PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Effective Date of Rule: October 31, 2009.
Purpose: The department has reviewed the electrical rule for additions and revisions. The electrical rules are reviewed on a regular basis to: Ensure the rules are consistent with the national consensus standards, industry practice, clarify the rules, and make fee changes.
The rule making also includes a fee increase of 5.20%, which is the office of financial management's maximum allowable fiscal growth rate factor for fiscal year 2010. We evaluated the program's budget and projected revenue. The fee increase is necessary to help cover the cost of ongoing services of the electrical program.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: WAC 296-46B-100 General definitions, 296-46B-445 Wind driven generator equipment, 296-46B-690 Solar photovoltaic systems, 296-46B-901 General -- Electrical work permits and fees, 296-46B-907 Provisional permits, 296-46B-908 Class B permits, 296-46B-909 Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, administrator certificate and examination, master electrician certificate and examination, electrician certificate and examination, temporary electrician permit, copy, and miscellaneous fees, 296-46B-915 Civil penalty schedule, 296-46B-935 Administrator certificate, 296-46B-940 Electrician/training/temporary certificate of competency or permit required, 296-46B-945 Qualifying for master, journeyman, specialty electrician examinations, 296-46B-960 Administrator and electrician certificate of competency examinations, 296-46B-965 Training certificate required, 296-46B-970 Continuing education, 296-46B-980 Enforcement -- Installations, licensing, and certification requirements, 296-46B-985 Penalties for false statements or material misrepresentations, 296-46B-990 Failure to comply with the electrical contractor licensing, administrator certification, or electrician certification laws, 296-46B-995 Electrical board -- Appeal rights and hearings, and 296-46B-997 Engineer approval.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 09-15-146 on July 21, 2009.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: The following amendments were made to the proposed rules:
• WAC 296-46B-906 Inspection fees.
o The fee in subsection (2)(a) for ampacity 801 to 1000 had a typo, the correct fee is $148.70.
o The fees in subsection (4)(b) for the additional feeder were omitted, the fees were added back into the rule.
o The fee in subsection (4)(d)(i) was omitted, the correct fee is $50.60.
o The fee in subsection (4)(d)(ii) was omitted, the correct fee is $5.50.
• WAC 296-46B-909 Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, administrator certificate or examination, master electrician certificates and examination, electrician certificate and examination, copy, and miscellaneous fees.
o The nonrefundable fee in subsection (2)(c)(iii) had a typo, the correct fee is $30.80.
o The nonrefundable fee in subsection (2)(c)(iv) had a typo, the correct fee is $30.80.
o The nonrefundable fee in subsection (2)(c)(v)(C) had a typo, the correct fee is $47.20.
o The late renewal of a journeyman or specialty electrician certificate fee in subsection (2)(d)(vi)(A) had a typo, the correct fee is $147.60.
• WAC 296-46B-965 Training certificate required. In subsection (1) the word "or" was added between subsections (b) and (c).
• WAC 296-46B-970 Continuing education.
o Subsection (4)(b)(ii)(D) the following language was deleted: Supplementary written instruction material appropriate to the type and length of the class.
(iv) Class material may include:
▪ Supplementary internet material;
▪ Supplementary texts;
▪ Other material as appropriate.
o Subsection (4)(b)(iv)(A) will read "for classroom instruction except first aid training."
• WAC 296-46B-970 Continuing education. The following language was added in subsection (7)(d): A class number will be created for electrical continuing education. Sponsors for these classes must verify attendance for the electrical credit using the format described in subsection (c) of this section.
• WAC 296-46B-970 Continuing education. The following language was added in subsection (8)(d): A class number will be created for electrical continuing education. Sponsors for these classes must verify attendance for the electrical credit using the format described in subsection (c) of this section.
• WAC 296-46B-995 Electrical board -- Appeal rights and hearings. The following language was added in subsection (11): The total appeal fee for each entity seeking an appeal hearing is one thousand dollars maximum for all violation types.
• WAC 296-46B-995 Electrical board -- Appeal rights and hearings. In subsection (11), the comma was deleted after "briefs."
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 0, 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 19, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 19, 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 19, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: September 29, 2009.
Judy Schurke
Director
OTS-2350.7
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-24-048, filed 11/25/08,
effective 12/31/08)
WAC 296-46B-100
General definitions.
(1) All
definitions listed in the National Electrical Code and chapter 19.28 RCW are recognized in this chapter unless other specific
definitions are given in this chapter. The definitions in
this section apply to all parts of this chapter. Some
sections may have definitions specific to that section.
(2) "Accreditation" is a determination by the department that a laboratory meets the requirements of this chapter and is therefore authorized to evaluate electrical products that are for sale in the state of Washington.
(3) "Administrative law judge" means an administrative law judge (ALJ) appointed pursuant to chapter 34.12 RCW and serving in board proceedings pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
(4) "ANSI" means American National Standards Institute. Copies of ANSI standards are available from the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, Inc.
(5) "Appeal" is a request for review of a department action by the board as authorized by chapter 19.28 RCW.
(6) "Appellant" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that has filed an appeal or request for board review.
(7) "Appliance" means household appliance.
(8) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials. Copies of ASTM documents are available from ASTM International.
(9) "AWG" means American Wire Gauge.
(10) "Basement" means that portion of a building that is partly or completely below grade plane. A basement shall be considered as a story above grade plane and not a basement where the finished surface of the floor above the basement is:
(a) More than 1829 mm (six feet) above grade plane;
(b) More than 1829 mm (six feet) above the finished ground level for more than 50% of the total building perimeter; or
(c) More than 3658 mm (twelve feet) above the finished ground level at any point. Also see "mezzanine" and "story."
(11) "Board" means the electrical board established and authorized under chapter 19.28 RCW.
(12) "Chapter" means chapter 296-46B WAC unless expressly used for separate reference.
(13) "Category list" is a list of ((nonspecific))
manufacturing safety standards or product types determined by
the department.
(14) A "certified electrical product" is an electrical product to which a laboratory, accredited by the state of Washington, has the laboratory's certification mark attached.
(15) A "certification mark" is a specified laboratory label, symbol, or other identifying mark that indicates the manufacturer produced the product in compliance with appropriate standards or that the product has been tested for specific end uses.
(16) "Certificate of competency" includes the certificates of competency for master journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician, journeyman, and specialty electrician.
(17) A laboratory "certification program" is a specified set of testing, inspection, and quality assurance procedures, including appropriate implementing authority, regulating the evaluation of electrical products for certification marking by an electrical products certification laboratory.
(18) A "complete application" includes the submission of all appropriate fees, documentation, and forms.
(19) "Construction," for the purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW, means electrical construction.
(20) "Coordination (selective)" as defined in NEC 100 shall be determined and documented by a professional engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW.
(21) "Department" means the department of labor and industries of the state of Washington.
(22) "Director" means the director of the department, or the director's designee.
(23) "Egress - unobstructed (as applied to NEC 110.26 (C)(2)(a))" means an egress path that allows a worker to travel to the exit from any other area in the room containing the equipment described in NEC 110.26 (C)(2) without having to pass through that equipment's required working space.
(24) "Electrical equipment" includes electrical conductors, conduit, raceway, apparatus, materials, components, and other electrical equipment not exempted by RCW 19.28.006(9). Any conduit/raceway of a type listed for electrical use is considered to be electrical equipment even if no wiring is installed in the conduit/raceway at the time of the conduit/raceway installation.
(25) An "electrical products certification laboratory" is a laboratory or firm accredited by the state of Washington to perform certification of electrical products.
(26) An "electrical products evaluation laboratory" is a laboratory or firm accredited by the state of Washington to perform on-site field evaluation of electrical products for safety.
(27) "Field evaluated" means an electrical product to which a field evaluation mark is attached. Field evaluation must include job site inspection unless waived by the department, and may include component sampling and/or laboratory testing.
(28) "Field evaluation mark" is a specified laboratory label, symbol, or other identifying mark indicating the manufacturer produced the product in essential compliance with appropriate standards or that the product has been evaluated for specific end uses.
(29) A "field evaluation program" is a specified set of testing, inspection, and quality assurance procedures, including appropriate implementing authority regulating the testing and evaluation of electrical products for field evaluation marking.
(30) The "filing" is the date the document is actually received in the office of the chief electrical inspector.
(31) "Final judgment" means any money that is owed to the department under this chapter, including fees and penalties, or any money that is owed to the department as a result of an individual's or contractor's unsuccessful appeal of a citation.
(32) "Fished wiring" is when cable or conduit is installed within the finished surfaces of an existing building or building structure (e.g., wall, floor or ceiling cavity).
(33) "Household appliance" means utilization equipment installed in a dwelling unit that is built in standardized sizes or types and is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as cooking and other equipment installed in a kitchen, clothes drying, clothes washing, portable room air conditioning units and portable heaters, etc. Fixed electric space-heating equipment covered in NEC 424 (furnaces, baseboard and wall heaters, electric heat cable, etc.) and fixed air-conditioning/heat pump equipment (NEC 440) are not household appliances. Household appliance does not mean any utilization equipment that:
(a) Supplies electrical power, other than Class 2, to other utilization equipment; or
(b) Receives electrical power, other than Class 2, through other utilization equipment.
(34) HVAC/refrigeration specific definitions:
(a) "HVAC/refrigeration" means heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
(b) "HVAC/refrigeration component" means electrical power and limited energy components within the "HVAC/refrigeration system," including, but not limited to: Pumps, compressors, motors, heating coils, controls, switches, thermostats, humidistats, low-voltage damper controls, outdoor sensing controls, outside air dampers, stand-alone duct smoke detectors, air monitoring devices, zone control valves and equipment for monitoring of HVAC/refrigeration control panels and low-voltage connections. This definition excludes equipment and components of non-"HVAC/refrigeration control systems."
(c) "HVAC/refrigeration control panel" means an enclosed, manufactured assembly of electrical components designed specifically for the control of a HVAC/refrigeration system. Line voltage equipment that has low voltage, NEC Class 2 control or monitoring components incidental to the designed purpose of the equipment is not an HVAC/refrigeration control panel (e.g., combination starters).
(d) "HVAC/refrigeration control system" means a network system regulating and/or monitoring a HVAC/refrigeration system. Equipment of a HVAC/refrigeration control system includes, but is not limited to: Control panels, data centers, relays, contactors, sensors, and cables related to the monitoring and control of a HVAC/refrigeration system(s).
(e) "HVAC/refrigeration equipment" means the central unit primary to the function of the "HVAC/refrigeration system." HVAC/refrigeration includes, but is not limited to: Heat pumps, swamp coolers, furnaces, compressor packages, and boilers.
(f) "HVAC/refrigeration system" means a system of HVAC/refrigeration: Wiring, equipment, and components integrated to generate, deliver, or control heated, cooled, filtered, refrigerated, or conditioned air. This definition excludes non-HVAC/refrigeration control systems (e.g., fire alarm systems, intercom systems, building energy management systems, and similar non-HVAC/refrigeration systems) (see Figure 920-1 and Figure 920-2).
(35) "IBC" means the International Building Code. Copies of the IBC are available from the International Code Council.
(36) An "individual" or "party" or "person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, government subdivision or unit thereof, or other entity.
(37) An "installation" includes the act of installing, connecting, repairing, modifying, or otherwise performing work on an electrical system, component, equipment, or wire except as exempted by WAC 296-46B-925.
(38) An "identification plate" is a phenolic or metallic plate or other similar material engraved in block letters at least 1/4" (6 mm) high unless specifically required to be larger by this chapter, suitable for the environment and application. The letters and the background must be in contrasting colors. Screws, rivets, or methods specifically described in this chapter must be used to affix an identification plate to the equipment or enclosure.
(39) "License" means a license required under chapter 19.28 RCW.
(40) "Labeled" means an electrical product that bears a certification mark issued by a laboratory accredited by the state of Washington.
(41) A "laboratory" may be either an electrical product(s) certification laboratory or an electrical product(s) evaluation laboratory.
(42) A "laboratory operations control manual" is a document to establish laboratory operation procedures and may include a laboratory quality control manual.
(43) "Like-in-kind" means having similar characteristics such as voltage requirement, current draw, circuit overcurrent and short circuit characteristics, and function within the system and being in the same location. Like-in-kind also includes any equipment component authorized by the manufacturer as a suitable component replacement part.
(44) For the purpose of WAC 296-46B-940(6), a "lineman" is a person employed by a serving electrical utility or employed by a licensed general electrical contractor who carries, on their person, evidence that they:
(a) Have graduated from a department-approved lineman's apprenticeship course; or
(b) Are currently registered in a department-approved lineman's apprenticeship course and are working under the direct one hundred percent supervision of a journeyman electrician or a graduate of a lineman's apprenticeship course approved by the department. The training received in the lineman's apprenticeship program must include training in applicable articles of the currently adopted National Electrical Code.
(45) "Listed" means equipment has been listed and identified by a laboratory approved by the state of Washington for the appropriate equipment standard per this chapter.
(46) "Low voltage" means:
(a) NEC, Class 1 power limited circuits at 30 volts maximum.
(b) NEC, Class 2 circuits powered by a Class 2 power supply as defined in NEC 725.121(A).
(c) NEC, Class 3 circuits powered by a Class 3 power supply as defined in NEC 725.121(A).
(d) Circuits of telecommunications systems as defined in chapter 19.28 RCW.
(47) "Mezzanine" is the intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story with an aggregate floor area of not more than one-third of the area of the room or space in which the level or levels are located. Also see "basement" and "story."
(48) "NEC" means National Electrical Code. Copies of the NEC are available from the National Fire Protection Association.
(49) "NEMA" means National Electrical Manufacturer's Association. Copies of NEMA standards are available from the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association.
(50) "NESC" means National Electrical Safety Code. Copies of the NESC are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
(51) "NETA" means International Electrical Testing Association, Inc. Copies of the NETA standards and information are available from the International Electrical Testing Association, Inc.
(52) "NFPA" means the National Fire Protection Association. Copies of NFPA documents are available from the National Fire Protection Association.
(53) "NRTL" means Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory accredited by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7.
(54) "Point of contact" or "point of connection" means the service point.
(55) "Proceeding" means any matter regarding an appeal before the board including hearings before an administrative law judge.
(56) "Public area or square" is an area where the public has general, clear, and unrestricted access.
(57) A "quality control manual" is a document to maintain the quality control of the laboratory's method of operation. It consists of specified procedures and information for each test method responding to the requirements of the product standard. Specific information must be provided for portions of individual test methods when needed to comply with the standard's criteria or otherwise support the laboratory's operation.
(58) "RCW" means the Revised Code of Washington. Copies of electrical RCWs are available from the department and the office of the code reviser.
(59) "Readily accessible" means the definition as defined in NEC 100. In addition, it means that, except for keys, no tools or other devices are necessary to gain access (e.g., covers secured with screws, etc.).
(60) Service specific definitions replacing those found in NEC Article 100:
(a) "Service drop" means the overhead service conductors from the service point to the connection to the service-entrance conductors at the building or other structure.
(b) "Service-entrance conductors, overhead system" means the service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop or service point.
(c) "Service-entrance conductors, underground system" means the service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral or service point. Where the service equipment is located outside the building walls, there may be no service-entrance conductors or they may be entirely outside the building.
(d) "Service lateral" means the underground service conductors from the service point to the point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a terminal box, meter, or other enclosure. Where there is not a terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, the point of connection is the point of entrance of the service conductors into the building.
(61) A "stand-alone amplified sound or public address system" is a system that has distinct wiring and equipment for audio signal generation, recording, processing, amplification, and reproduction. This definition does not apply to telecommunications installations.
(62) "Service" or "served" means that as defined in RCW 34.05.010(19) when used in relation to department actions or proceedings.
(63) A "sign," when required by the NEC, for use as an identification method means "identification plate."
(64) "Story" is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above. Next above means vertically and not necessarily directly above. Also see "basement" and "mezzanine."
(65) "Structure," for the purposes of this chapter and in addition to the definition in the NEC, means something constructed either in the field or factory that is used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy as defined by the IBC.
(66) A "telecommunications local service provider" is a regulated or unregulated (e.g., by the Federal Communications Commission or the utilities and transportation commission as a telephone or telecommunications provider) firm providing telecommunications service ahead of the telecommunications network demarcation point to an end-user's facilities.
(67) "TIA/EIA" means the Telecommunications Industries Association/Electronic Industries Association which publishes the TIA/EIA Telecommunications Building Wiring Standards. Standards and publications are adopted by TIA/EIA in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) patent policy.
(68) A "training school" is a public community or technical college or not-for-profit nationally accredited technical or trade school licensed by the work force training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW.
(69) "Under the control of a utility" for the purposes of RCW 19.28.091 and 19.28.101 is when electrical equipment is not owned by a utility and:
(a) Is located in a vault, room, closet, or similar enclosure that is secured by a lock or seal so that access is restricted to the utility's personnel; or
(b) The utility is obligated by contract to maintain the equipment and the contract provides that access to the equipment is restricted to the utility's personnel or other qualified personnel.
(70) "UL" means Underwriters Laboratory.
(71) "Utility" means an electrical utility.
(72) "Utility system" means electrical equipment owned by or under the control of a serving utility that is used for the transmission or distribution of electricity from the source of supply to the point of contact and is defined in section 90.2 (b)(5) of the National Electrical Code, 1981 edition (see RCW 19.28.010(1)).
(73) "Utilization voltage" means the voltage level employed by the utility's customer for connection to lighting fixtures, motors, heaters, or other electrically operated equipment other than power transformers.
(74) "Variance" is a modification of the electrical requirements as adopted in chapter 19.28 RCW or any other requirements of this chapter that may be approved by the chief electrical inspector if assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.
(75) "WAC" means the Washington Administrative Code. Copies of this chapter of the WACs are available from the department and the office of the code reviser.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-100, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-100, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06.]
Installation.
(1) A wind driven generator system design review must be
submitted at the time of the first inspection ((request)). The design review must be available to the inspector on the
job site. Permit holders must submit a copy of the wind
driven generator equipment manufacturer's installation
information and a legible one-line diagram of the wind driven
generator design and calculations used to determine voltage
and current within the generation system to the electrical
inspector. This diagram must show the wind driven generator
equipment, devices, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing,
grounding, ground fault protection if required, and any system
interconnection points.
(2) For utility interactive systems, any person making interconnections between the generator system and the utility distribution network must consult the serving utility and is required to meet all additional utility standards.
(3) All wind driven generator equipment and disconnecting means must be permanently identified as to their purpose, maximum voltages and type of current within the system with an identification plate.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-445, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
002 Definitions.
(1) Photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system may conduct alternating current, direct current, or both and will comprise all interconnected circuits to the point of connection with the building distribution circuits or utility service conductors.
(2) Support structure, foundation, and tracker. For the purposes of this section, those portions of the array or tracker that are exclusively mechanical and are built specifically for the purpose of physically supporting the modules or panels will not be considered part of the photovoltaic system as defined by this article.
004 Installation.
(3) A photovoltaic system design review must be submitted
at the time of the first inspection ((request)). The design
review must be available to the inspector on the job site.
Permit holders must submit, to the electrical authority having
jurisdiction, copies of the photovoltaic equipment
manufacturer's installation information, accompanied by a
legible one-line diagram of the photovoltaic design and
calculations used to determine voltage and current within the
photovoltaic system. This diagram must show the photovoltaic
equipment, devices, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing,
grounding, ground fault protection if required, and any system
interconnection points.
(4) For utility interactive systems, persons making interconnections between solar photovoltaic system and the utility distribution network must consult the serving utility and are required to meet all additional utility standards.
007 Maximum voltage.
(5) The open-circuit voltage temperature coefficients supplied in the instructions of listed photovoltaic modules will be used to determine the maximum direct current photovoltaic system voltage. Otherwise the voltage will be calculated using Table 690.7 of the NEC. For the purposes of this calculation, a temperature correction factor of 1.25 will be used unless another factor can be justified and is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
053 Direct-current photovoltaic power source.
(6) All photovoltaic equipment and disconnecting means must be permanently identified as to their purpose, maximum voltages, and type of current within the system with an identification plate. All photovoltaic circuits must be identified at each overcurrent protection device(s) and panel directory(ies).
(7) Required "WARNING" labels as specified by NEC 690 are required to be an identification plate on or immediately adjacent to the pertinent equipment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-690, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
(a) A valid electrical work permit is completely and legibly filled out and readily available;
(b) The classification or type of facility to be inspected and the exact scope and location of the electrical work to be performed are clearly shown on the electrical work permit;
(c) The address where the inspection is to be made is clearly identifiable from the street, road or highway that serves the premises; and
(d) Driving directions are provided for the inspectors' use.
(2) An electrical work permit is valid for only one specific site address.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, a valid electrical work permit must be posted on the job site at a readily accessible and conspicuous location prior to beginning electrical work and at all times until the electrical inspection process is completed.
Permit - responsibility for.
(4) Each person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity must furnish a valid electrical work permit for the installation, alteration, or other electrical work performed or to be performed solely by that entity. When the permitted work is performed solely or in part by another entity, the electrical work permit purchaser must request approval from the chief electrical inspector or the city that is authorized to do electrical inspections to take responsibility for the work of the original installing entity. Each electrical work permit application must 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 the electrical installation or alteration. Permits purchased electronically do not require a handwritten signature. An entity designated to sign electrical permits must provide written authorization of the purchaser's designation when requested by the department or city that is authorized to do electrical inspections.
(5) Permits to be obtained by customers. Whenever a serving electrical utility performs work for a customer under one of the exemptions in WAC 296-46B-925 and the work is subject to inspection, the customer is responsible for obtaining all required permits.
(6) Posting of permits: Where an electrical work permit is required, the work permit must be obtained and posted at the job site prior to beginning any electrical work. Exceptions:
(a) For an owner, an electrical work permit for emergency repairs to an existing electrical system(s) must be obtained and posted at the job site no later than the next business day after the work is begun.
(b) For an electrical contractor, in a city's jurisdiction where the city is authorized to do electrical inspections and does not have a provisional and a Class B permit system, an electrical work permit for emergency repairs to an existing electrical system(s) must be obtained and posted at the job site no later than the next business day after the work is begun.
(7) Fees must be paid in accordance with the inspection fee schedule in Part C of this chapter. The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date payment is made. If the project is required to have an electrical plan review, the plan review fees will be based on the fees effective at the date the plans are received by the department for review. In a city where the department is doing inspections as the city's contractor, a supplemental fee may apply.
Permit - requirements for.
(8) As required by chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, an electrical work permit is required for the installation, alteration, or maintenance of all electrical systems or equipment except for:
(a) Travel trailers;
(b) Class A basic electrical work which includes:
(i) The like-in-kind replacement of a: Contactor, relay, timer, starter, circuit board, or similar control component; household appliance; circuit breaker; fuse; residential luminaire; lamp; snap switch; dimmer; receptacle outlet; thermostat; heating element; luminaire ballast with an exact same ballast; component(s) of electric signs, outline lighting, skeleton neon tubing when replaced on-site by an appropriate electrical contractor and when the sign, outline lighting or skeleton neon tubing electrical system is not modified; ten horsepower or smaller motor;
(ii) Induction detection loops described in WAC 296-46B-300(2) and used to control gate access devices;
(iii) Heat cable repair; and
(iv) Embedding premanufactured heat mats in tile grout where the mat is listed by an approved testing laboratory and comes from the manufacturer with preconnected lead-in conductors. All listing marks and lead-in conductor labels must be left intact and visible for evaluation and inspection by the installing electrician and the electrical inspector.
Unless specifically noted, the exemptions listed do not include: The replacement of an equipment unit, assembly, or enclosure that contains an exempted component or combination of components (e.g., an electrical furnace/heat pump, industrial milling machine, etc.) or any appliance/equipment described in this section for Class B permits.
In the department's jurisdiction, a provisional electrical work permit label may be posted in lieu of an electrical work permit. If a provisional electrical work permit label is used, an electrical work permit must be obtained within two working days after posting the provisional electrical work permit label. See WAC 296-46B-907(2) for provisional label requirements.
(9) An electrical work permit is required for all installations of telecommunications systems on the customer side of the network demarcation point for projects greater than ten telecommunications outlets. All backbone installations regardless of size and all telecommunications cable or equipment installations involving penetrations of fire barriers or passing through hazardous locations require permits and inspections. For the purposes of determining the inspection threshold for telecommunications projects greater than ten outlets, the following will apply:
(a) An outlet is the combination of jacks and mounting hardware for those jacks, along with the associated cable and telecommunications closet terminations, that serve one workstation. In counting outlets to determine the inspection threshold, one outlet must not be associated with more than six standard four-pair cables or more than one twenty-five-pair cable. Therefore, installations of greater than sixty standard four-pair cables or ten standard twenty-five-pair cables require permits and inspections. (It is not the intent of the statute to allow large masses of cables to be run to workstations or spaces serving telecommunications equipment without inspection. Proper cable support and proper loading of building structural elements are safety concerns. When considering total associated cables, the telecommunications availability at one workstation may count as more than one outlet.)
(b) The installation of greater than ten outlets and the associated cables along any horizontal pathway from a telecommunications closet to work areas during any continuous ninety-day period requires a permit and inspection.
(c) All telecommunications installations within the residential dwelling units of single-family, duplex, and multifamily dwellings do not require permits or inspections. In residential multifamily dwellings, permits and inspections are required for all backbone installations, all fire barrier penetrations, and installations of greater than ten outlets in common areas.
(d) No permits or inspections are required for installation or replacement of cord and plug connected telecommunications equipment or for patch cord and jumper cross-connected equipment.
(e) Definitions of telecommunications technical terms will come from chapter 19.28 RCW, this chapter, TIA/EIA standards, and NEC.
Permit - inspection and approval.
(10) Requests for inspections.
(a) Requests for inspections must be made no later than three business days after completion of the electrical/telecommunications installation or one business day after any part of the installation has been energized, whichever occurs first.
(b) Requests for after hours or weekend inspections must be made by contacting the local electrical inspection supervisor at least three working days prior to the requested date of inspection. The portal-to-portal inspection fees required for after hours or weekend inspections are in addition to the cost of the original electrical work permit.
(c) Emergency requests to inspect repairs necessary to preserve life and equipment safety may be requested at any time.
(d) Inspections for annual electrical maintenance permits and annual telecommunications permits may be done on a regular schedule arranged by the permit holder with the department.
(11) Final inspection approval will not be made until all inspection fees are paid in full.
Permit - duration/refunds.
(12) Electrical work permits will expire one year after the date of purchase unless electrical work is actively and consistently in progress and inspections requested. Refunds are not available for:
(a) Expired electrical work permits;
(b) Electrical work permits where the electrical installation has begun; or
(c) Any electrical work permit where an electrical inspection or electrical inspection request has been made.
Permit - annual telecommunications.
(13) The chief electrical inspector or city that is authorized to do electrical inspections can allow annual permits for the inspection of telecommunications installations to be purchased by a building owner or licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor. The owner's full-time telecommunications maintenance staff, or a licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor(s) can perform the work done under this annual permit. The permit holder is responsible for correcting all installation deficiencies. The permit holder must make available, to the electrical inspector, all records of all the telecommunications work performed and the valid electrical or telecommunications contractor's license numbers for all contractors working under the permit.
Permit - annual electrical.
(14) The chief electrical inspector or city that is authorized to do electrical inspections can allow annual permits for the inspection of electrical installations to be purchased by a building owner or licensed electrical contractor. This type of permit is available for commercial/industrial locations employing a full-time electrical maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical contractor.
The permit holder is responsible for correcting all installation deficiencies. The permit holder must make available, to the electrical inspector, all records of all electrical work performed.
This type of electrical permit may be used for retrofit, replacement, maintenance, repair, upgrade, and alterations to electrical systems at a single plant or building location. This type of permit does not include new or increased service or new square footage.
Permit - temporary installations.
(15) For temporary electrical installations, the department will consider a permit applicant to be the owner per RCW 19.28.261 under the conditions below:
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity registered as a general contractor under chapter 18.27 RCW will be permitted to install a single electrical service per address for the purposes of temporary power during the construction phase of a project, when all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The installation is limited to the mounting and bracing of a preassembled pole or pedestal mounted service, the installation of a ground rod or ground plate, and the connection of the grounding electrode conductor to the ground rod or plate;
(b) The total service size does not exceed 200 amperes, 250 volts nominal;
(c) The service supplies no feeders;
(d) Branch circuits not exceeding 50 amperes each are permitted, provided such branch circuits supply only receptacles that are either part of the service equipment or are mounted on the same pole;
(e) The general contractor owns the electrical equipment;
(f) The general contractor has been hired by the property owner as the general contractor for the project;
(g) The general contractor must purchase an electrical work permit for the temporary service, request inspection, and obtain approval prior to energizing the service.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-901, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-901, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06.]
The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee
effective at the date of a department assessed fee (e.g., plan
review or fee due) or when the electrical permit is purchased.
| (1) Residential. | |
| (a) Single- and two-family residential (New Construction). | |
| Notes: (1) Square footage is the area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building exclusive of any interior courts. (This includes any floor area in an attached garage, basement, or unfinished living space.) (2) "Inspected with the service" means that a separate service inspection fee is included on the same electrical work permit. (3) "Inspected at the same time" means all wiring is to be ready for inspection during the initial inspection trip. (4) An "outbuilding" is a structure that serves a direct accessory function to the residence, such as a pump house or storage building. Outbuilding does not include buildings used for commercial type occupancies or additional dwelling occupancies. |
|
| (i) First 1300 sq. ft. | $(( |
| Each additional 500 sq. ft. or portion of | $(( |
| (ii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - inspected at the same time as a dwelling unit on the property | $(( |
| (iii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - inspected separately | $(( |
| (iv) Each swimming pool - inspected with the service | $(( |
| (v) Each swimming pool - inspected separately | $(( |
| (vi) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - inspected with the service | $(( |
| (vii) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - inspected separately | $(( |
| (viii) Each septic pumping system - inspected with the service | $(( |
| (ix) Each septic pumping system - inspected separately | $(( |
| (b) Multifamily residential and miscellaneous residential structures, services and feeders (New Construction). | |
| Each service and/or feeder | |||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | Additional Feeder | |||
| 0 to 200 | $(( |
$24.60 | |||
| 201 to 400 | $(( |
$50.60 | |||
| 401 to 600 | $(( |
$70.30 | |||
| 601 to 800 | $(( |
$96.50 | |||
| 801 and over | $(( |
$193.80 | |||
| (c) Single or multifamily altered services or feeders including circuits. | |||||
| (i) Each altered service and/or altered feeder | |||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | ||||
| 0 to 200 | $(( |
||||
| 201 to 600 | $(( |
||||
| 601 and over | $(( |
||||
| (ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder) | $(( |
||||
| (d) Single or multifamily residential circuits only (no service inspection). | |||||
| Note: Altered or added circuit fees are calculated per panelboard. Total cost of the alterations in an individual panel should not exceed the cost of a complete altered service or feeder of the same rating, as shown in subsection (1) RESIDENTIAL (c) (table) of this section. |
|||||
| (i) 1 to 4 circuits (see note above) | $50.60 | ||||
| (ii) Each additional circuit (see note above) | $5.50 | ||||
| (e) Mobile homes, modular homes, mobile home parks, and RV parks. | |
| (i) Mobile home or modular home service or feeder only | $(( |
| (ii) Mobile home service and feeder | $(( |
| (f) Mobile home park sites and RV park sites. | |
| Note: For master service installations, see subsection (2) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL of this section. |
|
| (i) First site service or site feeder | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional site service; or additional site feeder inspected at the same time as the first service or feeder | $(( |
| (2) Commercial/industrial. | ||||
| (a) New service or feeder, and additional new feeders inspected at the same time (includes circuits). | ||||
| Note: For large COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL projects that include multiple feeders, "inspected at the same time" can be interpreted to include additional inspection trips for a single project. The additional inspections must be for electrical work specified on the permit at the time of purchase. The permit fee for such projects must be calculated using this section. However, the total fee must not be less than the number of progress inspection (one-half hour) units times the progress inspection fee rate from subsection (8) PROGRESS INSPECTIONS of this section. |
||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | Additional Feeder | ||
| 0 to 100 | $(( |
$(( 50.60 |
||
| 101 to 200 | $(( |
$(( 64.40 |
||
| 201 to 400 | $(( |
$(( 76.70 |
||
| 401 to 600 | $(( |
$(( 90.20 |
||
| 601 to 800 | $(( |
$(( |
||
| 801 to 1000 | $(( |
$(( |
||
| 1001 and over | $(( |
$(( |
||
| (b) Altered services/feeders (no circuits). | |||
| (i) Service/feeder | |||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | ||
| 0 to 200 | $(( 82.70 |
||
| 201 to 600 | $(( 193.80 |
||
| 601 to 1000 | $(( 292.10 |
||
| 1001 and over | $(( 324.40 |
||
| (ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder) | $(( |
||
| (c) Circuits only. | |||
| Note: Altered/added circuit fees are calculated per panelboard. Total cost of the alterations in a panel (or panels) should not exceed the cost of a new feeder (or feeders) of the same rating, as shown in subsection (2) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL (2)(a)(table) above. |
|||
| (i) First 5 circuits per branch circuit panel | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional circuit per branch circuit panel | $(( |
| (d) Over 600 volts surcharge per permit. | $(( |
| (3) Temporary service(s). | |
| Note: (1) See WAC 296-46B-590 for information about temporary installations. (2) Temporary stage or concert inspections requested outside of normal business hours will be subject to the portal-to-portal hourly fees in subsection (11) OTHER INSPECTIONS. The fee for such after hours inspections shall be the greater of the fee from this subsection or the portal-to-portal fee. |
|
| Temporary services, temporary stage or concert productions. | ||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | Additional Feeder | ||
| 0 to 60 | $(( |
$(( 22.70 |
||
| 61 to 100 | $(( |
$(( 24.60 |
||
| 101 to 200 | $(( |
$(( 32.00 |
||
| 201 to 400 | $(( |
$(( 38.20 |
||
| 401 to 600 | $(( |
$(( 50.60 |
||
| 601 and over | $(( |
$(( 58.10 |
||
| (4) Irrigation machines, pumps, and equipment. | ||||
| Irrigation machines. | ||||
| (a) Each tower - when inspected at the same time as a service and feeder from (2) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL | $(( |
| (b) Towers - when not inspected at the same time as a service and feeder - 1 to 6 towers | $(( |
| (c) Each additional tower | $(( |
| (5) Miscellaneous - commercial/industrial and residential. | |
| (a) A Class 2 low-voltage thermostat and its associated cable controlling a single piece of utilization equipment or a single furnace and air conditioner combination. | |
| (i) First thermostat | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional thermostat inspected at the same time as the first | $(( |
| (b) Class 2 or 3 low-voltage systems and telecommunications systems. Includes all telecommunications installations, fire alarm, nurse call, energy management control systems, industrial and automation control systems, lighting control systems, and similar Class 2 or 3 low-energy circuits and equipment not included in WAC 296-46B-908 for Class B work. | |
| (i) First 2500 sq. ft. or less | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional 2500 sq. ft. or portion thereof | $(( |
| (c) Signs and outline lighting. | |
| (i) First sign (no service included) | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional sign inspected at the same time on the same building or structure | $(( |
| (d) Berth at a marina or dock. | |
| Note: Five berths or more shall be permitted to have the inspection fees based on appropriate service and feeder fees from section (2) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL above. |
|
| (i) Berth at a marina or dock | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional berth inspected at the same time | $(( |
| (e) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only. | |
| (i) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only | $(( |
| (ii) Meters installed remote from the service equipment and inspected at the same time as a service, temporary service or other installations | $(( |
| (f) Emergency inspections requested outside of normal working hours. | |
| Regular fee plus surcharge of: | $(( |
| (g) Generators. | |
| Note: Permanently installed generators: Refer to the appropriate residential or commercial new/altered service or feeder section. |
|
| Portable generators: Permanently installed transfer equipment for portable generators | $(( |
| (h) Electrical - annual permit fee. | |
| Note: See WAC 296-46B-901(14). |
|
| For commercial/industrial location employing full-time electrical maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical contractor. Note, all yearly maintenance contracts must detail the number of contractor electricians necessary to complete the work required under the contract. This number will be used as a basis for calculating the appropriate fee. Each inspection is based on a 2-hour maximum. | |
| Inspections | Fee | ||
| 1 to 3 plant electricians | 12 | $(( |
|
| 4 to 6 plant electricians | 24 | $(( |
|
| 7 to 12 plant electricians | 36 | $(( |
|
| 13 to 25 plant electricians | 52 | $(( |
|
| More than 25 plant electricians | 52 | $(( |
|
| (i) Telecommunications - annual permit fee. | |
| Notes: (1) See WAC 296-46B-901(13). (2) Annual inspection time required may be estimated by the purchaser at the rate for "OTHER INSPECTIONS" in this section, charged portal-to-portal per hour. |
|
| For commercial/industrial location employing full-time telecommunications maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor. | |
| 2-hour minimum | $(( |
| Each additional hour, or portion thereof, of portal-to-portal inspection time | $(( |
| (j) Permit requiring ditch cover inspection only. | |
| Each 1/2 hour, or portion thereof | $(( |
| (k) Cover inspection for elevator/conveyance installation. This item is only available to a licensed/registered elevator contractor. | $(( |
| (6) Carnival inspections. | |
| (a) First carnival field inspection each calendar year. | |
| (i) Each ride and generator truck | $(( |
| (ii) Each remote distribution equipment, concession, or gaming show | $(( |
| (iii) If the calculated fee for first carnival field inspection above is less than $89.00, the minimum inspection fee shall be: | $(( |
| (b) Subsequent carnival inspections. | |
| (i) First ten rides, concessions, generators, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional ride, concession, generator, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show | $(( |
| (c) Concession(s) or ride(s) not part of a carnival. | |
| (i) First field inspection each year of a single concession or ride, not part of a carnival | $(( |
| (ii) Subsequent inspection of a single concession or ride, not part of a carnival | $(( 50.60 |
| (7) Trip fees. | |
| (a) Requests by property owners to inspect existing installations. (This fee includes a maximum of one hour of inspection time. All inspection time exceeding one hour will be charged at the rate for progressive inspections.) | $(( |
| (b) Submitter notifies the department that work is ready for inspection when it is not ready. | $(( |
| (c) Additional inspection required because submitter has provided the wrong address or incomplete, improper or illegible directions for the site of the inspection. | $(( |
| (d) More than one additional inspection required to inspect corrections; or for repeated neglect, carelessness, or improperly installed electrical work. | $(( |
| (e) Each trip necessary to remove a noncompliance notice. | $(( |
| (f) Corrections that have not been made in the prescribed time, unless an exception has been requested and granted. | $(( |
| (g) Installations that are covered or concealed before inspection. | $(( |
| (8) Progress inspections. | |
| Note: The fees calculated in subsections (1) through (6) of this section will apply to all electrical work. This section will be applied to a permit where the permit holder has requested additional inspections beyond the number supported by the permit fee calculated at the rate in subsections (1) through (6) of this section. |
|
| On partial or progress inspections, each 1/2 hour. | $(( |
| (9) Plan review. | |
| Fee is thirty-five percent of the electrical work permit fee as determined by WAC 296-46B-906, plus a plan review submission and shipping/handling fee of: | $(( |
| (a) Supplemental submissions of plans per hour or fraction of an hour of review time. | $(( |
| (b) Plan review shipping and handling fee. | $(( |
| (10) Out-of-state inspections. | |
| (a) Permit fees will be charged according to the fees listed in this section. | |
| (b) Travel expenses: | |
| All travel expenses and per diem for out-of-state inspections are billed following completion of each inspection(s). These expenses can include, but are not limited to: Inspector's travel time, travel cost and per diem at the state rate. Travel time is hourly based on the rate in subsection (11) of this section. | |
| (11) Other inspections. | |
| Inspections not covered by above inspection fees must be charged portal-to-portal per hour: | $(( |
| (12) Variance request processing fee. | |
| Variance request processing fee. This fee is nonrefundable once the transaction has been validated. | $(( |
| (13) Marking of industrial utilization equipment. | |
| (a) Standard(s) letter review (per hour of review time). | $(( |
| (b) Equipment marking - charged portal-to-portal per hour: | $(( |
| (c) All travel expenses and per diem for in/out-of-state review and/or equipment marking are billed following completion of each inspection(s). These expenses can include, but are not limited to: Inspector's travel time, travel cost and per diem at the state rate. Travel time is hourly based on the rate in (b) of this subsection. | |
| (14) Class B basic electrical work labels. | |
| (a) Block of twenty Class B basic electrical work labels (not refundable). | $(( |
| (b) Reinspection of Class B basic electrical work to assure that corrections have been made (per 1/2 hour timed from leaving the previous inspection until the reinspection is completed). See WAC 296-46B-908(5). | $(( |
| (c) Reinspection of Class B basic electrical work because of a failed inspection of another Class B label (per 1/2 hour from previous inspection until the reinspection is completed). See WAC 296-46B-908(5). | $(( |
| (15) Provisional electrical work permit labels. | |
| Block of twenty provisional electrical work permit labels. | $(( |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-906, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-906, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06.]
Provisional electrical work permit - use/duration/refunds.
(1) Only licensed electrical or telecommunications contractors can use provisional electrical work permits.
(2) If a provisional electrical work permit label is used, the following requirements must be met:
(a) Prior to beginning the work, the certified electrician or telecommunications worker performing the installation must affix the provisional electrical work permit label on the cover of the panelboard, overcurrent device, or telecommunications equipment supplying the circuit or equipment.
(b) The job site portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date the work is begun;
(ii) Contractor's name;
(iii) Contractor's license number; and
(iv) Short description of the work.
(c) The contractor portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date the work is begun;
(ii) Contractor's license number;
(iii) Job site address;
(iv) Owner's name; and
(v) Short description of the work.
(d) The label must be filled in using sunlight and weather resistant ink.
(e) The contractor must return the contractor's portion of the label to the department of labor and industries, electrical section office having jurisdiction for the inspection, within two working days after the job site portion of the label is affixed. Either receipt by department of labor and industries or postmark to a valid department of labor and industries electrical address is acceptable for meeting this requirement.
(f) The contractor must return the contractor's portion of the label to the department of labor and industries, chief electrical inspector, within five working days after destroying or voiding any label.
(g) The contractor is responsible for safekeeping of all purchased labels.
(3) Refunds are not available for provisional electrical work permit labels.
(4) Provisional electrical work permit labels will be sold in blocks of twenty.
(5) Any contractor purchasing a provisional electrical work permit label may be audited for compliance with the provisions for purchasing, inspection, reporting of installations, and any other requirement of usage.
(6) An electrical work permit must be obtained within two working days after posting the provisional work permit label. See WAC 296-46B-907 (2)(e).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-907, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
Class B electrical work permit - use.
(1) The electrical contractor must return the contractor's portion of the Class B label to the department of labor and industries, chief electrical inspector, within five working days after destroying or voiding any label.
(2) The electrical contractor is responsible for safekeeping of all purchased Class B labels.
(3) Only licensed electrical/telecommunication contractors can use the Class B basic electrical inspection random inspection process. Health care, large commercial or industrial facilities using an employee who is a certified electrician(s) can use the Class B random electrical inspection process after permission from the chief electrical inspector.
(4) If the Class B random electrical inspection process is used, the following requirements must be met:
(a) The certified electrician/telecommunications worker performing the installation must affix a Class B installation label on the cover of the panelboard or overcurrent device supplying power to the circuit or equipment prior to beginning the work.
(b) The job site portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date of the work;
(ii) Electrical/telecommunication contractor's name;
(iii) Electrical/telecommunication contractor's license number;
(iv) Installing electrician's certificate number, except for telecommunication work. For thermostat installations described in WAC 296-46B-965(15), the installing trainee may enter their training certificate number; and
(v) Short description of the work.
(c) The contractor portion of the label must include the following:
(i) Date of the work;
(ii) Electrical/telecommunication contractor's license number;
(iii) Installing electrician's certificate number, except for telecommunication work;
(iv) Job site address;
(v) Contact telephone number for the job ((site)) site's
owner (to be used to arrange inspection); and
(vi) Short description of the work.
(d) The label must be filled in using sunlight and weather resistant ink.
(e) The electrical/telecommunication contractor must return the contractor's portion of the label to the Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Section, Chief Electrical Inspector, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA 98504-4460 within fifteen working days after the job site portion of the Class B installation label is affixed.
(5) Class B basic installation labels will be sold in blocks. Installations where a Class B basic installation label is used will be inspected on a random basis as determined by the department.
(a) If any such random inspection fails, a subsequent label in the block must be inspected.
(b) If any such subsequent installation fails inspection, another label in the block must be inspected until a label is approved without a correction(s).
(c) A fee is required for any inspection required when a correction(s) is issued as a result of the inspection of any Class B label or if an inspection is required because of (a) or (b) of this subsection. See Part C of this chapter for fees.
(6) Any electrical/telecommunication contractor or other entity using the Class B basic electrical inspection random inspection process may be audited for compliance with the provisions for purchasing, inspection, reporting of installations, and any other requirement of usage.
(7) Class B basic electrical work means work other than Class A basic electrical work. See WAC 296-46B-901(8) for Class A definition.
(a) Class B basic electrical work includes the following:
(i) Extension of not more than one branch electrical circuit limited to 120 volts and 20 amps each where:
(A) No cover inspection is necessary. For the purposes of this section, cover inspection does not include work covered by any surface that may be removed for inspection without damaging the surface; and
(B) The extension does not supply more than two ((devices
or)) outlets as defined by the NEC. ((A device allowed in an
extended circuit includes: General use snap
switches/receptacles, luminaires, thermostats, speakers, etc.,
but does not include wiring/cabling systems, isolating
switches, magnetic contactors, motor controllers, etc.))
(ii) Like-in-kind replacement of:
(A) A single luminaire not exceeding 277 volts and 20 amps; or
(B) A motor larger than 10 horsepower; or
(C) The internal wiring of a furnace, air conditioner, refrigeration unit or household appliance; or
(D) An electric/gas/oil furnace not exceeding 240 volts and 100 amps when the furnace is connected to an existing branch circuit. For the purposes of this section, a boiler is not a furnace; or
(E) An individually controlled electric room heater (e.g., baseboard, wall, fan forced air, etc.), air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit not exceeding 240 volts, 30 minimum circuit amps when the unit is connected to an existing branch circuit; or
(F) Circuit modification required to install not more than five residential load control devices in a residence where installed as part of an energy conservation program sponsored by an electrical utility and where the circuit does not exceed 240 volts and 30 amps.
(iii) The following low voltage systems:
(A) Repair and replacement of devices not exceeding 100 volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in one- and two-family dwellings; or
(B) Repair and replacement of devices not exceeding 100 volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in other buildings, provided the equipment is not for fire alarm or nurse call systems and is not located in an area classified as hazardous by the NEC; or
(C) The installation of Class 2 or 3 device(s) or wiring for thermostat, audio, security, burglar alarm, intercom, amplified sound, public address, or access control systems. This does not include fire alarm, nurse call, lighting control, industrial automation/control or energy management systems; or
(D) Telecommunications cabling and equipment requiring inspection in RCW 19.28.470;
(iv) The replacement of not more than ten standard receptacles with GFCI receptacles;
(v) The conversion of not more than ten snap switches to dimmers for the use of controlling a luminaire(s) conversion.
(b) Class B basic electrical work does not include any work in:
(i) Areas classified as Class I, Class II, Class III, or Zone locations per NEC 500; or
(ii) Areas regulated by NEC 517 or 680; or
(iii) Any work where electrical plan review is required; or
(iv) Fire alarm, nurse call, lighting control, industrial automation/control or energy management systems.
(8) An entity using a Class B basic inspection label is restricted to using no more than two labels per week per job site.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-908, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
| Notes: | (1) The department will deny renewal of a license, certificate, or permit if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department or is in revoked status. The department will deny application of a license, certificate, or permit if an individual is in suspended status or owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the electrical program. |
| (2) Certificates may be prorated for shorter renewal periods in one-year increments. Each year or part of a year will be calculated to be one year. | |
| (3) The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date payment is made. |
| (1) General or specialty contractor's license per twenty-four month period. (Nonrefundable after license has been issued.) | |
| (a) Initial application or renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (b) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $221.00 |
| (c) Reinstatement of a general or specialty contractor's license after a suspension | $(( |
| (2) Master electrician/administrator/electrician/trainee certificate. | |
| (a) Examination application (nonrefundable) | |
| Administrator certificate examination application. (Required only for department administered examinations.) (Not required when testing with the department's contractor.) | $(( |
| (b) Examination fees (nonrefundable) | |
| Note: Normal examination administration is performed by a state authorized contractor. The fees for such examinations are set by contract with the department. For written examinations administered by the department, use the following fee schedule. |
|
| (i) Master electrician or administrator first-time examination fee (when administered by the department) | $(( |
| (ii) Master electrician or administrator retest examination fee (when administered by the department) | $(( |
| (iii) Journeyman or specialty electrician examination fee (first test or retest when administered by the department) | $(( |
| (iv) Certification examination review fee | $(( |
| (c) Original certificates (nonrefundable after certificate has been issued) | |
| (i) Electrical administrator original certificate (except 09 telecommunication) | $(( |
| (ii) Telecommunications administrator original certificate (for 09 telecommunications) | $(( |
| (iii) Master electrician exam application (includes
original certificate and application processing fee)
($(( |
$(( |
| (iv) Journeyman or specialty electrician
application (includes original certificate and
application processing fee) ($(( |
$(( |
| (v) Training certificate | |
| (A) Initial application made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Initial application fully completed on-line using the on-line web process | $35.00 |
| (C) 0% supervision modified training certificate.
Includes trainee update of hours (i.e., submission of
affidavit of experience) ($(( |
$(( |
| (D) 75% supervision modified training certificate. | $(( |
| (E) Unsupervised training certificate as allowed by RCW 19.28.161 (4)(b). | $(( |
| (( |
|
| (d) Certificate renewal (nonrefundable) | |
| (i) Master electrician or administrator certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $127.00 |
| (ii) Telecommunications (09) administrator certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $84.00 |
| (iii) Late renewal of master electrician or administrator certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $254.00 |
| (iv) Late renewal of telecommunications (09) administrator certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $168.00 |
| (v) Journeyman or specialty electrician certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $67.00 |
| (vi) Late renewal of journeyman or specialty electrician certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $134.00 |
| (vii) Trainee update of hours outside of renewal period (i.e., submission of affidavit of experience outside of the timeline in WAC 296-46B-965 (7)(d)) | $(( |
| (viii) Trainee certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process when the affidavit of experience is submitted per WAC 296-46B-965 (7)(d) | $43.00 |
| (ix) Late trainee certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $(( |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $60.00 |
| (e) (( |
|
| (i) Reinstatement of a suspended master electrician or administrator's certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee) | $(( |
| (ii) Reinstatement of suspended journeyman, or specialty electrician certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee) | $(( |
| (( |
$(( |
| (3) Certificate/license. | |
| (a) Replacement for lost or damaged certificate/license. (Nonrefundable.) | $(( |
| (b) Optional display quality General Master Electrician certificate. | $(( |
| (4) Continuing education courses or instructors. (Nonrefundable.) | |
| (a) If the course or instructor review is performed by the electrical board or the department | |
| The course or instructor review | $(( |
| (b) If the course or instructor review is contracted out by the electrical board or the department | |
| (i) Continuing education course or instructor submittal and approval (per course or instructor) | As set in contract |
| (ii) Applicant's request for review, by the chief electrical inspector, of the contractor's denial | $(( |
| (5) Copy fees. (Nonrefundable.) | |
| (a) Certified copy of each document (maximum charge per file): | $(( |
| (i) First page: | $(( |
| (ii) Each additional page: | $(( |
| (b) Replacement RCW/WAC printed document: | $(( |
| (6) Training school program review fees. Initial training school program review fee. (Nonrefundable.) | |
| (a) Initial training school program review fee submitted for approval. Valid for three years or until significant changes in program content or course length are implemented (see WAC 296-46B-971(4)). | $(( |
| (b) Renewal of training school program review fee submitted for renewal. Valid for 3 years or until significant changes in program content or course length are implemented (see WAC 296-46B-971(4)). | $(( |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-909, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-909, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06.]
Once a violation of chapter 19.28 RCW or chapter 296-46B WAC becomes a final judgment, any additional violation within three years becomes a "second" or "additional" offense subject to an increased penalty as set forth in the following tables.
In case of continued, repeated or gross violation of the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, or if property damage or bodily injury occurs as a result of the failure of a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to comply with chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter the department may double the penalty amounts shown in subsections (1) through (13) of this section.
Continued or repeated violation may occur if the person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity who violates a provision of chapter 19.28 RCW, chapter 296-46B WAC has received one or more written warnings or citations of a similar violation within a one-year period.
A person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity who violates a provision of chapter 19.28 RCW or chapter 296-46B WAC is liable for a civil penalty based upon the following schedule.
| (1) Offering to perform, submitting a bid for, advertising, installing or maintaining cables, conductors or equipment: | |
| (a) That convey or utilize electrical current without having a valid electrical contractor's license. | |
| (b) Used for information generation, processing, or transporting of signals optically or electronically in telecommunications systems without having a valid telecommunications contractor's license. | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,500 |
| Third offense: | $3,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $6,000 |
| (2) Employing an individual for the purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW who does not possess a valid certificate of competency or training certificate to do electrical work. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (3) Performing electrical work without having a valid certificate of competency or electrical training certificate. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (4) Employing electricians and electrical trainees for the purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW in an improper ratio. Contractors found to have violated this section three times in a three-year period must be the subject of an electrical audit in accordance with WAC 296-46B-975. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (5) Failing to provide proper supervision to an electrical trainee as required by chapter 19.28 RCW. Contractors found to have violated this section three times in a three-year period must be the subject of an electrical audit in accordance with WAC 296-46B-975. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (6) Working as an electrical trainee without proper supervision as required by chapter 19.28 RCW. | |
| First offense: | $50 |
| Second offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (7) Offering, bidding, advertising, or performing electrical or telecommunications installations, alterations or maintenance outside the scope of the firm's specialty electrical or telecommunications contractors license. | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,500 |
| Third offense: | $3,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $6,000 |
| (8) Selling or exchanging electrical equipment associated with spas, hot tubs, swimming pools or hydromassage bathtubs which are not listed by an approved laboratory. | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| Definition: The sale or exchange of electrical equipment associated with hot tubs, spas, swimming pools or hydromassage bathtubs includes to: "Sell, offer for sale, advertise, display for sale, dispose of by way of gift, loan, rental, lease, premium, barter or exchange." |
|
| (9) Covering or concealing installations prior to inspection. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| (10) Failing to make corrections within fifteen days of notification by the department. | |
| Exception: Where an extension has been requested and granted, this penalty applies to corrections not completed within the extended time period. |
|
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| (11) Failing to obtain or post an electrical/telecommunications work permit or provisional electrical work permit label prior to beginning the electrical/telecommunications installation or alteration. | |
| Exception: In cases of emergency repairs, for owners, to existing electrical/telecommunications systems, this penalty will not be charged if the permit is obtained and posted no later than the business day following beginning work on the emergency repair. |
|
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| (12) Violating chapter 19.28 RCW duties of the electrical/telecommunications administrator or master electrician. | |
| (a) Failing to be a member of the firm or a supervisory employee and shall be available during working hours to carry out the duties of an administrator or master electrician. | |
| First offense: | $1,000 |
| Second offense: | $1,500 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $3,000 |
| (b) Failing to ensure that all electrical work complies with the electrical installation laws and rules of the state. | |
| First offense: | $100 |
| Second offense: | $250 |
| Third offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $3,000 |
| (c) Failing to ensure that the proper electrical safety procedures are used. | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,500 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $3,000 |
| (d) Failing to ensure that all electrical labels, permits, and certificates required to perform electrical work are used. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| (e) Failing to ensure that all electrical licenses, required to perform electrical work are used (i.e., work performed must be in the allowed scope of work for the contractor). | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,500 |
| Third offense: | $3,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $6,000 |
| (f) Failing to see that corrective notices issued by an inspecting authority are complied with within fifteen days. | |
| Exception: Where an extension has been requested and granted, this penalty applies to corrections not completed within the extended time period. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| (g) Failing to notify the department in writing within ten days if the master electrician or administrator terminates the relationship with the electrical contractor. | |
| First offense: | $500 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $3,000 |
| (13) Violating any of the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or chapter 296-46B WAC which are not identified in subsections (1) through (12) of this section. | |
| RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 and the rules developed pursuant to them. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| All other chapter 19.28 RCW provisions and the rules developed pursuant to them. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $750 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-915, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-915, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-22-025, § 296-46B-915, filed 10/25/05, effective 11/25/05; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-915, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW. 04-21-086, § 296-46B-915, filed 10/20/04, effective 11/22/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-915, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-915, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) The department will deny application or renewal of a certificate if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department.
(2) For special accommodation see WAC 296-46B-960.
(3) An applicant will not be issued a specialty administrator certificate that is a subspecialty of a certificate the applicant currently holds (i.e., the applicant is not eligible to take the domestic well administrator examination if the applicant currently possesses a pump and irrigation administrator certificate).
Qualifying for examination.
(4) There are no qualification requirements for taking an
administrator certificate examination. Applicants should
contact the testing agency directly.
Original - administrator certificates.
(5) The scope of work for electrical administrators is
described in WAC 296-46B-920. The department will issue an
original administrator certificate to a general administrator,
or specialty administrator who:
(a) Successfully completes the appropriate administrator examination; and
(b) Submits the appropriate examination passing report from the testing agency with the applicant's: Date of birth, mailing address, and Social Security number; and
(c) Pays all appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
For an examination report to be considered, all the above must be submitted within ninety days after the completion of the examination. After ninety days, the applicant will be required to successfully retake the complete examination. An individual's original administrator certificate will expire on their birth date at least one year, and not more than three years, from the date of original issue.
Combination - specialty administrator certificate.
(6) 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 will plainly
indicate the specialty administrator's certificate(s) the
holder has qualified for. Telecommunications cannot be issued
a combination because the renewal requirements are different
from those required for electrical administrators. ((Temporary administrator certificates will not be issued as a
part of a combination certificate.))
Renewal - administrator certificate.
(7) An individual must apply for renewal of their
administrator certificate on or before the expiration date of
the certificate. The individual may not apply for renewal
more than ninety days prior to the expiration date. Renewed
certificates are valid for three years, with the exception of
telecommunications administrators, who will be renewed for two
years.
(8) An individual may renew their administrator certificate within ninety days after the expiration date without reexamination if the individual pays the late renewal fee listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(9) All renewals received more than ninety days after the expiration date of the certificate will be denied. The administrator will be required to pass the appropriate administrator examination before being recertified.
(10) All applicants for certificate renewal must:
(a) Submit a complete renewal application;
(b) Pay all appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909; and
(c) Provide accurate evidence on the renewal form that the individual has completed the continuing education requirements described in WAC 296-46B-970. If an individual files inaccurate or false evidence of continuing education information when renewing a certificate, the individual's certificate may be suspended or revoked.
Telecommunications administrators are not required to provide continuing education information.
Continuing education for pump and irrigation (03) and domestic pump (03A) administrators may be comprised of fifty percent electrical and fifty percent plumbing instruction.
(11) An individual who has not completed the required hours of continuing education can renew an administrator's certificate if the individual applies for renewal on or before the certificate expires and pays the appropriate renewal fee. However, the certificate will be placed in an inactive status.
When the certificate is placed in inactive status, an assigned administrator will be automatically unassigned from the electrical contractor. The electrical contractor will be notified of the unassignment and has ninety days to replace the administrator. An assignment fee will then be required per WAC 296-46B-909.
The inactive certificate will be returned to current status upon validation, by the department, of the required continuing education requirements. If the certificate renewal date occurs during the inactive period, the certificate must be renewed on or before the renewal date to allow the return to current status.
(12) An individual may renew a suspended administrator's certificate by submitting a complete renewal application including obtaining and submitting the continuing education required for renewal. However, the certificate will remain in a suspended status for the duration of the suspension period.
(13) An individual may not renew a revoked ((or
temporary)) administrator's certificate.
((Temporary specialty administrator certificate.
(14) See WAC 296-46B-930 for additional information.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-935, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-935, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-935, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-935, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-935, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
Electrician - general.
(1) The department will deny application or renewal of a certificate or permit if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department.
Electrician - scope of work.
(2) The scope of work for electricians and trainees is
described in WAC 296-46B-920.
Electrician - certificate of competency required.
(3) To work in the electrical construction trade, an
individual must possess a current valid:
(a) Master journeyman electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;
(b) Journeyman electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;
(c) Master specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;
(d) Specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department; or
(e) ((Temporary electrician permit. Unless continually
supervised by an appropriately certified electrician, no
temporary electrician can install, repair, replace, or
maintain any electrical wiring or equipment where the system
voltage is more than 600 volts, whether the system is
energized or deenergized; or
(f))) Electrical training certificate, learning the trade in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the supervision of a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in their specialty, or specialty electrician working in their specialty.
(4) The department issues master electrician and electrician certificates of competency in the following areas of electrical work:
(a) General journeyman (01);
(b) Specialties:
(i) Residential (02);
(ii) Pump and irrigation (03);
(iii) Domestic pump (03A);
(iv) Signs (04);
(v) Limited energy system (06);
(vi) HVAC/refrigeration (06A);
(vii) HVAC/refrigeration - restricted (06B);
(viii) Nonresidential maintenance (07);
(ix) Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A);
(x) Residential maintenance (07B);
(xi) Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C);
(xii) Appliance repair (07D);
(xiii) Equipment repair (07E); and
(xiv) Door, gate, and similar systems (10).
Exemptions - linemen.
(5) When performing the work described and allowed in WAC 296-46B-925 (17)(a) or (b)(i), when employed by the serving
utility or its contractor or subcontractor(s), a lineman is
exempt from the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW.
(6) When performing the work described and allowed in WAC 296-46B-925 (17)(b)(ii) or (c), when employed by the serving utility or its licensed electrical contractor or subcontractor(s), a lineman must meet the requirements of RCW 19.28.261 (5)(b) or be an appropriately certified electrician. See the definition of a lineman in WAC 296-46B-100.
Exemptions - plumbers.
(7) Coincidental electrical/plumbing work. See RCW 19.28.091(8) for the plumber exemption.
Original - master electrician, journeyman, and specialty
electrician certificates of competency.
(8) The department will issue an original certificate of
competency to master, journeyman, or specialty electricians
who meet the eligibility requirements listed in:
(a) RCW 19.28.191 (1)(a) or (b); and
(i) Submit an application for an original master electrician certificate including: Date of birth, mailing address and Social Security number; and
(ii) Pay all appropriate fees, as listed in WAC 296-46B-909;
(b) RCW 19.28.191 (1)(d) through (e);
(i) Submit an original master electrician certification examination application including: Date of birth, mailing address and Social Security number; and
(ii) Pay all appropriate fees, as listed in WAC 296-46B-909; or
(c) RCW 19.28.191 (1)(f) through (g);
(i) Submit an original electrician certification examination application including: Date of birth, mailing address and Social Security number; and
(ii) Pay all appropriate fees, as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(9) An individual's original electrician certificate of competency will expire on their birth date at least two years, and not more than three years, from the date of original issue.
Renewal - master electrician, journeyman, and specialty
electrician certificates of competency.
(10) An individual must apply for renewal of their
electrician certificate of competency on or before the
expiration date of the certificate. The individual may not
apply for renewal more than ninety days prior to the
expiration date. Renewed certificates are valid for three
years.
(11) An individual may renew their certificate of competency within ninety days after the expiration date without reexamination if the individual pays the late renewal fee listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(12) All applications for renewal received more than ninety days after the expiration date of the certificate of competency require that the electrician pass the appropriate competency examination before being recertified.
(13) All applicants for certificate of competency renewal must:
(a) Submit a complete renewal application;
(b) Pay all appropriate fees; and
(c) Provide accurate evidence on the renewal form that the individual has completed the continuing education requirements described in WAC 296-46B-970. Continuing education classes are only valid when all the requirements of WAC 296-46B-970 are completed. If an individual files inaccurate or false evidence of continuing education information when renewing a certificate of competency, the individual's certificate of competency may be suspended or revoked.
Continuing education for pump and irrigation (03) and domestic pump (03A) electricians may be comprised of fifty percent electrical and fifty percent plumbing instruction.
(14) An individual who has not completed the required hours of continuing education can renew a certificate of competency if the individual applies for renewal before the certificate of competency expires and pays the appropriate renewal fee. However, the certificate of competency will be placed in an inactive status. The inactive certificate of competency will be returned to current status upon validation, by the department, of the required continuing education. If the certificate renewal date occurs during the inactive period, the certificate must be renewed on or before the renewal date to allow the return to current status.
(15) An individual may renew a suspended certificate of competency by submitting a complete renewal application including obtaining and submitting the continuing education required for renewal. However, the certificate will remain in a suspended status for the duration of the suspension period.
(16) An individual may not renew a revoked ((or
temporary)) certificate of competency.
((Reciprocal agreements between Washington and other states.
(17) The department negotiates reciprocal agreements with
states that have equivalent requirements for certification of
master electricians, journeymen, or specialty electricians.
These agreements allow electricians from those reciprocal
states to become certified in the state of Washington without
examination and allow Washington certified electricians to
become certified in the other states without taking competency
examinations. An individual may only apply for reciprocity
from another state(s) one time in Washington.
(18) An individual coming into the state of Washington from a reciprocal state will be issued a reciprocal electrician certificate of competency if all the following conditions are met:
(a) The department has a valid reciprocal agreement with the other state in the master electrician category requested, journeyman, or specialty category requested;
(b) The individual makes a complete application for the reciprocity certificate on the form provided by the department. A complete application includes:
(i) Application for reciprocal certificate of competency;
(ii) Evidence that the individual meets the eligibility requirements listed in RCW 19.28.191, by presenting a valid journeyman or specialty electrician certificate or certified letter from the issuing state; and
(iii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(c) The individual obtained the reciprocal state's certificate of competency as a master electrician, journeyman, or specialty electrician by examination and the individual held the reciprocal state's certificate for a period of at least one year;
(19) An individual is not eligible for a reciprocal electrician certificate of competency if the individual:
(a) Has failed to renew a similar Washington master electrician or electrician certificate of competency as required in RCW 19.28.211;
(b) Has a similar Washington master electrician or electrician certificate of competency in suspended, revoked, or inactive status under this chapter;
(c) Has ever taken and failed a Washington exam; or
(d) Was a resident of the state of Washington at the time the examination was taken in the other state.))
Military/shipyard experience.
(((20))) (17) An individual who has worked in the
electrical construction trade performing work described in WAC 296-46B-920 while serving in the armed forces of the United
States may be eligible to take the examination for the
certificate of competency as a journeyman or specialty
electrician. Credit may be allowed for hours worked or
training received.
If an individual has military experience in a specialized electrical field (e.g., rating) that is similar to a specialty electrician category listed in WAC 296-46B-920, credit may be allowed toward the appropriate specialty certificate. Nuclear, marine, shipyard, shipboard, radar, weapons, aeronautical experience, or similar experience may be acceptable for no more than fifty percent of the minimum required work experience for qualifying for electrician examination.
The department will evaluate and determine whether the submitted experience is related specifically to the electrical construction/maintenance trade regulated by chapter 19.28 RCW.
Experience in another country.
(((21))) (18) If an individual has a journeyman
electrician certificate from a country outside the United
States that requires that at least four years of electrical
construction training and certification is obtained by
examination, the individual may be eligible for four thousand
hours of the specialty credit allowed towards the
qualification to take the Washington journeyman electrician
examination.
No more than two years of the required training to become a Washington journeyman electrician may be for work described for specialty electricians or technicians in WAC 296-46B-920. In addition to the maximum of four thousand hours credit that may be allowed by this subsection, an additional four thousand hours of new commercial/industrial experience must be obtained using a training certificate in the state while under the supervision of a master journeyman electrician or journeyman electrician.
Documentation substantiating the individual's out-of-country experience must be submitted in English.
(((22))) (19) Out-of-country experience credit is not
allowed toward a specialty electrician certificate.
Training school credit.
(((23))) (20) No more than fifty percent of the minimum
work experience needed to qualify for specialty electrician
certification is allowed for any training school program
(e.g., a specialty requiring two thousand hours of minimum
required work experience may receive no more than one thousand
hours credit from an electrical construction training
program).
(((24))) (21) See RCW 19.28.191 (1)(h) for training
school credit allowed for journeyman applicants.
(((25))) (22) See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional
information on training schools.
((Temporary electrician permit.
(26) Temporary permits are not allowed for master
electricians.
(27) Temporary electrician permit when coming from out-of-state. An individual coming from out-of-state must either obtain a reciprocal electrician certificate, valid training certificate, or make application and receive approval for a temporary electrician permit to perform electrical work in the state, or otherwise obtain an electrician certificate of competency.
(a) Initial temporary electrician permit when coming from out-of-state.
(i) If an individual can show evidence of work experience in another state similar to RCW 19.28.191, the department may issue the individual one initial temporary journeyman or specialty electrician permit. The individual must present appropriate evidence at the time of application showing work experience equivalent to that required by RCW 19.28.191.
The initial temporary electrician permit allows the individual to work as an electrician between the date of filing a completed application for the certification examination and the notification of the results of the examination. This initial permit will be issued for one twenty-day period and will become invalid on the expiration date listed on the temporary electrician permit or the date the individual is notified they have failed the examination, whichever is earlier.
(ii) To qualify for an initial temporary electrician permit, an individual must:
(A) Meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 19.28.191; and
(B) Submit a complete application for an initial temporary electrician permit and original certification including:
• Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and
• All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(iii) The individual must not have ever possessed a Washington master electrician, journeyman electrician, specialty electrician, or temporary electrician certificate of competency in the specialty requested.
(iv) If the initial temporary electrician permit becomes invalid, it will not be extended or renewed. To continue to work in the electrical trade, the individual must apply for and receive a:
(A) Second temporary electrician permit; or
(B) Training certificate and work in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the direct supervision of either a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty, or a specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty.
(b) Second temporary electrician permit.
(i) If the individual fails the certification examination during the initial temporary electrician period and provides verification of enrollment in an approved journeyman refresher course or approved appropriate specialty electrician refresher course, as prescribed in RCW 19.28.231, application may be made for a second temporary electrician permit.
A complete second application must include proof of enrollment in the refresher course and all appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(ii) The second temporary electrician permit will be issued for one ninety-day period and will become invalid: Upon withdrawal from the electrician refresher course, on the expiration date listed on the temporary electrician permit, or the date the individual is notified they have failed the examination, whichever is earlier;
(iii) After successfully completing the electrician refresher course, the individual must provide appropriate course completion documentation to the department and will be eligible to retake the appropriate competency exam.
(iv) If the second temporary electrician permit becomes invalid, it will not be extended or renewed. To continue to work in the electrical trade, the individual must apply for and receive a training certificate and work in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the direct supervision of either a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty, or a specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-940, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-940, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-940, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-940, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-940, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) All applicants must be at least sixteen years of age.
Qualifying for the master electrician examination.
(2) An individual may take the master electrician's
certificate of competency examination if the individual meets
the requirements described in RCW 19.28.191 (1)(d) or (e).
Qualifying for the master electrician examination from
out-of-state.
(3) No credit may be applied from out-of-state toward
qualifying for a master electrician certificate of competency
examination.
Qualifying for the journeyman electrician competency
examination.
(4) An individual may take the journeyman electrician's
certificate of competency examination if the individual held a
current electrical training certificate and has worked for an
employer who employs at least one certified master
electrician, journeyman, or specialty electrician on staff and
the individual:
(a) Has been employed, in the electrical construction trade, under the direct supervision of a master electrician, journeyman electrician or specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, for four years (eight thousand hours). Of the eight thousand hours:
(i) At least two years (four thousand hours) must be in new industrial and/or new commercial electrical installation (excluding all work described for specialty electricians or technicians) under the direct supervision of a master journeyman electrician or journeyman electrician while working for a general electrical contractor; and
(ii) Not more than a total of two years (four thousand hours) may be for work described as an electrical specialty in WAC 296-46B-920(2).
(b) Has completed a four-year apprenticeship program in the electrical construction trade that is registered with the state apprenticeship council while working under the direct supervision of a master journeyman or journeyman electrician in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161; or
(c) Has completed a two-year electrical construction training program as described in RCW 19.28.191 for journeyman electricians, and two years (four thousand hours) of work experience in new industrial and/or new commercial electrical installations (excluding work described for specialty electricians or electrical technicians) under the direct supervision of a journeyman electrician while working for a general electrical contractor in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161. See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional training school information.
Electrical construction training hours gained in specialties requiring less than two years (i.e., four thousand hours) will not be credited towards qualification for journeyman electrician.
The trainee and their employer and/or apprenticeship training director must attest to the accuracy of all information contained on affidavits of experience and apprenticeship graduation certificates used to verify eligibility for the examination.
Qualifying for the journeyman/specialty electrician competency
examination when work was performed in a state requiring
electrician certification.
(5) An individual may take the journeyman/specialty
electrician's competency examination when the appropriate
state having authority certifies to the department that:
(a) The work was legally performed under the other state's licensing and certification requirements;
(i) For journeyman applicants who meet the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(4).
(ii) For specialty applicants who meet the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(9).
(b) The other state's certificate of competency was obtained by examination.
Electrical construction training hours gained in specialties requiring less than two years (i.e., four thousand hours) may not be credited towards qualification for journeyman electrician.
Qualifying for the journeyman/specialty electrician competency
examination when work was performed in a state that does not
require electrician certification.
(6) If the other state requires electrical contractor
licensing:
(a) An individual may take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when an appropriately licensed electrical contractor(s), registered apprenticeship training director, or nationally recognized contractor or labor organization files a notarized letter of experience with the department accompanied by payroll documentation which certifies and shows that:
(i) For journeyman applicants: The individual meets the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(4).
(ii) For specialty applicants: The individual meets the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(9).
(b) An individual may take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when an employer(s), acting under a property owner exemption, files a notarized letter of experience from the property owner with the department accompanied by payroll documentation which certifies and shows that:
(i) For journeyman applicants: The individual meets the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(4).
(ii) For specialty applicants: The individual meets the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(9).
(7) If the other state does not require electrical contractor licensing or registration: An individual may take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when the individual's employer(s), registered apprenticeship training director, or nationally recognized contractor or labor organization files a notarized letter(s) of experience with the department accompanied by payroll documentation which certifies and shows that:
(a) For journeyman applicants: The individual meets the minimum work requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(4).
(b) For specialty applicants: The individual meets the minimum work requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(9).
(8) The letter of experience described in subsections (6) and (7) of this section should include a complete list of the individual's usual duties with percentages attributed to each.
Qualifying for a specialty electrician certificate of
competency or examination.
(9) An individual may qualify for a specialty
electrician's examination and certificate of competency if the
individual held a current electrical training certificate, and
has worked for an employer who employs at least one certified
master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician,
appropriate master specialty electrician, or appropriate
specialty electrician on staff and the individual:
(a) Has been employed, in the electrical construction trade, under the direct supervision of an appropriate electrician in the appropriate specialty as follows:
| Specialty | Minimum Hours of Work Experience Required to be Eligible for Examination(4)(5) | Minimum Hours of Work Experience Required for Certification |
| Residential certificate (02) | 4,000(3) | 4,000 |
| Pump and irrigation certificate (03) | 4,000(3) | 4,000 |
| Domestic pump certificate (03A) | 720(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Signs certificate (04) | 4,000(3) | 4,000 |
| Limited energy system certificate (06) | 4,000(3) | 4,000 |
| HVAC/refrigeration system certificate (06A) | 4,000(3) | 4,000(7) |
| HVAC/refrigeration - restricted (06B) | 1,000(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Nonresidential maintenance certificate (07) | 4,000(3) | 4,000 |
| Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit certificate (07A) | 720(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Residential maintenance certificate (07B) | 720(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Restricted nonresidential maintenance certificate (07C) | 1,000(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Appliance repair certificate (07D) | 720(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Equipment repair certificate (07E) | 1,000(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Door, gate, and similar systems certificate (10) | 720(1)(2) | 2,000(6) |
| Notes: | (1)Until the examination is successfully completed, the trainee must work under one hundred percent supervision. Once the appropriate examination is successfully completed, the modified supervision trainee may work under zero percent supervision. |
| (2)The trainee may have only one zero percent supervision certificate in a specialty (valid for no more than two years). If the trainee has not gained the required work experience by the time the zero percent supervision certificate has expired, the trainee must get a seventy-five percent supervision certificate and work under supervision until all required work experience hours are gained and credited towards the minimum work experience requirement. | |
| (3)This specialty is not eligible for unsupervised trainee status as allowed in chapter 19.28 RCW. | |
| (4)The trainee and their employer and/or apprenticeship training director must attest to the accuracy of all information contained on affidavits of experience used to verify eligibility for the examination. | |
| (5)Neither previous work experience credit nor training school credit is allowed as a substitute for the initial hours of minimum work experience required to be eligible for examination unless the trainee's work experience hours under direct supervision are provided as required in RCW 19.28.191 (1) (g)(ii). | |
| (6)Electrical construction training hours gained in specialties requiring less than two years for certification may not be credited towards qualification for journeyman electrician. | |
| (7)The 2,000 minimum hours of work experience required for certification as a HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (06B) specialty electrician may be credited as 2,000 hours towards the 4,000 minimum hours of work experience required for certification as a HVAC/refrigeration (06A) specialty electrician. Hours of work experience credited from the HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (06B) specialty cannot be credited towards qualification for taking the general electrician (01) examination or minimum work experience requirements. | |
| (8)Experience hours may be coincidentally credited towards qualifying for electrician and plumber certifications. See RCW 19.28.191 (1)(g)(v). |
Qualifying for a certificate of competency when the Washington
electrical work experience is exempt from certification
requirements in RCW 19.28.261.
(10) To receive credit for electrical work experience
that is exempted in RCW 19.28.261, an individual must provide
the department with verification from the employer or owner
according to WAC 296-46B-965 (i.e., affidavit(s) of
experience). For the purposes of this section, exempt work
does not include work performed on property owned by the
individual seeking credit.
(11) All exempt individuals learning the electrical trade must obtain an electrical training certificate from the department and renew it biennially in order to receive credit for hours worked in the trade according to WAC 296-46B-965.
(12) The department may require verification of supervision in the proper ratio from the certified supervising electrician(s).
(13) Telecommunications work experience:
(a) Credit may be verified only by employers exempted by RCW 19.28.261, general electrical (01) contractors, and limited energy system (06) electrical contractors for limited energy experience for telecommunications work done:
(i) Under the supervision of a certified journeyman or limited energy electrician; and
(ii) In compliance with RCW 19.28.191.
(b) Individuals who want to obtain credit for hours of experience toward electrician certification for work experience doing telecommunications installations must:
(i) Obtain an electrical training certificate;
(ii) Renew the training certificate biennially in order to receive credit for hours worked in the trade according to WAC 296-46B-965.
(c) Telecommunications contractors may not verify telecommunications work experience toward electrician certification.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-945, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-945, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-945, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-945, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-945, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-945, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) The minimum passing score on any examination or examination section is seventy percent. If examination is requested to be administered by the department, an application is required and the examination must be successfully completed within one year of application or the individual must submit a new application for exam including all appropriate fees.
(2) All examinations are open book.
(a) Candidates may use:
(i) Any original copyrighted material;
(ii) A silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator that is not designed for preprogrammed electrical calculations;
(iii) Copies of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter; or
(iv) A foreign language dictionary that does not contain definitions.
(b) Candidates may not use:
(i) Copies of copyrighted material;
(ii) Copies of internet publications, except for RCWs or WACs;
(iii) Personal notes; or
(iv) A personal computing device of any type other than the calculator in (a)(ii) of this subsection.
(3) Administrator, master electrician, and electrician examinations may consist of multiple sections. All sections must be successfully completed within a one-year examination period after beginning the examination. Within the one-year examination period, the candidate does not have to retake any sections successfully completed within the examination period. If all sections are not successfully completed within the one-year period, the candidate must begin a new examination period and retake all sections.
Special accommodations for examination.
(4) An applicant for an examination who, due to a
specific physical, mental, or sensory impairment, requires
special accommodation in examination procedures, may submit a
written request to the chief electrical inspector for the
specific accommodation needed.
(a) The applicant must also submit to the department a signed and notarized release, authorizing the specifically identified physician or other specialist to discuss the matter with the department representative. The applicant must also submit an individualized written opinion from a physician or other appropriate specialist:
(i) Verifying the existence of a specific physical, mental, or sensory impairment;
(ii) Stating whether special accommodation is needed for a specific examination;
(iii) Stating what special accommodation is necessary; and
(iv) Stating if extra time for an examination is necessary and if so, how much time is required. The maximum allowance for extra time is double the normal time allowed.
(b) The written request for special accommodation and individualized written opinion must be submitted to the department at least six weeks in advance of the examination date and must be accompanied by a completed application and fees as described in WAC 296-46B-909.
(c) Only readers and interpreters provided from the administrative office of the courts and/or approved by the department may be used for reading or interpreting the examination. The applicant will be required to bear all costs associated with providing any reading or interpretive services used for an examination.
(d) Applicants who pass the examination with the assistance of a reader or interpreter will be issued a certificate with the following printed restriction: "Requires reading supervision for product usage." A competent reader or interpreter must be present on any job site where a person with this restriction is performing electrical work as described in chapter 19.28 RCW.
Applicants who pass the examination with the assistance of a mechanical device (e.g., magnifier, etc.) will be issued a certificate with the following printed restriction: "Requires mechanical reading assistance for product usage." Appropriate mechanical reading assistance must be present on any job site where a person with this restriction is performing electrical work as described in chapter 19.28 RCW.
If a candidate successfully retakes the examination without the assistance of a reader or translator, a new certificate will be issued without the restriction.
(5) Applicants who wish to use a foreign language dictionary during an examination must obtain approval at the examination site prior to the examination. Only dictionaries without definitions will be approved for use.
Failed examination appeal procedures.
(6) Any candidate who takes an examination and does not
pass the examination may request a review of the examination.
(a) The department will not modify examination results unless the candidate presents clear and convincing evidence of error in the grading of the examination.
(b) The department will not consider any challenge to examination grading unless the total of the potentially revised score would result in a passing score.
(7) The procedure for requesting an informal review of examination results is as follows:
(a) The request must be made in writing to the chief electrical inspector and must be received within twenty days of the date of the examination and must request a rescore of the examination. The written request must include the appropriate fees for examination review described in WAC 296-46B-909.
(b) The following procedures apply to a review of the results of the examination:
(i) The candidate will be allowed one hour to review their examination.
(ii) The candidate must identify the challenged questions of the examination and must state the specific reason(s) why the results should be modified with multiple published reference material supporting the candidate's position.
(iii) Within fifteen days of the candidate's review, the department will review the examination and candidate's justification and notify the candidate in writing of the department's decision.
Subjects included in administrator certificate, or master
electrician, journeyman, or specialty electrician competency
examinations.
(8) The following subjects are among those that may be
included in the examination for an administrator certificate
or electrician certificate of competency. The list is not
exclusive. The examination may also contain subjects not on
the list.
(a) For general administrators, master journeyman, and journeyman electricians:
AC - Generator; 3-phase; meters; characteristics of; power in AC circuits (power factor); mathematics of AC circuits.
Administration - Chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
Air conditioning - Basic.
Blueprints - Surveys and plot plans; floor plans; service and feeders; electrical symbols; elevation views; plan views.
Building wire.
Cable trays.
Calculations.
Capacitive reactance.
Capacitor - Types; in series and parallel.
Circuits - Series; parallel; combination; basic; branch; outside branch circuits; calculations.
Conductor - Voltage drop (line loss); grounded.
Conduit - Wiring methods.
DC - Generator; motors; construction of motors; meters.
Definitions - Electrical.
Electrical units.
Electron theory.
Fastening devices.
Fire alarms - Introduction to; initiating circuits.
Fuses.
Generation - Electrical principles of.
Grounding.
Incandescent lights.
Inductance - Introduction to; reactance.
Insulation - Of wire.
Mathematics - Square root; vectors; figuring percentages.
Motors/controls - Motors vs. generators/CEMF; single phase; capacitor; repulsion; shaded pole; basic principles of AC motors.
Ohm's Law.
Power.
Power factor - AC circuits; correction of; problems.
Rectifiers.
Resistance - Of wire.
Rigging.
Safety - Electrical shock.
Services.
3-wire system.
Tools.
Transformers - Principles of; types; single-phase; 3-phase connections.
Voltage polarity across a load.
Wiring methods - Conduit; general.
Wiring systems - Less than 600 volts; 480/277 volts;
single-and 3-phase delta or wye; distribution systems over 600
volts.
| Note: | The general administrator, master journeyman, and journeyman electrician examinations may also include the subjects listed below for specialty electrician examinations. |
AC - Meters.
Administration - Chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
Appliance circuits or controls.
Blueprints - Floor plans; service and feeders.
Cables - Wiring methods.
Calculations.
Circuits - Series; parallel; combination; basic; outside branch.
Conductor - Voltage drop (line loss); grounded; aluminum or copper.
Conduit - Wiring methods.
Electrical signs, circuits, controls, or services.
Electrical units.
First aid.
Fuses.
General lighting.
Grounding of conductors.
Insulation of wire.
Limited energy circuits or systems.
Maintenance of electrical systems.
Mathematics - Figuring percentage.
Motor circuits, controls, feeders, or services.
Ohm's Law.
Overcurrent protection.
Resistance of wire.
Safety - Electrical shock.
Services.
Sizes of building wire.
3-wire system.
Tools.
Transformer - Ratios; single-phase/3-phase connections.
Failing an administrator certificate exam or electrician
certificate of competency examination.
(9) Anyone failing an administrator or electrician
competency examination may retake the examination by making
arrangements with the testing agency and paying the retesting
fee.
(10) If the individual makes a failing score ((of less
than sixty percent)), the individual must wait two weeks
before being eligible to retest.
(11) ((If the individual makes a score of sixty to
sixty-nine percent, the individual must wait one day before
being eligible to retest.
(12))) If the individual fails an electrician examination or a part of an administrator or master electrician examination three times within a one-year period, the individual must wait three months to retake the failed portion of the examination.
(((13))) (12) Anyone failing an electrician competency
examination may continue to work in the electrical trade if
they have a valid electrical training certificate and work
under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman or
specialty electrician in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161.
Cheating on an examination.
(((14))) (13) Anyone found cheating on an examination,
attempting to bribe a proctor or other agent involved in
administering an examination, or using inappropriate
materials/equipment during an examination will be required to
wait at least eleven months before being allowed to reexamine.
All such reexaminations will be administered by the
department in Tumwater, Washington and the candidate will be
required to apply and schedule for the examination with the
chief electrical inspector.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-960, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-960, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-960, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-960, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-960, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) A training certificate is required for all individuals throughout the individual's enrollment and matriculation in an approved construction electrician training school program described in RCW 19.28.191. A training certificate is required to work in the electrical construction trade if an individual does not:
(a) Possess a current journeyman certificate of competency issued by the department;
(b) Possess a current specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department while working in that specialty's scope of work; or
(c) ((Possess a valid temporary electrician permit;
(d) Possess a valid temporary specialty electrician permit while working in that specialty's scope of work; or
(e))) Is not working in exempt status as allowed by chapter 19.28 RCW.
(2) Trainees who have had their training certificates revoked or suspended (during the duration of the revocation or suspension) will not be issued a training certificate.
Original training certificates.
(3) The department will issue an original training
certificate when the trainee applicant submits a complete
training certificate application including:
(a) Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and
(b) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
All applicants for an electrical training certificate must be at least sixteen years of age. The original training certificate will be valid for two years.
(c) If an individual has previously held an electrical training certificate, then that individual is not eligible for a subsequent original training certificate.
Specialty specific - zero percent and seventy-five percent
supervision modified training certificates.
(4) For specialties as allowed in Table 945-1 (i.e.,
specialties with seven hundred twenty minimum hours of work
experience required to be eligible for examination):
(a) The department will approve the trainee to take the appropriate specialty competency examination necessary to qualify for a zero percent supervision modified training certificate. To qualify, the trainee applicant must submit a complete zero percent supervision modified training certificate application including:
(i) Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number;
(ii) Affidavit of experience fulfilling the minimum work experience hours required to qualify for the specialty examination described in Table 945-1; and
(iii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
Upon successful completion of the appropriate examination, the trainee will be issued a nonrenewable zero percent supervision modified training certificate for the appropriate specialty. The zero percent supervision modified training certificate will be restricted in duration to the time allowed in Table 945-1, note 2.
(b) Prior to the expiration of the zero percent
supervision modified training certificate ((or temporary
specialty electrician permit obtained as described in WAC 296-46B-940(28))), the individual must submit a complete
application for a seventy-five percent supervision modified
training certificate for the appropriate specialty including:
(i) Seventy-five percent supervision training certificate application including: Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and
(ii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(c) A trainee may possess multiple (i.e., in different specialties) modified supervision training certificates for specialties where reduced supervision is allowed in Table 945-1. Combination training certificates will not be issued.
Renewal of training certificates.
(5) An individual must apply for renewal of their
training certificate on or before the expiration date of the
certificate. The individual may not apply for renewal more
than ninety days prior to the expiration date. Renewed
certificates are valid for two years.
(6) An individual may renew their training certificate after the expiration date if the individual pays the late renewal fee listed in WAC 296-46B-909.
(7) All applicants for training certificate renewal must:
(a) Submit a complete renewal application;
(b) Pay all appropriate fees; and
(c) Provide accurate evidence on the renewal form that the individual has completed the continuing education requirements described in WAC 296-46B-970. Continuing education classes are only valid when all the requirements of WAC 296-46B-970 are completed. If an individual files inaccurate or false evidence of continuing education information when renewing a training certificate, the individual's training certificate may be suspended.
Continuing education for trainees seeking pump and irrigation (03) and domestic pump (03A) experience credit may be comprised of fifty percent electrical and fifty percent plumbing instruction.
(d) Within thirty days after renewing an electrical training certificate, the individual, if not enrolled in a department approved apprenticeship program, must submit a completed, signed, and notarized affidavit(s) of experience for all hours of experience gained since the individual's last training certificate was effective.
Employers are required to provide the necessary documentation and signed affidavit of experience to the trainee within twenty days after the trainee requests the affidavit. See WAC 296-46B-965(6). See WAC 296-46B-985(4) for the penalty for providing a false or inaccurate affidavit of experience. If the individual is enrolled in a department approved apprenticeship program, the program may submit the required affidavit(s) of experience upon the individual's completion of the required experience hours without cost to the individual. The affidavit of experience must accurately attest to:
(i) The electrical installation work performed for each employer the individual worked for in the electrical trade during the previous period;
(ii) The correct electrical category the individual worked in; and
(iii) The actual number of hours worked in each category worked under the proper supervision of a Washington certified, master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician or appropriate master specialty electrician or specialty electrician under that specific training certificate. If a trainee possesses multiple training certificates, an affidavit must be submitted for each training certificate for the hours worked under that specific training certificate.
If the individual is enrolled in a department approved apprenticeship program, the program may submit the required affidavit(s) of experience upon the individual's completion of the required experience hours without cost to the individual.
(8) An individual who has not completed the required hours of continuing education can renew a training certificate if the individual applies for renewal before the training certificate expires and pays the appropriate renewal fee. However, the training certificate will be placed in an inactive status. The inactive training certificate will be returned to current status upon validation, by the department, of the required continuing education.
(9) An individual may renew a suspended training certificate by submitting a complete renewal application including obtaining and submitting the continuing education required for renewal. However, the certificate will remain in a suspended status for the duration of the suspension period.
(10) An individual will not be issued a renewed or reinstated training certificate if the individual owes the department money as a result of an outstanding final judgment.
(11) The individual should ask each employer and/or apprenticeship training director for an accurately completed, signed, and notarized affidavit of experience for the previous certification period. The employer(s) or apprenticeship training director(s) must provide the previous period's affidavit of experience to the individual within twenty days of the request. If an individual is enrolled in an approved electrical construction trade apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW when the individual renews an electrical training certificate, the individual and their apprenticeship training director and/or each employer must give the department an accurately completed, signed, and notarized affidavit of experience accurately attesting to:
(a) The electrical installation work the individual performed in the electrical trade during the previous certification period;
(b) The correct electrical category the individual worked in; and
(c) The actual number of hours worked in each category under the proper supervision of a Washington certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician or appropriate master specialty or specialty electrician for each employer. For apprentices enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program, the applicant and the training director are the only authorized signatures the department will accept on affidavits of experience.
(12) The individual and their employer(s) and/or apprenticeship training director(s) must sign and have notarized the affidavit of experience attesting to the accuracy of all information contained in the affidavit.
Trainees without supervision present on the job site.
(13) When the supervising electrician is found to not be
present on the job site, the trainee will be given a form by
the inspector that must be returned or postmarked within
twenty-four hours to the inspector. If the supervising
electrician fails or refuses to assist the trainee in
completing the form, the trainee must return the form with a
signed and dated statement stating the supervising
electrician's name and saying that the supervising electrician
refused to assist. The form will require the following
information:
(a) Date and time the form was given to the trainee;
(b) Job site address;
(c) Contractor's name and contractor's license number;
(d) Electrical work permit number;
(e) The times the supervising electrician left and returned to the job site;
(f) The trainee's beginning and ending times for that day for each job;
(g) The trainee's name, training certificate number, and signature;
(h) The supervising electrician's name, electrician certificate number, and signature.
(14) The trainee, supervising electrician, contractor, and assigned administrator or master electrician are responsible for ensuring compliance with subsection (13) of this section. See WAC 296-46B-985 and 296-46B-990 (3)(c) and (f) for information about failing to submit or submitting false/fraudulent documents. Falsifying documents may be considered perjury and might result in criminal prosecution, civil penalty, or certificate revocation or suspension.
Trainees seeking a journeyman electrician certificate - working with no supervision.
(15) Trainee seeking a general (01) journeyman
electrician certificate of competency. After review by the
department, a trainee may be issued a six-month, nonrenewable
unsupervised electrical training certificate that will allow
the individual to work without supervision if the trainee:
(a) Has submitted a complete application for an unsupervised electrical training certificate;
(b) Has worked over seven thousand hours properly supervised not to include more than four thousand of specialty experience;
(c) Has successfully completed or is 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;
(d) Has paid all appropriate training certificate fees listed in WAC 296-46B-909; and
(e) Is currently working for and continues to work for a licensed electrical contractor that employs at least one certified journeyman or specialty electrician in the appropriate specialty.
Trainees seeking certain specialty electrician certificates - working with reduced or no supervision.
(16) After review by the department, a trainee may be
issued a nonrenewable zero percent supervision training
certificate that will allow the individual to work without
supervision if the trainee meets the requirements in
subsection (4) of this section.
(17) Electrical trainees may work unsupervised when installing HVAC/R thermostat cable when the HVAC/R system consists of a single thermostat in one- and two-family dwelling units where line voltage power has not been connected to the dwelling's electrical system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-965, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-965, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-965, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-965, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) DEFINITIONS - for purposes of this section.
(a) "Applicant" means the entity submitting an application for review.
(b) "Application" means a submittal made by an applicant seeking instructor or class approval.
(c) "Calendar day" means each day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
(d) "Class" means continuing education class or course.
(e) "Contractor" means the entity who has contracted with the department to review and approve/deny continuing education classes and instructors.
(f) "Date of notification" means the date of a request for additional information from the contractor or the approval/denial letter sent to the applicant by the contractor.
(g) "Individual" means an administrator or electrician seeking credit for continuing education.
(h) "Instructor" means an individual who is authorized to instruct an approved continuing education class.
(i) "Working day" means Monday through Friday, excluding state of Washington holidays.
(2) GENERAL.
(a) The department and the electrical board have the right to monitor all approved classes without notice and at no charge.
If the department or electrical board determines that the class or instructor does not meet or exceed the minimum requirements for approval or course length or instructor qualifications, the department may revoke the class or instructor approval and reduce the number of credited hours for the class.
(b) Department-offered classes and the instructors used for those classes are automatically approved and do not need to be sent to the contractor for review.
(c) Instructors who meet the minimum requirements using subsection (5)(b)(i)(D) of this section may only instruct classes sponsored by the manufacturer(s) who verified the instructors' qualifications under subsection (5)(b)(i)(D) of this section.
(d) An individual will not be given credit for the same approved continuing education class taken more than once. A course sponsor may not submit an individual's name on a roster(s) for multiple classes (i.e., multiple class numbers) when the classes are given simultaneously (e.g., code update, industry related, and/or basic electrical classroom training class that have similar class content given during the same class session). No credit will be granted for any class not approved per this section.
(e) Telecommunications administrators do not require continuing educations.
(f) Other administrators, master electricians, and electricians:
(i) To be eligible for renewal of an administrator certificate, master electrician or electrician certificate of competency, the individual must have completed at least eight hours of approved continuing education for each year of the prior certification period. The individual is not required to take the classes in separate years.
(A) At least eight hours of the total required continuing education must be on the changes in the 2008 National Electrical Code. For certificate renewal, "currently adopted" means a valid course approved as code update by the department and taken by the applicant since their last renewal date.
(B) Four hours of the required continuing education must be on the currently adopted chapter 19.28 RCW and its related WAC(s).
(ii) An individual changing an electrical administrator and an electrician certificate of competency into a master electrician's certificate of competency as allowed in RCW 19.28.191 (1)(a) or (b) must have completed at least eight hours of approved continuing education for each year of the prior electrician certificate period. The individual is not required to take the classes in separate years.
(A) Eight hours of the required continuing education must be on the changes in the currently adopted National Electrical Code. For certificate renewal, "currently adopted" means a valid course approved as code update by the department and taken by the applicant since their last renewal date.
(B) Four hours of the required continuing education must be on the currently adopted chapter 19.28 RCW and its related WAC(s).
(iii) Any portion of a year of a prior administrator or electrician certificate period is equal to one year for the purposes of the required continuing educations.
(iv) An individual who has both an electrician certificate and an administrator certification may use the same class to fulfill the requirements for continuing education.
(g) Training certificates:
(i) To be eligible for renewal of a training certificate, the individual must have completed:
(A) At least sixteen hours of approved basic classroom electrical training classes. The individual cannot use a basic classroom electrical training class as credit for the continuing education requirements for renewing an electrician or administrator certificate(s) when the class is also used to satisfy the training certificate renewal requirements; or
(B) Equivalent electrical training courses taken as a part of an approved:
• Apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW; or
• Electrical training program under RCW 19.28.191 (1)(h).
Note that only trainees seeking experience credit in the pump and irrigation (03) or domestic pumping (03A) specialties may take pumping industry basic classroom training classes;
In addition, trainees working in the pump and irrigation (03) or domestic pump (03A) specialties may be credited for courses approved as a part of the requirements for plumber trainees required in RCW 18.106.070(5).
(h) A continuing education class attended or completed by an individual before the class's effective date cannot be used to meet the certificate renewal requirements.
(i) If neither the electrical board nor the department has a contract in effect as described in this section, the department may, at its option, elect to act as the contractor. If a contractor is not in place and the department elects not to act as the contractor, the electrical board will act as the contractor. If either the electrical board or the department acts as the contractor, the following will apply:
(i) The fee for class or instructor submittal is as set in WAC 296-46B-909.
(ii) The electrical board or the department will:
(A) Review the application for completeness within fifteen working days after receipt.
(B) If the application is incomplete, notify the applicant within seven working days of the status of the review and what additional information is required.
(C) Complete the review and approval/denial process within fifteen working days upon receipt of a complete application or additional requested information.
(iii) An appeal of a denial by the department will be heard by the full electrical board in accordance with WAC 296-46B-995.
(3) CLASS AND INSTRUCTOR - GENERAL APPROVAL PROCESS.
(a) The contractor will review submitted class and instructor applications to determine whether the application meets the minimum requirements for approval.
(b) The contractor will deny approval of applications that do not meet the minimum requirements.
(c) All applications will be considered to be new applications (i.e., Classes and instructors may not be renewed. All applications must include all information necessary to show conformance with the minimum requirements).
(d) Minimum requirements:
(i) Application review fees:
(A) The contractor may charge a fee for review of an application. Such fees, paid by the applicant, are nonrefundable.
(B) The fee will be as set by contractor between the department and the contractor.
(C) The fee will be set for a minimum of one year.
(D) Upon mutual agreement between the department and the contractor, the fee may be raised or lowered.
(ii) Application:
(A) The applicant must submit a complete application to the contractor at least thirty calendar days prior to offering or instructing a class.
(B) The contractor will only consider material included with the application when reviewing an application.
(C) All applications will consist of:
• One copy of all material;
• Applicant's name, address, contact name, and telephone number;
• All required fees;
• Any other information the applicant wants to consider during the review; and
• Class applications will include:
– Sponsor's name, address, contact name, and telephone number;
– Class title;
– Number of continuing education hours requested for the class;
– Category of class for which approval is sought (i.e., code update, RCW/WAC update, industry related, basic classroom electrical training, pumping industry, or pumping industry basic classroom training);
– Any required examinations;
– Statement of whether the class is open to the public;
– Class syllabus (e.g., general description of the training, specific NEC articles referenced, time allowed for various subject matter, etc.). Note that for all pumping industry classes, curriculum must include fifty percent electrical and fifty percent plumbing instruction;
– List of resources (e.g., texts, references, etc.);
– Copies of all visual aids;
– Sample of the completion certificate.
• Instructor application will include:
– Instructor's name, address, telephone number;
– Copies of credentials or other information showing conformance with the instructor minimum qualifications.
• The sponsor of a distance learning (i.e., correspondence and internet classes) class will provide the following information with the application:
– How will the sponsor provide an orientation session with the instructor or an affiliated representative of the sponsor.
– The application must include a complete description of any hardware, software, or other technology to be used by the provider and needed by the student to effectively engage in the delivery and completion of the class material. Provide an assessment of the availability and adequacy of the equipment, software, or other technologies. In the case of computer-based instruction, describe how the class software addresses automatic shutdown after a period of inactivity.
– How will the sponsor provide security to ensure that the student who receives credit for the class is the student who enrolled in and completed the class. The approved sponsor and the student must certify that the student has completed the class and the required number of clock hours.
– The application must describe the process and the acceptable methods of how students can contact approved instructors to answer questions regarding the class.
– The application must describe the consistent and regular interactive events appropriate to the delivery method. The interactive elements must be designed to promote student involvement in the learning process and must directly support the student's achievement of the class learning objectives.
– The application must demonstrate that the class includes the same or reasonably similar information content as a course that would otherwise qualify for the requisite number of clock hours of classroom-based instruction.
– The application must demonstrate how you determined the number of clock hours requested.
– The application must demonstrate how mastery of the material is provided by: Describing how the material is divided into major learning units and describing how these learning units are divided into modules of instruction, describing how the student's progress toward completion of the mastery requirement will be measured, and describing how the class will provide a mechanism of individual remediation to correct any deficiencies in each module of instruction.
(e) Contractor's review process:
(i) When the application is received, the contractor must:
(A) Date stamp the application;
(B) Review the application for completeness within seven working days after receipt.
(ii) If the application is incomplete, the contractor must within two working days notify the applicant of the status of the review and what additional information is required.
(A) The applicant must provide any additional information requested by the contractor within five working days after the date of notification.
(B) The contractor will deny the application if the additional required information is not received within the five working days after the date of notification.
(iii) When the contractor has received a complete application, the contractor must review and evaluate the application for compliance with the minimum requirements.
The contractor must complete the review and approval/denial process within seven working days upon receipt of a complete application or additional requested information and within two working days notify:
• The applicant in writing; and
• The chief electrical inspector in writing and electronically. The contractor's electronic notification to the chief electrical inspector must be made in a format approved by the chief electrical inspector.
(iv) A notification of denial must include:
(A) Applicant's name and telephone number;
(B) Date of denial;
(C) Sponsor's name and class title if applicable;
(D) Instructor's name if applicable; and
(E) The reason for denial.
(v) A notification of approval:
(A) For classes must include:
• Applicant's name and telephone number;
• Sponsor's name and telephone number;
• Class title;
• Class number;
• Number of hours approved for the class. Note that the contractor may reduce the hours requested in the application if the review shows that the requested number of hours is excessive;
• Effective date for this class;
• Expiration date of class;
• Category for which the class is approved (i.e., code update, RCW/WAC update, industry related, basic classroom electrical training, pumping industry, or pumping industry basic classroom training);
• Sample of written class roster and attendance sheet;
• Type of class (i.e., classroom, correspondence, internet); and
• Whether the class is open to the public.
(B) For instructors must include:
• Applicant's name and telephone number;
• Instructor's name and telephone number;
• Effective date for the approval; and
• Expiration date of the approval.
(vi) Applicant's request for review of the contractor's decision:
The applicant's may request a review of the contractor's decision to deny or modify an application:
• All requests for review must be:
• Made in writing;
• Received by the chief electrical inspector within twenty calendar days of the contractor's denial; and
• Accompanied by a review fee of $109.50. The review fee is nonrefundable.
(4) CLASS APPROVAL PROCESS.
(a) Class approval will be valid for three years except:
(i) If the class is "code update" and a new NEC is adopted by the department within the class approval period, the class approval will be considered automatically revoked; or
(ii) If the class is modified after the application is approved, the class approval will be considered automatically revoked (i.e., change in syllabus, hours, examination, etc.).
(b) Minimum requirements:
(i) Class content:
(A) Industry-related classes must be based on:
• Codes or rules included in the NEC chapters 19.28 RCW or 296-46B WAC;
• Electrical theory based on currently published documents that are readily available for retail purchase; and/or
• Materials and methods that pertain to electrical construction, building management systems, electrical maintenance, or workplace health and safety such as NFPA 70E - Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. First aid type classes must be approved and will be limited to four hours of credit towards the individual's total continuing education requirement.
(B) Code update classes must be based on the latest adopted version of the NEC and must specify the NEC articles to be addressed in the class presentation.
(C) RCW/WAC update classes must be based on the latest adopted versions of chapter 19.28 RCW and/or chapter 296-46B WAC.
(D) All basic classroom electrical training classes and pumping industry basic classroom training classes must be classroom instruction only and based upon basic electrical theory, use of the NEC, and/or use of the electrical laws and rules. Correspondence and internet classes are not allowed. All basic classroom electrical training classes must include an appropriate written examination to ensure the participant understands the basic concepts of the class. To successfully complete the class, the participant must score at least seventy percent on the examination.
(E) In addition, for pumping industry classes, curriculum must include fifty percent electrical and fifty percent plumbing instruction.
(ii) Class length:
(A) The minimum allowed length of a class is two hours; however, the minimum length for a basic classroom electrical trainee classroom training or pumping industry basic classroom trainee classroom training is eight hours that can be delivered in multiple classroom sessions of not less than two hours each.
(B) The maximum allowed credit for a class is twenty-four hours.
(C) Class length must based on two-hour increments (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.).
(D) Class length must be based on the following:
• Classroom instruction will be based on the total hours the individual is in the classroom. A class may be divided into multiple sections so long as each section is not less than two hours in length and all sections are taken within a one month period.
• ((Correspondence instruction)) Distance learning (i.e.,
correspondence and internet classes) will be based on((:
– A written examination (i.e., twenty-five questions will equal one hour of classroom instruction). Individuals must be responsible to determine the correct answer without the assistance of the sponsor.
• Internet instruction will be based on:
– A written examination (i.e., twenty-five questions will equal one hour of classroom instruction).
• Examinations must not direct or point the individual to a correct answer or reference. Individuals must be responsible to determine the correct answer without the assistance of the sponsor.
• To successfully complete a correspondence or internet class, a participant must score at least 70% on the examination required for the class.
(iii) Class material must include:
Supplementary written instruction material appropriate to the type and length of the class.
(iv) Class material may include:
• Supplementary internet material;
• Supplementary texts;
• Other material as appropriate)) clock hours necessary to complete the class if it was presented in a classroom setting. See the application process in subsection (3)(d)(ii) of this section for distance learning classes for additional information.
(((v))) (iii) Certificates of completion:
(A) The sponsor must award a completion certificate to each individual successfully completing the approved class. To successfully complete a correspondence or internet class, a participant must score at least 70% on the examination required for the class.
(B) The completion certificate must include the:
• Name of participant;
• Participant's Washington certificate number;
• Name of sponsor;
• Name of class;
• Date of class;
• Name of instructor;
• Location of the class:
– If a classroom-type class, the city and state in which the class was given;
– If a correspondence class, state the class is a correspondence class;
– If an internet class, state the class is an internet class;
• Class approval number;
• Number of continuing units; and
• Type of continuing education units.
(((vi))) (iv) Instructors:
(A) For classroom instruction except first-aid training, all instructors must be approved per this section; and
(B) For correspondence and internet instruction, the applicant must show that the sponsor regularly employs at least one staff member who meets the requirements for instructors in this section.
(5) INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PROCESS:
(a) Instructor approval will be valid for three years except:
(i) If the instructor's credentials are invalidated (e.g., suspension or revocation by the issuing entity) for any reason, approval will be automatically revoked.
(ii) When the instructor approval expires or is revoked, a new application must be submitted to regain approved instructor status.
(b) Minimum requirements:
(i) The application must show that the instructor meets one of the following:
(A) Has a valid Washington administrator, master electrician, or electrician's certificate and has appropriate knowledge of and experience working as an electrical/electronic trainer; or
(B) Is an instructor in a two-year program in the electrical construction trade licensed by the Washington work force training and education coordinating board. The instructor's normal duties must include providing electrical/electronic education; or
(C) Is a high school vocational teacher, community college, college, qualified instructor with a state of Washington approved electrical apprenticeship program, or university instructor. The instructor's normal duties must include providing electrical/electronic education; or
(D) Works for and is approved by a manufacturer of electrical products to teach electrical continuing education.
(ii) Any other information the applicant wants to be considered during the review.
(6) FORMS:
(a) The contractor will:
Develop an appropriate form(s) for the applicant's use when submitting for instructor or class approval;
(b) Applicants must use the contractor's form when submitting an application for review.
(7) PUBLICATIONS:
The contractor will provide the department with appropriate material for use by the department on the electrical program web site and may post the application process, review, and approval requirements on the contractor's web site.
(8) CLASS ATTENDANCE:
(a) The contractor is not responsible for monitoring any individual's attendance or class completion.
(b) The department is not responsible for providing verification of an individual's continuing education or basic electrical classroom training history with the class sponsor;
(c) Electrical approved classes offered in Washington:
(i) The sponsor must provide the department with an
accurate ((and typed)) course attendance/completion roster for
each class given. Class attendance will only be verified
based on the attendance/completion roster provided by the
sponsor. Completion certificates are not an acceptable method
of verifying attendance at a class approved in Washington
under this chapter.
(A) ((The typed attendance/completion roster must be
provided within thirty days of class completion.
(B) In addition,)) Within seven days of a student completing the class, the course sponsor must provide the attendance/completion roster in an internet format provided by the department.
(((C))) (B) The attendance/completion roster must show
each individual's name, Washington certificate number, class
number, location of class, date of completion, and
instructor's name. ((The typed roster must contain the
signature of the class sponsor's authorized representative.))
(ii) The sponsor must provide the individual a certificate of completion within fifteen days after successful class completion for the individual's personal records. See subsection (4) of this section.
(iii) Individuals will not be granted credit for
((continuing education classes)) a class unless the sponsor's
attendance/completion roster shows the individual successfully
completed the class.
(((iv) The department will keep submitted class rosters
on file for four years.))
(d) For classes approved under chapter 18.106 RCW for the
pumping industry ((will be verified through the normal roster
reporting method for those classes.
(e) Classes offered in other states:
(i) For individuals to apply continuing education units earned from out-of-state classes, one of the following conditions must be met:
(A) The individual must request that the class sponsor submit a complete continuing education class application and gain approval for the class as described in this section for classes and instructors. Application for class or instructor approval will not be considered more than three years after the date the class was offered; or
(B) The department must have entered into a reciprocal agreement with the state providing class approval.
(ii) The individual must provide a copy of an accurate and completed award or certificate from the class sponsor identifying the class location, date of completion, individual's names, and Washington certificate number. The department will only accept a copy of the sponsor's certificate or form as evidence that the individual attended and completed the class. The department must verify all out-of-state sponsor's certificates or forms with the issuing state prior to accepting them as evidence of class completion)), a class number will be created for electrical continuing education. Sponsors for these classes must verify attendance for the electrical credit using the format described in subsection (c) of this section.
(9) Contractor requirements:
(a) The contractor cannot be a sponsor or instructor.
(b) The contractor cannot be an employee of the department.
(c) The contractor must:
(i) Be an independent entity with no organizational, managerial, financial, design, or promotional affiliation with any sponsor or instructor covered under the contractor's review and approval/denial process;
(ii) Employ at least one staff member having a valid 01-General Administrator or 01-General Master Electrician Certificate. This staff member:
(A) Is responsible for reviewing and determining an application's approval or denial; and
(B) Must sign the written notification provided to applicants for all approvals and denials:
(iii) Receive, review, and process all applications as required in this section;
(iv) Allow the department access to the contractor's facilities during normal working hours to audit the contractor's ability to conform to the contract requirements;
(v) Treat all applications as proprietary information;
(vi) Respond to and attempt to resolve complaints contesting the review or approval/denial process performed by the applicant;
(vii) Notify the department within ten working days of any change in business status or ability to conform to this section;
(viii) Maintain one copy, original or electronic, of all applications and associated materials for a period of three years from the date of receipt.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-970, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 08-08-084, § 296-46B-970, filed 4/1/08, effective 5/2/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-970, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-970, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW. 04-21-086, § 296-46B-970, filed 10/20/04, effective 11/22/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-970, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-970, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(2) The department ensures that individuals, employers, and employees comply with the electrical licensing and certification requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter. To do this, inspections are made by the department's electrical inspectors/auditors and compliance officers.
Compliance officers or electrical inspectors/auditors determine whether:
(a) Each person or entity advertising to do electrical
work or doing electrical work on an electrical worksite has a
proper license((,)) or certificate((, or temporary electrician
permit));
(b) The ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, of certified journeyman/specialty electricians to the certified trainees on the job site is correct; and
(c) Each certified trainee is directly supervised by an
individual who possesses an appropriate certificate of
competency ((or temporary electrician permit)) for the type of
electrical work being performed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-980, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(2) The department may file a civil action under RCW 19.28.131 or 19.28.271 and may revoke or suspend a certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.341 or 19.28.241 for inaccurate or false reporting of continuing education units on the administrator, master electrician, electrician, or training certificate renewal form.
(3) If the department determines that a course sponsor has issued an inaccurate or incomplete course application or attendance/completion roster, the department may suspend or revoke the course approval and deny future approval of a continuing education course(s) by the course sponsor.
(4) The department may file a civil action under RCW 19.28.271 against both the trainee and the contractor, apprentice training director, or other entity verifying the training hours and may subtract up to two thousand hours of employment from a trainee's total hours if the department determines a false statement or material misrepresentation has been made in an affidavit of experience.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 06-24-041, § 296-46B-985, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-985, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(1) If the compliance officer or electrical inspector/auditor determines that an individual, employer, or employee has violated chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, the department will issue a citation that describes the violation.
Suspension or revocation - of an electrical contractor's
license, administrator's certificate, master electrician's
certificate of competency, electrician's certificate of
competency, ((temporary electrician's permit,)) or training
certificate.
(2) The department may revoke or suspend, for such time
as it determines appropriate, an electrical contractor's
license, administrator's certificate, master electrician's
certificate of competency, electrician's certificate of
competency, ((temporary electrician's permit, temporary
specialty electrician's permit,)) or training certificate if:
(a) The license, certificate, or permit was obtained through error or fraud;
(b) The license, certificate, or permit holder is judged
to be incompetent to work in the electrical construction trade
as a master electrician, journeyman electrician, specialty
electrician, electrical technician, ((temporary electrician,
temporary specialty electrician,)) or electrical trainee;
(c) For serious noncompliance as described below. See RCW 19.28.241 and 19.28.341 for other grounds and procedures.
(d) ((A temporary electrician permit or temporary
specialty electrician permit holder has violated any of the
provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or any rule adopted under
chapter 19.28 RCW;
(e))) The license or certificate holder incompletely or inaccurately reported continuing education units on an application for renewal; or
(((f))) (e) The certificate holder falsely, incompletely,
or inaccurately reported previous work experience.
The department will deny an application for any license/certificate during the period of revocation or suspension of the same or another license/certificate under chapter 19.28 RCW.
(3) For the purposes of this section, serious noncompliance includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
(a) Failure to correct a serious violation. A serious violation is a violation of chapter 19.28 RCW or chapter 296-46B 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 or utilize 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. For the purposes of this section, a certified electrician is considered qualified, provided the electrician is working within his or her certification;
(b) The license or certificate was obtained through error or fraud;
(c) Submitting a fraudulent document to the department;
(d) Continuous noncompliance with the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter. For the purposes of this section, continuous noncompliance will be defined as three or more citations demonstrating a disregard of the electrical law, rules, or regulations within a period of three years, or where it can be otherwise demonstrated that the contractor, master electrician, electrician, or administrator has continuously failed to comply with the applicable electrical standards;
(e) Failure to make any books or records, or certified copies thereof, available to the department for an audit to verify the hours of experience submitted by an electrical trainee;
(f) Making a false statement or material misrepresentation on an application, statement of hours, or signed statement required by the department;
(g) The certificate holder falsely or inaccurately reported continuing education units on an application for renewal;
(h) Installing a shortened rod/pipe grounding electrode, improper splicing of conductors in conduits/raceways or concealed within walls, or installing a fake equipment grounding conductor.
For any act of serious noncompliance, the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity may be referred to the county prosecutor for criminal prosecution under chapter 9A.72 RCW. The department may also file a civil action under chapter 19.28 RCW.
(4) Before a license((,)) or certificate((, or temporary
electrician permit)) is revoked or suspended, the certificate
holder will be given written notice of the department's
intention to suspend or revoke. Notification will be sent by
registered mail to the certificate holder's last known
address. The notification will list the allegations against
the certificate holder, and provide the certificate holder
with the procedures necessary to request a hearing before the
electrical board as described in WAC 296-46B-995.
Confiscation - of an electrical contractor's license,
administrator certificate, electrician certificate of
competency, ((temporary electrician permit,)) or training
certificate.
(5) The department may confiscate a license((,)) or
certificate((, or temporary electrician permit)) that is
counterfeit, revoked, expired, suspended, or altered. The
individual may be referred to the county prosecutor for
criminal prosecution under chapter 9A.72 RCW. The department
may also file a civil action under chapter 19.28 RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-990, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-990, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(1) Chapter 19.28 RCW provides the authority for the duties and responsibilities of the electrical board. Except as provided in chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter, all proceedings will be conducted according to chapter 34.05 RCW the Administrative Procedure Act and chapter 10-08 WAC, Model rules of procedure. See chapter 34.05 RCW the Administrative Procedure Act for specific definitions not described in this chapter.
(2) See RCW 19.28.311 for the composition of the electrical board.
(3) The board adopts the current edition of the "Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised."
(4) The board will hold regular meetings on the last Thursday of January, April, July, and October of each year per RCW 19.28.311.
(5) The director or the chairperson of the board may call a special meeting at any time.
(6) Each board member must be notified in writing of the agenda, date, time, and place of each regular and special meeting. "Writing" includes by electronic mail, also known as "e-mail," if the member has provided an e-mail address for such notice.
(7) The board or department may elect to have an appeal heard by the office of administrative hearings either tape recorded or transcribed by a court reporter; and the board may so elect regarding hearings or board reviews heard by the board as a whole.
(8) A majority of the board constitutes a quorum for purposes of rendering any decision.
(a) If a majority does not attend a hearing or board review on an appeal, the board may either continue the hearing or board review to a date certain or may hear the testimony and arguments.
(b) If the board hears the testimony and arguments, the members of the board who are absent may make their decisions after hearing the tape recording or reading the transcript, of the hearing or board review.
(c) If the board selects the method in subsection (8)(b) of this section, at the time of the hearing, the board shall set a date certain for the absent members to complete review of the record and for the board as a whole to vote on the decision. The vote in subsection (8)(b) and (c) of this section may occur by U.S. mail, facsimile or by electronic mail and shall be determined by the board at the hearing; the members' votes shall be public record.
(9) All filings and documents for any matter before the board must be submitted to the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board, 7273 Linderson Way, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA 98504-4460. Twenty copies of filings and documents must be submitted by ordinary mail, certified or registered mail, or by personal delivery. Filings and documents must be received no later than forty-five days prior to the scheduled meeting. When filings or documents are received after the deadlines, the filings and documents will be presented to the board at the second regularly scheduled board meeting.
(10) All hearings before the board as a whole shall be held on regularly scheduled meeting dates, as listed in subsection (4) of this section, unless the board determines that an alternate date is necessary.
(11) All notices of appeal, with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars if required, must be received in the office of the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board, at least forty-five days before the regularly scheduled board meeting at which the hearing would occur. A separate two hundred dollar fee is required for each entity's appeal of a specific violation type (e.g., for a single entity, the designated administrator, multiple alleged violations of RCW 19.28.061 (5)(a) - designated administrator not available, RCW 19.28.061 (5)(d) - designated administrator fails to ensure proper permit is purchased, and RCW 19.28.061 (5)(e) - designated administrator fails to ensure corrections are made would require a six hundred dollar appeal fee). The total appeal fee for each entity seeking an appeal hearing is one thousand dollars maximum for all violation types. For original appeals to the board, the appellant must submit twenty copies of any written argument, briefs testimony or documents for the board's consideration at least forty-five days prior to the scheduled hearing. When appeals, written argument, briefs, testimony, or documents are received after the deadlines, the appeals, written argument, briefs, testimony, or documents will be presented to the board at the second regularly scheduled board meeting.
Appeals
(((11))) (12) Appeals of penalties issued by the
department.
(a) A party may appeal a penalty issued by the department, pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter, to the board. The appeal shall be assigned to the office of administrative hearings.
(b) The appeal must be filed within twenty days after the notice of the decision or penalty is given to the assessed party either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the assessed party and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board. The request for an appeal must be accompanied with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars.
(((12))) (13) Appeals of proposed decisions issued by the
office of administrative hearings.
(a) A party may appeal a proposed decision issued by the office of administrative hearings pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW to the board. The appeal must be filed within twenty days after service of the decision and must be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.
(b) The notice of appeal of a proposed decision must be
received in the office of the chief electrical inspector, as
secretary to the board, at least ((thirty)) forty-five days
before a regularly scheduled board meeting. ((All parties
must submit any)) If you want the board to consider written
argument, briefs testimony or other documents ((for the
board's consideration)), it must be submitted at least
((twenty)) forty-five days prior to the scheduled hearing.
(((13))) (14) Appeals of suspension, revocation, or
nonrenewal.
(a) An appeal of the suspension or revocation of a license or certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.241 and 19.28.341 or of nonrenewal of a license or certificate of competency under this chapter will be heard by the board in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and not assigned to the office of administrative hearings. The board will conduct the hearing and may elect to have the assistance of an administrative law judge in the proceeding.
(b) The notice of appeal, with the certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars for appeals of a revocation or suspension of a contractor's or administrator's license, must be filed within twenty days after the notice of suspension or revocation is served on the subject of said action, either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the subject and shall be filed by written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.
(((14))) (15) Appeals of decisions on installation.
(a) A party may seek board review for disputes relating to the interpretation and application of electrical/telecommunications installation or maintenance standards under RCW 19.28.111, 19.28.480, and 19.28.531. The board will conduct the hearing and may elect to have the assistance of an administrative law judge in the proceeding.
(b) The notice of appeal, with the certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars, must be received in the office of the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board, at least thirty days before a regularly scheduled board meeting. All parties must submit any written argument, briefs testimony or documents for the board's consideration at least twenty days prior to the scheduled hearing.
(((15))) (16) Appeals of a continuing education class or
instructor for denials or revocations.
A party may appeal a decision issued by the department, pursuant to WAC 296-46B-970 (3)(e)(vi), if the department acts as the contractor pursuant to WAC 296-46B-970 (2)(i) to the superior court per RCW 34.05.542(3).
(((16))) (17) Appeals pertaining to engineer approval or
electrical testing laboratory recognition and accreditation.
(a) A party may appeal a decision issued by the department pursuant to WAC 296-46B-997 or 296-46B-999. The appeal will be heard by the board in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and not assigned to the office of administrative hearings. The board will conduct the hearing and may elect to have the assistance of an administrative law judge in the proceeding.
(b) The notice of appeal, with the certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars for appeals pertaining to engineer approval or recognition and accreditation of an electrical testing laboratory, must be filed within twenty days after the notice of the department's decision is served on the subject of said action, either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the subject and shall be filed by written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.
(((17))) (18) Judicial review of final decisions of the
board.
A party may seek judicial review of a final order of the board within thirty days after service of the decision. Appeals of final decisions and orders must be done in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.
(((18))) (19) If appeal(s) according to subsections
(((11),)) (12), (13), ((and)) (15), and (16) of this section
are not filed or the appeal is not filed timely, the proposed
decision or action becomes final with no further action on the
part of the department or the board.
(((19))) (20) Appeals - general requirements.
(a) Appeals according to subsections (((11),)) (12),
((or)) (15), or (16) of this section must specify the
contentions of the appellant, and must for subsection (((12)))
(13) of this section specify to which conclusions of law and
findings of fact the party takes exception. The appeal will
be based on the record of the hearing. The board shall not
grant a hearing due novo.
(b) In appeals under subsections (((12),)) (13), (14),
((and)) (15), and (16) of this section, the issues to be
adjudicated must be made as precise as possible, in order that
the board may proceed promptly to conduct the hearing on
relevant and material matter only.
(c) In all appeals of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter heard before the office of administrative hearings or directly by the board, the department has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) In all appeals of a decision by the office of administrative hearings to the board, the party aggrieved by the decision of the office of administrative hearings has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
Appearance and practice before board.
(((20))) (21) No party may appear as a representative in
proceedings other than the following:
(a) Attorneys at law qualified to practice before the supreme court of the state of Washington;
(b) Attorneys at law qualified to practice before the highest court of record of another state, if the attorneys at law of the state of Washington are permitted to appear as representatives before administrative agencies of the other state, and if not otherwise prohibited by Washington law; or
(c) An owner, officer, partner, or full-time employee of a firm, association, organization, partnership, corporation, or other entity who appears for the firm, association, organization, partnership, corporation or other entity.
(((21))) (22) All persons appearing in proceedings as a
representative must conform to the standards of ethical
conduct required of attorneys before the courts of Washington.
If a person does not conform to these standards, the board
may decline to permit the person to appear as a representative
in any proceeding before the board.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-995, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 08-08-084, § 296-46B-995, filed 4/1/08, effective 4/1/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-995, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-995, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, § 296-46B-995, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-995, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(2) Industrial utilization equipment is considered to be safe when it is certified by an engineer accredited by the department.
(a) The department may declare industrial utilization equipment unsafe if:
(i) The equipment is not being manufactured or produced in accordance with all standards of design and construction and all terms and conditions set out in the certification report for the equipment referred to in this chapter;
(ii) The equipment has been shown by field experience to be unduly hazardous to persons or property;
(iii) An examination of the equipment or of the certification report for the equipment shows that the equipment does not comply with all applicable standards; or
(iv) An examination of the certification report or the equipment shows that the equipment cannot be installed in accordance with this chapter.
(b) When the department declares industrial utilization equipment unsafe, the department will notify the product owner and the certifying engineer in writing.
Accreditation - general.
(3) The department's chief electrical inspector's office
reviews requests for accreditation. Applicants must submit
supporting data to document and verify the requirements of
this section have been met.
(4) The accreditation of an engineer will be valid for the period of three years.
(5) On-site inspection of an engineer's facilities.
(a) On-site inspection of the facility(ies) may be required during the initial application process or the renewal process. Representative(s) of the department will evaluate for compliance with accreditation criteria.
(b) The applicant must pay all costs associated with the on-site inspection.
(6) For purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW, all engineers who certify industrial utilization equipment offered for sale in the state of Washington must be accredited by the department.
(7) Fees are payable as required in WAC 296-46B-911.
(8) The engineer must apply for renewal of accreditation at least thirty days prior to the accreditation expiration date. The department will renew accreditation for the period of three years or notify the renewing engineer of the department's reason(s) of refusal following receipt of the completed form and renewal fee.
(9) The department accepts or denies engineer accreditation for engineers seeking to evaluate industrial utilization equipment within the state. Accreditation is determined when an engineer provides evidence to the department that all the requirements of this chapter are met. Accreditation is determined by the department and prior to making a determination, the department may require information and documentation to be provided by the engineer.
(a) Accreditation is subject to review when deemed necessary by the department. The engineer must pay all costs associated with on-site review.
(b) Every accredited engineer must continue to satisfy all the conditions specified in this chapter during the period of the accreditation. An engineer must furnish the department an annual report detailing the extent of its activities for the year. The report must include, but not be limited to:
(i) The number of industrial utilization equipment items approved;
(ii) Organizational structure of the engineer's company;
(iii) Statement of ownership of the engineer's company; and
(iv) Reports of litigation, which in any way were the result of or may affect any accreditation or testing of products covered by this chapter.
(c) The department will notify the applicant of the accreditation results. A letter of accreditation from the department is proof of the accreditation of the engineer.
(10) The engineer will be approved to certify industrial utilization equipment.
Suspension or revocation.
(11) The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to
renew the department's accreditation of any engineer found to
be in noncompliance with requirements of this chapter, the
laws of the state of Washington, or submitting false
information.
(12) The department will serve written notice of intent prior to suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew the accreditation of an engineer.
(13) An engineer, whose accreditation has been suspended, may not reapply for accreditation during the period of such suspension. An engineer, whose accreditation has been revoked, may reapply for accreditation no sooner than two years after the date of revocation of accreditation.
Business structure, practices, and personnel.
(14) The engineer must be an independent, third-party
organization with no organizational, managerial, financial,
design, or promotional affiliation with owners, manufacturers,
suppliers, installers, or vendors of products covered under
the engineer's certification or evaluation programs.
The engineer must have an adequate diversity of clients or activity so that the loss or award of a specific contract regarding certification or evaluation would not be a deciding factor in the financial well-being of the engineer.
(15) The engineer must adequately meet the following business practices:
(a) Perform the examinations, tests, evaluations, and inspections required under the certifications programs in accordance with the designated standards and procedures;
(b) Assure that reported values accurately reflect measured and observed data;
(c) Limit work to that for which competence and capacity is available;
(d) Treat test data, records, and reports as proprietary information;
(e) Respond to and attempt to resolve complaints contesting certifications and evaluation results;
(f) Maintain an independent relationship between its clients, affiliates, and other organizations so the engineer's capacity to give certifications and evaluations objectively and without bias is not adversely affected; and
(g) Notify the department within thirty calendar days should it become unable to conform to any of the requirements of this chapter.
(16) Engineers accredited under this chapter must notify the department within thirty calendar days of any of the following:
(a) Change in company name and/or address;
(b) Changes in major test equipment which affect the ability to perform work for which accredited; or
(c) Change in independent status.
(17) The engineer must develop and maintain a certification or evaluation program plan that includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The procedures and authority to ensure the product complies with the standard(s) established by the program;
(b) A quality control system;
(c) Verification and maintenance of facilities and/or equipment; or
(d) Sample selection as applicable for product certifications, and for component testing as necessary for evaluations.
The plan must demonstrate that the engineer has adequate facilities, and equipment to perform all certifications and testing for which it is accredited by the state of Washington. These elements must be contained in the engineer's operations control manual.
(18) The engineer must develop and maintain a quality control system adequate to assure the accuracy and technical integrity of its work as follows:
(a) The engineer's quality control system must include a quality control or engineer's operations control manual;
(b) The quality control or engineer's operations control manual must be adequate to guide a testing technician or inspector in conducting the inspection, evaluation, and/or test in accordance with the test methods and procedures required for the engineer's certification and/or evaluation program(s); and
(c) The engineer must have a current copy of the quality control or engineer operations control manual available for the engineer's use.
(19) The engineer must have training, technical knowledge, and experience adequate to perform the tests, examinations, and evaluations for the certification and/or evaluation activities for which recognition is sought.
(20) The engineer must:
(a) Provide adequate safeguards protecting the engineer's status from the influence or control of manufacturers, vendors, owners, or installers of electrical products certified or tested by the engineer; and
(b) Develop and maintain an adequate training program assuring that the engineer will be able to perform tasks properly and uniformly.
Recordkeeping and reporting - general.
(21) The engineer must develop and maintain records and
reports of those testing, inspection, certification, and
evaluation activities associated with each piece of industrial
utilization equipment. The engineer must retain these records
for a minimum of three years.
(22) The engineer must make available to the department, upon request, all records required by the department to verify compliance with this chapter.
(23) Before beginning the work, the engineer must notify
the department of the intent to evaluate using forms provided
by the department. See WAC ((296-46B-905)) 296-46B-906 for
fee information. The engineer's evaluation report must
include:
(a) Name and address of the engineer;
(b) Name of client;
(c) Address where the evaluated product is or will be installed;
(d) Designation of standards used to certify or test the product including edition and latest revision (e.g., UL 508, 16th Edition, Feb. 1993, Revision Oct. 9, 1997);
(e) Description of the overall product evaluated to include full nameplate data and equipment type;
(f) A statement as to whether or not the results comply with the requirements of the standard;
(g) Pertinent test evaluation data and identification of tests or inspections including anomalies;
(h) The engineer's stamp; and
(i) Any condition of acceptability or restrictions on use/relocation.
(24) Within ten calendar days after affixing the evaluation mark, the engineer must submit a copy of the evaluation report to:
(a) The department's chief electrical inspector submitted electronically in a format approved by the department;
(b) Local electrical inspection office submitted electronically in a format approved by the department; and
(c) Client submitted in any format acceptable to the client and engineer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 08-24-048, § 296-46B-997, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-997, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06.]