon the oral request of an official or elective
officer of the village.
[Amended 11-21-1983 by L.L. No. 5-1983]
It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to furnish written
reports of all inspections to the chief inspector who shall receive such reports
on behalf of an authorized electrical inspection agency. It shall also be
the duty of the inspector to furnish written reports to the Board of Trustees
or its duly appointed representative and to owners and/or lessees of property
where defective electrical installations and alterations are found upon inspection.
The electrical inspector shall authorize the issuing of a certificate
of compliance when electrical installations and alterations are in conformity
with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and all
local laws, ordinances and regulations of the village pertaining to electrical
installations and alterations. He shall direct that a copy of the certificate
of compliance be sent to the village to the attention of the Village Clerk-Treasurer.
The electrical inspector shall authorize the issuance of a temporary
certificate when in his opinion electrical wiring may be connected to a source
of electrical energy without danger of life or property prior to the completion
of work on an electrical installation or alteration.
[Amended 11-21-1983 by L.L. No. 5-1983]
This chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility
of any person owning, operating, controlling, altering or installing any electrical
wiring, devices, appliances or equipment for loss of life or damage to person
or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the village or an authorized
electrical inspection agency be deemed to have assumed any such liability
by reason of any inspection made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Violations of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of not more
than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine
and imprisonment.