New Retroactive Requirement for Multiple Dwellings

By Austin Regan

Local Law 39 0f 2015 was enacted in the spring of 2015 and is set to go into effect in September. The law  mandates that the owners of Multiple Dwellings must install protective covers over all outlets located in public areas of the building. Only mechanical rooms, storage rooms and the apartments themselves are exempt from this requirement.

This an amendment to the 2008 Electrical Code. Below is the exact language of the administrative code change:

§ 27-2046.3 Safety devices for certain electrical outlets required. a. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall install and maintain protective caps, covers or other safety devices over electrical outlets in the public parts of such multiple dwelling, except that (1) such devices shall not be required in public parts used exclusively for mechanical equipment or storage purposes, and (2) such devices shall not be required for electrical outlets that are listed tamper-resistant receptacles in accordance with the New York city electrical code.

b. An owner who fails to install or maintain protective caps, covers or other safety devices in accordance with this section shall be liable for a class A violation

The Electrical Code will read as follows:

SECTION 406.11

Section 406.11 – Revise to read as follows:

406.11 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units and Multifamily Dwellings. In all areas specified in 210.52, and in all public parts, as such term is defined in the New York City Housing Maintenance Code, of multifamily dwellings, all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.

Exception: Public parts of multifamily dwellings that are used exclusively for mechanical equipment or storage purposes.

It does not appear that either the Commissioners of Buildings or HPD have promulgated any rules yet regarding verifying retroactive compliance with this law.