Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-31
Electrical
Operative Text
A. General requirements. (1) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in conformity with generally accepted standards and maintained so as not to be a potential source of ignition of combustible material or a potential source of electrical hazard. (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 shall be wired for electricity, and lighting equipment shall be installed throughout to provide adequate illumination for the intended use of each space. Electric wiring system 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 shall be provided with exit and directional signs, visible from the approach to the exits, except that such signs shall not be required in those portions of a building which contain dwelling units only, or in which exit from sleeping rooms is directly to the outside. (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 41/2 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.
Section 186-31 of Massena's Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive electrical safety standards for residential buildings, covering wiring installation, lighting, and exit signage. Electrical systems must be properly installed, grounded, protected from overcurrent, and kept free of fire and shock hazards. Buildings must also provide adequate artificial lighting in all spaces, a light switch near each dwelling unit entrance, and illuminated exit and directional signs in multi-unit buildings whenever the building is occupied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 186-31, compliant property operators generally ensure that all electrical wiring and equipment meets accepted installation standards, is firmly secured, properly grounded, and protected by correctly rated overcurrent devices. Operators of residential buildings also maintain adequate lighting throughout the property, install entrance-area light switches in each dwelling unit, and keep exit and directional signs illuminated and legible at all times the building is occupied. Service panels and overcurrent protection devices are kept in readily accessible locations as part of routine property maintenance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-31 gives tenants in Massena a basis to expect that their dwelling's electrical systems are safely installed and maintained, that a light switch is present near their unit's entrance, and that common areas in multi-unit buildings have functioning, illuminated exit signs. If electrical hazards, inadequate lighting, or missing exit signage are present, tenants may consider documenting the conditions and reporting them to the local code enforcement or housing authority responsible for enforcing Chapter 186. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord does not address conditions covered by § 186-31.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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