Information for Licensed Electricians Performing Emergency Work for Electrical Restoration Following Hurricane Sandy

Restoring Power to Buildings

If the utility company has determined that a property sustained damage to the electrical system and will not restore power to the property, the owner must hire a licensed electrician to inspect the building’s electrical system and if needed, make the necessary repairs in accordance with the 2011 NYC Electrical code.

No Damage.

If the electrician determines there was no damage to the building’s electrical system, he/she must submit a letter to the utility company certifying that it is safe to restore power. The utility company has template letters for this purpose. Upon receipt of this letter, the utility company will turn the power back on.

Damage.

If the electrician determines there was damage, the following steps need to be taken:

- Normal Repair work – Jobs under 1000 kva:

• The electrician commences and completes all work necessary to repair the damage from Hurricane Sandy.
• The electrician may commence and/or complete all repair work and must obtain a work permit from the Department within 2 business days of commencing work.
• Upon completion of the repair work, the electrician must submit a letter to the utility company certifying that it is safe to restore power to the building. The utility company has template letters for this purpose. In the letter the electrician must indicate the Department electrical work “Application Number”.
• The utility company will restore power to the building based on the electrician’s certification notwithstanding that the job is not yet signed-off by the Department.
   

- Electrical Advisory Board work – Jobs 1000 kva and more:

• The electrician commences and completes all necessary work to repair the damage from Hurricane Sandy.
• The electrician may commence and/or complete all work before obtaining a work permit from the Department.
• The electrician must submit an email notification to the Department within 2 business days after commencing work. The email should be sent to eab@buildings.nyc.gov and the following information should be included in the email: licensee’s license number, nature of work, a statement that the work is for 1000 kva or more, and the address, block and lot of the property.
   

Critical Restoration Information

• The electrician must submit drawings to the Electrical Advisory Board (EAB) at 280 Broadway within 30 calendar days after commencing work.
• Upon completion of the work, the electrician must submit a letter to the utility company certifying that it is safe to restore power. The utility company has template letters for this purpose. The letter must indicate the “EAB, Application Number Pending” instead of the “Application Number.”
• The utility company will restore power to the building based on the electrician’s certification notwithstanding that the job is not yet signed-off by the Department.
• A presentation date will then be scheduled with the EAB to present the work. The electrician must present before the EAB on the scheduled presentation date.
• After the EAB approves the work, the electrician must obtain a permit from the Department and have the job signed-off by the Department.
• If the EAB approves the application with modifications, the electrician must obtain a permit from the Department, make the required modifications and have the job signed-off by the Department.

General Tips for Electricians

• The Department suggests licensed electricians take the following precautions when performing repair work following Hurricane Sandy:
• Remember that ocean water and salt spray can be particularly damaging to electrical wiring and components, even after it is dried out, due to the corrosive and conductive nature of the salt residue.
• Look at the water level markings on the building.
• Remember that if the electrical service or any branch circuit wiring was submerged in salt water during the storm it must be replaced.
• Check all bonding & grounding of service equipment.
• Consult the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s guide on Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment.
• Remember that you may need to contact the manufacturer of any equipment in instances where equipment can be reconditioned