[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Haverstraw 5-26-1987
by ordinance (Ch. 13 of the 1966 Code). Sections 76-4, 76-6, 76-7 and 76-9
amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.
Other amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention and building construction — See Ch. 84.
This chapter shall be known as the "Electrical Code of the Town of Haverstraw."
Since there is danger to life and property inherent in the use of electrical
energy, this Electrical Ordinance is enacted to regulate the installation
and alteration 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 Town of
Haverstraw.
All electrical installations heretofore mentioned shall be made in conformity
with the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
The chief inspector and each of the duly appointed inspectors of the
New York Board of Fire Underwriters or other qualified inspection agency approved
by the town are hereby authorized and deputized as agents of the Town of Haverstraw
to make inspections and reinspections of all electrical installations heretofore
and hereafter described and to approve or disapprove the same. In no event,
however, will the cost or expense of such inspections and reinspections be
a charge against the Town of Haverstraw.
It shall be the duty of the inspector to report, in writing, to the
Building Inspector, whose duty it shall be to enforce all the provisions of
this chapter, all violations of or deviations from or omissions of the electrical
provisions of the National Electrical Code, New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code and any and all local laws or ordinances insofar as any
of the same apply to electrical wiring. The inspector shall make inspections
and reinspections of electrical installations in and on properties in the
Town of Haverstraw upon the written request of the Supervisor, Building Inspector
or Fire Inspector of the Town of Haverstraw or as herein provided. The inspector
is authorized to make inspections and reinspections of electrical wiring installations,
devices, appliances and equipment in and on properties within the Town of
Haverstraw where he deems it necessary for the protection of life and property.
In the event of an emergency, it is the duty of the inspector to make electrical
inspections upon the oral request of the Supervisor, Building Inspector or
Fire Inspector of the Town of Haverstraw. It shall be the duty of the inspector
to furnish written reports to the proper officials of the Town of Haverstraw
and owners and/or lessees of property where defective electrical installations
and equipment are found upon inspection. He shall authorize the issuing of
a certificate of compliance when electrical installations and equipment are
in conformity with this chapter. He shall direct that a copy of the certificate
of compliance be sent to the Town of Haverstraw to the attention of the Building
Inspector.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person, firm or corporation
to install or cause to be installed or to alter electrical wiring for light,
heat or power in or on properties in the Town of Haverstraw until an application
for inspection has been filed with the New York Board of Fire Underwriters
or other qualified inspection agency approved by the town. It shall be a violation
of this chapter for a person, firm or corporation to connect or cause to be
connected electrical wiring in or on properties for light, heat or power to
any source of electrical energy supply prior to the issuance of a temporary
certificate or a certificate of compliance by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters
or other qualified inspection agency approved by the town. Public utilities
engaged in activities to ensure or restore continuity of service shall be
exempt from the provisions of this section, provided that the work performed
is under the direction of a professional engineer.
A violation of this chapter may be punishable by a fine of not more
than $250 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both. Each day
on which such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the electrical installation
in mines, ships, railway cars or automotive equipment or the installations
or equipment employed by a railway, electrical or communications utility in
the exercise of its function as a utility and located outdoors or in buildings
used exclusively for that purpose. This chapter shall not apply to any work
involved in the manufacture, assembly, test or repair of electrical machinery
apparatus, materials and equipment by a person, firm or corporation engaged
in electrical manufacturing as its principal business. It shall not apply
to any building which is owned or leased in its entirety by the government
of the United States or the State of New York.
This chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility
of any person owning, operating, controlling 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 Town of Haverstraw
or the New York Board of Fire Underwriters or other qualified inspection agency
approved by the town be deemed to have assumed any such liability by reason
of any inspection made pursuant to this chapter.
