All installations of electrical work, all extensions
thereto and alterations thereof shall be made in conformity with the
requirements of the National Electrical Code except where the provisions
of this chapter or any other local law or ordinance of the City shall
prescribe differently, in which event compliance with the provisions
of such local law or ordinance shall be recognized as proper compliance
with this article. The requirements of the National Electrical Code
hereby adopted and incorporated by reference shall be those contained
in the latest edition of that code adopted by the National Fire Protection
Association and by the American National Standard Institute and designated
as NFPA No. 70 (ANSI).
In every case where no specific type or class of material or no specific standards are prescribed by law, conformity with the regulations and requirements contained in the National Electrical Code adopted in §
267-1 shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with approved standards for safety to life and property.
Because there is danger to life and property
inherent in the use of electrical energy, this article is enacted
to regulate the installation, alteration or repair of wiring for electric
light, heat or power and signal systems operating on 50 volts or more
in or on all real property within the City.
The Inspector shall have the right during reasonable
hours to enter any building in the discharge of his official duties
or for the purpose of making any inspection, reinspection or test
of the installation of electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment
contained therein, and shall have the authority to cut or disconnect
any wire in cases of emergency where necessary for the safety of life
or property or where such wire may interfere with the work of the
Fire Department. He is also authorized to disconnect or order the
discontinuance of electrical service to any electrical wiring, devices,
appliances or equipment found to be dangerous to life or property
because they are defective or defectively installed until they have
been made safe and approved by him.
It shall be the duty of the Inspector to make
an inspection of any premises wherein a fire or explosion has occurred,
and for such purpose it shall be the duty of the Chief of the Fire
Department or the head of the fire protection agency of the City,
within 24 hours after such occurrence, to report or cause to be reported
to the office of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters or other
agency approved by the Common Council from which such Inspector operates
the address or location of such premises and to furnish such other
information and assistance with respect thereto as such Inspector
may require.
Any public utility company furnishing electric
service within the City shall, once each month, furnish to the Inspector
a written list containing the name and address of each person or corporation
supplied by said public utility company with mercantile, commercial
or industrial electrical service during the previous month. This provision
shall only apply in the case of a new supply or a resumption of supply
of electric service.
This article shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating,
controlling or installing any electric wiring, devices, appliances
or equipment for loss of life or damage to person or property caused
by any defect therein, nor shall the City or the New York Board of
Fire Underwriters or other agency approved by the Common Council be
deemed to have assumed any such liability by reason of any inspection
made or license issued pursuant to this chapter.