City of Fulton, NY Equipment Requirements

Plumbing systems shall be maintained in sanitary and serviceable condition and installed and maintained in accordance with the plumbing standards of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Plumbing systems shall be maintained so as not to weaken structural members nor cause damage or deterioration to any part of the building through fixture usage.

All plumbing fixtures, water supply lines, sewer lines and waste disposal systems and their appurtenances shall be maintained in an operational condition, free from defects, leaks and obstructions.

Water supply.

Potable water from an approved source shall be available at all times in occupied buildings. The domestic water supply system of the building shall be connected to such approved source and shall not be subject to contamination. When supplied from a public source, the potable water supply system shall not be connected to private or unsafe water supplies.

Water supply systems shall be installed and maintained so as to provide at all times a supply of water to plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal conditions of use.

Water supply systems shall be installed and maintained so that water used for purposes of cooling, heating or fire-suppression systems shall not be introduced into the domestic water supply system or be distributed through such equipment to plumbing fixtures.

Sewage drainage systems.

Plumbing fixtures shall be drained directly into a sewage drainage system. Such system shall be connected to a public sewer or to an adequate and approved system of sewage disposal.

Where a public sewer is not available, a system shall be provided to receive and dispose of sewage without health hazard or nuisance.

Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into the ground or into a waterway unless it has first been rendered harmless through subjection to treatment or to natural processes in conformity with generally accepted standards.

Substances which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall not be discharged into the building drainage system unless it is provided with approved devices suitable for intercepting such substances.

Each fixture directly connected to the sewage drainage system shall be equipped with a water seal trap.

Adequate cleanouts shall be provided and maintained so that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

The drainage system and its attendant vent piping shall be maintained so as to provide adequate circulation of air in all pipes in order that siphonage, aspiration or pressure will not cause a loss of trap seal under ordinary conditions of use.

(8)

Each vent terminal to the outer air shall be installed and maintained so as to minimize the possibilities of clogging, frost closure, the return of foul air to the building or the creating of a nuisance to adjacent premises.

(9)

Drains provided for fixtures, devices, appliances or apparatus containing food, water, sterile goods or similar materials shall be equipped with air breaks adequate to prevent contamination of such contents from any possible backup of sewage through the direct or indirect drainage piping.

Storm drainage.

Roof and paved areas, including yards and courts, shall be properly drained. Storm drainage shall be conveyed to an adequate and approved system of stormwater disposal where available. Storm drains shall be discharged in such manner that water will not flow onto sidewalks or adjacent properties.

Where a drainage system may be subject to backwater, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow into the building.

Leaders and gutters, if used, shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except that plastic or wood leaders and gutters may be used for buildings not more than three stories high.

Plumbing facilities.

Buildings shall be provided with plumbing systems designed to dispose of the sewage from all fixtures and to furnish cold water to every water closet and urinal and hot and cold water to every sink, lavatory, bathtub and shower required therein. Water-heating facilities shall be properly installed, maintained and capable of providing an adequate volume (not less than 2.5 gallons per minute) of water to be drawn at every required fixture at a temperature of not less than 120° F.

There shall be provided within each dwelling unit plumbing features consisting of at least:

One kitchen sink.

One water closet.

One bathtub or shower.

One lavatory.

Where multiple dwellings contain sleeping accommodations arranged as individual rooms or suites, for each multiple of four sleeping rooms or fraction thereof, there shall be provided plumbing fixtures consisting of at least:

One water closet.

One bathtub or shower.

One lavatory.

Where multiple dwellings contain sleeping accommodations arranged as a dormitory, for each multiple of six persons or fraction thereof so accommodated, there shall be provided and located adjacent thereto plumbing fixtures consisting of at least:

One water closet.

One bathtub or shower.

One lavatory.

Urinals may be substituted in men's toilet rooms for not more than 1/3 of the required number of water closets.

Toilet facilities shall be accessible within employee working areas. The path of travel to the facilities shall not exceed a travel distance of 500 feet or traverse more than one flight of stairs, except where more restrictive requirements are applicable as the result of the facilities having been constructed or undergone a change of occupancy after January 1, 1984, or where required by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Privies, privy vaults and outhouses shall be prohibited on premises which are included in the scope of this chapter.

Plumbing fixtures.

Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth nonabsorbent material and shall be free from concealed fouling surfaces.

Plumbing fixtures shall be so placed as to be reasonably accessible for their intended use.

Plumbing fixtures shall be located in spaces that are accessible, lighted and ventilated.

Swimming pools. (See also § 475-49L.)

The water supply used for filling or for cleaning of the pool shall be clean. The water supply shall be protected against potential pollution from all sources, including cross-connection and backflow.

Drains shall be provided so that the pool can be safely and adequately drained. Drains shall be provided in floors surrounding the swimming pool and arranged so that water from such areas will drain without entering the pool.

Filtering, sterilizing and auxiliary equipment, where required, shall be adequate to maintain the sanitary quality of water during such period the pool is in use. Equipment containing gases or disinfectants capable of giving off irritating toxic or flammable fumes shall be located in ventilated rooms.

The installation shall be arranged and maintained to prevent dirt, sand or other foreign matter from entering the bathing area.

Water supply tanks.

Water supply tanks shall be installed and maintained so as to be safe/sanitary, watertight, verminproof, rodentproof, resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding the working pressures under normal operation.

Supports for tanks shall be of noncombustible construction.

Tanks and their supports shall not be used to support equipment or structures other than for tank use, except where specially designed for such other use.

Means for emptying water supply tanks shall be provided and maintained in proper working condition.

Potable water supply tanks for domestic supply and standpipe or automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained to furnish water in sufficient quantity and pressure for such systems.

§ 475-35 Fuel gas.

General requirements.

Fuel gas piping systems shall be installed and maintained so as to remain gastight, safe and operative under conditions of use.

Fuel gas piping systems shall provide a supply of gas sufficient to meet the maximum expected demand of the installed gas-burning appliances connected thereto.

Fuel gas piping and equipment shall not be located in ducts, chimneys, flues, stairways, elevator shafts or exits.

Shutoff valves.

Gas piping systems shall have at least one accessible means for shutting off all gas supply, and such means shall be maintained in good operating condition.

An easily accessible shutoff valve or cock shall be provided in the piping in close proximity to and ahead of every outlet for gas appliances.

Service equipment for gas supplied from utility mains. Gas service, gas meters and gas pressure regulators shall be located so that they are protected from damage.

Gas appliances.

Gas appliances shall be installed with clearance for ventilation and shall be maintained in good operating condition.

Water-cooled gas refrigerators are prohibited.

New installations of air-cooled gas refrigerators are prohibited.

Existing air-cooled gas refrigerators must be equipped with:

A flue which is resistant to the corrosive action of flue gases.

A fixed, mounted, dust-incinerating type of gas burner, gas pressure regulator, gas supply filter and thermostat.

Proper operating automatic regulating and safety devices.

The person owning a gas appliance shall keep such appliance in good order and repair at all times.

High-pressure gas. Any service connection supplying gas at a pressure in excess of one pound per square inch gauge shall be provided with a device to reduce such pressure to not more than 1/2 pound per square inch gauge prior to entering the meter, except where such service supplies equipment using gas at high pressures.

Liquefied petroleum gas.

Undiluted liquefied petroleum gas in liquid form shall not be conveyed through piping equipment and systems in buildings.

Liquefied petroleum gas shall not be vaporized by devices utilizing open flame or open electrical coil.

Where two or more containers are installed, connections shall be arranged so that containers can be replaced without shutting off the flow of gas to equipment.

Containers shall be designed, stored and located so as not to be a hazard to the premises served or to the surrounding property.

Systems shall be provided with safety devices to relieve excessive pressures and shall be arranged so that the discharge terminates at a safe location.

Systems shall have at least one accessible means for shutting off the gas. Such means shall be located outside the building and shall be maintained in good operating condition.

Systems shall be installed, used and maintained as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

§ 475-36 Heating.

General requirements.

In all occupied buildings, adequate heat shall be provided to maintain the indoor temperature in habitable, occupied and assembly spaces, kitchenettes, bathrooms and toilet rooms at 68° F. at a distance of two feet from exterior walls and at a level of five feet above the floor from September 15 to May 31 of the following year when the outside temperature falls below 55° F.

The capability of the heating equipment to maintain such indoor temperatures shall be based on an outside temperature of -10° F.

Exceptions.

The following are exceptions to Subsection A:

Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.

Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.

Temperature requirements for Subsection B(1)(a) and (b) above and others not identified in this section shall comply with Table 1-1000 of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Construction Code, 9 NYCRR.

Smoke control. Fuel-burning heat-producing equipment shall be installed and maintained so as not to violate Chapter 204, Air Pollution, of the Code of the City of Fulton.

Warm-air heating. Ducts and other air-handling equipment used for heating shall conform to the requirements of generally accepted standards for such equipment such as SMACNA and ASHRAE.

Prohibited locations for heat-producing equipment. Fuel-burning water heaters shall not be located in sleeping rooms, bathrooms or toilet rooms.

Fuel supply connection. Fuel-burning equipment shall be permanently fastened and connected in place. Fuel supply connections to such equipment shall be made with approved pipe or with an approved flexible tubing connector and shutoff valves both at the source of supply and near such equipment.

Installation and clearance. Where heat-producing equipment is installed on or adjacent to combustible materials, the location, insulation, clearance and the control of the equipment shall be such that the temperature on the surface of the combustible materials will not exceed a safe temperature.

Air supply.

Direct-fired heat-producing equipment and the enclosure in which it is located shall be provided with a supply of air adequate to replenish that consumed by complete combustion at the rated gross output of the equipment and for the ventilation of the enclosure to prevent the accumulation of heat.

Where an adequate supply of combustion air has not been supplied so as to replenish air consumed by complete combustion, such air shall be supplied by means of one or more openings to the exterior, or by means of fixed openings to interior spaces which open to the exterior.

Removal of products of combustion.

Equipment for burning solids or liquid fuel shall be connected to suitable chimneys or flues and shall not be connected to gas vents. Unvented heaters burning liquid fuel shall be prohibited.

Fuel-burning space heaters located in sleeping rooms or rooms normally kept closed shall be connected to a suitable chimney, flue or gas vent.

Gas-fired equipment shall be connected to a suitable chimney, flue or gas vent when the discharge of products of combustion into the space where the equipment is installed would be a hazard.

Safety devices.

Equipment capable of developing hazardous pressures or temperatures shall be provided with means to relieve safely such pressures and temperatures.

Controls for the safe operation of automatically operated heat-producing equipment shall be provided to function as follows:

When failure or interruption of flame or ignition occurs, the fuel supply shall be cut off.

When a predetermined temperature or pressure is exceeded, the input of additional heat shall be prevented or reduced to a safe rate.

When the water level in a steam boiler drops below a predetermined level, the fuel supply shall be cut off.

When failure or interruption of a pilot light or main burner in gas equipment occurs, the fuel supply to each pilot light and main burner shall be cut off.

Heating of garages. Fuel-burning equipment for garages serving multiple dwellings shall be located in heater rooms, except that equipment burning gas or liquid fuel located in the vehicle storage space shall be permitted in stories at or above grade where the equipment is elevated so as not to be exposed to possible accumulation of flammable gases.

Room heaters utilizing solid fuels must be of an approved size and type and must be installed in an approved manner in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, state and local codes and generally accepted standards.

§ 475-37 Chimneys, flues and gas vents.

General requirements. (See also § 475-25C.)

Chimneys, flues, gas vents and their supports shall be installed and maintained so as to be structurally safe, durable, smoketight, noncombustible and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases without softening, cracking, corroding or spalling.

Such facilities shall effectively convey the products of combustion to the outside air.

Masonry chimneys shall have noncombustible foundations. Approved prefabricated chimneys shall be installed according to manufacturer's specifications.

Flue linings shall be capable of withstanding the action of flue gas without softening, cracking, corroding or spalling at the temperature to which they will be subjected.

Openings for smoke pipes or gas vent connections shall be provided with means for easy connection without restriction of the flue.

No flue shall have smoke pipe or gas vent connections in more than one story of a building.

Fuel-burning equipment and fireplaces located in different tenancies shall not be connected to the same flue.

Firesafety. Chimneys, flues and gas vents shall be installed and maintained so that under conditions of use, the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto, insulated therefrom or in contact therewith, does not exceed a safe temperature.

§ 475-38 Incinerators.

General requirements.

Incinerators shall be of adequate capacity for the intended use.

Fuel-feed incinerators shall be equipped with means for burning auxiliary fuel in sufficient quantity to assure complete combustion of refuse.

A flue serving an incinerator shall be provided with a substantially constructed spark arrester.

Incinerators shall be connected to a suitable noncombustible chimney, smokestack or flue.

Connections to incinerators shall provide free passage of refuse without clogging.

Openings to abandoned incinerators must be permanently sealed.

Service openings.

Service openings shall be readily accessible to the building occupants.

No person shall deposit any highly flammable substances or objects which will clog the flue of an incinerator, and durable signs with plainly legible letters prohibiting the disposal of such substances shall be provided near each service opening.

§ 475-39 Electrical standards.

General requirements.

Adequate electrical service shall be provided to meet occupancy load. The service size shall be computed using the basic standards set forth in NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed and maintained so as not to be a potential source of ignition or a potential source of electrical hazard.

All electrical circuits shall be balanced properly.

The panel box and circuits shall be properly identified.

All old service equipment/wires not utilized shall be removed.

Electrical wiring, equipment, fixtures and devices shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted.

Electrical wiring and equipment installed in damp or wet locations or where exposed to explosive or flammable gases, dust, fibers or flyings or excessive temperatures shall be of a type approved for the purpose and location.

(8)

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be protected against excessive current by properly rated and installed overcurrent devices.

(9)

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be grounded or otherwise protected by insulation, isolation or guarding so as to minimize the danger of high voltages from lightning or other causes.

(10)

Electrical equipment which in normal operation produces arcs, sparks or excessive heat shall be enclosed or separated and isolated from all combustible substances.

(11)

Service equipment and overcurrent protection devices shall be installed and maintained in a readily accessible location.

(12)

Overcurrent protective devices shall be maintained in safe operating condition and in an accessible location and shall not be locked or fastened in the "on" position so as to render the devices inoperative.

(13)

Grounding of electrical wiring and equipment shall be maintained to provide protection against fire or shock hazards.

(14)

All surface metal raceway and attached outlets shall be properly grounded.

(15)

All electrical openings shall be provided with covers or plates.

(16)

Flexible cord and nonmetallic extension cords shall not be used in place of permanent fixed wiring, and the temporary use thereof shall be kept to a minimum. It is prohibited to use extension cords to power common household appliances or permanently installed extension lights. Likewise, they may not be run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors or run through doorways, windows or similar openings or attached to building surfaces or concealed behind walls or above ceilings or under floors or floor coverings.

(17)

All electrical equipment (receptacle outlets, light fixtures, switches, etc.) shall be maintained in serviceable condition, clean and free from excessive dust, paint, grease or other contaminants.

(18)

All exposed wiring shall be maintained enclosed or protected according to applicable generally accepted standards.

Knob and tube conductors may be retained in exposed basement, cellar or attic areas if they are deemed adequate in accordance with the following:

[1]

The insulation of all conductors shall be pliable and free from nicks, gouges and missing sections.

[2]

The conductors shall be separated from other lighting and power conductors, conduit, piping, ducting or other conductive materials by a minimum of two inches or have the appropriate sleeving installed.

[3]

The conductors shall not be installed in walls or hollow spaces filled with weatherization or other insulation materials.

[4]

The conductors shall not have been altered in any way.

All knob and tube conductors not meeting this criteria shall be removed and those affected areas rewired in conformance with the NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).

Artificial lighting.

Habitable and occupied space shall be provided with electric light installed and controlled in conformance with the use of that space.

Common areas in buildings and other structures shall be provided with electric light. Such lighting shall conform to the following:

A sufficient number of lighting fixtures shall be provided so that a twenty-footcandle (20 luminaries square feet) light intensity, as measured at the floor, is dispersed evenly throughout the common area.

Exterior artificial lighting affixed to buildings or structures shall be installed so as not to produce objectionable glare across property lines and become a nuisance.

All residential buildings and occupancies shall be wired for electricity, and lighting equipment shall be installed throughout to provide adequate illumination for the intended use of each space. Each electric wiring system shall be connected to an adequate source of supply.

There shall be a switch or other means for controlling a light in each dwelling unit near the points of entrance to such unit.

All common areas, hatchways, stairways, interior and exterior landings, foyers and hallways shall be provided with adequate artificial lighting controlled in conformance with generally accepted standards.

Required hallway lighting fixtures shall be switched from wall-mounted switches.

Minimum standards, one- and two-family structures. The aforesaid electrical requirements contained in Subsections A and B shall be used as the minimum standards for inspecting and approving electrical systems in existing structures in the instances of:

Voluntary permit applications.

Inspection of one- and two-family structures pursuant to complaints and/or referrals.

The rehabilitation/remodeling of one- and two-family structures not requiring the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

The inspection of one- and two-family structures for purposes of issuing a rental permit.

Minimum standards, multiple dwellings, structures of mixed use and substantial rehabilitation.

In addition to the requirements contained in Subsections A and B above, the following electrical requirements shall be used as the minimum standards for inspecting and approving electrical systems in existing structures in the instances of:

Rental permits.

Inspection of all multiple dwelling and structures of mixed use pursuant to complaints, referrals and rehabilitation applications.

The rehabilitation of residential structures requiring the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Minimum standards.

Adequate receptacle outlets shall be installed in all spaces, as follows:

[1]

A minimum of two receptacle outlets in every habitable space at least 10 feet by 10 feet in size.

[2]

Basements, cellars, attics, crawl spaces, hallways and roof areas where mechanical equipment is installed shall have adequate receptacle outlets as necessary to eliminate the use of extension cords for lighting and power.

[3]

Kitchens/kitchenettes shall have adequate receptacle outlets to utilize appliances without extension cords or multiple outlet attachments.

[4]

All new outlets installed to meet the requirements of this section shall be installed in conformance with the NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).

All habitable space shall be provided with artificial light.

Minimum standards, existing commercial structures.

In addition to the requirements contained in Subsections A and B above, the following shall be used as the minimum standards for inspecting and approving electrical systems in existing commercial structures in the instances of:

Certificate of occupancy applications.

Certificate of inspection applications.

Rehabilitation/remodeling with or without an issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

All complaint/referral inspections.

(e)

All voluntary permit applications to change the electrical service.

Minimum standards.

Services less than 60 amperes shall not be permitted.

Adequate receptacle outlets shall be provided in all occupiable spaces.

All electrical circuits shall be utilized in conformance with their overcurrent protection.

There shall be no greater than 10 receptacle outlets installed on each fifteen-ampere branch circuit or no greater than 13 receptacle outlets installed on each twenty-ampere branch circuit.

(e)

All artificial lighting fixtures in occupiable space shall be switched from wall-mounted switches. Lighting for storage rooms, crawl spaces and basement areas removed from stairways may be switched by fixtures with an integral pull switch.

(f)

Switches controlling artificial lighting where accessible to other than authorized persons shall be guarded against operation by appropriate means.

§ 475-40 Cooking and refrigeration.

General requirements.

Each dwelling unit shall be provided with appropriate cooking and refrigeration equipment. Cooking and refrigeration equipment shall be provided by the owner or by the tenant in accordance with their mutual, written or oral agreement.

Cooking and refrigeration equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition.

Gas-burning cooking equipment shall be permanently connected in place. Gas supply connections to such equipment shall be made with approved pipe or with an approved flexible tubing connector.

The combustion chambers of solid fuel-burning cooking equipment shall be appropriately vented.

Communal cooking and dining facilities. Every communal kitchen and dining room located in a rooming house shall have adequate floor space and facilities to accommodate all of the occupants thereof at the same time and shall be so located as to be accessible to the occupants of each rooming unit, sharing the use of such facilities, without going through a dwelling unit or rooming unit of another occupant.

§ 475-41 Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation in one- and two-family dwellings.

For one- and two-family dwellings:

Exhaust air from a dwelling unit shall not be circulated to another dwelling unit.

Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped.

Equipment shall be secured in place so as not to present a hazard.

§ 475-42 Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation in multiple dwellings and nonresidential buildings.

For multiple dwellings and nonresidential dwellings:

Air-conditioning systems.

Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used.

Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes.

Equipment shall be secured in place so as not to present a hazard.

Ventilating systems.

Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented and so that under conditions of use the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature.

Stairways, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers.

Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped.

Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material.

Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard.

Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled.

Exhaust air from a unit or a space, the contents of which may emit odors, fumes or vapors, shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building.

Air intake and exhaust openings.

Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system.

Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source.

Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected.

Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance.

Ventilation requirements. Enclosures or spaces where the gases, vapors or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess.

Safety controls.

Manually operated controls shall be provided to stop the operation of all central fan equipment. Such controls shall be conspicuously identified and in readily accessible locations outside the fan room.

Every system using recirculated air and serving an assembly space or more than one fire area or more than one story of a building shall be provided with controls arranged so that under abnormal rise in temperature of the air in the system the fans causing normal circulation shall stop and require manual restart.