Article VI - Mechanical and Electrical Requirements

48-61. General
  1. Scope. The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment to be provided.
  2. Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises which does not comply with the requirements of this section.
48-62. Heating Facilities
  1. Facilities Required. Heating facilities shall be provided in structures as required by this section.

  2. Residential Occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided with a permanently installed heating system capable of maintaining a room tempera­ture of 65°F (18.33°C) during the heating season. Cooking appliances shall not be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of this section.  For the purpose of this Article, the “heating season” is defined as the period between October 1 of each year and the following March 30.  The Code Official shall have no responsibility to determine which of the Owner or the Tenant has the obligation to provide fuel (or electricity) for the heating system.  The Code Official’s sole responsibility in this regard is the determination of whether the mechanical heating system permanently installed is operable if provided with fuel (or electricity, as the case may be).

  3. Heat Supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 65°F (18.33°C) in all habitable rooms.
    1. Exceptions: When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity.
  4. Occupiable Common Areas. Indoor common areas spaces shall be supplied with heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 60°F (18°C) during the period the spaces are occupied.
    1. Exceptions:
      1. Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.
      2. Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.
  5. Room Temperature Measurement. The required room temperatures shall be measured 3 feet above the floor near the center of the room and 2 feet (610 mm) inward from the center of each exterior wall.
48-63. Mechanical Equipment
  1. Mechanical Appliances. All mechanical appliances, fireplaces, solid fuel-burning appliances, cooking appliances and water heating appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition, and shall be capable of performing the intended function.
  2. Removal of Combustion Products. All fuel-burning equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.
    1. Exception: Fuel-burning equipment and appliances which are labeled for unvented operation.
      1. Unvented fuel-burning equipment shall not be installed in any bedroom or room used for sleeping purposes.
  3. Clearances. All required clearances to combustible materials shall be maintained.
  4. Safety Controls. All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation.
48-64. Electrical Facilities
  1. Facilities Required. Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section and Section 48-65.
  2. Service. The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the North Carolina Electrical Code. Dwelling units shall be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, and single-phase electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes.
  3. Electrical System Hazards. Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the Code official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
48-65. Electrical Equipment
  1. Installation. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.
  2. Lighting Fixtures. Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and furnace room shall contain at least one electric lighting fixture.
48-66. (Reserved)
48-67. Duct Systems
  1. General. Duct systems shall be maintained free of obstructions and shall be capable of performing the required function.
48-68. Through 48-70. (Reserved)