The following wiring requirements shall serve as the minimum standard for electrical wiring systems for existing one, two and three family residences, when an inspection is requested or wiring is to be done. It shall be understood that this "Minimum Residential Rewire Electric Code" shall coexist with the National Electrical Code is so far as wiring methods are concerned. Should any conflict, misunderstanding, or disagreement result from this coexistence, the N.E.C. shall be the controlling side.
(a) (1) Rewiring. Where a 15-30 ampere (2 wire) service exists in a residence a 100 ampere (3 wire) service with a main breaker and 16 circuits shall be installed.
(2) If the existing service is sixty ampere (3 wire) and is in good condition the service does not necessarily have to be changed to 100 ampere service provided the service satisfies the load.
(b) Installation Method. All work shall be done in a neat and workmanlike manner.
(c) Outlets. General rule: Each habitable room shall contain at least two wall type convenience outlets located on opposite walls or as otherwise permitted by local inspection authority, but in no case shall more outlets than required by the National Electric Code be required. Each living room shall have four duplex receptacles to supply appliances used therein unless a specific exemption is granted. Each bathroom shall have at least one GFCI controlled duplex receptacle.
(d) New Outlets. All new outlets installed on new wiring shall be of the grounded type.
(e) Existing Outlets. Existing electrical outlets which are installed in a workmanlike manner, with approved materials, and with proper circuitry need not be changed. Existing ungrounded outlets may be replaced with new ungrounded devices.
(f) Lighting.
(1) When ceiling lighting fixtures are replaced on original wiring, boxes or loompans shall be used.
(2) Existing or replacement non-metallic bathroom and kitchen fixtures need not be grounded if connected to original wiring.
(3) The following habitable rooms and areas shall contain at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet, with the wall switch located within three feet of the door:
Kitchen | Living room |
Bathrooms | Stairways |
Dining room | Hallways |
Bedrooms | Exterior Entrances |
(4) The following areas may contain pull chain lighting fixtures:
Storage rooms | Attic areas |
Furnace rooms | Utility rooms |
Laundry rooms | Basement rooms |
(g) Kitchen Circuits. All kitchens shall have at least three grounding type duplex receptacles, on no less than two 20 ampere circuits. One circuit shall supply power for at least one counter top receptacle. Fixed appliances shall be circuited accordingly, and properly grounded. All other existing ungrounded receptacles within six feet of grounded surfaces, shall be GFCI protected or grounded.
(h) Laundry Circuit. All single family residences shall have a separate twenty-ampere grounded circuit for a laundry receptacle, where laundry facilities exist.
(i) Furnace Circuit. A minimum of one fifteen ampere separate circuit shall be provided for the heating system when the system requires electric circuit. No other load shall be connected to this circuit. The heating system may include furnace, humidifier and electronic filter.
(j) Knob and Tube Wiring. All original knob and tube branch circuit wiring shall be reconnected on fifteen ampere circuits, and any tampered wire shall have its original insulation quality replaced. Remove all exposed knob and tube wiring in basements to the point where it is connected to refeed risers.
(k) Fuse. If Edison Base fuse holders are used they shall be fitted with type "S" fuse adapter and fuse stats.
(1) Outbuildings. Attached and unattached buildings (with wiring) on the same premises shall meet the requirements of the local code. If inoperative, the wiring shall be removed.
(Ord. 119-2001. Passed 12-13-01.)