Date of Adoption: February 12, 1999.

Purpose: To adopt amendments to chapter 296-46 WAC, Safety standards--Installing electrical wires and equipment--Administrative rules and to chapter 296-401A WAC, Certification of competency for journeyman electricians.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-46-090, 296-46-23040, 296-46-370, 296-46-495, 296-46-50002, 296-46-930, 296-46-940, 296-46-950, 296-401A-100, 296-401A-140, and 296-401A-530.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.28 RCW.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 98-22-107 on November 4, 1998.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 296-46-495 was modified to allow inspection requests "no later than three business days" after completion of electrical installation or one business day after any part of the installation is energized.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 8, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

February 12, 1999

Gary Moore

Director

OTS-2564.4

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-24-033, filed 11/25/97, effective 12/29/97)

WAC 296-46-090
Foreword.

The ((1996)) 1999 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70 - ((1996)) 1999) including Appendixes A, B, and C, the ((1993)) 1996 edition of Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20 - ((1993)) 1996) and the ((1993)) 1996 edition of Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110 - ((1993)) 1996) are hereby adopted by reference as part of this chapter.  Other codes, manuals, and reference works referred to in this chapter are available for inspection and review in the Olympia office of the electrical section of the department during business hours.  Where there is any conflict between this chapter and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20) or Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110), the requirements of this chapter shall be observed.  Where there is any conflict between Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20) or Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110) and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), the National Electrical Code shall be followed.

Electrical inspectors will give information as to the meaning or application of the National Electrical Code, the standard on Centrifugal Fire Pumps and the standard on Emergency and Standby Power Systems and this chapter, but will not lay out work or act as consultants for contractors, owners, or users.

The department is authorized to enforce city electrical ordinances where those governmental agencies do not make electrical inspections under an established program.

At the time of inspection, electrical wiring or equipment subject to this chapter must be sufficiently accessible to permit the inspector to visually inspect the installation to verify conformance with the National Electrical Code and any other electrical requirements of chapter 296-46 WAC.  Visual inspection of cables or raceways shall not be required where cables or raceways are fished according to the National Electrical Code.  Wires pulled into raceway shall not be considered concealed.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  97-24-033, § 296-46-090, filed 11/25/97, effective 12/29/97.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, [19.28.]210(6), [19.28.]350 and [19.28.]600.  97-12-016, § 296-46-090, filed 5/28/97, effective 6/30/97.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.010(1) and 19.28.600.  93-06-072, § 296-46-090, filed 3/2/93, effective 4/2/93; 90-19-015, § 296-46-090, filed 9/10/90, effective 10/11/90.]

(1) Service entrance conductors shall extend at least 18 inches from the service head to permit connection to the service drop.

(2)(a) The installation of service conductors not exceeding 600 volts nominal, within a building or structure shall be limited to the following methods: Galvanized or aluminum rigid metal conduit; galvanized intermediate metal conduit; wireways; busways; auxiliary gutters; rigid nonmetallic conduit; cablebus; or mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (type MI).

(b) The installation of service conductors exceeding 600 volts, nominal, within a building or structure shall be limited to the following methods: Galvanized rigid metal conduit; galvanized intermediate metal conduit; metal-clad cable that is exposed for its entire length; cablebus; or busways.

(3) Service conductors under the exclusive control of the serving utility, where installed within a building or structure shall be installed in rigid steel galvanized conduit or Schedule 80 nonmetallic conduit.  The grounded service conductor shall be permitted to be identified with a yellow jacket or with one or more yellow stripes.

(4) Multiple-occupancy buildings.  A second or additional underground service lateral to a building having more than one occupancy shall be permitted to be installed at a location separate from other service laterals to the building provided that all the following conditions are complied with:

(a) Each service lateral is sized in accordance with the National Electrical Code for the calculated load to be served by the conductors;

(b) Each service lateral terminates in service equipment, including listed metering or service accessory equipment, that is located in or on a unit served by the service equipment;

(c) The service laterals originate at the same transformer or power supply;

(d) The service equipment is separated at least fifteen feet from other service equipment in or on the building; and

(e) A permanent directory, suitable for the environment, is placed at each service equipment location that identifies all other service equipment locations in or on the building and the area or units served by each.

Exception:

Service laterals for two-family dwellings are permitted to terminate in meter enclosures that are permitted to be located less than 15 feet apart.

(5) The service raceway or cable shall extend no more than fifteen feet inside a building or structure.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.010(1) and 19.28.600. 93-06-072, § 296-46-23040, filed 3/2/93, effective 4/2/93; 90-19-015, § 296-46-23040, filed 9/10/90, effective 10/11/90.]

(((Reserved.))) Single conductors, cables, taps, or splices installed in an open bottom junction box or handhole must be suitable for direct burial. However, an open bottom box manufactured specifically for electrical use will be permitted to be used as an electrical junction box and enclose single conductors, cables, taps, or splices rated for wet locations, only under the following conditions:

(1) The box shall be rated for not less than H-10 loading (8000 pounds over a 10" x 10" area) and be provided with a bolted, hinged, or slide-on lid embossed with the identification "ELECTRIC" or "ELECTRICAL." Metal covers shall be grounded per NEC Article 250.

(2) All conductors must be installed in approved electrical raceways which enter vertically from the open bottom of the enclosure. These raceways shall be fitted with a bushing, terminal fitting, or seal incorporating the physical protection characteristics of a bushing, and project not less than 2 inches (5 cm) above the bottom surface material. The bottom surface material shall be pea gravel, sand, or concrete.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, [19.28.]210(6), [19.28.]350 and [19.28.]600.  97-12-016, § 296-46-370, filed 5/28/97, effective 6/30/97.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.600 and chapter 19.28 RCW.  87-10-030 (Order 87-07), § 296-46-370, filed 5/1/87.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.010 and 19.28.060.  84-15-051 (Order 84-10), § 296-46-370, filed 7/17/84; Order 75-25, § 296-46-370, filed 8/4/75; Order 72-7, § 296-46-370, filed 6/7/72; Order 69-2, § 296-46-370, filed 2/28/69, effective 4/1/69.]

(1) Where an electrical work permit is required by chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, inspections shall not be made, equipment energized, nor services connected unless an electrical work permit is completely and legibly filled out and readily available, and all applicable inspection fees have been paid.  The classification or type of facility to be inspected and the scope of the electrical work to be performed shall be clearly shown on the electrical work permit.  The address where the inspection is to be made shall be identifiable from the street, road or highway that serves the premises.  Driving directions and/or a legible map must be provided for the inspectors' use.

(2) Except for emergency repairs to existing electrical systems, electrical work permits shall be obtained prior to beginning the installation or alteration.  An electrical work permit for emergency repairs to existing electrical systems shall be obtained no later than the next business day.

(3) The electrical work permit application shall be posted on the job site at a conspicuous location prior to beginning electrical work and at all times electrical work is performed.

(4) Electrical work permits shall expire one year after the date of purchase unless electrical work is actively and consistently in progress and inspections requested.  Electrical work permits for temporary construction activity shall expire ninety days after suspended construction and no later than one year after purchase.  Refunds are not available for expired electrical work permits.

(5) Fees shall be paid in accordance with the inspection fee schedule WAC 296-46-910.

(6) Each person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity shall furnish an electrical work permit for the installation, alteration, or other electrical work performed or to be performed by that entity.  Each electrical work permit application shall be signed by the electrical contractor's administrator (or designee) or the person, or authorized representative of the firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that is performing or responsible for the electrical installation or alteration.

(7) An electrical work permit is required for installation, alteration, or maintenance of electrical systems except for replacement of circuit breakers or fuses, for replacement of lamps, snap switches, receptacle outlets or heating elements, replacement of a lighting fixture ballast with an exact same ballast, replacement of contactors, relays, timers, starters, or similar control components or for plug-in appliances or travel trailers.

(8) Requests for inspections must be made no later than three business days after completion of the electrical installation or one business day after any part of the installation has been energized, whichever occurs first.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-46-495, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.010(1) and 19.28.600.  93-06-072, § 296-46-495, filed 3/2/93, effective 4/2/93; 90-19-015, § 296-46-495, filed 9/10/90, effective 10/11/90.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.600 and chapter 19.28 RCW.  87-10-030 (Order 87-07), § 296-46-495, filed 5/1/87.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060 and 19.28.210.  85-20-065 (Order 85-16), § 296-46-495, filed 9/27/85.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060.  78-02-098 (Order 77-31), § 296-46-495, filed 1/31/78.]

(1) Pumping chambers for sewage, effluent, or grinder pumps in both on-site and septic tank effluent pump (S.T.E.P.) disposal systems shall be considered unclassified when not more than five residential units are connected to the system or when nonresidential systems have residential loading characteristics and all of the following general installations requirements are complied with.

(a) The pumping chamber shall be adequately vented.  Venting may be accomplished through the building or structure plumbing vents where ((adequate)) the system venting has been approved by the local jurisdiction authority or by a direct 2" minimum vent to the atmosphere.

(b) Equipment that in normal operation may cause an arc or spark shall not be installed in any pumping chamber.

(c) Float switches installed in an unclassified location shall be hermetically sealed to prevent the entrance of gases or vapors.

(d) Junction boxes, conduits and fittings installed in the septic atmosphere shall be of the noncorrosive type, installed to prevent the entrance of gases or vapors.

(e) Where a conduit system is installed between the pumping chamber and the control panel, motor disconnect, or power source, an approved sealing fitting shall be installed to prevent the migration of gases or vapors from the pumping chamber, and shall remain accessible.

(f) Wire splices in junction boxes installed in pumping chambers, shall be suitable for wet locations.

(g) Submergence of the pumping motor shall be guaranteed by the design of the pump or by redundant off floats.

(2) Nonresidential loading characteristics shall be certified by a Washington state registered professional engineer, engaged in the business of wastewater management systems design.  Documentation that is signed and stamped by the engineer shall be provided to the electrical inspector prior to the inspection.

(3) Any residential or nonresidential system that has building or structure floor drains being discharged into the system shall be classified as Class I Division I.

(4) Pumping chamber access covers shall be permitted to be covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil, and shall be accessible for excavation.  Access covers that are buried, shall have their location identified at the electrical panel or other approved prominent location.

(5) Secondary treatment effluent pumping chambers such as sandfilters are unclassified, and require no special wiring methods.

Inspection approval is required prior to covering or concealing any portion of the septic electrical system, including the pump.  New septic and effluent tanks containing electrical wires and equipment shall be inspected and approved by the department prior to being loaded with sewage.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-46-50002, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.]

See RCW 19.28.120.

(1) General electrical license and/or administrator's certificate encompasses all phases and all types of electrical installations.

(2) Specialty (limited) electrical licenses and/or administrator's certificates are as follows:

(a) Residential (02): Limited to the wiring of one and two family dwellings, or multifamily dwellings not exceeding three floors above grade.  All wiring to be in nonmetallic sheathed cable, except service and/or feeders.  This specialty does not include wiring commercial occupancies such as motels, hotels, offices, or stores.

(b)(i) Pump and irrigation (03): Limited to the electrical connection of domestic and irrigation water pumps, circular irrigating systems and related pumps and pump houses.  This specialty includes circuits, feeders, controls, and services to supply said pumps.

(ii) Domestic well (03A): Limited to the extension of a branch circuit, which is supplied and installed by others, to pump controllers; pressure switches; alarm sensors; and water pumps which do not exceed 7 1/2 horsepower at 230 volts AC single phase.

(c) Signs (04): Limited to placement and connection of signs and outline lighting, the electrical supply, related controls and associated circuit extensions thereto; and the installation of a maximum 60 ampere, 120/240 volt single phase service to supply power to a remote sign only.

(d) Domestic appliances (05): Limited to the electrical connection of household appliances and the wiring thereto; such as hot water heaters, ranges, dishwashers, clothes dryers, oil and gas furnaces, and similar appliances.  This specialty includes circuits to the appliances; however, it does not include the installation of service and/or feeders or circuits to electric furnaces and heat pump equipment.

(e)(i) Limited energy system (06): Limited to the installation of signaling and power limited circuits and related equipment.  This specialty includes the installation of fire protection signaling systems, intrusion alarms, nonutility owned communications systems, and such similar low energy circuits and equipment.

(ii) HVAC/refrigeration limited energy system (06A): Limited to installation of low voltage, Class 2 HVAC/refrigeration control circuit cables for control of furnaces, heat pumps, and similar HVAC or refrigeration equipment when such conductors do not connect to other than HVAC or refrigeration equipment and when such buildings do not exceed three floors above grade, except for residential occupancies. Associated limited energy control components that are integral with, and control the operation of, the heating and cooling equipment or refrigeration equipment are included in the scope of this specialty. These limited energy components include, but are not limited to, the following: Thermostats, humidistats, low voltage damper controls, outdoor sensing controls, outside air dampers, stand-alone duct smoke detectors, zone control valves, and the mounting of HVAC/refrigeration control panels and low voltage connections only. Installation of integrated energy management systems other than HVAC/refrigeration systems as defined herein, are not included in this specialty.

This specialty may install, service, maintain, repair, or replace HVAC/refrigeration electrical systems as long as the work is on the HVAC/refrigeration system itself. This specialty may replace line voltage components within the equipment, only if the components are like in kind with identical voltage and current ratings. This specialty may not install branch circuit (line voltage) conductors, services, feeders, panelboards, or disconnect switches to HVAC/refrigeration equipment. Short sections of raceway may be installed for access to or physical protection of cables, however wiring in conduit systems and wiring in classified locations are excluded from this specialty.

On or before March 1, 2000, a registered contractor (chapter 18.27 RCW) who provides proof to the department that for a minimum of two years they were engaged full time in the business of HVAC or refrigeration equipment installation, service or repair work may designate a supervisory employee or member of the firm to take the required administrator's examination. This initial designee will satisfy the requirements of RCW 19.28.125 for application for an HVAC/refrigeration limited energy contractor's license. This initial designated administrator must successfully pass the HVAC/refrigeration limited energy specialty administrator's examination prior to the expiration (twenty-four months) of the specialty electrical contractor license. No extension of this initial administrator's status will be permitted unless they pass the HVAC/refrigeration limited energy specialty administrator's examination to qualify for a permanent certificate.

(f)(i) Nonresidential maintenance (07): Limited to maintenance, repair and replacement of electrical equipment and conductors on industrial or commercial premises.  This specialty certificate of license does not include maintenance activities in hotel, motel, or dwelling units.

(ii) Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A): Limited to working within the housing of existing nonresidential lighting fixtures for work related to repair, service, maintenance of lighting fixtures and installation of energy efficiency lighting retrofit upgrades.  This specialty includes replacement of lamps, ballasts, sockets and the installation of listed lighting retrofit reflectors and kits.  All work is limited to the fixture body, except remote located ballasts may be replaced or retrofitted with approved products.  This specialty does not include installing new fixtures or branch circuits; moving or relocating existing fixtures; or altering existing branch circuits.

This specialty contractor must employ an administrator who holds a nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit administrator certificate; or a nonresidential maintenance administrator; or a general administrator.  This specialty contractor must adhere to the ratio requirements for trainee supervision in RCW 19.28.510 for specialty electricians to trainees. A specialty lighting maintenance and retrofit specialty technician is allowed to supervise a maximum of two trainees on the same job site. A contractor must obtain an electrical permit and request inspection for all retrofit installations.

The contractor must have a documented electrical lighting maintenance safety training program for all employees working under this specialty contractor license.

(3) Combination specialty electrical contractor license.  The department may issue a combination specialty electrical contractor license to a firm which qualifies for more than one specialty electrical contractor license.  The license shall plainly indicate the specialty licenses which are included in the combination electrical contractor license.

(4) Combination specialty electrical administrator certificate.  The department may issue a combination specialty administrator certificate to an individual who qualifies for more than one specialty administrators' certificate.  The combination specialty administrators' certificate shall plainly indicate the specialty administrators' certificate the holder has qualified for.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-46-930, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98; 97-24-033, § 296-46-930, filed 11/25/97, effective 12/29/97.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.600 and chapter 19.28 RCW.  86-18-041 (Order 86-23), § 296-46-930, filed 8/29/86.]

(1) The department shall issue an electrical contractor license to a person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity that complies with RCW 19.28.120 which shall expire twenty-four months following the date of issue.  An electrical contractor license will not be issued to or renewed for a person, firm, or partnership unless the Social Security number, date of birth, and legal address of the individual legal owner(s) are submitted with the application. The department may issue an electrical contractor license for a period greater or less than twenty-four months for the purpose of equalizing the number of electrical contractor licenses which expire each month.  The department shall prorate the electrical contractor license fee according to the number of months in the license period.  All subsequent licenses shall be issued for a twenty-four month period.

(2) Cash or securities deposit release.  A cash or security deposit which has been filed with the department in lieu of a surety bond, shall not be released until one year after the date the electrical contractor notifies the department in writing, that the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity who (which) has been issued the electrical contractor license, has ceased to do business in the state of Washington.

(3) Manufacturers of electrical products shall be allowed to utilize their factory-trained personnel to perform initial calibration, testing, adjustment, modification incidental to the startup and check out of the equipment, or replacement of components within the confines of the specific product, without permit or required licensing, provided: The product has not been previously energized and/or is within the manufacturer's warranty.  Modifications, as designated above, shall not include changes to the original intended configuration nor changes or contact with externally field-connected components.  The manufacturers will be responsible for obtaining any required reapproval/recertification from the original listing agent.

(4) No license under the provision of this chapter shall be required from any manufacturer or any person, firm, partnership, or other entity employed by or authorized by a manufacturer of power generation equipment assemblies for the following work on premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies and control gear:

(a) Testing, repair, modification, maintenance, and installation of components internal to the transfer switch, or replacement of components within the confines of the specific product incidental to the start up and check out of the equipment: Provided, The product has not been previously energized and/or is within the manufacturer's warranty. Modifications of the transfer switch shall not include changes to the original intended configuration nor changes or contact with externally field-connected components. The manufacturer will be responsible for obtaining any required reapproval or recertification from the original listing agent;

(b) Testing, repair, modification, maintenance, installation of components internal to the control gear;

(c) Testing, repair, modification, maintenance, installation of components internal to the premanufactured power generation unit.

Premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies are made up of reciprocating internal combustion engines and the associated control gear equipment. Control gear equipment includes control logic, metering, and annunciation for the operation and the quality of power being generated by the reciprocating internal combustion engine and does not have the function of distribution of power.

(5) For the purposes of this subsection, the following work on premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies is not exempt from the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW.

(a) Installation or connection of conduit or wiring between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear;

(b) Installation of the transfer switch;

(c) Connections between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear, and utility's transmission or distribution systems;

(d) Connections between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear, and any building or structure;

(e) Test connections with any part of:

(i) The utility's transmission or distribution system;

(ii) The building or structure.

Nothing in this subsection shall alter or amend any other exemptions from or requirement for licensure under this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-46-940, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.600 and chapter 19.28 RCW.  86-18-041 (Order 86-23), § 296-46-940, filed 8/29/86.]

(1) The department shall issue an administrator certificate to a person who qualifies for a certificate in accordance with RCW 19.28.125 and makes proper application that includes the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address.  The first certificate issued shall expire on the person's birthdate at least one year and not more than three years from the date of issue.  If a person was born in an even numbered year, the certificate shall expire on the holder's even numbered birthdate.  If the person was born in an odd numbered year, the certificate shall expire on the holder's odd numbered birthdate.  The department shall prorate the administrators certificate fee according to the number of months or major portions of months in a certificate period.  All subsequent certificates shall be issued for a twenty-four month period.  The signature of a person who desires to renew their certificate shall be notarized.

(2) Effective July 1, 1987, an administrator designated on the electrical contractor license shall be a member of the firm who shall fulfill the duties of a full-time supervisory employee, or be a full-time supervisory employee.  In determining whether the person is a member of the firm, the department shall require that the person is named as the sole proprietor, a partner or an officer in a corporation as shown on the electrical contractor license application on file with the department.  In determining whether a person is a full-time supervisory employee, the department shall consider whether the person is on the electrical contractor's full-time payroll; receives a regular salary or wage similar to other employees; has supervisory responsibility for work performed by the electrical contractor and carries out the duties shown in RCW 19.28.125(2).

(3) The department may deny an application for an administrator's certificate for up to two years if the applicant's previous administrator's certificate has been revoked for a serious violation and all appeals concerning the revocation have been exhausted.

A serious violation is a violation of chapter 19.28 RCW, chapter 296-46 or 296-401 WAC that creates a hazard of fire or a danger to life safety.  A serious violation is also a violation that presents imminent danger to the public.  Imminent danger to the public is present when installations of wire and equipment that convey electric current have been installed in such a condition that a fire-hazard or a life-safety hazard is present.  Imminent danger to the public is also present when unqualified, uncertified, or fraudulently certified electricians or administrators; or unlicensed or fraudulently licensed contractors are continuously or repeatedly performing or supervising the performance of electrical work covered under chapter 19.28 RCW.  A certified electrician is considered qualified, provided the electrician is working within his or her certification.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  97-24-033, § 296-46-950, filed 11/25/97, effective 12/29/97.  Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.060, 19.28.600 and chapter 19.28 RCW.  86-18-041 (Order 86-23), § 296-46-950, filed 8/29/86.]

OTS-2565.3

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-12-042, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98)

WAC 296-401A-100
Certificate of competency required.

Who can work in the electrical construction trade?

Those who can work in the electrical construction trade are persons who hold the following certificates obtained through proper application that includes the individual's Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address to the department who:

(1) Possess a current journeyman electrician certificate of competency issued by the department; or

(2) Possess a current specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department; or

(3) Possess a valid temporary permit; or

(4) Possess a current electrical trainee certificate and are enrolled in an electrician's apprenticeship program approved under chapter 49.04 RCW, and are learning the trade under the supervision of a certified journeyman; or

(5) Possess a current electrical trainee certificate and are learning the trade under the supervision of a certified journeyman electrician or certified specialty electrician working in their specialty.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-401A-100, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.]

Can I obtain a certificate of competency for an electrical specialty?

The department issues specialty electricians' certificates of competency in the following areas of electrical work:

(1) Residential certificate (02): This certificate limits you to wiring one-family and two-family dwellings, or multi-family dwellings that do not exceed three floors above grade.  All residential wiring, except service and feeder wiring, must be nonmetallic sheathed cable.  This certificate does not allow you to wire commercial occupancies such as motels, hotels, offices or stores.

(2) Pump and irrigation certificate (03): This certificate limits you to wiring the electrical connection of domestic water pumps, irrigation pumps, circular irrigating systems and related pumps and pump houses.  With this certificate, you may also install the circuits, feeders, controls and services necessary to supply electricity to the pumps.

(3) Domestic well specialty electrical technician certificate (03A): This certificate limits you to the installation of materials, wires and equipment providing electrical power, control and operation of domestic water pumping systems.  In addition, you are limited to the extension of a branch circuit (which has been supplied and installed by others) to pump controllers, pressure switches, alarm sensors, and water pumps which do not exceed 7 and 1/2 horsepower at 230 volts AC single phase.

Prior to December 1, 1998, you will be eligible to take the domestic well specialty electrician's competency examination if you provide the department with notarized verification of at least four years prior experience installing domestic water systems, including pump installations, under the supervision of a firm engaged in the business of installing domestic water systems.

After December 1, 1998, you will be eligible to take the domestic well specialty electrician's competency examination only if you provide the department with notarized verification of two years experience installing domestic pump systems working under the direct supervision of a domestic well specialty technician, a pump and irrigation specialty electrician or a journeyman electrician.

Certification of domestic well specialty electrical technicians shall be according to the provisions of WAC 296-401A-105 (original certification) and WAC 296-401A-110 (renewal of certification).

(4) Signs and outline lighting certificate (04): This certificate limits you to placing signs and outline lighting and connecting them to their electrical supply, controls and related circuit extensions.  You are further limited to the installation of a maximum 60 ampere, 120/240 volt, single phase service supplying power to a remote sign.

(5) Domestic appliance certificate (05): This certificate limits you to electrically connecting and wiring domestic appliances such as hot water heaters, ranges, dishwashers, clothes dryers, oil and gas furnaces and similar appliances.  You may also install the circuits to those domestic appliances.  However, you may not install service or feeder wires or circuits to electrical furnaces and heat pump equipment.

(6) Limited energy system certificate (06): This certificate limits you to installing signaling circuits, power limited circuits and related equipment.  Examples of such equipment would be fire protection signaling systems, intrusion alarms, nonutility owned communication systems and similar low energy circuits and equipment.

(7) HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technician (06A): This certificate limits you to installing low voltage, Class 2 HVAC/refrigeration control circuit cables for control of furnaces, heat pumps, and similar HVAC or refrigeration equipment when such conductors do not connect to other than HVAC or refrigeration equipment and when such buildings do not exceed three floors above grade, except for residential occupancies. Associated limited energy control components that are integral with, and control the operation of, the heating and cooling equipment or refrigeration equipment are included in the scope of this specialty. These limited energy components include, but are not limited to, the following: Thermostats, humidistats, low voltage damper controls, outdoor sensing controls, outside air dampers, stand-alone duct smoke detectors, zone control valves, and the mounting of HVAC/refrigeration control panels and low voltage connections only. Installation of integrated energy management systems other than HVAC/refrigeration systems as defined herein, are not included in this specialty.

HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technicians may install, service, maintain, repair, or replace HVAC/refrigeration electrical systems as long as the work is on the HVAC/refrigeration system itself. HVAC/refrigeration technicians may replace line voltage components within the equipment, only if the components are like in kind with identical voltage and current ratings. HVAC/refrigeration technicians may not install branch circuit (line voltage) conductors, services, feeders, panelboards, or disconnect switches to HVAC/refrigeration equipment. Short sections of raceway may be installed for access to or physical protection of cables, however wiring in conduit systems and wiring in classified locations are excluded from this specialty.

To qualify to take this certificate examination on or before March 1, 2000, you must provide proof to the department that you performed HVAC or refrigeration equipment installation, service or repair and you were employed for a minimum of two years by a contractor engaged full time in the business of HVAC or refrigeration equipment installation or repair work. Individuals that meet this requirement will qualify for a third year training certificate and be considered temporarily until March 1, 2002, an HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technician for the purposes of working within the scope of this specialty without supervision and for the purpose of supervising first and second year trainees in proper ratio. After March 1, 2002, you must have successfully passed the certificate examination to perform this work without supervision or to supervise trainees. If you have less than two years of experience, on or before March 1, 2000, you may apply for a training certificate level comparable to the hours for which you can provide proof of experience.

After March 1, 2000, all applicants for this certificate examination must have a minimum of two years full-time experience under the direct supervision of an HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technician, or a limited energy specialty electrician, or a journeyman electrician. Trainees may work unsupervised during their second year when installing HVAC systems with controls consisting of a single thermostat in one and two family dwelling units only.

(8) Nonresidential maintenance certificate (07): This certificate limits you to maintaining, repairing and replacing electrical equipment and conductors on industrial or commercial premises.  You may not conduct maintenance activities in hotels, motels or dwelling units.

(((8))) (9) Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit technician (07A): This certificate limits you to working within the housing of existing nonresidential lighting fixtures and limits you to work related to repair, service, maintenance of lighting fixtures and the installation of energy efficiency upgrades.  Your work may include the replacement of lamps, ballasts, sockets and the installation of listed lighting retrofit reflectors and kits.  Your work must be limited to the fixture body, however, you may replace or retrofit remote located ballasts with approved products.  You may not install new fixtures or branch circuits, move or relocate existing fixtures, or alter existing branch circuits.

To qualify for this certificate on or before June 30, 1999, you must provide proof to the department that you performed electrical lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit installations and you were employed for a minimum of two years by a contractor engaged full-time in the business of nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit work.  After June 30, 1999, all applicants for this certificate must have a minimum of two years full-time experience under the direct supervision of a nonresidential lighting maintenance and retrofit technician; or a nonresidential maintenance specialty electrician; or a journeyman electrician.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-401A-140, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.]

Can I work as a trainee without supervision?

((You will)) After review by the department, you may be issued a six-month, nonrenewable unsupervised electrical training certificate that will allow you to work without supervision if you:

(1) Apply for an unsupervised electrical training certificate; and

(2) Have worked over 7,000 hours; and

(3) Have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program or an electrical construction trade program in a school approved by the board of community and technical colleges; and

(4) Pay the fee listed in WAC 296-401A-700; and

(5) Are currently working for and must continue to work for a licensed electrical contractor that employs at least one certified journeyman or specialty electrician on staff.

(6) HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technician trainees may work unsupervised during their second year when installing HVAC systems with controls consisting of a single thermostat in one and two family dwelling units only.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW.  98-12-042, § 296-401A-530, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/30/98.]

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