10A NCAC 13G .0317      BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT

(a)  The building and all fire safety, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment in a family care home shall be maintained in a safe and operating condition.

(b)  There shall be a central heating system sufficient to maintain 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) under winter design conditions.  Built-in electric heaters, if used, shall be installed or protected so as to avoid hazards to residents and room furnishings.  Unvented fuel burning room heaters and portable electric heaters are prohibited.   

(c)  Air conditioning or at least one fan per resident bedroom and living and dining areas shall be provided when the temperature in the main center corridor exceeds 80 degrees F (26.7 degrees C).

(d)  The hot water tank shall be of such size to provide an adequate supply of hot water to the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.  The hot water temperature at all fixtures used by residents shall be maintained at a minimum of 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and shall not exceed 116 degrees F (46.7 degrees C).

(e)  All resident areas shall be well lighted for the safety and comfort of the residents.  The minimum lighting required is:

(1)           30 foot‑candle power for reading;

(2)           10 foot‑candle power for general lighting; and

(3)           1 foot‑candle power at the floor for corridors at night.

(f)  Where the bedroom of the live‑in staff is located in a separate area from residents' bedrooms, an electrically operated call system shall be provided connecting each resident bedroom to the live‑in staff bedroom.  The resident call system activator shall be such that it can be activated with a single action and remain on until deactivated by staff. The call system activator shall be within reach of resident lying on his bed.

(g)  Fireplaces, fireplace inserts and wood stoves shall be designed or installed so as to avoid a burn hazard to residents.  Fireplace inserts and wood stoves must be U.L. listed.

(h)  Gas logs may be installed if they are of the vented type, installed according to the manufacturers' installation instructions, approved through the local building department and protected by a guard or screen to prevent residents and furnishings from burns.

(i)  Alternate methods, procedures, design criteria and functional variations from the requirements of this Rule or other rules in this Section because of extraordinary circumstances, new programs or unusual conditions, shall be approved by the Division when the facility can effectively demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that the intent of the requirements are met and that the variation does not reduce the safety or operational effectiveness of the facility.

(j)  This Rule shall apply to new and existing family care homes.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D‑2.16; 143B‑165;

Eff. January 1, 1977;

Readopted Eff. October 31, 1977;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1987; April 1, 1984; July 1, 1982;

Temporary Amendment Eff. December 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2005; July 1, 2000;

Recodified from 10A NCAC 13G .0316 Eff. July 1, 2005.