Wallkill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 140-26
Electrical facilities
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. The 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 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.
Section 140-26 of Wallkill's Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive standards for electrical facilities in residential buildings. The provision covers safe installation and maintenance of wiring and equipment, adequate artificial lighting in dwelling units, and proper exit and directional signage in multi-family buildings. Electrical systems must guard against fire, shock, and overcurrent hazards, while exits must be clearly marked with illuminated signs whenever the building is occupied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 140-26, property owners and managers are generally expected to ensure all electrical wiring and equipment is installed to accepted standards, properly secured, grounded, and protected by correctly rated overcurrent devices. Compliant operators keep service panels and overcurrent protection in readily accessible locations, verify that each dwelling unit has a light switch near its entrance, and confirm that exit and directional signs in multi-dwelling buildings are illuminated and legible at all times the building is occupied. Routine inspections of wiring in damp or high-temperature areas, as well as periodic checks of arc-producing equipment enclosures, are practices consistent with meeting the requirements of this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 140-26 establishes that tenants in residential buildings are entitled to properly maintained electrical systems that do not pose fire or shock hazards, adequate lighting throughout their dwelling unit, and a light switch near the unit's entrance. In multi-dwelling buildings, tenants can also expect clearly marked, illuminated exit and directional signs whenever the building is occupied. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to violate § 140-26—such as exposed wiring, missing exit signs, or inaccessible electrical panels—may consider documenting the issue and contacting the Town of Wallkill's code enforcement office or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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