[Ord. No. 1341, 7-17-2002; amended 8-1-2012 by Ord. No.
1589]
(a) Scope. This section covers the basic electrical facilities and fixtures
requirements for properties covered by this division.
(b) Evidence of inadequate wiring. Evidence of inadequate electrical
wiring of a dwelling covered by this article shall be a violation
of one or more of the subsections of this section.
(c) Entrances and exits. Entrances and exits shall be provided with illumination
by exterior lighting fixtures. Lighting fixtures shall be controlled
by interior wall switches, located for convenient and readily accessible
use.
(d) Living rooms. Living rooms in dwelling units shall be provided with
convenient duplex electrical receptacle outlets around the room, with
at least one duplex electrical outlet on each wall and a second duplex
electrical outlet on each wall exceeding 14 feet in length.
(e) Kitchens. Kitchens in dwelling units shall be provided with either
a wall- or ceiling-mounted light fixture, controlled by a wall switch,
located for convenient and readily accessible use nearest to the entrance
to the room. Kitchens shall be provided with at least two duplex electrical
outlets, one of which shall be adequate for operation of a refrigerator,
and kitchens shall also be provided with two small appliance circuits
with a minimum of two grounding-type duplex electrical outlets, both
of which shall be a minimum of 30 inches above the floor. Kitchens
shall be provided with either gas service or an electrical circuit
adequate for operation of a stove. In lieu of grounding-type duplex
electrical outlets, ground fault interrupter circuits may be used.
Any new circuits for appliances shall be a minimum capacity of 20
amperes.
(f) Bathrooms, washrooms, etc. Bathing rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms
and washrooms within dwelling units shall be provided with a wall-
or ceiling-mounted lighting fixture, controlled by a wall switch.
Bathrooms, toilet rooms that contain a sink, and washrooms shall be
provided with one or more grounding-type duplex electrical outlet(s),
which shall be at least 30 inches above the floor, adjacent to the
sink, and shall have a ground fault circuit interrupter.
(g) Habitable rooms. Habitable rooms within dwelling units shall be provided
with convenient duplex receptacle outlets around the room, with a
minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets on separate walls. Any wall-
or ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures shall be controlled by a wall
switch located for convenient and readily accessible use, nearest
the entrance to the room.
(h) Basements. Basements shall be provided with a minimum of one lighting
fixture for each 300 square feet of area or major fraction thereof.
Each separate room of the basement shall have a minimum of one lighting
fixture. Basements shall have one or more ground fault circuit interrupter
receptacles.
(i) Laundry areas. Laundry areas within or accessory to a dwelling unit
shall be provided with a minimum of one lighting fixture. Laundry
areas shall be provided with a separate circuit with a grounding-type
receptacle outlet suitable for use of laundry appliances. In lieu
of a grounding-type receptacle outlet, a ground fault interrupter
circuit may be used. If provided, a separate electrical circuit shall
be adequate for the operation of an electrical dryer.
(j) Heating equipment. Heating equipment, furnaces or heating systems
requiring electrical energy for operation or control shall be provided
with a separate grounded circuit. A disconnect switch shall be provided
on or adjacent to the unit. Every furnace room shall be provided with
a minimum of one lighting fixture. Portable, electric heating appliances
are not permitted as a permanent alternative heat source.
(k) Stairways – Generally. Stairways and/or each stair section
shall be provided with lighting outlets controlled by wall switches
located for convenient and readily accessible use. Switches shall
not be located where it is necessary to use a darkened stair or stair
section for their operation. All stairwells with six steps or more
shall be provided with multiple switch control, one at the head and
one at the foot of the stairway.
(l) Same – Common stairways and hallways. Common stairways and
hallways that are shared by four or more units shall be illuminated
at all times with a minimum of 10 footcandles as required by the Michigan
Construction Codes.
(m) Service. A minimum of one electrical service to an existing residential
structure containing three or fewer dwelling units shall be at least
three-wire, one-hundred-ampere capacity. Any additional electrical
services required or installed shall be a minimum of sixty-ampere
capacity. Service equipment shall be dead front. Type "S" fuses shall
be installed where fusible equipment is used. If the existing service
does not comply with the above and it is then necessary to increase
service or change service equipment, the service shall be increased
to a minimum of 100 amperes.
(n) Existing wiring and electrical equipment. Existing wiring and electrical
equipment shall be maintained and used as originally listed and designed
to be used. All new wiring and electrical equipment used to replace
existing inadequate wiring shall comply with the Michigan Electrical
Code (MEC) and all provisions of this article. Illegal or unapproved
extensions to the wiring system in order to provide light, heat or
power shall be evidence of an inadequate wiring system and subject
to the requirements for new construction.