§ 165-30. Electrical wiring and equipment; exit and directional signs.

A. 

General requirements.

(1) 

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in conformity with the National Electrical Code and maintained so as not to be a potential source of ignition of combustible material or a potential source of electrical hazard. All electrical wiring shall be encased in a metal or other approved sheath.

(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 of 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.

B. 

Artificial lighting.

(1) 

Residential buildings and occupancies and business units shall be installed throughout with artificial lighting to provide adequate illumination for the intended use of each space. Electrical wiring systems 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 and business units shall be provided with exit and directional signs, visible from the approach to the exits.

(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 and shall be wired to bypass all fuse boxes and main shutoff switches.