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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Emergency Backup Power Systems: Allowable Work Without A Registered Design Professional Submitting Construction Documents For Department Approval
Permit requirements are tied to the scope of work and work type of a project, and the permits are regulated according to the nature of work, licensing and registration requirements for the work being performed. There are several aspects of Emergency Backup Power System work, including but not limited to the installation of the (generator) fuel-burning equipment, associated gas or fuel-oil pumps, tanks and piping, and electric wiring that can only be performed by specialized licensed skilled trades or Contractors with specialized trade licenses. Work permits are issued to these specialized trade license holders, who are also registered with the Department.
Licensed Master Plumber
The work outlined below can only be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP). However, if the plumbing portion exceeds the work allowed under the categories of limited plumbing alteration work listed below, a Registered Design Professional (Professional Engineer or Registered Architect) must submit construction plans for approval by the Department in order to obtain a work permit.
Limited Plumbing Alterations
Chapter 1 of the Administrative Code under §28-101.5 provides a definition of Limited Plumbing Alterations, to specify repair to plumbing or fuel gas piping system that is limited in scope under two (2) categories:
Category 1
Has cost and time period limitation - $35,000 cost limitation per building including appliance and labor in any 12 month period – only the following can be done:
- New Piping. Installation of new plumbing or fuel gas piping – not including Category 2 work.
Category 2
Without cost and time period limitation– only the following can be done:
- Piping. Reroute existing plumbing or fuel gas branch piping to serve the same number of existing fixtures and appliances.
Licensed Electrician
Any new installation, alteration, or repair of electric wiring, wiring apparatuses, appliances or equipment shall be performed by a New York City Licensed Electrician. All electrical work such as, but not limited to, installing conduits, wiring and terminations for equipment and controls, lighting fixtures and switches, panelboards, fire alarm devices, etc., require an electrical permit before commencing such electrical work.
The Licensed Electrician (Electrical Contractor) shall coordinate with the Registered Design Professional (RDP), other members of the design team, and all other construction trade contractors where projects have other aspects to the work in addition to electrical. For such projects, the Department only requires the submission of a separate electrical permit application. When an electrical permit application by the Licensed Electrician includes a large electrical installation (see classifications of large installations under Electrical Advisory Board plan examination listed below) or requires Energy Conservation Code (ECC) compliance, such an electrical permit application must reference the general project application number for permit issuance.
Electrical construction documents are not required to be submitted by a RDP to the Department as part of the electrical or general permit application, except electrical construction documents must be submitted to the Department to obtain an electrical permit as follows:
Electrical Advisory Board plan examination (submitted by either a RDP or a Licensed Electrician)
- Electrical Equipment with a capacity of 1000 KVA or larger
- Electrical installation that utilizes 1000 Volt or higher
- Electrical Service Installations totaling 1000 KVA
Energy Conservation Code Compliance (submitted by a Licensed Electrician)
- Lighting Power Density to demonstrate Energy Code compliance. Please note this is in addition to other construction document submittal requirements required for ECC Plan Examination; please refer to ECC Sections C406.3, C406.3.1, and Table C405.6.2(2) for these requirements.
Fire Department Requirements
- Construction documents, prepared by a Registered Design Professional, shall be part of the project submittal for new installations or alterations of an existing fire alarm system. Review shall be performed by an FDNY plan examiner.
- Emergency Power Systems, including all appurtenant components, shall be periodically tested, inspected and maintained in accordance with FC 604, by either a Licensed Electrician or Registered Design Professional.