Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-9

A. General requirements. Existing electrical fixtures, devices, wiring and systems shall be maintained in safe working condition and in a manner which will avoid a potential source of ignition or shock and shall be properly connected to an adequate source of electric power. Any alterations shall comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70, as adopted in Section 2701.1 of the New York State Building Code) and/or the Building Code of the City of Rochester in existence at the time the work is performed. Fixed wiring, equipment, fixtures and devices shall be firmly secured to the surface on which they are mounted. Electrical wiring and equipment shall be protected against excessive current demands by properly rated over-current devices installed in approved locations. All panelboards shall be kept free from encumbrances and shall be accessible to occupants or a resident manager at all times. B. Additional residential requirements. (1) General. (a) Each living unit with less than 500 square feet shall have at least one fifteen-ampere circuit. For each additional 800 square feet or fraction thereof, one additional fifteen-ampere circuit shall be provided. A separate twenty-ampere circuit shall be required within kitchen areas in an appropriate and accessible location for electrical appliances. (b) Any living unit containing one or more of the following, or similar major electric appliances: electric range, electric clothes dryer, electric water heater, electric space heater, electric-powered washing machine, dishwasher and/or garbage disposal, shall have separate circuits of suitable size and capacity to provide for such equipment. (c) Any heating system must be installed on an individual circuit. (2) Single and multiple dwellings. (a) Existing single-family dwellings. An existing single-family dwelling containing not more than six branch circuits shall have a minimum service capacity of 110 volts, sixty-ampere service. However, if any additional wiring is required in the system, the service capacity must be upgraded to at least 220 volts, 100 amperes. (b) Two-, three- and four-family-dwelling structures. [1] The following service capacities are required for structures containing two, three or four dwelling units. [a] Two-family dwelling: 220 volts, 150 amperes. [b] Three-family dwelling: 220 volts, 200 amperes. [c] Four-family dwelling: 220 volts, 200 amperes. [2] In a two-, three- or four-family dwelling, because of particular electrical use, such as the presence of major electrical appliances or electrical heating facilities, the requirements for a minimum electrical service capacity of the National Electrical Code shall apply if calculated to be greater than those outlined above in Subsection B(2)(b)[1 ](a], [b] and [c]. (c) All structures containing five or more dwelling units shall be required to have an electrical service capacity calculated in accordance with the National Electrical Code requirements. (d) In multiple dwellings having a single electrical meter, the service capacity shall be calculated in accordance with the National Electrical Code requirements. (e) The electrical capacity for stores and businesses in mixed-occupancy structures shall be computed independently of dwelling units within the structure. (3) At least one grounded-type receptacle shall be provided within six feet of all laundry facilities. Adapters shall not be used. (4) Unless otherwise permitted in this subsection, when additional electrical outlets are required they shall be installed on new circuits that meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code in force at the time of installation. However, taps from existing circuits may be allowed if such existing circuits meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code as to the following: (a) Loads. (b) Deterioration of conductors. (c) Proper separation of branch circuits. (d) Proper fill of boxes, etc. (e) Proper installation of said branch circuit(s) wiring methods. (f) Proper installation of conductors. (5) With the exception of electrical work in an owner-occupied single-family home, all electrical work must be installed by a licensed electrician. Electrical work shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. (6) All installations of electrical equipment require a permit and shall be inspected and approved by the City of Rochester or by the designated electrical inspection agencies. (7) In multiple-family dwellings, all floors, treads or landings in public halls, stairways and main entrances shall be clearly illuminated with artificial light to avoid a safety hazard to occupants. Artificial lighting shall be made available to all tenants and guests and shall be connected to the owner's meter. Artificial lighting shall also be made available at all exterior entrance and exit doors. (8) Every bathroom, toilet room, laundry room, furnace room, boiler room, interior stairway, public hall and kitchen shall contain at least one electrical lighting fixture. (9) Every habitable space in a dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets. (10) Extension cords, which are not part of a fixture, shall not be permitted on a permanent or semipermanent basis as part of a branch circuit or an extension thereof. (11) Every bathroom shall contain at least one receptacle. Any new bathroom receptacle outlet shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.