Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-44
Electrical installations
Operative Text
A. General requirements. (1) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in conformity with generally accepted standards and maintained so as not to be a potential source of ignition of combustible material or a potential source of electrical hazard. (2) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. (3) Electrical wiring and equipment installed in damp or wet locations or where exposed to explosive or flammable gases or to excessive temperatures shall be a type approved for the purpose and location. (4) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be protected against excessive current by properly rated overcurrent devices. (5) 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. (6) Electrical equipment which in ordinary operation produces arcs or sparks shall be enclosed unless separated and isolated from all combustible material. (7) Service equipment and overcurrent protection devices shall be installed and maintained in a readily accessible location. (8) Adequate electrical outlets shall be provided in all habitable rooms. B. Artificial lighting. (1) 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. The electric wiring system shall be connected to an adequate source of supply. (2) There shall be a switch or other means for controlling a light in each dwelling unit near the point of entrance to such unit. C. Exit and directional signs. (1) Exits in multiple dwellings shall be provided with exit and directional signs visible from the approach to the exits, except that such signs shall not be required in those portions of a building which contain dwelling units only or in which exit from sleeping rooms is directly to the outside. (2) Directional signs shall be provided at locations from which the exit doorway is not readily discernible. (3) Such signs shall be worded in plainly legible block letters with the word "EXIT" for exit signs and the words "TO EXIT," with a suitable pointer or arrow indicating the direction of exit, for directional signs. Letters for signs shall be conspicuous, readily discernible and at least six inches high, except that, for internally illuminated signs, the height of such letters shall be at least 4 1/2 inches. (4) Exit and directional signs shall be illuminated either externally or internally by electric lights and shall be kept illuminated at all times when the building is occupied.
Section 175-44 of the Watervliet Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive standards for electrical installations in residential buildings. It requires that wiring and equipment be safely installed, properly grounded, protected against overcurrent, and maintained to prevent fire or electrical hazards. The section also mandates adequate lighting throughout dwelling units, entrance-area light switches, and properly illuminated exit and directional signs in multiple dwellings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 175-44, compliant property operators ensure that all electrical wiring and equipment is installed to accepted standards, firmly secured, appropriately rated for its environment, and protected by properly rated overcurrent devices. Operators also verify that habitable rooms have adequate outlets, that each dwelling unit has a light switch near its entrance, and that service equipment remains readily accessible. In multiple dwellings, landlords maintain continuously illuminated exit and directional signs with block letters at least six inches high whenever the building is occupied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 175-44 gives tenants a basis to expect safe, code-compliant electrical systems, adequate lighting in all habitable rooms, and a functioning entrance light switch in their dwelling unit. If electrical wiring appears unsafe, outlets are missing, or exit signs in a multiple dwelling are unlit or absent, tenants may report these conditions to the Watervliet code enforcement office as potential violations of § 175-44. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document conditions and what local complaint or inspection processes may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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