§ 12-09 Specifications for Traditional Window Guards (TWGs) Installed in Double Hung Windows; Permanent Installation of Window Air Conditioners.
RCNY § 12-09
TWGs installed in double hung windows must meet the following specifications: (a) Window and grid openings. There must be no openings greater than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches (i) between the vertical bars of the installed TWG and the sides of the window frame, (ii) between the lowest horizontal bar of the installed TWG and the window stool, (iii) between any horizontal or vertical bars in the TWG grid, or (iv) between the top of the highest horizontal bar of the installed TWG and the bottom rail of the upper sash.
(b)Tested to withstand at least 150 pounds impact. All TWGs must be tested by an independent testing laboratory to show that they are able to withstand the impact of a 150-pound load at center span when the guard is extended to maximum width without increasing any opening in the grid more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches. A test with the TWG attached in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be performed and the results, including information as to temporary or permanent distortion, certified by an independent laboratory or a professional engineer or professional architect when the TWG is registered. When a TWG is manufactured in more than one size, each size must be tested, and all test results must be submitted to the Department with the manufacturer’s application for registration.
(c)Height. TWGs must be a minimum of 15 inches high measured along the vertical bars.
(d)Mounting holes. The outer vertical bars must each have at least two holes for permanent mounting in the window opening frame or window jamb. If TWGs are more than 15 inches high, additional mounting holes are required to provide no more than a maximum interval of 18 inches between mounting holes.
(e)Non-telescoping bars. TWGs with non-telescoping bars must have a permanent spot weld on at least two of the horizontal bars to provide a minimum of two inches overlap when the guard is fully extended.
(f)Telescoping bars. A TWG with telescoping bars extended to their maximum allowable width must have: (1) A minimum overlap of five inches or one-third of the length of each horizontal bar, whichever is greater; (2) An additional rigid vertical support at the telescopic opening of the outer tubing of the bars, that prevents spreading of the bars; and (3) The following permanent label must be affixed on at least one horizontal bar on each facing surface where the (*) indicates the number of inches appropriate to the specific model: WARNINGEXTENSION OF THIS BAR BEYOND (*) INCHES IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL (g) Stops.
(1)In double hung windows, rigid metal “L” shaped stops that are at least one-half the width of the window track and each leg of which measures at least two inches must be installed securely with two screws in the upper tracks of each side of the bottom window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the TWG.
(2)Where “L” shaped stops cannot be placed in the window track without interfering with the normal operation of the window, a rigid metal strip may be securely fastened across the track of the bottom window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the TWG. Strips must be mounted on each of the windows and secured by two screws on each side of the window track.
(3)Where neither of the stops described in paragraphs (1) and (2) above can be used, such as in ballast balanced windows, rigid metal “L” shaped stops may be securely fastened to the frame of the window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the lowest part of the top horizontal bar of the TWG. A stop must be mounted on each side of the exterior lower window frame and secured by two screws in each stop.
(4)Stops are not required where TWGs are installed that are of sufficient height to prevent an opening of more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the TWG when the lower window is raised to its maximum open position.
(h)Instructions. In addition to the instructions required for all window guards set forth in 24 RCNY § 12-08, instructions for installation of TWGs must specify that: (1) TWGs must be installed so that the bottom horizontal bars are mounted no more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the window stool; and (2) “L” shaped stops supplied by the device manufacturer, or alternative stopping devices, must be installed with the screws provided to limit movement of the bottom sash so it cannot be raised more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the highest horizontal bar of the TWG.
(i)Window air conditioning units. Additional window guards are not required for windows in which air conditioning units have been permanently installed in double hung windows as follows: (1) The air conditioning unit is securely bolted into the window stool or sill using tamper-resistant one-way screws without leaving any open space greater than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches; (2) Two metal “L” shaped stops or brackets are installed in the window frame (one on each side of the bottom sash) to prevent the lower window sash from opening more than four and one-half (4 1/2) inches above the air conditioner unit; and (3) The building owner has inspected and approved the permanent installation and verified that the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subdivision are satisfied.
(j)Ornamental and security bars. When a child resides or will reside in a dwelling unit in which windows are equipped with permanently affixed exterior metal ornamental or security bars, an owner who wishes to allow such bars to serve as window guards must test such bars and apply to have them registered in accordance with 24 RCNY § 12-11. (Added City Record 7/23/2025, eff. 1/1/2026)
