PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Effective Date of Rule: March 1, 2013.
Purpose: The department reviewed the electrical rules for additions and revisions to ensure the rules are consistent with the national consensus standards and industry practice. This rule making will:
| • | Adopt the 2014 national electrical consensus standards - such as the National Electrical Code and current versions of the National Electrical Safety Code, national telecommunications standards and formalize policy changes that are supported by the industry - so that Washington is current with other states. |
| • | Adopt proposals evaluated by the department on the rule-making moratorium's exemption requirements and determined to be required by legislation and beneficial to or requested and supported by the regulated entities or small businesses they affect. |
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-46B-010 General. Adopted standards, 296-46B-100 General definitions, 296-46B-110 General -- Requirements for electrical installations, 296-46B-210 Wiring and protection -- Branch circuits, 296-46B-215 Wiring and protection -- Feeders, 296-46B-220 Wiring and protection -- Branch circuit, feeder, and service calculations, 296-46B-225 Wiring and protection -- Outside branch circuits and feeders, 296-46B-230 Wiring and protection -- Services, 296-46B-240 Overcurrent protection, 296-46B-250 Wiring and protection -- Grounding and bonding, 296-46B-300 Wiring methods and materials -- Wiring methods, 296-46B-410 Equipment for general use -- Luminaires, 296-46B-445 Wind driven generator equipment, 296-46B-450 Equipment for general use -- Transformers and transformer vaults, 296-46B-513 Special occupancies -- Aircraft hangers, 296-46B-550 Special occupancies -- Mobile homes, manufactured homes and mobile home parks, 296-46B-555 Special occupancies -- Marinas and boatyards, 296-46B-600 Special equipment -- Electric signs and outline lighting, 296-46B-680 Special equipment -- Swimming pools, fountains and similar installations, 296-46B-690 Solar photovoltaic systems, 296-46B-800 Communications systems -- Communications circuits, 296-46B-900 Electrical plan review. Classification or definition of occupancies, 296-46B-901 General -- Electrical work permits and fees, 296-46B-903 Equipment standards, 296-46B-906 Inspection 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, copy, and miscellaneous fees, 296-46B-915 Civil penalty schedule, 296-46B-920 Electrical/telecommunications license/certificate types and scope of work, 296-46B-925 Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license. General, 296-46B-930 Assignment -- Administrator or master electrician, 296-46B-935 Administrator certificate. General, 296-46B-940 Electrician/training/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. General, 296-46B-970 Continuing education and classroom education requirements, 296-46B-971 Training schools, 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. General, 296-46B-995 Electrical board -- Appeal rights and hearings. General, 296-46B-997 Engineer approval, and 296-46B-999 Electrical testing laboratory requirements. General; and new sections WAC 296-46B-336 Power and control tray cable -- Type TC, 296-46B-406 Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs, 296-46B-424 Fixed electrical space heating equipment, and 296-46B-942 Training certificate required; and repealing WAC 296-46B-520 Special occupancies -- Theaters, motion picture and television studios, performance areas and similar areas and 296-46B-965 Training certificate required.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.28 RCW.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 12-21-103 on October 23, 2012.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Based upon comments during the public hearing process, the department withdrew the proposed definition for "telecommunications."
A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Sally Elliott, P.O. Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400, phone (360) 902-6411, fax (360) 902-5292, e-mail sally.elliott@lni.wa.gov.
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 4, Amended 43, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 4, Amended 43, Repealed 2.
Date Adopted: January 22, 2013.
Joel Sacks
Director
OTS-5030.5
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-24-048, filed 11/25/08,
effective 12/31/08)
WAC 296-46B-010
General.
Adopted standards.
(1) The 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70 - 2008) including Annex A, B, and C; ((the 2007
edition of standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps
for Fire Protection (NFPA 20 - 2007); the 2005 edition of
standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110 - 2005);)) Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling
Standard (((ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.1- June 2002 including Annex 1
through 5)) ANSI/TIA-568-C series, February 2009); Commercial
Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathway and Spaces
(((ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A-7 December 2001 including Annex 1
through 4)) TIA-569-B, October 2004); Commercial Building
Grounding and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications
(((ANSI/TIA/EIA 607 - A - 2002)) ANSI-TIA-607-B, August 2011);
Residential Telecommunications Cable Standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA
570-B-2004); ((American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance
of Way Association - 2005 Communications and Signal Manual;))
and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC C2-2007
excluding Appendixes A and B) are hereby adopted by reference
as part of this chapter. ((Other codes, manuals, and
reference works referred to in this chapter are available for
inspection and review in the Olympia office of the electrical
section of the department during business hours.
The requirements of)) On July 1, 2014, the 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70-2014) including Annex A, B, and C is hereby adopted by reference as part of this chapter and replaces the 2008 edition.
This chapter will be ((observed)) followed where there is
any conflict between this chapter and the ((National
Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20),
the Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110),
ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B, ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607,
ANSI/TIA/EIA 570, or the NESC C2-2007)) above adopted
standards.
The National Electrical Code will be followed where there
is any conflict between ((standard for Installation of
Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection (NFPA 20), standard for
Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110))) the National
Electrical Code and, ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-((B))C, ANSI/TIA/EIA
569-((A))B, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607-B, ANSI/TIA/EIA 570-B, or the
NESC C2 ((and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70))).
Inspections - General.
(2) Electrical inspectors will give information as to the interpretation or application of the standards in this chapter, but will not lay out work or act as consultants for contractors, owners, or users.
(3) A variance from the electrical installation requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter may be granted by the department or the city that has electrical inspection jurisdiction when it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.
(a) Any electrical permit holder may request a variance.
(b) The permit holder must make the request in writing, using a form provided by the department, to the chief electrical inspector or to the city that has electrical inspection jurisdiction. The request must include:
(i) A description of the installation as installed or proposed;
(ii) A detailed list of the applicable code violations;
(iii) A detailed list of safety violations;
(iv) A description of the proposal for meeting equivalent objectives for code and/or safety violations; and
(v) Appropriate variance application fee as listed in chapter 296-46B WAC, Part C.
(4) Electrical wiring or equipment subject to this chapter must be sufficiently accessible, at the time of inspection, to allow the inspector to visually inspect the installation to verify conformance with the NEC and any other electrical requirements of this chapter.
(5) ((Cables or raceways, fished according to the NEC, do
not require visual inspection.
(6))) All required equipment grounding conductors installed in concealed cable or flexible conduit systems must be completely installed and made up at the time of the rough-in cover inspection.
(((7))) (6) The installation of all structural elements
and mechanical systems (e.g., framing, plumbing, ducting,
etc.) must be complete in the area(s) where electrical
inspection is requested. Prior to completion of an exterior
wall cover inspection, either:
(a) The exterior shear panel/sheathing nail inspection must be completed by the building code inspector; or
(b) All wiring and device boxes must be a minimum of 63 mm (2 1/2") from the exterior surface of the framing member; or
(c) All wiring and device boxes must be protected by a steel plate a minimum of 1.6 mm (1/16") thick and of appropriate width and height installed to cover the area of the wiring or box.
(((8))) (7) In order to meet the minimum electrical
safety standards for installations, all materials, devices,
appliances, and equipment, not exempted in chapter 19.28 RCW,
must conform to applicable electrical product standards
recognized by the department, be listed, or field evaluated.
For any equipment that requires an amusement operating permit
under chapter 67.42 RCW, the operating permit is prima facie
evidence of an appropriate standard. Other than as authorized
by the chief electrical inspector or a city authorized to do
electrical inspection, equipment must not be energized until
such standards are met.
(((9))) (8) The state department of transportation is
recognized as the inspection authority for telecommunications
systems installations within the rights of way of state
highways provided the department of transportation maintains
and enforces an equal, higher or better standard of
construction, and of materials, devices, appliances, and
equipment than is required for telecommunications systems
installations by chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
Inspection move on buildings and structures.
(((10))) (9) All buildings or structures relocated into
or within the state:
(a) Other than residential, wired inside the United States (U.S.) must be inspected to ensure compliance with current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department.
(b) Wired outside the U.S. or Canada must be inspected to ensure compliance with all current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department.
(((11))) (10) Residential buildings or structures wired
in the U.S., to NEC requirements, and moved into or within a
county, city, or town must be inspected to ensure compliance
with the NEC requirements in effect at the time and place the
original wiring was made. The building or structure must be
inspected to ensure compliance with all current requirements
of chapter 19.28 RCW and the rules developed by the department
if:
(a) The original occupancy classification of the building or structure is changed as a result of the move; or
(b) The building or structure has been substantially remodeled or rehabilitated as a result of the move.
(((12))) (11) Residential buildings or structures wired
in Canada to Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) standards and
moved into or within a county, city, or town, must be
inspected to ensure compliance with the following minimum
safety requirements:
(a) Service, service grounding, and service bonding must comply with the current chapter 19.28 RCW and rules adopted by the department.
(b) Canadian Standards Association (CSA) listed Type NMD cable is allowed with the following qualifications:
(i) CSA listed Type NMD cable, American Wire Gauge #10 and smaller installed after 1964 utilizing an equipment grounding conductor smaller than the phase conductors, must be:
(A) Replaced with a cable utilizing a full-size equipment grounding conductor; or
(B) Protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device.
(ii) CSA listed Type NMD cable, #8 AWG and larger, must:
(A) Utilize an equipment grounding conductor sized according to the requirements of the NEC in effect at the time of the installation;
(B) Be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device; or
(C) Be replaced.
(c) Other types of wiring and cable must be:
(i) Replaced with wiring listed or field evaluated in accordance with U.S. standards by a laboratory approved by the department; or
(ii) Protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter protection device and arc fault circuit protection device.
(d) Equipment, other than wiring or panelboards, manufactured and installed prior to 1997 must be listed and identified by laboratory labels approved by the department or CSA labels.
(e) All panelboards must be listed and identified by testing laboratory labels approved by the department with the following qualifications:
(i) CSA listed panelboards labeled "suitable for use as service equipment" will be considered to be approved as "suitable for use only as service equipment."
(ii) CSA listed panelboards used as panelboards as described in the NEC, must meet all current requirements of the NEC and this chapter.
(f) Any wiring or panelboards replaced or changed as a result of the move must meet current requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
(g) The location, type, and ground fault circuit interrupter protection of receptacles and equipment in a bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, or outdoor area must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(h) 4, 15-ampere, kitchen small appliance circuits will be accepted in lieu of 2, 20-ampere, kitchen small appliance circuits. Receptacles will not be required to be added on kitchen peninsular or island counters.
(i) Spacing requirements for all other receptacles must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(j) Receptacles installed above baseboard or fixed wall space heaters must be removed and the outlet box covered with a blank cover. The receptacle is required to be relocated as closely as possible to the existing location.
(k) Lighting outlet and switch locations must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
(l) Dedicated 20-ampere small appliance circuits are not required in dining rooms.
(m) Electric water heater branch circuits must be adequate for the load.
(n) The location, type, and circuit protection of feeders must meet the Washington requirements in effect at the time the wiring was installed.
Wiring methods for designated building occupancies.
(((13))) (12) Wiring methods((, equipment, and devices
for health or personal care,)) in places of assembly located
within educational ((and)) or institutional facilities as
defined or classified in this chapter ((and for places of
assembly for one hundred or more persons)) must ((comply with
Tables 010-1 and 010-2 of this chapter and the notes thereto.
The local building authority will determine the occupant load
of places of assembly)) be wired in metallic or nonmetallic
raceways, MI, MC, or AC cable. Assisted living facility
generator systems may be wired and installed per NEC 517.
(13) Lawfully installed existing electrical installations that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter and remain in compliance with the code at the time of the installation, will be permitted to be continued without change (i.e., without circuitry or occupancy change). Additions, alterations, modifications, or repairs to the electrical system must conform to the current requirements of this chapter.
(14) Listed tamper-resistant receptacles are required in all licensed day care centers, all licensed children group care facilities, and psychiatric patient care facilities where accessible to children five years of age and under. Listed tamper-resistant receptacles are required in psychiatric patient care facilities where accessible to psychiatric patients over five years of age and the public access areas in medical facilities.
| (( |
(15) The department or city authorized to do electrical inspections will perform the electrical inspection and acceptance of traffic management systems within its jurisdiction. A traffic management system includes:
(a) Traffic illumination systems;
(b) Traffic signal systems;
(c) Traffic monitoring systems;
(d) The electrical service cabinet and all related components and equipment installed on the load side of the service cabinet supplying electrical power to the traffic management system; and
(e) Signalization system(s) necessary for the operation of a light rail system.
A traffic management system can provide signalization for controlling vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, or rolling stock.
(16) The department or city authorized to do electrical inspections recognizes that traffic signal conductors, pole and bracket cables, signal displays, traffic signal controllers/cabinets and associated components used in traffic management systems are acceptable for the purpose of meeting the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW provided they conform with the following standards or are listed on the Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) qualified products list.
(a) WSDOT/APWA standard specifications and plans;
(b) WSDOT Design Manual;
(c) International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA);
(d) National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA);
(e) Federal Standards 170/Controller Cabinets;
(f) Manual for Uniform Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction;
(g) Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE); or
(h) Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
(17) Associated induction detection loop or similar circuits will be accepted by the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections without inspection.
(18) For the licensing requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW, jurisdictions will be considered owners of traffic management systems when doing electrical work for another jurisdiction(s) under a valid interlocal agreement, as permitted by chapter 39.34 RCW. Interlocal agreements for traffic management systems must be filed with the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections prior to work being performed for this provision to apply.
(19) Jurisdictions, with an established electrical inspection authority, and WSDOT may perform electrical inspection on their rights of way for each other by interlocal agreement. They may not perform electrical inspection on other rights of way except as allowed in chapter 19.28 or 39.34 RCW.
(20) Underground installations.
(a) In other than open trenching, raceways will be considered "fished" according to the NEC and do not require visual inspection.
(b) The department or city authorized to do electrical inspections will conduct inspections in open trenching within its jurisdiction. The electrical work permit purchaser must coordinate the electrical inspection. A written request (e.g., letter, e-mail, fax, etc.) for inspection, made to the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections office having the responsibility to perform the inspection, must be made a minimum of two working days prior to the day inspection is needed (e.g., two working days 10:00 a.m. Tuesday request for a 10:00 a.m. Thursday inspection, excluding holidays and weekends).
If, after proper written request, the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections fails to make an electrical inspection at the time requested, underground conduit may be covered after inspection by the local government jurisdiction's project inspector/designee. Written documentation of a local government jurisdiction inspection must be provided to the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections when requested. Written documentation will include:
(i) Date and time of inspection;
(ii) Location;
(iii) Installing firm;
(iv) Owner;
(v) Type of conduit;
(vi) Size of conduit;
(vii) Depth of conduit; and
(viii) Project inspector/designee name and contact information.
(21) Identification of traffic management system components. Local government jurisdictions or WSDOT may act as the certifying authority for the safety evaluation of all components.
(a) An electrical service cabinet must contain only listed components. The electrical service cabinet enclosure is not required to be listed but will conform to the standards in subsection (22) of this section.
(b) The local government jurisdiction must identify, as acceptable, the controller cabinet or system component(s) with an identification plate. The identification plate must be located inside the cabinet and may be attached with adhesive.
(22) Conductors of different circuits in same cable, enclosure, or raceway. All traffic management system circuits will be permitted to occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway without regard to voltage characteristics, provided all conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage of any conductor in the cable, enclosure, or raceway.
[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-010, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-010, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-010, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-010, 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-010, 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-010, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(((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)) will 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 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)) must 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. An
installation is not the passive testing or operational
programming of an electrical system, component, equipment, or
wire. See "passive testing."
(((38))) An "identification plate" is suitable for the
environment and is a printed or etched adhesive label approved
by the department or 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, permanent adhesive, or methods specifically
described in this chapter must be used to affix an
identification plate to the equipment or enclosure.
(((39))) "Job site" means a specific worksite having a
single address or specific physical location (e.g., a single
family residence, a building, a structure, a marina, and
individual apartment building with a specific address, etc.).
"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 the same overcurrent
protection requirements and 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))) "Member of the firm" means the member(s) on file
with the department of licensing for sole
proprietorships/partnerships or with the secretary of state
for corporations.
"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 C.F.R. 1910.7.
(((54))) "Passive testing" (e.g., pressing of test
buttons, use of testing equipment like voltage testers,
clamp-on meters, removal of a device head where the wiring is
terminated on a separate base plate, etc.) means testing that
does not require any:
(a) Physical modification to the electrical system wiring; or
(b) Wiring to be disconnected or terminated, except as necessary for an approved electrical testing laboratory or approved engineer performing an equipment evaluation.
"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 (e.g., legibly marked, legible
warning notice, marked, field marked, permanent
plaque/directory, etc.) 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))) "Supervision" for the purpose of supervising
electrical trainees, means that the appropriately certified
supervising electrician is on the same job site as the trainee
being supervised. The trainee is not considered to be on the
same job site if the supervising electrician and the trainee
are working:
(a) In separate buildings at a single address (e.g., a campus, multibuilding industrial complex, multibuilding apartment complex, etc.) except for a single-family residence; or
(b) On an outdoor project (e.g., irrigation system, farm, street lighting, traffic signalization, etc.) where the trainee is more than one thousand feet from the supervising electrician or where the trainee is more than two hundred feet from the supervising electrician and out of sight.
"System design review" means a set of design documents that include the manufacturer's installation information, a legible one-line diagram of the system design, and calculations used to determine voltage and current within the system. The one-line diagram must show the system equipment, devices, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing, grounding, ground fault protection if required, and any system interconnection points. The review must be available to the inspector during all inspections.
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 WAC((s)) 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-100, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
003 Examination, identification, installation, and use of equipment.
(1) Listed electrical conduit can only be installed and used in accordance with its listing (i.e., as an electrical raceway for electrical conductors). If used as a sleeve for electrical conductors or other listed electrical conduits, the installation of a listed electrical conduit will be assumed to be for use as an electrical raceway and must be installed as allowed by chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter (e.g., owner exemption, electrical contractor, etc.).
011 Deteriorating agents.
(2) Electrical equipment and wiring that has been submerged or exposed to water must comply with the following:
(a) All breakers, fuses, controllers, receptacles, lighting switches/dimmers, electric heaters, and any sealed device/equipment (e.g., relays, contactors, etc.) must be replaced.
(b) All other electrical equipment (e.g., wiring, breaker panelboards, disconnect switches, switchgear, motor control centers, boiler controls, HVAC/R equipment, electric motors, transformers, appliances, water heaters, and similar appliances) must be replaced or reconditioned by the original manufacturer or by its approved representative.
016 Flash protection.
(3) The flash protection marking required by NEC 110.16
must be an identification plate ((or label approved by the
electrical inspector and may be installed either in the field
or in the factory. The plate or label may be mounted using
adhesive)).
022 Identification of disconnecting means.
(4) For the purposes of legibly marking a disconnecting
means, as required in NEC 110.22, an identification plate is
required unless the disconnect is a circuit breaker/fused
switch installed within a panelboard and the circuit
breaker/fused switch is identified by a panelboard schedule. In other than dwelling units, the identification plate must
include the identification designation of the circuit source
panelboard that supplies the ((disconnect)) disconnecting
means.
030 Over 600 volts - general.
(5) Each cable operating at over 600 volts and installed on customer-owned systems must be legibly marked in a permanent manner at each termination point and at each point the cable is accessible. The required marking must use phase designation, operating voltage, and circuit number if applicable.
[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-110, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-110, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-110, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-22-025, § 296-46B-110, filed 10/25/05, effective 11/25/05; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-110, 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-110, 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-110, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(1) In a garage or unfinished basement, a red receptacle, with a red cover plate, supplying a fire alarm system is not required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection. The receptacle must be identified for use only with the fire alarm system by an identification plate or engraved cover with letters at least 1/4" high.
008(B) Other than dwelling units - GFCI requirements.
(2) GFCI requirements.
(a) For the purposes of NEC 210.8(B), kitchen means any area where utensils, dishes, etc., are cleaned or where food or beverages are prepared or cooked.
(b) All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in wet locations must have Class A ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.
011 Branch circuits.
(3) A raceway system or one dedicated 15-ampere minimum, 120 volt circuit must be taken to all unfinished space areas adaptable to future dwelling unit living areas that are not readily accessible to the service or branch circuit panelboard. One circuit or raceway is required for each 480 square feet or less of unfinished space area. If the total adjacent unfinished space area is less than 480 square feet, the circuit can be an extension of an existing circuit. The circuits must terminate in a suitable box(es). The box must contain an identification of the intended purpose of the circuit(s). The branch circuit panelboard must have adequate space and capacity for the intended load(s).
012 Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
(4) NEC 210.12(B) is amended to require AFCI protection only for dwelling unit bedroom spaces.
(a) Dwelling unit bedroom spaces include spaces that:
(i) Are used as the bedroom;
(ii) Are accessed only through the bedroom;
(iii) Are ancillary to the bedroom's function (e.g., closets, sitting areas, etc.);
(iv) Contain branch circuits that supply 125-volt, 15-and 20-ampere, outlets; and
(v) Are not bathrooms.
(b) If a new circuit(s) is added in an existing dwelling unit bedroom, an existing outlet(s) that is not connected to the new circuit(s) does not require arc-fault circuit interrupter protection if the outlet(s) was installed before December 1, 2005.
(c) If an existing circuit, installed before December 1, 2005, is extended, arc-fault circuit interrupter protection is not required.
(d) Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection is not required to be used for smoke or fire alarm outlets.
025 Common area branch circuits.
(5) For the purpose of NEC 210.25, loads for septic or water well systems that are shared by no more than two dwelling units may be supplied from either of the two dwelling units if approved by the local building official and local health department.
052(A)(2) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets.
(6) For the purpose of NEC 210.52 (A)(2)(1), "similar openings" include the following configurations that are a permanent part of the dwelling configuration or finish:
(a) Window seating; and
(b) Bookcases or cabinets that extend from the floor to a level at least 1.7 meters (five (5) feet six (6) inches) above the floor.
Any outlets eliminated by such window seating, bookcases, or cabinets must be installed elsewhere within the room.
052(E)(3) Outdoor outlets.
(7) For the purposes of NEC 210.52 (E)(3), the exception will read: Balconies, decks, or porches with an area of less than 1.86 m2 (20 ft2) are not required to have a receptacle installed.
052(B) Receptacle outlet locations.
(8) Receptacle outlets installed in appliance garages may be counted as a required countertop outlet.
052(C) Countertops.
(9) ((A receptacle(s) is not required to be installed in
the area directly behind a sink or range as shown in NEC
210.52, Figure 210.52 (C)(1). Outlets must be installed
within 24" on either side of a sink or range as shown in
Figure 210.52 (C)(1).
(10))) If it is impracticable to install the outlet(s) required in NEC 210.52 (C)(3), a receptacle is not required on any peninsular counter surface as required by NEC 210.52 (C)(3) so long as the peninsular counter area extends no farther than 6' from the face of the adjoining countertop. Any outlet(s) eliminated using this subsection must be installed in the wall space at the point where the peninsula connects to the wall countertop in addition to the outlets required by NEC 210.52 (C)(1).
[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-210, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-210, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-210, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-210, 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-210, 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-210, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
005 Diagrams of feeders.
(1) Other than plan review projects, the installer must provide a one-line diagram showing the service and feeder details for the project before the initial inspection can be approved for all nondwelling services or feeders:
(a) Larger than 400 amperes; or
(b) Over 600 volts.
The diagram must be signed and dated by the project owner
if the owner is doing the work, ((or)) the assigned
administrator or master electrician if an electrical
contractor is doing the work, or stamped with an engineer's
mark and signature who is registered under chapter 18.43 RCW. The diagram must show:
(c) All services including: Wire size(s), wire type(s), service size(s) (e.g., voltage, phase, ampacity), overcurrent protection, available symmetrical fault current at the service point, equipment short-circuit rating, total load before and after demand factors have been applied including any demand factors used, and a panel schedule where multiple disconnecting devices are present; and
(d) All feeders including: Wire size(s), wire type(s), feeder size(s) (e.g., voltage, phase, ampacity), overcurrent protection, total calculated load before and after demand factors have been applied including any demand factors used, and a panel schedule(s) where multiple disconnecting devices are present.
If the installer deviates, in any way, from the service/feeder design shown on the diagram, a supplemental diagram must be supplied to the inspector showing the most recent design before inspection can proceed. Load reductions and moving branch circuit locations within a panelboard do not require a supplemental diagram. Written documentation must also be provided to the inspector that the supplemental diagram was provided to the project owner at the time of submission to the inspector.
The diagram must be available on the job site during the inspection process.
010 Ground fault protection testing.
(2) Equipment ground fault protection systems required by the NEC must be tested prior to being placed into service to verify proper installation and operation of the system as determined by the manufacturer's published instructions. This test or a subsequent test must include all system feeders unless the installer can demonstrate, in a manner acceptable to the inspector, that there are no grounded conductor connections to the feeder(s). A firm having qualified personnel and proper equipment must perform the tests required. A copy of the manufacturer's performance testing instructions and a written performance acceptance test record signed by the person performing the test must be provided for the inspector's records at the time of inspection. The performance acceptance test record must include test details including, but not limited to, all trip settings and measurements taken during the test.
[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-215, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08. 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-215, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
((003 Branch circuit calculations.
Occupancy lighting loads.)) 012 Lighting load calculations.
In determining feeder and service entrance conductor sizes and equipment ratings, the currently adopted Washington state energy code unit lighting power allowance table and footnotes may be used in lieu of NEC 220.12.
[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, and 19.28.551. 05-10-024, § 296-46B-220, 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-220, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
030 Number of supplies.
(1) For the purposes of NEC 225.30(A) and this section,
((if a property has only)) a ((single)) building/structure
that is supplied from a remote service, ((the building)) may
be supplied by no more than ((two)) six feeders originating
from the service equipment and with each feeder terminating in
a single disconnecting means at the building/structure. The
service equipment must contain overcurrent protection
appropriate to each feeder. The building disconnecting means
required by NEC 225.32 must be ((located)) grouped, within
sight, and all be within ((5)) 10' of each other.
032 Location of outside feeder disconnecting means.
(2) The ((building)) disconnecting means required by NEC
225.32 must be provided to disconnect all ungrounded
conductors that supply or pass through a building
((or))/structure ((per)) in accordance with the requirements
of NEC 225.32 (((except for Exceptions 1, 2, 3, or 4) in
accordance with (a) or (b) of this subsection)) with the
following exceptions.
(a) Outside location: ((Except for an outdoor generator
set described in a NEC 700, 701, or 702 system, where the)) A
feeder disconnecting means, including that required by NEC
700, 701, or 702 for a generator, is considered in the
building if installed on the outside ((a)) of the building
((or))/structure((, it must be on the building or structure))
or within sight and within fifteen feet of the building
((or))/structure ((supplied)). The building disconnecting
means may supply only one building/structure unless the
secondary building(s)/structure(s) has a separate building
disconnecting means meeting the requirements of the NEC and
this subsection. The disconnecting means must have an
identification plate with at least one-half-inch high letters
identifying:
(i) The building/structure served; and
(ii) Its function as the building/structure main disconnect(s).
(b) Inside location: The feeder disconnecting means may be installed anywhere inside a building or structure when there is a feeder disconnecting means, located elsewhere on the premises, with overcurrent protection sized for the feeder conductors.
(3) A generator disconnecting means installed per subsection (2)(a) or (b) of this section, is not required to be suitable for use as service 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-225, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-225, 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, and chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-225, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
001 General service requirements.
(1) The owner, the owner's agent, or the electrical contractor making the installation must consult the serving utility regarding the utility's service entrance requirements for equipment location and meter equipment requirements before installing the service and equipment. Provisions for a meter and related equipment, an attachment of a service drop, or an underground service lateral must be made at a location acceptable to the serving utility. The point of contact for a service drop must permit the clearances required by the NEC.
(2) A firewall must have a minimum two-hour rating as defined by the local building official to be considered a building separation in accordance with Article 100 NEC.
(3) The height of the center of the service meter must be as required by the serving utility. Secondary instrument transformer metering conductor(s) are not permitted in the service raceway.
028 Service or other masts.
(4) Conduit extended through the roof to provide means of attaching:
(a) All overhead drops for service, feeder, or branch circuits exceeding #1 AWG aluminum or #3 AWG copper must be rigid steel galvanized conduit no smaller than two inches.
(b) All overhead drops for service, feeder or branch circuits not exceeding #1 AWG aluminum or #3 AWG copper must be rigid steel galvanized conduit no smaller than one and one-quarter inch. The installation must comply with drawings E-101 and/or E-102, or must provide equivalent strength by other approved means. Masts for altered or relocated installations will be permitted to comply with drawing E-103.
(c) For the purposes of NEC 225.19 and 230.24, a residential patio cover, that is not over one story and not over twelve feet in height and is used only for recreation or outdoor living purposes and not as a carport, garage, storage room or habitable room as described in Appendix Chapter 1 in the IBC and Appendix Chapter H in the IRC, is not considered a roof. Overhead conductor spans must maintain a minimum 900 mm (36") clearance above these covers.
|
 |
 |
| Notes to drawings E-101, E-102, and E-103 | |
| (1) An approved roof flashing must be installed on each mast where it passes through a roof. Plastic, nonhardening mastic must be placed between lead-type flashings and the conduit. Neoprene type flashings will also be permitted to be used. | |
| (2) Masts must be braced, secured, and supported in such a manner that no pressure from the attached conductors will be exerted on a roof flashing, meter base, or other enclosures. | |
| (3) Utilization of couplings for a mast is permitted only below the point the mast is braced, secured, or supported. There must be a minimum of two means of support above any couplings used. A properly installed cable or stiff leg type support qualifies as one of the two required means of support. | |
| (4) Except as otherwise required by the serving utility, service mast support guys must be installed if the service drop attaches to the mast more than twenty-four inches above the roof line or if the service drop is greater than one hundred feet in length from the pole or support. Masts for support of other than service drops must comply with this requirement as well. | |
| (5) Intermediate support masts must be installed in an approved manner with methods identical or equal to those required for service masts. | |
| (6) For altered services, where it is impractical to install U bolt mast supports due to interior walls remaining closed, it will be permissible to use other alternate mast support methods such as heavy gauge, galvanized, electrical channel material that is secured to two or more wooden studs with five-sixteenths inch diameter or larger galvanized lag bolts. | |
| (7) Conductors must extend at least eighteen inches from all mastheads to permit connection to the connecting overhead wiring. |
(5) Two-family and multiple-occupancy buildings. A second or additional service drop or lateral to a building having more than one occupancy will be permitted to be installed at a location separate from other service drops or laterals to the building provided that all the following conditions are complied with:
(a) Each service drop or lateral must be sized in accordance with the NEC for the calculated load to be served by the conductors;
(b) Each service drop or lateral must terminate in listed metering/service equipment;
(c) Each occupant must have access to the occupant's service disconnecting means;
(d) No more than six service disconnects may be supplied from a single transformer;
(e) All service drops or laterals supplying a building must originate at the same transformer or power supply;
(f) A permanent identification plate must be placed at each service disconnect location that identifies all other service disconnect locations in or on the building, the area or units served by each, the total number of service disconnecting means on the building/structure and the area or units served. If a structure consists of multiple buildings (i.e., by virtue of fire separation), all service disconnects in or on the entire structure must be labeled to identify all service disconnects in or on the structure; and
(g) A permanent identification plate must be placed at each feeder disconnecting means identifying the area or units served if the feeder disconnecting means is remote from the area or unit served.
042 Service conductor - Size and rating.
(6) If the service conductors have a lesser ampacity than the overcurrent protection, permitted by NEC 230.90 or NEC 310.15, or the equipment rating that they terminate in or on, an identification plate showing the ampacity of the conductors must be installed on the service equipment.
043 Wiring methods for 600 volts, nominal or less.
(7) The installation of service conductors not exceeding 600 volts, nominal, within a building or structure is limited to the following methods: Galvanized or aluminum rigid metal conduit; galvanized intermediate metal conduit; wireways; busways; auxiliary gutters; minimum schedule 40 rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit; cablebus; or mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (type MI).
(8) Electrical metallic tubing must not be installed as the wiring method for service entrance conductors inside a building. Existing electrical metallic tubing, installed prior to October 1984, which is properly grounded and used for service entrance conductors may be permitted to remain if the conduit is installed in a nonaccessible location and is the proper size for the installed conductors.
(9) In addition to methods allowed in the NEC, the grounded service conductor is permitted to be identified with a yellow jacket or with one or more yellow stripes.
070 Service equipment - Disconnecting means.
(10) In addition to the requirements of NEC 230.70(A), service equipment, subpanels, and similar electrical equipment must be installed so that they are readily accessible and may not be installed in clothes closets, toilet rooms, or shower rooms. All indoor service equipment and subpanel equipment must have adequate working space and be adequately illuminated.
(11) The service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location in accordance with (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(a) Outside location: Service disconnecting means will be permitted on the building or structure or within sight and within fifteen feet of the building or structure served. The building disconnecting means may supply only one building/structure. The service disconnecting means must have an identification plate with one-half-inch high letters identifying:
(i) The building/structure served; and
(ii) Its function as the building/structure main service disconnect(s).
(b) Inside location: When the service disconnecting means is installed inside the building or structure, it must be located so that the service raceway extends no more than fifteen feet inside the building/structure.
095 Ground-fault protection of equipment.
(12) Equipment ground-fault protection systems required by the NEC must be tested prior to being placed into service to verify proper installation and operation of the system as determined by the manufacturer's published instructions. This test or a subsequent test must include all service voltage feeders unless the installer can demonstrate, in a manner acceptable to the department, that there are no grounded conductor connections to the feeder(s). A firm having qualified personnel and proper equipment must perform the tests required. A copy of the manufacturer's performance testing instructions and a written performance acceptance test record signed by the person performing the test must be provided for the inspector's records at the time of inspection. The performance acceptance test record must include test details including, but not limited to, all trip settings and measurements taken during the test.
200 Wiring methods exceeding 600 volts.
(13) The installation of service conductors exceeding 600 volts, nominal, within a building or structure must be limited to the following methods: Galvanized rigid metal conduit, galvanized intermediate metal conduit, schedule 80 polyvinyl chloride conduit, metal-clad cable that is exposed for its entire length, cablebus, or busways.
(14) In addition to methods allowed in the NEC, the grounded service conductor is permitted to be identified with a yellow jacket or with one or more yellow stripes.
[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-230, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-230, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-230, 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-230, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
024(F) Not located over steps.
If the overcurrent device is a part of a panelboard that
is being repaired or replaced in an existing location, the
installation is allowed to be made above the ((stairs)) steps.
[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-240, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
028 (D)(3) Separately derived system with more than one enclosure.
(1) NEC 250.28 (D)(3) is amended to read: Where a separately derived system supplies more than a single enclosure, the system bonding jumper for each enclosure shall be sized in accordance with 250.28 (D)(1) based on the largest ungrounded feeder/tap conductor serving that enclosure, or a single system bonding jumper shall be installed at the source and sized in accordance with 250.28 (D)(1) based on the equivalent size of the largest supply conductor determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set.
052 Grounding electrodes.
(2) ((If a concrete encased)) Except for
mobile/manufactured homes, a concrete encased grounding
electrode must be installed and used at each new building or
structure that is built upon a permanent concrete foundation.
If the concrete encased grounding electrode is not available
for connections, a ground ring must be installed per NEC 250.
The electrode must comply, with NEC 250.52 (A)(3). Inspection
of the electrode ((is installed)), ((inspection)) may be
accomplished by the following methods:
(a) At the time of inspection of other work on the project, providing the concrete encased electrode is accessible for a visual inspection;
(b) At the time of the service inspection providing the installer has provided a method so the inspector can verify the continuity of the electrode conductor along its entire length (e.g., attaching a length of copper wire to one end of the electrode that reaches the location of the grounding electrode conductor that will enable the inspector to measure the resistance with a standard resistance tester). The concrete encased electrode does not have to be accessible for a visual inspection; or
(c) Other method when prior approval, on a job site basis, is given by the inspector.
If a special inspection trip is required to inspect a grounding electrode conductor, a trip fee will be charged for that inspection in addition to the normal permit fee.
056 Resistance of rod, pipe, and plate electrodes.
(3) For rod, pipe and plate electrodes, if a ground resistance test is not performed to ensure a resistance to ground of twenty-five ohms or less, two or more electrodes as specified in NEC 250.52 must be installed a minimum of six feet apart. A temporary construction service is not required to have more than one made electrode.
(4) For services only, when multiple buildings or structures are located adjacent, but structurally separate from each other, any installed rod, pipe, or plate electrodes used for those services must be installed so that each building's or structure's electrodes are not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) apart from the adjacent building's or structure's electrodes.
068 Accessibility.
(5) The termination point of a grounding electrode conductor tap to the grounding electrode conductor must be accessible unless the connection is made using an exothermic or irreversible compression connection.
090 Bonding.
(6) Metallic stubs or valves used in nonmetallic plumbing systems are not required to be bonded to the electrical system unless required by an electrical equipment manufacturer's instructions.
(7) Hot and cold water plumbing lines are not required to be bonded together if, at the time of inspection, the inspector can determine the lines are mechanically and electrically joined by one or more metallic mixing valves.
094 Bonding for other systems.
(8) NEC 250.94 is not adopted.
(9) An accessible means external to enclosures for connecting intersystem bonding and grounding electrode conductors must be provided at the service equipment and at the disconnecting means for any additional buildings or structures by at least one of the following means:
(a) Exposed nonflexible metallic raceways;
(b) Exposed grounding electrode conductor or electrode;
(c) Approved means for the external connection of a copper or other corrosion-resistant bonding or grounding conductor to the grounded raceway or equipment.
104(B) Bonding - Other metal piping.
(10) For flexible metal gas piping, installed new or extended from an existing rigid metal piping system, either:
(a) Provide a copy of the manufacturer's bonding instructions to the inspector at the time of inspection and follow those instructions; or
(b) The bonding conductor for the gas system must:
(i) Be a minimum 6 AWG copper; and
(ii) Terminate at:
(A) An accessible location at the gas meter end of the gas piping system on either a solid iron gas pipe or a cast flexible gas piping fitting using a listed grounding connector; and
(B) Either the service equipment enclosure, service grounding electrode conductor or electrode, or neutral conductor bus in the service enclosure.
184 Solidly grounded neutral systems over 1 kV.
(11) In addition to the requirements of NEC 250.184(A), the following applies for:
(a) Existing installations.
(i) The use of a concentric shield will be allowed for use as a neutral conductor for extension, replacement, or repair, if all of the following are complied with:
(A) The existing system uses the concentric shield as a neutral conductor;
(B) Each individual conductor contains a separate concentric shield sized to no less than thirty-three and one-half percent of the ampacity of the phase conductor for three-phase systems or one hundred percent of the ampacity of the phase conductor for single-phase systems;
(C) The new or replacement cable's concentric shield is enclosed inside an outer insulating jacket; and
(D) Existing cable (i.e., existing cable installed directly in the circuit between the work and the circuit's overcurrent device) successfully passes the following tests:
• A cable maintenance high potential dielectric test.
The test must be performed in accordance with the cable
manufacturer's instruction or the ((2001)) 2011 NETA
maintenance test specifications; and
• A resistance test of the cable shield. Resistance must be based on the type, size, and length of the conductor used as the cable shield using the conductor properties described in NEC Table 8 Conductor Properties.
An electrical engineer must provide a specific certification to the electrical plan review supervisor in writing that the test results of the maintenance high potential dielectric test and the resistance test have been reviewed by the electrical engineer and that the cable shield is appropriate for the installation. The electrical engineer must stamp the certification document with the engineer's stamp and signature. The document may be in the form of a letter or electrical plans.
Testing results are valid for a period of seven years from the date of testing. Cable will not be required to be tested at a shorter interval.
(ii) A concentric shield used as a neutral conductor in a multigrounded system fulfills the requirements of an equipment grounding conductor.
(b) New installations.
(i) New installations do not include extensions of existing circuits.
(ii) The use of the concentric shield will not be allowed for use as a neutral conductor for new installations. A listed separate neutral conductor meeting the requirements of NEC 250.184(A) must be installed.
[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-250, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-250, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-250, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-250, 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-250, 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-250, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
((001 Wiring methods.))
(1) Cables and raceways for ((telecommunications,)) power
limited, NEC Class 2 and Class 3 conductors must be installed
in compliance with Chapter 3 NEC unless other methods are
specifically ((allowed or)) required elsewhere in the NEC,
chapter 19.28 RCW, or this chapter.
005 Underground installations.
(2) Induction loops.
See WAC 296-46B-010(17) for induction detection loops that are made in a public roadway and regulated by a governmental agency.
Other induction loops must comply with the following requirements:
(a) General:
(i) A preformed direct burial induction loop is designed to be installed within the road surface base (e.g., concrete or asphalt) or below the road surface of a road with an unpaved surface (e.g., gravel or brick pavers);
(ii) A saw-cut induction detection loop is designed to be installed into a groove saw-cut into an existing paved road surface (e.g., concrete or asphalt);
(iii) The loop system includes the loop and the lead-in conductor;
(iv) The loop system must be:
(A) Tested to assure that at 500 volts DC, the resistance between the conductor and ground equals or exceeds 50 megohms; and
(B) Without splice; or
(C) If spliced, the splice must be soldered and appropriately insulated;
(v) The lead-in conductor must comply with the following:
(A) Must be stranded and have a lay (i.e., twist) of two turns per foot; and
(B) If installed in an electrical raceway;
• Are not required to be listed or suitable for wet locations; and
• Must have a burial cover of at least 6"; or
(C) If direct buried;
• Must be listed for the use; and
• Must have a burial cover of at least 18".
(b) Preformed direct burial induction detection loops must conform with the following:
(i) The loop conductor must be rated for direct burial and be a minimum of No. 16 AWG;
(ii) The loop design must not allow movement of the loop conductor within the outer jacket. The outer jacket containing the loop conductor is not required to be listed;
(iii) The loop yoke casing (i.e., the location where the lead-in conductor is connected to the loop):
(A) Includes any device used to house the "loop to lead-in splice" or to otherwise couple the loop with the lead-in electrical raceway;
(B) Is not required to be listed; and
(C) Must have a coupler that will create a waterproof bond with the electrical raceway, containing the lead-in conductor, or a direct buried lead-in conductor.
(c) Saw-cut induction detection loops:
(i) The loop conductor must be cross-linked polyethylene or EPR Type USE insulation and be a minimum of No. 18 AWG stranded;
(ii) The saw-cut groove must not cut into rebar installed within the roadway.
011 Support of raceways, cables, or boxes in suspended ceilings.
(3) NEC power limited, Class 2, and Class 3 cables must be secured in compliance with NEC 334.30 and must be secured to boxes in compliance with NEC 314.17.
(4) Telecommunications cables must be secured in a manner that will not cause damage to the cables and at intervals not exceeding five feet. Cables are considered adequately supported when run through holes in building structural elements or other supporting elements. Telecommunications cables may be fished into inaccessible hollow spaces of finished buildings. Clamps or fittings are not required where telecommunications cables enter boxes.
(5) Optical fiber cables must be secured in a manner that will not cause damage to the cables and at intervals not exceeding five feet. Cables are considered adequately supported when run through holes in building structural elements or other supporting elements. Optical fiber cables may be fished into inaccessible hollow spaces of finished buildings. Supports must allow a bending radius that will not cause damage to the cables.
(6) Where not restricted by the building code official or Article 300 NEC, the wires required in NEC 300.11(A) may support raceways, cables, or boxes under the following conditions:
(a) Raceways and/or cables are not larger than three-quarter-inch trade size;
(b) No more than two raceways or cables are supported by a support wire. The two-cable limitation does not apply to telecommunications cables, Class 2 cables, or Class 3 cables on support wires installed exclusively for such cables. The support wire must be adequate to carry the cable(s) weight and all attached cables must be secured with approved fittings; or
(c) Raceways and cables are secured to the support wires by fittings designed and manufactured for the purpose.
In addition to (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection, the following conditions must be complied with:
(d) The support wires are minimum #12 AWG and are securely fastened to the structural ceiling and to the ceiling grid system; and
(e) The raceways or cables serve equipment that is located within the ceiling cavity or is mounted on or supported by the ceiling grid system. Telecommunications cables, Class 2 cables, or Class 3 cables supported as required by this section, may pass through ceiling cavities without serving equipment mounted on or supported by the ceiling grid system.
017 Conductors in raceway.
(7) Cables will be permitted in all raceway systems if:
(a) The cable is appropriate for the environment; and
(b) The percentage fill does not exceed that allowed in NEC Chapter 9, Table 1.
[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-300, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-300, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-300, 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-300, 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-300, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
010 Uses permitted.
In addition to the uses allowed in NEC 336.10, Type TC cable may be used in any location allowed for nonmetallic-sheathed cable in NEC 334 if all the installation requirements in NEC 336 and 334 and WAC 296-46B-334 are met.
[]
011 Tamper resistant receptacles in dwelling units.
NEC 406.11 is amended to read: In all areas specified in 210.52, all nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles must be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
| Exception: | Receptacles in the following locations will not be required to be tamper-resistant. |
(2) Receptacles that are a part of a luminaire or appliance;
(3) A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord and plug connected in accordance with 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8);
(4) Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.3(d)(2)(a); or
(5) Receptacles located above a countertop where required by NEC 210.52(C).
[]
010 Luminaires.
(1) All luminaires within an enclosed shower area or within five feet of the waterline of a bathtub must be enclosed, unless specifically listed for such use; these luminaires, with exposed metal parts that are grounded, must be ground fault circuit interrupter protected.
((030)) 062 Flexible cord connection of electric
discharge luminaires.
(2) A ground-type attachment plug cap and receptacle
connection at the source junction box is not required when the
flexible cord complies with NEC ((410.30)) 410.62 and the
following:
(a) Connection to a source junction box must utilize an approved cable connector or clamp;
(b) The maximum length of the cord for a suspended pendant drop from a permanently installed junction box to a suitable tension take-up device above the pendant luminaire must not exceed six feet;
(c) The flexible cord must be supported at each end with an approved cord grip or strain relief connector fitting/device that will eliminate all stress on the conductor connections;
(d) The flexible cord must be a minimum #14 AWG copper;
(e) The flexible cord ampacity must be determined in NEC Table 400.5(A) column A;
(f) The flexible cord must be hard or extra hard usage; and
(g) A vertical flexible cord supplying electric discharge luminaires must be secured to the luminaire support as per NEC 334.30(A).
042 Exposed luminaire (fixture) parts.
(3) Replacement luminaires that are directly wired or attached to boxes supplied by wiring methods that do not provide a ready means for grounding and that have exposed conductive parts will be permitted only where the luminaires are provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection and marked "no equipment ground."
[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-410, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-410, 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-410, 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-410, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
019 Disconnecting means.
In one- and two-family dwelling units, a disconnecting means is required for the indoor units(s) of a split system HVAC/R system, unless the outside unit's disconnecting means is lockable, disconnects the indoor unit and an indoor disconnecting means is not required by the manufacturer.
[]
Installation.
(1) A wind driven generator system design review must be
((submitted)) provided at the time of the first inspection.
((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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-445, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 08-24-048, § 296-46B-445, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
027 Flammable-liquid or oil-filled transformers installed outdoors.
(1) Flammable-liquid or oil-filled transformers installed outdoors must meet the following requirements:
(a) A transformer installed adjacent to a building/structure with any combustible surface may be located only in the shaded "Approved Transformer Area" shown in Figure 450-1;
 |
(b) A transformer installed adjacent to a building/structure with no combustible surface(s) may be located only in the shaded "Approved Transformer Area" shown in Figure 450-2;
 |
(d) A building/structure may have no doors, windows, stairways, or other openings closer than eight feet to the transformer;
(e) The finished grade at the location of the transformer must be such that any oil leaking from the transformer will flow away from the building/structure and will not pool; and
(f) If transformers are installed in areas subject to traffic other than pedestrian traffic, they must be provided with adequate guarding.
(2) Enclosures for total underground flammable-liquid or oil-filled transformers must not be located within eight feet of a doorway, operable window, stairways or fire escape. Adequate space must be maintained above the enclosure so that a boom may be used to lift the transformer from the enclosure.
[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-450, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
001 Scope.
The scope for NEC 513 applies only when the property
containing the building is classified or zoned as an aircraft
((hanger)) hangar by the authority having jurisdiction.
[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-513, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
001 Mobile/manufactured homes - Inspection.
(1) All alterations to the mobile/manufactured home
electrical system must be permitted and inspected ((by the
factory assembled structures section of the department.
Electrical wiring in structures that are attached to the
mobile/manufactured home and for which the source of power is
from the mobile/manufactured home is inspected by the factory
assembled structures section of the department)).
(a) Any circuit or feeder that is fed from the pedestal or panel from an outbuilding feeding the mobile/manufactured home requires a permit from the electrical section.
(b) Any circuit or feeder that originates from the mobile/manufactured home's (i.e., red factory assembled structures label) panel and feeds an addition or equipment that is attached (e.g., garage, heat pump, or air conditioning unit) requires an FAS alteration permit.
(c) Any circuit or feeder that originates in the mobile/manufactured home panel and feeds an unattached structure or equipment (e.g., detached garage, hot tub, pool, well, septic system, yard lighting, or generation equipment, etc.) requires two inspections. An FAS permit is required for the circuit or feeder from the panel and must terminate in a J-box located under the home's exterior wall near the rim joist. A second permit is required from the electrical section for electrical work from the J-box to the equipment or structure.
032 Mobile/manufactured homes - Service.
(2) If an electrical service is installed on the mobile/manufactured home:
(a) It must be installed only by the manufacturer, at the manufacturing plant. The manufacturer must complete the service except for service connections, meter, and grounding electrode conductor; and
(b) The owner or an electrical contractor must complete the service at the site.
033 Mobile/manufactured homes - Feeder.
(3) When the mobile or manufactured home is supplied with power using a permanent wiring method, the equipment grounding conductor will be permitted to be bare. Bare conductors used underground must be copper. For the purposes of this section, portable cord is not considered a permanent wiring method.
[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-550, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
(2) For the purposes of NEC 555.5, transformer terminations must be located a minimum of twelve inches above the deck of a dock (datum plane requirements do not apply for this section).
(3) For the purposes of NEC 555.7, adjacent means within sight.
(4) For the purposes of NEC 555.9, all electrical connections must be installed a minimum of twelve inches above the deck of a pier unless the connections are approved for wet locations (datum plane requirements do not apply for this section).
(5) For the purposes of NEC 555.10, all enclosures must be corrosion resistant. All gasketed enclosures must be arranged with a weep hole to discharge condensation.
(6) For the purposes of NEC 555.11, gasketed enclosures are only required for wet locations.
(7) For the purposes of NEC 555.13, the following wiring methods are allowed:
(a) All wiring installed in a damp or wet location must be suitable for wet locations.
(b) Extra-hard usage portable power cables rated not less than 75°C, 600 volts, listed for wet locations and sunlight resistance and having an outer jacket rated for the environment are permitted. Portable power cables are permitted as a permanent wiring method under or within docks and piers or where provided with physical protection. The requirements of NEC 555.13 (B)(4)(b) do not apply.
(c) Overhead wiring must be installed at the perimeter of areas where boats are moored, stored, moved, or serviced to avoid possible contact with masts and other parts of boats.
(d) For the purposes of NEC 555.13 (B)(5), the wiring methods of Chapter 3 NEC will be permitted.
(8) For the purposes of NEC 555.19, receptacles must be mounted not less than twelve inches above the deck surface of the pier or dock (datum plane requirements do not apply for this section). Shore power receptacles that provide shore power for boats must be rated not less than 20 amperes and must be single outlet type and must be of the locking and grounding type or pin and sleeve type.
(9) For the purposes of NEC 555.21 (B)(1), delete exception No. 1 and No. 2 and replace with:
Dock, pier, or wharf sections that do not support fuel dispensers and may abut a section(s) that supports a fuel dispenser(s) are permitted to be unclassified where documented air space between the sections is provided and where flammable liquids or vapors cannot travel to these sections. See NEC 500.4(A) for documentation requirements.
| (( |
 |
| (( |
 |
[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-555, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-555, 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, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, § 296-46B-555, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
001 Electrical signs - General.
(1) All electrical signs within the scope of UL Standard 48, the electrical sign standard, must be listed. All electrical signs outside the scope of UL Standard 48 will be inspected for compliance with the NEC.
(2) Luminaires in outdoor awnings must be suitable for wet locations and be connected by a wiring method suitable for wet locations.
(3) Fluorescent luminaires must be located at least six inches from the awning fabric. Incandescent lamps or luminaires must be located at least eighteen inches from the awning fabric. A disconnecting means must be installed per Article 600 NEC.
(4) Listed awning signs must be installed in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions and the NEC.
004 Markings.
(5) When neon channel signs are retrofitted from neon to an LED light source, a licensed electrical contractor may make the retrofit with the channel(s) in place so long as all the retrofit components are listed and the manufacturer's instructions for making the retrofit are available for the inspector's use at the time of the inspection and physical access is provided to allow the inspector access to all components of the retrofit. A new listing mark must be applied to the sign by the electrical contractor or a field evaluation label must be applied by an approved electrical testing laboratory.
007 Grounding and bonding.
(6) Remote metal parts of a section sign or outline lighting system only supplied by a remote Class 2 power supply that is listed or is a recognized component in a listed section sign or outline lighting is not required to be bonded to an equipment grounding conductor.
010 Portable or mobile outdoor electrical signs.
(((5))) (7) A weatherproof receptacle outlet that is
weatherproof with the supply cord connected must be installed
within six feet of each electrical sign.
(((6))) (8) Extension cords are not permitted to supply
portable outdoor signs.
(((7))) (9) All portable outdoor electrical signs must be
listed or field evaluated by a laboratory accredited by the
department.
030 Neon tubing.
(((8))) (10) NEC 600, Part II, Field-Installed Skeleton
Tubing, will apply to all neon tubing and neon circuit
conductors.
[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-600, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08. 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-600, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
001 General.
(1) Package spa or hot tubs. Electrical heating, pumping, filtering, and/or control equipment installed within five feet of a spa or hot tub must be listed or field evaluated as a package with the spa or hot tub.
(2) A factory assembled skid pack of electrical heating,
pumping, filtering, and/or control equipment (((skid pack)))
must be installed more than five feet from a spa or hot tub
and ((shall)) must be listed as a package unit.
(3) The maintenance disconnect and field installed, listed electrical equipment for a hot tub, spa, or swim spa must be located at least five feet from the hot tub, spa or swim spa. Field installed listed equipment must meet the following additional requirements:
(a) The heater is listed as a "spa heater or swimming pool heater";
(b) The pump is listed as a "spa pump" or "swimming pool/spa pump" (the pump may be combined with a filter assembly); and
(c) Other listed equipment such as panelboards, conduit, and wire are suitable for the environment and comply with the applicable codes.
(4) Field installed, listed electrical equipment for a swimming pool must be located at least five feet from the swimming pool. Field installed listed equipment must meet the following additional requirements:
(a) The heater must be listed as a "swimming pool heater or a spa heater";
(b) The pump must be listed as a "swimming pool pump" or "spa pump" or "swimming pool/spa pump"; and
(c) Other equipment such as panelboards, conduit, and wire must be suitable for the environment and comply with the applicable codes.
The five-foot separation may be reduced by the installation of a permanent barrier, such as a solid wall, fixed glass windows or doors, etc. The five-foot separation will be determined by the shortest path or route that a cord can travel from the spa, hot tub, swim spa, or swimming pool to an object.
(5) The field assembly or installation of "recognized components" will not be permitted.
(6) Hydromassage bathtubs must be listed as a unit and bear a listing mark which reads "hydromassage bathtub."
(7) Manufacturers' instructions must be followed as part of the listing requirements.
(8) Electrical components which have failed and require replacement must be replaced with identical products unless the replacement part is no longer available; in which case, a like-in-kind product may be substituted provided the mechanical and grounding integrity of the equipment is maintained.
(9) Cut-away-type display models may not be sold for other than display purposes and are not expected to bear a listing mark.
025 Feeders.
(10) NEC 680.25(A) is amended to read: A feeder between the service equipment and the remote panelboard is permitted to run in flexible metal conduit, an approved cable assembly that includes an equipment grounding conductor within its outer sheath (the equipment grounding conductor must comply with NEC 250.24 (A)(5)), rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, electrical metallic tubing (when installed on or within a building or crawl space), and electrical nonmetallic tubing (when installed within a building or crawl space). Aluminum conduit is not permitted.
040 Spas and hot tubs.
(11) NEC 680.42(C) will apply for interior and exterior wiring to outdoor installations of spas and hot tubs.
070 Hydromassage bathtubs.
(12) For hydromassage bathtubs, the ground fault circuit interrupter device must be identified as to use and not located in a building or tub cavity, crawlspace, or attic.
(13) For hydromassage bathtubs, all electrical equipment installed to support the bathtub (e.g., disconnecting means, motor, etc.) must be accessible at the same grade level as the tub or from a landing on the exterior of the building without the use of a ladder or other access device.
[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-680, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08. 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-680, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
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.)) Building integrated means: Photovoltaic
cells, modules, panels, or arrays that are integrated into the
outer surface or structure of a building and serve as the
outer protective surface of that building, such as the roof,
skylights, windows, or facades.
004 Installation.
(2) Support structure((,)) or foundation((, and
tracker)). For the purposes of this section, those portions
of the ((array or tracker)) structure support or foundation
that are exclusively mechanical and are ((built specifically
for the purpose of physically supporting the modules or
panels)) not part of a bonding or grounding path will not be
considered part of the photovoltaic system as defined by this
((article)) section. Such structural support or foundation
may be done by the owner, registered general contractor, or
licensed electrical contractor without electrical permit or
inspection.
((004 Installation.))
(3) A photovoltaic system design review must be
((submitted)) provided at the time of the first inspection.
((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.
(5) The entity placing a building integrated cell, module, panel, or array is not subject to the requirements for electrical inspection, licensing, or certification so long as the work is limited to the placement and securing of the device and an electrical work permit has been previously obtained for the electrical work related to the equipment by an entity authorized to do that electrical work.
(6) All electrical work, including wiring installation, terminations, etc., necessary to complete the electrical installations must be completed by the entity authorized to do the electrical work (i.e., owner or appropriate electrical contractor).
007 Maximum voltage.
(((5))) (7) 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))) (8) 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))) (9) 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-690, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 08-24-048, § 296-46B-690, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
General.
Chapters 1 through 7, NEC, supplement and modify the requirements of chapter 8, NEC. If there are specific requirements or exceptions described in chapter 8, NEC, that are different from those in chapters 1 through 7, NEC, chapter 8 will prevail.
001 Installation.
(1) All telecommunications installations on an end-user's property, beyond the end-user's telecommunications network demarcation point, made by a telecommunications service provider, both inside and outside of a building or structure, must conform to all licensing, certification, installation, permitting, and inspection requirements described in chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
(2) Telecommunications service providers including its subcontractors and agents must install and maintain points of demarcation in conformance with Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Title 47, Chapter 1, Part 68, Subpart B, Sec. 68.105 and may not place a point of demarcation further than twelve inches within an end-user's occupied space.
(3) The telecommunications service provider must identify the telecommunications network demarcation point(s) with an identification plate or label having:
(a) The provider's name;
(b) Customer/end-user's name; and
(c) If a CWSTP is used, the option type used.
(4) The C.F.R. prescribes that telecommunications service providers must choose either a MPOE (minimum point of entry) or CWSTP (cable wire service termination policy) which regulates where demarcations are placed within a multitenant environment.
(5) A telecommunications service provider, including its subcontractors and agents provisioning service for a second provider who is not the end-user of the service, must place the point of demarcation no further than twelve inches from the nearest POP (point of presence), of the serving provider, to the eventual end-user.
(6) Telecommunications service providers must designate each building that they provide services to with labeling at the terminating point(s) of their facilities indicating:
(a) Whether the building is under a MPOE policy; or
(b) Which option of a CWSTP is in effect.
(7) The CWSTP options for demarcation placement are as follows:
(a) All telecommunications service provider facilities will terminate at one location, mutually agreed upon by the provider and the building owner or designee, upon entry into the building, normally at the lowest common serving point. All demarcations will be placed no more than twelve inches from this point. The building owner and/or tenants will provide, manage and maintain building wire and cable placed beyond this demarcation point location.
(b) The telecommunications service provider's facilities will terminate at common locations, mutually agreed upon by the provider and the building owner or designee, throughout the building (terminal rooms, utility closets, etc.). The telecommunications service provider will provide, manage and maintain the building cable and registration jacks that denote the demarcation points. The demarcation points will be placed at these locations and will be accessible to end-users at these locations. This (b) is not an option for single tenant buildings.
(c) The telecommunications service provider will terminate facilities and place demarcations at locations, mutually agreed upon by the provider and the building owner or designee, within the individually occupied units, within twelve inches or a similarly reasonable distance of cable/wire entry. The provider will provide, manage and maintain the building cable, network terminating wire and registration jacks that denote the demarcation point. This (c) is not an option for single tenant buildings.
(d) All telecommunications service provider facilities and demarcations will terminate at one location on the property, mutually agreed upon by the provider and the building owner or designee. The building owner and/or tenants will provide, manage and maintain building wire and cable placed beyond the demarcation point location.
(8) The telecommunications installer must confer with the telecommunications provider when determining the point of demarcation.
002 Definitions.
(9) "CWSTP (cable, wire and service termination policy)" is the policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Washington utilities and transportation commission (WUTC) prescribed by tariff that governs negotiations between building owners and telecommunications service providers regarding the configuration of POP(s) and demarcation point(s) in multitenant buildings when a MPOE policy is not elected by the telecommunications service provider.
(10) "MPOE (minimum point of entry)" is a building wiring policy of the FCC and WUTC for multitenant environment locations that can be elected by telecommunications service providers. It prescribes that the telecommunications service provider will provide a single POP for access to its network and is located either at the closest practicable point to where a telecommunications service provider's facilities (fiber, coax, or copper) cross a property line or at the closest practicable point to where the wiring enters a multiunit building or buildings. All demarcations provided for customers and end-users by the provider will be placed within twelve inches of that POP.
(11) "POP (point-of-presence)," also called a "POT (point-of-termination)," is a designated point at or near a customer premise at which a telecommunications service provider's facilities for the provision of access service ends. This can be a fiber, coax, or copper connection point. Depending on the telecommunications service provider's CWSTP with the individual building owner, demarcations may be established at the POP or at other designated locations. When the customer of a telecommunications service provider is another carrier, the demarcation will be at the closest POP to the end-user. A telecommunications service provider may have multiple POPs within a multiple tenant environment.
[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-800, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-800, 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-800, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
Classification or definition of occupancies.
(1) Occupancies are classified and defined as follows:
(a) Educational facility refers to a building or portion of a building used primarily for educational purposes by six or more persons at one time for twelve hours per week or four hours in any one day. Educational occupancy includes: Schools (preschool through grade twelve), colleges, academies, universities, and trade schools.
(b) Institutional facility refers to a building or portion of a building used primarily for detention or correctional occupancies where some degree of restraint or security is required for a time period of twenty-four or more hours. Such occupancies include, but are not restricted to: Penal institutions, reformatories, jails, detention centers, correctional centers, and residential-restrained care.
(c) Health or personal care facility. Health or personal care facility refers to buildings or parts of buildings that contain, but are not limited to, facilities that are required to be licensed by the department of social and health services or the department of health (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, private alcoholism hospitals, private psychiatric hospitals, boarding homes, alcoholism treatment facilities, maternity homes, birth centers or childbirth centers, residential treatment facilities for psychiatrically impaired children and youths, and renal hemodialysis clinics) and medical, dental, or chiropractic offices or clinics, outpatient or ambulatory surgical clinics, and such other health care occupancies where patients who may be unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance of another person are treated.
(i) "Hospital" means any institution, place, building, or agency providing accommodations, facilities, and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more, for observation, diagnosis, or care of two or more individuals not related to the operator who are suffering from illness, injury, deformity, abnormality, or from any other condition for which obstetrical, medical, or surgical services would be appropriate for care or diagnosis.
(ii) "Nursing home," "nursing home unit" or "long-term care unit" means a group of beds for the accommodation of patients who, because of chronic illness or physical infirmities, require skilled nursing care and related medical services but are not acutely ill and not in need of the highly technical or specialized services ordinarily a part of hospital care.
(iii) "Boarding home" means any home or other institution, however named, which is advertised, announced, or maintained for the express or implied purpose of providing board and domiciliary care to seven or more aged persons not related by blood or marriage to the operator. It must not include any home, institution, or section thereof which is otherwise licensed and regulated under the provisions of state law providing specifically for the licensing and regulation of such home, institution, or section thereof.
(iv) "Private alcoholism hospital" means an institution, facility, building, or equivalent designed, organized, maintained, or operated to provide diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals demonstrating signs or symptoms of alcoholism, including the complications of associated substance use and other medical diseases that can be appropriately treated and cared for in the facility and providing accommodations, medical services, or other necessary services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more for two or more individuals unrelated to the operator, provided that this chapter will not apply to any facility, agency, or other entity which is owned and operated by a public or governmental body.
(v) (("Alcoholism treatment facility" means a private
place or establishment, other than a licensed hospital,
operated primarily for the treatment of alcoholism.
(vi))) "Private psychiatric hospital" means a privately owned and operated establishment or institution which: Provides accommodations and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more, and is expressly and exclusively for observing, diagnosing, or caring for two or more individuals with signs or symptoms of mental illness who are not related to the licensee.
(((vii))) (vi) "Maternity home" means any home, place,
hospital, or institution in which facilities are maintained
for the care of four or more women, not related by blood or
marriage to the operator, during pregnancy or during or within
ten days after delivery: Provided, however, that this
definition will not apply to any hospital approved by the
American College of Surgeons, American Osteopathic
Association, or its successor.
(((viii))) (vii) "Birth center" or "childbirth center"
means a type of maternity home which is a house, building, or
equivalent organized to provide facilities and staff to
support a birth service provided that the birth service is
limited to low-risk maternal clients during the intrapartum
period.
(((ix))) (viii) "Ambulatory surgical facility" means a
facility, not a part of a hospital, providing surgical
treatment to patients not requiring inpatient care in a
hospital. ((This term does not include a facility in the
offices of private physicians or dentists, whether for
individual or group practice, if the privilege of using such
facility is not extended to physicians or dentists outside the
individual or group practice. (NEC: Ambulatory Health Care
Center.)
(x))) (ix) "Hospice care center" means any building, facility, place, or equivalent, organized, maintained, or operated specifically to provide beds, accommodations, facilities, or services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more for palliative care of two or more individuals, not related to the operator, who are diagnosed as being in the latter stages of an advanced disease which is expected to lead to death.
(((xi))) (x) "Renal hemodialysis clinic" means a facility
in a building or part of a building which is approved to
furnish the full spectrum of diagnostic, therapeutic, or
rehabilitative services required for the care of renal
dialysis patients (including inpatient dialysis furnished
directly or under arrangement). (NEC: Ambulatory Health Care
Center.)
(((xii))) (xi) "Medical, dental, and chiropractic clinic"
means any clinic or physicians' office where patients are not
regularly kept as bed patients for twenty-four hours or more.
Electrical plan review is not required.
(((xiii))) (xii) "Residential treatment facility" ((for
psychiatrically impaired children and youth" means a
residence, place, or facility designed or organized to provide
twenty-four-hour residential care or long-term individualized,
active treatment for clients who have been diagnosed or
evaluated as psychiatrically impaired.
(xiv) "Adult residential rehabilitation center" means a residence, place, or facility designed or organized primarily to provide twenty-four-hour residential care, crisis and short-term care or long-term individualized active treatment and rehabilitation for clients diagnosed or evaluated as psychiatrically impaired or chronically mentally ill as defined herein or in chapter 71.24 RCW)) means a facility licensed and operated twenty-four hours per day to provide health care to persons receiving services for a mental disorder or substance abuse.
(((xv))) (xiii) "Group care facility" means a facility
other than a foster-family home maintained or operated for the
care of a group of children on a twenty-four-hour basis.
(((d) Licensed day care centers.
(i) "Child day care center" means a facility providing regularly scheduled care for a group of children one month of age through twelve years of age for periods less than twenty-four hours.
(ii) "School-age child care center" means a program operating in a facility other than a private residence accountable for school-age children when school is not in session. The facility must meet department of licensing requirements and provide adult supervised care and a variety of developmentally appropriate activities.
(iii) "Family child day care home" means the same as "family child care home" and "a child day care facility" licensed by the state, located in the family abode of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of twelve or fewer children, including children who reside at the home. Electrical plan review is not required.))
Plan review for educational, institutional or health care facilities/buildings.
(2) Plan review is a part of the electrical inspection process; its primary purpose is to determine:
(a) That service/feeder conductors are calculated and sized according to the proper NEC or WAC article or section;
(b) The classification of hazardous locations; and
(c) The proper design of emergency and standby systems.
(3) Electrical plan review.
(a) Electrical plan review is not required for:
(i) Lighting specific projects that result in an electrical load reduction on each feeder involved in the project;
(ii) Low voltage systems;
(iii) Modifications to existing electrical installations where all of the following conditions are met:
• Service or distribution equipment involved is rated not more than 400 amperes and does not exceed 250 volts or for lighting circuits not exceeding 277 volts to ground;
• Does not involve emergency systems other than listed unit equipment per NEC 700.12(F);
• Does not involve branch circuits or feeders of an essential electrical system as defined in NEC 517.2; and
• Service and feeder load calculations are increased by 5% or less.
(iv) Stand-alone utility fed services that do not exceed 250 volts, 400 amperes where the project's distribution system does not include:
• Emergency systems other than listed unit equipment per NEC 700.12(F);
• Critical branch circuits or feeders as defined in NEC 517.2; or
• A required fire pump system.
(v) Heating and cooling specific retrofit projects that result in an electrical load reduction on each existing feeder involved in the project, provided there is not a corresponding increase in the available fault current in any feeder. Existing and new load calculations must be provided to the inspector at the time of the inspection.
(b) Electrical plan review is required for all other new or altered electrical projects in educational, institutional, or health care occupancies classified or defined in this chapter.
(c) If a review is required, the electrical plan must be submitted for review and approval before the electrical work is begun.
(d) Electrical plans.
(i) The plan must be submitted for plan review prior to beginning any electrical inspection. If a plan is rejected during the plan review process, no electrical inspection(s) may proceed until the plan is resubmitted and a conditional acceptance is granted.
(ii) The submitted plan will receive a preliminary review within seven business days after receipt by the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections.
(iii) If the submitted plan:
• Is rejected at the preliminary review, no inspection(s) will be made on the project.
• Receives conditional acceptance, the permit holder may request a preliminary inspection(s) in writing to the department or city authorized to do electrical inspections. The request must note that the preliminary inspection(s) is conditional and subject to any alterations required from the final plan review process.
(iv) Once the submitted plan has preliminary plan review approval, a copy of the submitted plan must be available on the job site for use by the electrical inspector.
(v) The final approved plan must be available on the job site, for use by the electrical inspector, after it is approved, but no later than prior to the final electrical inspection.
(vi) If the final approved plan requires changes from the conditionally accepted plan, alterations to the project may be required to make the project comply with the approved plan.
(vii) If the installer deviates from the service/feeder design shown on the final approved plan, a supplemental plan must be submitted for review before inspection can proceed. Load reductions or moving branch circuit locations within a panelboard do not require resubmission.
(e) All electrical plans for educational facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes must be prepared by, or under the direction of, a consulting engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW, and chapters 246-320, 180-29, and 388-97 WAC and stamped with the engineer's mark and signature.
(f) Refer plans for review to the Electrical Section, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, Washington 98504-4460 or the city authorized to do electrical inspections.
(g) Plans for projects within cities that perform electrical inspections must be submitted to that city for review.
(h) Plans to be reviewed must be legible, identify the
name and classification of the facility, clearly indicate the
scope and nature of the installation and the person or firm
responsible for the electrical plans. The plans must clearly
show the electrical installation or alteration in floor plan
view, include all switchboard and panelboard schedules and
when a service or feeder is to be installed or altered, must
include a riser diagram, load calculation, fault current
calculation, and interrupting rating of equipment. Where
existing electrical systems are to supply additional loads,
the plans must include documentation that proves adequate
capacity and ratings. The plans must be submitted with a plan
review submittal form available from the department or city
authorized to do electrical inspections. ((Plan review fees
are not required to be paid until the review is completed. Plans will not be returned until all fees are paid.)) Fees
((will)) must be calculated based on the date the plans are
received by the department or city authorized to do electrical
inspections.
(i) The department may perform the plan review for new or altered electrical installations of other types of construction when the owner or electrical contractor makes a voluntary request for review. A city authorized to do electrical inspections may require a plan review of any electrical system.
(j) For existing structures where additions or alterations to feeders and services are proposed, NEC 220.87(1) may be used. If NEC 220.87(1) is used, the following is required:
(i) The date of the measurements.
(ii) A statement attesting to the validity of the demand data, signed by a professional electrical engineer or the electrical administrator of the electrical contractor performing the work.
(iii) A diagram of the electrical system identifying the point(s) of measurement.
(iv) Building demand measured continuously on the highest-loaded phase of the feeder or service over a thirty-day period, with the demand peak clearly identified. Demand peak is defined as the maximum average demand over a fifteen-minute interval.
| Notes to Tables 900-1 and 900-2. |
| 1. A city authorized to do electrical inspections may require plan review on facility types not reviewed by the department. |
| Health or Personal Care Facility Type | Plan Review Required |
| Hospital | Yes |
| Nursing home unit or long-term care unit | Yes |
| Boarding home | Yes |
| Assisted living facility | Yes |
| Private alcoholism hospital | Yes |
| (( |
|
| Private psychiatric hospital | Yes |
| Maternity home | Yes |
| Ambulatory surgery facility | Yes |
| Renal hemodialysis clinic | Yes |
| Residential treatment facility (( |
Yes |
| Adult residential rehabilitation center | Yes |
| Educational, Institutional, or Other Facility Types | Plan Review Required |
| Educational | Yes |
| Institutional | Yes |
[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-900, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-900, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 05-22-025, § 296-46B-900, filed 10/25/05, effective 11/25/05; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-900, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW. 04-21-086, § 296-46B-900, 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-900, 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-900, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) When an electrical work permit is required by chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, inspections may not be made, equipment must not be energized, or services connected unless:
(a) A valid electrical work permit is ((completely and
legibly filled out and readily available)) obtained and posted
per subsection (5) of this section;
(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) Except as allowed for annual permits, an electrical work permit is valid for only one specific job 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))) (3) 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)) original
purchaser is replaced, another entity may request, in writing,
written 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
under the original permit. If permission is not granted the
entity must obtain a new permit for the remaining work.
Two or more entities may never work under the same permit. 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))) (4) 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:)) (5) Except as allowed for
Class B permits, where an electrical work permit is required,
the work permit must be obtained and posted at the job site or
the electrical work permit number must be conspicuously posted
and identified as the electrical work permit number on or
adjacent to the electrical service or feeder panel supplying
power to the work prior to beginning any electrical work and
at all times until the electrical inspection process is
completed. 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, per the city's requirements at the job site no later
than the next business day after the work is begun.
(((7))) (6) 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))) (7) 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:)) lamps; a
single set of fuses; a single battery smaller than 150 amp
hour; contactors, relays, timers, starters, circuit boards, or
similar control components; one household appliance; circuit
breakers; ((fuse;)) single-family residential luminaires;
((lamp;)) up to five snap ((switch;)) switches, dimmers((;)),
receptacle outlets((;)), thermostats((;)), heating
elements((;)), luminaire ballasts with an exact same ballast;
component(s) of electric signs, outline lighting, or 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; one ten
horsepower or smaller motor((;)).
For the purposes of this section, "circuit breaker" means a circuit breaker that is used to provide overcurrent protection only for a branch circuit, as defined in NEC 100.
(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))) (c) The following types of systems and circuits
are considered exempt from the requirements for licensing and
permitting described in chapter 19.28 RCW. The electrical
failure of these systems does not inherently or functionally
compromise safety to life or property.
(i) Low-voltage thermocouple derived circuits;
(ii) Low-voltage circuits for built-in residential vacuum systems;
(iii) Low-voltage circuits for underground landscape sprinkler systems;
(iv) Low-voltage circuits for underground landscape lighting; and
(v) Low-voltage circuits for residential garage doors.
For these types of systems and circuits to be considered exempt, the following conditions must be met:
(A) The power supplying the installation must be derived from a listed Class 2 power supply;
(B) The installation and termination of line voltage equipment and conductors supplying these systems is performed by appropriately licensed and certified electrical contractors and electricians;
(C) The conductors of these systems do not pass through fire-rated walls, fire-rated ceilings or fire-rated floors in other than residential units; and
(D) Conductors or luminaires are not installed in installations covered by the scope of Article 680 NEC (swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations).
(8) 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))) (9) 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)) (10) Inspections ((approval)) will not be
made until all ((inspection)) permit fees are paid in full.
Permit - Duration/refunds.
(((12))) (11) Electrical work permits will expire one
year after the date of purchase unless ((electrical work is
actively and consistently in progress and inspections
requested)) permission is granted by the chief electrical
inspector or when the permit is closed or completed by the
inspector. Refunds are not available for:
(a) Expired electrical work permits;
(b) Electrical work permit((s)) fee items, within the
department's jurisdiction, where the electrical installation
has begun or an inspection requested for that work; or
(c) ((Any electrical work permit where an electrical
inspection or electrical inspection request has been made.))
The first twenty-five dollars of each permit purchase - Application fee.
All refund requests must be made using the Request for Refund application form.
Permit - Annual telecommunications.
(((13))) (12) 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. Upon request, the chief electrical inspector may
allow the annual permit to be used for multiple worksites or
addresses.
Permit - Annual electrical.
(((14))) (13) 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. Upon request,
the chief electrical inspector may allow the annual permit to
be used for multiple worksites or addresses.
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 construction project installations.
(((15))) (14) 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.
Posting of corrections.
(15) Electrical installations found to be not in compliance with approved standards must be corrected within fifteen calendar days of notification by the department as required in RCW 19.28.101(3). The notifications will be posted electronically on the electrical permit inspection results. A printed copy of the correction notification will be posted by the inspector at the job site for permits not purchased electronically.
[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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-901, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
General.
(1) The standard(s) used, as the basis of electrical
product certification, field evaluation, or department
approval must be determined by the department to provide an
adequate level of safety or define an adequate level of safety
performance. Except for the reference of construction
requirements to ensure the product can be installed in
accordance with the National Electrical Code, field
evaluations, by an approved laboratory, ((shall)) must not use
the National Electrical Code as standard for product
evaluation.
(2) Generally, standards will be:
(a) Developed by a standards developing organization under a method providing for input and consideration of views of industry groups, experts, users, consumers, governmental authorities, and others having broad experience in the electrical products safety field. A standard is used to control the quality and safety of a product;
(b) Compatible with and be maintained current with periodic revisions of applicable national codes and installation standards; and
(c) Approved by the department. The department will evaluate the proposed standard to determine that it provides an adequate level of safety.
(3) All ANSI safety designated electrical product standards may be deemed acceptable for their intended use without further qualification.
(4) If the product safety standard is not ANSI, the standard must be reviewed and approved by the department as an appropriate electrical product safety standard as a part of the field evaluation or department inspection process.
Industrial control panel and industrial utilization equipment inspection.
(5) Specific definitions for this section:
(a) "Department evaluation" means a review in accordance with subsection (6)(b) of this section.
(b) "Engineering evaluation" means a review in accordance with subsection (6)(c) of this section.
(c) "Food processing plants" include buildings or facilities used in a manufacturing process, but do not include:
(i) Municipal or other government facilities;
(ii) Educational facilities or portions thereof;
(iii) Institutional facilities or portions thereof;
(iv) Restaurants;
(v) Farming, ranching, or dairy farming operations;
(vi) Residential uses; or
(vii) Other installations not used for direct manufacturing purposes.
(d) In RCW 19.28.901, "industrial control panel" means a factory or user wired assembly of industrial control equipment such as motor controllers, switches, relays, power supplies, computers, cathode ray tubes, transducers, and auxiliary devices used in the manufacturing process to control industrial utilization equipment. The panel may include disconnecting means and motor branch circuit protective devices. Industrial control panels include only those used in a manufacturing process in a food processing or industrial plant.
(e) "Industrial plants" include buildings or facilities used in a manufacturing process or a manufacturing training facility (e.g., educational shop area in an educational or institutional facility), but do not include:
(i) Municipal or other government facilities;
(ii) Other educational facilities or portions thereof;
(iii) Other institutional facilities or portions thereof;
(iv) Restaurants;
(v) Farming, ranching, or dairy farming operations;
(vi) Residential uses; or
(vii) Other installations not used for direct manufacturing purposes.
(f) "Industrial utilization equipment" means equipment directly used in a manufacturing process in a food processing or industrial plant, in particular the processing, treatment, moving, or packaging of a material. Industrial utilization equipment does not include: Cold storage, warehousing, or similar storage equipment.
(g) "Manufacturing process" means to make or process a raw material or part into a finished product for sale using industrial utilization equipment. A manufacturing process does not include the storage of a product for future distribution (e.g., cold storage, warehousing, and similar storage activity).
(h) "Normal department inspection" is a part of the department electrical inspection process included with the general wiring inspection of a building, structure, or other electrical installation. Normal department inspection will only be made for equipment solely using listed or field evaluated components and wired to the requirements of the NEC. Fees for the normal department inspections required under this chapter are included in the electrical work permit fee calculated for the installation and are not a separate inspection fee. However, inspection time associated with such equipment is subject to the progress inspection rates in Part C of this chapter.
(i) For the purposes of this section, "panel" means a single box or enclosure containing the components comprising an industrial control panel. A panel does not include any wiring methods connecting multiple panels or connecting a panel(s) and other electrical equipment.
(6) Industrial control panels and industrial utilization equipment will be determined to meet the minimum electrical safety standards for installations by:
(a) Listing or field evaluation of the entire panel or equipment;
(b) Normal department inspection for compliance with codes and rules adopted under this chapter; or
(c) An engineering evaluation review where an engineer, accredited by the department, shows the equipment to be in compliance with an appropriate industrial equipment standard(s).
(i) See WAC 296-46B-997 for the requirements to become an accredited engineer.
(ii) The engineer may review equipment upon request by the equipment owner or the equipment manufacturer.
(iii) ((The engineer must notify the department of the
intent to evaluate and submit a final approval report, within
10 days after applying the approval label or disapproving the
equipment, using forms provided by the department. See Part C
of this chapter for fee information.
(iv))) The equipment may be reviewed for compliance with the standard(s) before the equipment is located in Washington.
(((v))) (iv) Appropriate standards are:
(A) NEMA;
(B) ANSI;
(C) NFPA 79;
(D) UL 508A;
(E) International Electrotechnical Commission 60204; or
(F) Their equivalent.
(((vi))) (v) In cases where equipment has been previously
reviewed and approved by an accredited engineer or the
department and found to meet an appropriate standard(s), the
equipment information will be placed on a "reviewed and
approved industrial utilization equipment list" established
and maintained by the ((department)) reviewing engineer. The
list may be used by a reviewing engineer to aid in evaluating
other like equipment. Because standards change over time,
equipment will be removed from the list three years after the
last successful review. The list will contain the following
information:
(A) Equipment manufacturer name;
(B) Model and serial numbers;
(C) Voltage, full load current; phasing; and asymmetrical fault current rating of the equipment;
(D) Accessory items approved for use with the equipment;
(E) Standard(s) to which the equipment was built;
(F) Application of use for the equipment;
(G) Original reviewing engineer's name; and
(H) Date of the original review approval.
(((vii))) (vi) If the engineer uses the "reviewed and
approved industrial utilization equipment list," the engineer
will visually determine that the equipment being reviewed is
the exact same model as equipment on the list.
(((viii))) (vii) Before the engineer's approval label can
be applied, the engineer must visually inspect the equipment
on site to determine that the equipment is in factory original
good condition, has not been modified electrically, and the
equipment use is appropriate to the standard(s).
(((ix))) (viii) When the review is completed and the
equipment is eligible for approval, the engineer must
personally affix a permanent label to the equipment showing:
(A) Engineer's name;
(B) Date of approval;
(C) Equipment serial number;
(D) Equipment voltage, full load current, phasing, and fault interrupting rating; and
(E) The following statement: "This equipment meets appropriate standards for industrial utilization equipment."
(7) The department may authorize, on a case-by-case basis, use of the industrial control panel or equipment, for a period not to exceed six months or as approved by the chief electrical inspector after use is begun, before its final inspection, listing, field evaluation, or engineering evaluation is complete.
[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-903, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08.]
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. | $90.30 |
| Each additional 500 sq. ft. or portion of | $28.90 |
| (ii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - inspected at the same time as a dwelling unit on the property | $37.60 |
| (iii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - inspected separately | $59.50 |
| (iv) Each swimming pool - inspected with the service | $59.50 |
| (v) Each swimming pool - inspected separately | $90.30 |
| (vi) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - inspected with the service | $37.60 |
| (vii) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - inspected separately | $59.50 |
| (viii) Each septic pumping system - inspected with the service | $37.60 |
| (ix) Each septic pumping system - inspected separately | $59.50 |
| (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 | $97.40 | $28.90 | ||||
| 201 to 400 | $121.10 | $59.50 | ||||
| 401 to 600 | $166.40 | $82.80 | ||||
| 601 to 800 | $213.50 | $113.70 | ||||
| 801 and over | $304.50 | $228.40 | ||||
| (c) Single or multifamily altered services or feeders including circuits. | ||||||
| (i) Each altered service and/or altered feeder | ||||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | |||||
| 0 to 200 | $82.80 | |||||
| 201 to 600 | $121.10 | |||||
| 601 and over | $182.60 | |||||
| (ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder) | $44.80 | |||||
| (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) | $59.50 | |||||
| (ii) Each additional circuit (see note above) | $6.40 | |||||
| (e) Mobile homes, modular homes, mobile home parks, and RV parks. | |
| (i) Mobile home or modular home service or feeder only | $59.50 |
| (ii) Mobile home service and feeder | $97.40 |
| (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 | $59.50 |
| (ii) Each additional site service; or additional site feeder inspected at the same time as the first service or feeder | $37.60 |
| (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 | $97.40 | $59.50 | ||
| 101 to 200 | $118.60 | $75.80 | ||
| 201 to 400 | $228.40 | $90.30 | ||
| 401 to 600 | $266.20 | $106.30 | ||
| 601 to 800 | $344.30 | $144.80 | ||
| 801 to 1000 | $420.30 | $175.20 | ||
| 1001 and over | $458.50 | $244.50 | ||
| (b) Altered services/feeders (no circuits). | |||
| (i) Service/feeder | |||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | ||
| 0 to 200 | $97.40 | ||
| 201 to 600 | $228.40 | ||
| 601 to 1000 | $344.30 | ||
| 1001 and over | $382.40 | ||
| (ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder) | $82.80 | ||
| (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 | $75.80 |
| (ii) Each additional circuit per branch circuit panel | $6.40 |
| (d) Over 600 volts surcharge per permit. | $75.80 |
| (3) Temporary service(s). | |
| Notes: (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 (( |
|
| Temporary services, temporary stage or concert productions. | ||||
| Ampacity | Service/Feeder | Additional Feeder | ||
| 0 to 60 | $52.10 | $26.70 | ||
| 61 to 100 | $59.50 | $28.90 | ||
| 101 to 200 | $75.80 | $37.60 | ||
| 201 to 400 | $90.30 | $44.90 | ||
| 401 to 600 | $121.10 | $59.50 | ||
| 601 and over | $137.40 | $68.40 | ||
| (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 | $6.40 |
| (b) Towers - when not inspected at the same time as a service and feeder - 1 to 6 towers | $90.30 |
| (c) Each additional tower | $6.40 |
| (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 | $44.90 |
| (ii) Each additional thermostat inspected at the same time as the first | $13.90 |
| (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 | $52.10 |
| (ii) Each additional 2500 sq. ft. or portion thereof | $13.90 |
| (c) Signs and outline lighting. | |
| (i) First sign (no service included) | $44.90 |
| (ii) Each additional sign inspected at the same time on the same building or structure | $21.20 |
| (d) Berth at a marina or dock. | |
| Note: Five berths or more (( |
|
| (i) Berth at a marina or dock | $59.50 |
| (ii) Each additional berth inspected at the same time | $37.60 |
| (e) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only. | |
| (i) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only | $59.50 |
| (ii) Meters installed remote from the service equipment and inspected at the same time as a service, temporary service or other installations | $13.90 |
| (f) Emergency inspections requested outside of normal working hours. | |
| Regular fee plus surcharge of: | $113.70 |
| (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 | $82.80 |
| (h) Electrical - annual permit fee. | |
| Note: See WAC 296-46B-901(( |
|
| 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 | $2,189.70 |
| 4 to 6 plant electricians | 24 | $4,381.80 |
| 7 to 12 plant electricians | 36 | $6,572.30 |
| 13 to 25 plant electricians | 52 | $8,764.40 |
| More than 25 plant electricians | 52 | $10,956.50 |
| (i) Telecommunications - annual permit fee. | |
| Notes: (1) See WAC 296-46B-901(( (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 | $181.00 |
| Each additional hour, or portion thereof, of portal-to-portal inspection time | $90.30 |
| (j) Permit requiring ditch cover inspection only. | |
| Each 1/2 hour, or portion thereof | $44.90 |
| (k) Cover inspection for elevator/conveyance installation. This item is only available to a licensed/registered elevator contractor. | $75.80 |
| (6) Carnival inspections. | |
| (a) First carnival field inspection each calendar year. | |
| (i) Each ride and generator truck | $21.20 |
| (ii) Each remote distribution equipment, concession, or gaming show | $6.40 |
| (iii) If the calculated fee for first carnival field
inspection above is less than $100.50, the
minimum inspection fee (( |
$113.70 |
| (b) Subsequent carnival inspections. | |
| (i) First ten rides, concessions, generators, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show | $113.70 |
| (ii) Each additional ride, concession, generator, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show | $6.40 |
| (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 | $90.30 |
| (ii) Subsequent inspection of a single concession or ride, not part of a carnival | $59.50 |
| (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.) | $90.30 |
| (b) Submitter notifies the department that work is ready for inspection when it is not ready. | $44.90 |
| (c) Additional inspection required because submitter has provided the wrong address or incomplete, improper or illegible directions for the site of the inspection. | $44.90 |
| (d) More than one additional inspection required to inspect corrections; or for repeated neglect, carelessness, or improperly installed electrical work. | $44.90 |
| (e) Each trip necessary to remove a noncompliance notice. | $44.90 |
| (f) Corrections that have not been made in the prescribed time, unless an exception has been requested and granted. | $44.90 |
| (g) Installations that are covered or concealed before inspection. | $44.90 |
| (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. | $44.90 |
| (9) Plan review. | |
| (a) Plan review fee is (( (b) Plan review submission (( |
(( $75.80 |
| (( |
$90.30 |
| (( |
$21.20 |
| (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: | $90.30 |
| (12) Variance request processing fee. | |
| Variance request processing fee. This fee is nonrefundable once the transaction has been validated. | $90.30 |
| (13) Marking of industrial utilization equipment. | |
| (a) Standard(s) letter review (per hour of review time). | $90.30 |
| (b) Equipment marking - charged portal-to-portal per hour: | $90.30 |
| (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). | $248.00 |
| (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). | $44.90 |
| (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). | $44.90 |
| (15) Provisional electrical work permit labels. | |
| Block of twenty provisional electrical work permit labels. | $248.00 |
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. 12-11-108, § 296-46B-906, filed 5/22/12, effective 6/30/12. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW and 2009 c 564. 10-18-025, § 296-46B-906, filed 8/24/10, effective 10/1/10. 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-906, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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 to the building, structure or on the cover of the panelboard, overcurrent device, or telecommunications equipment supplying the circuit or equipment.
(b) The job site and contractor 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)) be completely filled out.
(((d))) (c) The label must be filled in using sunlight
and weather resistant ink.
(((e))) (d) 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))) (d).
[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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-907, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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)) The Class B basic electrical random inspection process (Class B process) may only be used by:
(a) Licensed electrical/telecommunication contractors
((can use the Class B basic electrical inspection random
inspection process.)); or
(b) Health care, ((large)) commercial, or industrial
facilities using an employee(s) who is ((a)) an appropriately
certified electrician(s) ((can use the Class B random
electrical inspection process)) after requesting, in writing,
and receiving 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'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))) Each entity doing work must use a separate label.
(2) Before beginning the work:
(a) For Class B labels obtained after February 28, 2013:
(i) Immediately upon posting the Class B label/number, the purchaser must use the department's on-line Class B system to enter the job site information for an unused Class B label obtained by the purchaser. If the posting occurs on a weekend or a federal/state holiday, the purchaser must use the on-line system to enter the information no later than the first business day after posting the label/number;
(ii) The person identified as the installer on the Class B label must post the Class B label or label number, in a conspicuous permanent manner, at the:
(A) Main service/feeder location supplying the structure or system; or
(B) Purchaser's equipment, or on the equipment conductors if the equipment is not in place.
(iii) The Class B label is valid immediately upon the purchaser completing the job site information in the department's on-line Class B system.
(b) For Class B labels obtained before March 1, 2013:
(i) The purchaser must fully enter the job site information on the job site and contractor portions of the Class B label.
(ii) The person identified as the installer on the Class B label must post the completed job site copy, in a conspicuous permanent manner, at the:
(A) Main service/feeder location supplying the structure or system;
(B) Purchaser's equipment, or on the conductors if the equipment is not available.
(iii) The purchaser must return the contractor copy 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.
(iv) The Class B label is valid immediately upon posting on the job site.
(3) Class B ((basic installation)) labels will be sold in
blocks and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
((Installations where a)) (4) Class B ((basic
installation)) label ((is used)) installations 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))) (5) A progress inspection fee is required for any
inspection required when a correction(s) is issued as a result
of the inspection of ((any)) a 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))) A separate label is required for each line item listed below in subsection (10) of this section. For example, if the work includes an item under subsection (10)(a) and (b)(i) of this section, two labels are required.
(8) An entity using a Class B basic inspection label is restricted to using no more than two labels per week per job site.
(9) All Class B work must be completed within fifteen days after the label is validated. If the work is not completed, another Class B may be posted.
Except that, in a one- or two-family residential structure, a label is valid for ninety days after the label is validated, so long as all work described on the label is performed by the purchaser.
(10) Class B ((basic electrical)) work includes the
following:
(((i))) (a) Extension of not more than one branch
electrical circuit limited to 120 volts and 20 amps each
where:
(((A))) (i) 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))) (ii) The extension does not supply more than two
outlets as defined by the NEC.
(((ii))) (b) Single like-in-kind replacement of:
(((A) A single luminaire not exceeding 277 volts and 20
amps; or
(B))) (i) A motor larger than 10 horsepower; or
(((C))) (ii) The internal wiring of a furnace, air
conditioner, refrigeration unit or household appliance; or
(((D))) (iii) 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))) (iv) An individually controlled electric room
heater (e.g., baseboard, wall, fan forced air, etc.), air
conditioning unit, heat pump unit, or refrigeration unit not
exceeding 240 volts, ((30)) 40 minimum circuit amps when the
unit is connected to an existing branch circuit; or
(((F))) (v) 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)) 40 amps.
(((iii))) (c) The following low voltage systems:
(((A))) (i) 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))) (ii) 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))) (iii) 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 where the installation does not exceed twenty devices
or five thousand square feet. This does not include fire
alarm, nurse call, lighting control, industrial
automation/control or energy management systems; or
(((D))) (iv) Telecommunications cabling and equipment
requiring inspection in RCW 19.28.470 where the installation
does not exceed twenty devices or five thousand square feet;
(((iv))) (d) The replacement of not more than ten
standard receptacles with GFCI receptacles;
(((v))) (e) The conversion of not more than ten snap
switches to dimmers for the use of controlling a luminaire(s)
conversion;
(f) The like-in-kind replacement of up to twenty: Paddle fans, luminaires not exceeding 277 volts and 20 amperes; snap switches, dimmers, receptacle outlets, line voltage thermostats, heating elements, luminaire ballasts, circuit breakers, contractors, relays, timers, starters, circuit boards, fuses, or similar control components;
(g) The replacement of not more than two luminaires with paddle fans if a listed fan box has been previously installed to support the luminaires;
(h) The replacement of not more than four batteries rated not larger than 150 amp hours each that supply power to a single unit of equipment (e.g., uninterruptable power supply, photovoltaic storage system, control panel, etc.);
(i) The installation or repair of equipment powered by a stand-alone solar photovoltaic source where the:
(i) Electrical equipment requires no field assembly except for the attachment and electrical connection of the solar photovoltaic source to the equipment, the installation and attachment to a grounding electrode, and the placement of the equipment on a pad, pole, or other structure;
(ii) Solar photovoltaic source and the equipment operates at less than 15 volts DC;
(iii) Solar photovoltaic source is the only source of external power; and
(iv) Equipment and the solar photovoltaic source are appropriately labeled as a single unit. The label must be by an approved electrical testing laboratory or for equipment used for traffic control labeled according to WAC 296-46B-010(21).
(((b))) (11) Class B basic electrical work does not
include any work in:
(((i))) (a) Areas classified as Class I, Class II, Class
III, or Zone locations per NEC 500; or
(((ii))) (b) Areas regulated by NEC 517 or 680; or
(((iii))) (c) Any work where electrical plan review is
required; or
(((iv))) (d) 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-908, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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 | $266.20 |
| (b) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $230.20 |
| (c) Reinstatement of a general or specialty contractor's license after a suspension | $53.90 |
| (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.) | $33.30 |
| (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) | $80.40 |
| (ii) Master electrician or administrator retest examination fee (when administered by the department) | $94.20 |
| (iii) Journeyman or specialty electrician examination fee (first test or retest when administered by the department) | $60.50 |
| (iv) Certification examination review fee | $124.60 |
| (c) Original certificates (nonrefundable after certificate has been issued) | |
| (i) Electrical administrator original certificate (except 09 telecommunication) | $120.40 |
| (ii) Telecommunications administrator original certificate (for 09 telecommunications) | $80.10 |
| (iii) Master electrician exam application (includes original certificate and application processing fee) ($33.30 is nonrefundable after application is submitted) | $154.00 |
| (iv) Journeyman or specialty electrician application (includes original certificate and application processing fee) ($33.30 is nonrefundable after application is submitted) | $86.30 |
| (v) Training certificate | |
| (A) Initial application made in person, by mail, or by fax | $42.30 |
| (B) Initial application fully completed on-line using the on-line web process | $36.40 |
| (C) 0% supervision modified training certificate. Includes trainee update of hours (i.e., submission of affidavit of experience) ($51.20 is nonrefundable after application is submitted) | $77.00 |
| (D) 75% supervision modified training certificate. | $51.20 |
| (E) Unsupervised training certificate as allowed by RCW 19.28.161 (4)(b). | $25.40 |
| (d) Certificate renewal (nonrefundable) | |
| (i) Master electrician or administrator certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $152.20 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $132.20 |
| (ii) Telecommunications (09) administrator certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $101.40 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $87.50 |
| (iii) Late renewal of master electrician or administrator certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $304.40 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $264.50 |
| (iv) Late renewal of telecommunications (09) administrator certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $202.90 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $175.00 |
| (v) Journeyman or specialty electrician certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $80.10 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $69.70 |
| (vi) Late renewal of journeyman or specialty electrician certificate | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $160.30 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $139.50 |
| (vii) Trainee update of hours outside of renewal
period (i.e., submission of affidavit of experience
outside of the timeline in WAC (( |
$51.20 |
| (viii) Trainee certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $51.20 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web
process when the affidavit of experience is
submitted per WAC (( |
$44.70 |
| (ix) Late trainee certificate renewal | |
| (A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax | $71.80 |
| (B) Renewal fully completed using the on-line web process | $62.50 |
| (e) Certificate - reinstatement (nonrefundable) | |
| (i) Reinstatement of a suspended master electrician or administrator's certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee) | $53.90 |
| (ii) Reinstatement of suspended journeyman, or specialty electrician certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee) | $25.40 |
| (f) Assignment/unassignment of master electrician/administrator designation (nonrefundable) | $39.90 |
| (3) Certificate/license. | |
| (a) Replacement for lost or damaged certificate/license. (Nonrefundable.) | $17.50 |
| (b) Optional display quality General Master Electrician certificate. | $28.40 |
| (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 | $51.30 |
| (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 | $124.90 |
| (5) Copy fees. (Nonrefundable.) | |
| (a) Certified copy of each document (maximum charge per file): | $56.70 |
| (i) First page: | $25.40 |
| (ii) Each additional page: | $2.10 |
| (b) (( |
$5.60 |
| (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)). | $589.90 |
| (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)). | $294.90 |
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. 12-11-108, § 296-46B-909, filed 5/22/12, effective 6/30/12. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW and 2009 c 564. 10-18-025, § 296-46B-909, filed 8/24/10, effective 10/1/10. 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-909, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
| Notes: | Each day that a violation occurs (( |
| 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 (( |
| (( |
|
| 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 get an inspection or obtain (( |
|
| 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. |
|
| Standard/provisional permit offenses: | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Second offense: | $1,000 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $2,000 |
| Class B offenses: | |
| Failure to post a Class B label or number for Class B eligible work: | |
| First offense: | $(( |
| Second offense: | $(( |
| Each offense thereafter: | $(( |
| For other Class B offenses: | |
| First offense: | $100 |
| Second offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $1,000 |
| (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 (( |
|
| 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 inspections are obtained and that all electrical labels, permits, and certificates required to perform electrical work are used. | |
| First offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter: | $500 |
| Failure to obtain a Class B label or number for Class B eligible work: | |
| First offense: | $100 |
| Second offense: | $250 |
| Each offense thereafter | $1,000 |
| (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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-915, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
Specialties.
(2) All specialties listed in this subsection may perform the electrical work described within their specific specialty as allowed by the occupancy and location described within the specialty's scope of work. Except for residential (02), the scope of work for these specialties does not include plumbing work regulated under chapter 18.106 RCW. See RCW 18.106.150 for plumbing exceptions for the residential (02) specialty. For the purposes of RCW 18.106.150, the like-in-kind replacement includes the appliance or any component part of the appliance (e.g., such as, but not limited to, the thermostat in a water heater). Specialty (limited) electrical licenses and/or certificates are as follows:
(a) Residential (02): Limited to the telecommunications, low voltage, and line voltage wiring of one- and two-family dwellings, or multifamily dwellings not exceeding three stories above grade. All wiring is limited to nonmetallic sheathed cable, except for services and/or feeders, exposed installations where physical protection is required, and for wiring buried below grade.
(i) This specialty also includes the wiring for ancillary structures such as, but not limited to: Appliances, equipment, swimming pools, septic pumping systems, domestic water systems, limited energy systems (e.g., doorbells, intercoms, fire alarm, burglar alarm, energy control, HVAC/refrigeration, etc.), multifamily complex offices/garages, site lighting when supplied from the residence or ancillary structure, and other structures directly associated with the functionality of the residential units.
(ii) This specialty does not include wiring occupancies defined in WAC 296-46B-900(1), or commercial occupancies such as: Motels, hotels, offices, assisted living facilities, or stores.
(iii) See RCW 18.106.150 for plumbing exceptions for the residential (02) specialty.
(b) Pump and irrigation (03): Limited to the electrical connection of circuits, feeders, controls, low voltage, related telecommunications, and services to supply: Domestic water systems and public water systems include but are not limited to pumps, pressurization, filtration, treatment, or other equipment and controls, and irrigation water pumps, circular irrigating system's pumps and pump houses.
This specialty may also perform the work defined in (c) of this subsection.
Also see RCW 18.106.010 (10)(c).
(c) Domestic pump (03A): Limited to the extension of a branch circuit, which is supplied and installed by others, to signaling circuits, motor control circuits, motor control devices, and pumps which do not exceed 7 1/2 horsepower at 250 volts AC single phase input power, regardless of motor controller output or motor voltage/phase, used in residential potable water or residential sewage disposal systems. Domestic water systems and public water systems include but are not limited to pumps, pressurization, filtration, treatment, or other equipment and controls.
Also see RCW 18.106.010 (10)(c).
(d) Signs (04): Limited to placement and connection of signs and outline lighting, the electrical supply, related telecommunications, controls and associated circuit extensions thereto; and the installation of a maximum 60 ampere, 120/240 volt single phase service to supply power to a remote sign only. This specialty may service, maintain, or repair exterior luminaires that are mounted on a pole or other structure with like-in-kind components.
(i) Electrical licensing/certification is not required to:
(A) Clean the nonelectrical parts of an electric sign;
(B) ((To)) Form or pour a concrete pole base used to
support a sign;
(C) ((To)) Operate machinery used to assist an
electrician in mounting an electric sign or sign supporting
pole; or
(D) ((To)) Assemble the structural parts of a billboard.
(ii) Electrical licensing/certification is required to: Install, modify, or maintain a sign, sign supporting pole, sign face, sign ballast, lamp socket, lamp holder, disconnect switch, or any other part of a listed electric sign.
(e) Limited energy system (06): Limited to the installation of signaling and power limited circuits and related equipment. This specialty is restricted to low-voltage circuits. This specialty includes the installation of telecommunications, HVAC/refrigeration low-voltage wiring, fire protection signaling systems, intrusion alarms, energy management and control systems, industrial and automation control systems, lighting control systems, commercial and residential amplified sound, public address systems, and such similar low-energy circuits and equipment in all occupancies and locations.
(i) For the purposes of this section, when a line voltage connection is removed and reconnected to a replacement component located inside the control cabinet, the replacement must be like-in-kind or replaced using the equipment manufacturer's authorized replacement component. The line voltage circuit is limited to 120 volts 20 amps maximum and must have a means of disconnect.
(ii) The limited energy systems (06) specialty may repair or replace line voltage connections terminated inside the cabinet to power supplies internal to the low voltage equipment provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit/feeder load being supplied by the circuit.
(iii) The limited energy systems (06) specialty may not replace or modify the line voltage circuit or cabling or alter the means of connection of the line voltage circuit to the power supply or to the control cabinet.
Limited energy electrical contractors may perform all telecommunications work under their specialty (06) electrical license and administrator's certificate.
(f) HVAC/refrigeration systems:
(i) See WAC 296-46B-100 for specific HVAC/refrigeration definitions.
(ii) For the purposes of this section when a component is replaced, the replacement must be like-in-kind or made using the equipment manufacturer's authorized replacement component.
(iii) The HVAC/refrigeration specialties described in (f)(v) and (vi) of this subsection may:
(A) Install HVAC/refrigeration: Telecommunications, Class 2 low-voltage control circuit wiring/components in all residential occupancies;
(B) Install, repair, replace, and maintain line voltage components within HVAC/refrigeration equipment. Such line voltage components include product illumination luminaires installed within and powered from the HVAC/refrigeration system (e.g., reach-in beverage coolers, frozen food cases, produce cases, etc.) and new or replaced factory authorized accessories such as internally mounted outlets;
(C) Repair, replace, or maintain the internal components
of the HVAC/refrigeration equipment disconnecting means or
controller so long as the disconnecting means or controller is
not located within a motor control center or panelboard (((see
Figure 920-1 and Figure 920-2)));
(D) Install, repair, replace, and maintain short sections of raceway to provide physical protection for low-voltage cables. For the purposes of this section a short section cannot mechanically interconnect two devices, junction boxes, or other equipment or components; and
(E) Repair, replace, or maintain line voltage flexible supply whips not over six feet in length, provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit/feeder load being supplied by the whip. There is no limitation on the whip raceway method (e.g., metallic replaced by nonmetallic).
(iv) The HVAC/refrigeration specialties described in (f)(v) and (vi) of this subsection may not:
(A) Install line voltage controllers or disconnect switches external to HVAC/refrigeration equipment;
(B) Install, repair, replace, or maintain:
• Integrated building control systems, other than HVAC/refrigeration systems;
• Single stand-alone line voltage equipment or components (e.g., heat cable, wall heaters, radiant panel heaters, baseboard heaters, contactors, motor starters, and similar equipment) unless the equipment or component:
Is exclusively controlled by the HVAC/refrigeration system and requires the additional external connection to a mechanical system(s) (e.g., connection to water piping, gas piping, refrigerant system, ducting for the HVAC/refrigeration system, gas fireplace flume, ventilating systems, etc. (i.e., as in the ducting connection to a bathroom fan)). The external connection of the equipment/component to the mechanical system must be required as an integral component allowing the operation of the HVAC/refrigeration system; or
Contains a HVAC/refrigeration mechanical system(s) (e.g., water piping, gas piping, refrigerant system, etc.) within the equipment (e.g., "through-the-wall" air conditioning units, self-contained refrigeration equipment, etc.);
• Luminaires that serve as a building or structure lighting source, even if mechanically connected to a HVAC/refrigeration system (e.g., troffer luminaire used as a return air device, lighting within a walk-in cooler/freezer used for personnel illumination);
• Raceway/conduit systems;
• Line voltage: Service, feeder, or branch circuit
conductors. However, if a structure's feeder/branch circuit
supplies HVAC/refrigeration equipment containing a
supplementary overcurrent protection device(s), this specialty
may install the conductors from the supplementary overcurrent
device(s) to the supplemental HVAC/refrigeration equipment if
the supplementary overcurrent device and the
HVAC/refrigeration equipment being supplied are located within
sight of each other (((see Figure 920-2))); or
• Panelboards, switchboards, or motor control centers external to HVAC/refrigeration system.
(v) HVAC/refrigeration (06A):
(A) This specialty is not limited by voltage, phase, or amperage.
(B) No unsupervised electrical trainee can install, repair, replace, or maintain any part of a HVAC/refrigeration system that contains any circuit rated over 600 volts whether the circuit is energized or deenergized.
(C) This specialty may:
• Install HVAC/refrigeration: Telecommunications, Class 2 low-voltage control circuit wiring/components in other than residential occupancies:
That have no more than three stories on/above grade; or
Regardless of the number of stories above grade if the installation:
• Does not pass between stories;
• Is made in a previously occupied and wired space; and
• Is restricted to the HVAC/refrigeration system;
• Repair, replace, and maintain HVAC/refrigeration: Telecommunications, Class 2 low-voltage control circuit wiring/components in all occupancies regardless of the number of stories on/above grade.
• Install a bonding conductor for metal gas piping to an existing accessible grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode only when terminations can be made external to electrical panelboards, switchboards, or other distribution equipment.
(D) This specialty may not install, repair, replace, or maintain: Any electrical wiring governed under article(s) 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 510, 511, 513, 514, 515, or 516 NEC (i.e., classified locations) located outside the HVAC/refrigeration equipment.
(vi) HVAC/refrigeration - restricted (06B):
(A) This specialty may not perform any electrical work where the primary electrical power connection to the HVAC/refrigeration system exceeds: 250 volts, single phase, or 120 amps.
(B) This specialty may install, repair, replace, or maintain HVAC/refrigeration: Telecommunications, Class 2 low-voltage control circuit wiring/components in other than residential occupancies that have no more than three stories on/above grade.
(C) This specialty may not install, repair, replace, or maintain:
• The allowed telecommunications/low-voltage HVAC/refrigeration wiring in a conduit/raceway system; or
• Any electrical work governed under article(s) 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 510, 511, 513, 514, 515, or 516 NEC (i.e., classified locations).
| (( |
 |
| (( |
 |
This specialty may perform the work defined in (h), (i), (j), (k), and (l) of this subsection.
(h) Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A): Limited to working within the housing of existing nonresidential luminaires for work related to repair, service, maintenance of luminaires and installation of energy efficiency lighting retrofit upgrades. This specialty includes replacement of lamps, ballasts, sockets and the installation of listed lighting retrofit reflectors and kits. All work is limited to the luminaire body, except remote located ballasts may be replaced or retrofitted with approved products. This specialty does not include installing new luminaires or branch circuits; moving or relocating existing luminaires; or altering existing branch circuits.
(i) Residential maintenance (07B): This specialty is limited to residential dwellings as defined in WAC 296-46B-920 (2)(a), multistory dwelling structures with no commercial facilities, and the interior of dwelling units in multistory structures with commercial facilities. This specialty may maintain, repair, or replace (like-in-kind) existing electrical utilization equipment, and all permit exempted work as defined in WAC 296-46B-901.
This specialty is limited to equipment and circuits to a maximum of 250 volts, 60 amperes, and single phase maximum.
This specialty may disconnect and reconnect low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit or whip.
For the purpose of this specialty, "electrical equipment" does not include electrical conductors, raceway or conduit systems external to the equipment or whip. This specialty cannot perform any plumbing work regulated under chapter 18.106 RCW.
(j) Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C): This specialty may maintain, repair, or replace (like-in-kind) existing electrical utilization equipment, and all permit exempted work as defined in WAC 296-46B-901 except for the replacement or repair of circuit breakers.
This specialty is limited to equipment and circuits to a maximum of 277 volts and 20 amperes for lighting branch circuits only and/or maximum 250 volts and 60 amperes for other circuits.
The replacement of luminaires is limited to in-place replacement required by failure of the luminaire to operate. Luminaires installed in suspended lay-in tile ceilings may be relocated providing: The original field installed luminaire supply whip is not extended or relocated to a new supply point; or if a manufactured wiring assembly supplies luminaire power, a luminaire may be relocated no more than eight feet providing the manufactured wiring assembly circuiting is not changed.
This specialty may disconnect and reconnect low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit. For the purpose of this specialty, "electrical equipment" does not include electrical conductors, raceway or conduit systems external to the equipment or whip.
This specialty may perform the work defined in (h) and (i) of this subsection.
This specialty cannot perform any work governed under Article(s) 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 510, 511, 513, 514, 515, or 516 NEC (i.e., classified locations). This specialty cannot perform any plumbing work regulated under chapter 18.106 RCW.
(k) Appliance repair (07D): Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing household appliances, small commercial/industrial appliances, and other small electrical utilization equipment.
(i) For the purposes of this subsection:
(A) The appliance or electrical utilization equipment must be self-contained and built to standardized sizes or types. The appliance/equipment must be connected as a single unit to a single source of electrical power limited to a maximum of 250 volts, 60 amperes, single phase.
(B) Appliances and electrical utilization equipment include, but are not limited to: Ovens, office equipment, vehicle repair equipment, commercial kitchen equipment, self-contained hot tubs and spas, grinders, and scales.
(C) Appliances and utilization equipment do not include systems and equipment such as: Alarm/energy management/similar systems, luminaires, furnaces/heaters/air conditioners/heat pumps, sewage disposal equipment, door/gate/similar equipment, or individual components installed so as to create a system (e.g., pumps, switches, controllers, etc.).
(ii) This specialty includes:
(A) The in-place like-in-kind replacement of the appliance or equipment if the same unmodified electrical circuit is used to supply the equipment being replaced. This specialty also includes the like-in-kind replacement of electrical components within the appliance or equipment;
(B) The disconnection and reconnection of low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit; and
(C) The installation of an outlet box and outlet at an existing appliance or equipment location when converting the appliance from a permanent electrical connection to a plug and cord connection. Other than the installation of the outlet box and outlet, there can be no modification to the existing branch circuit supplying the appliance or equipment.
(iii) This specialty does not include:
(A) The installation, repair, or modification of branch circuits conductors, services, feeders, panelboards, disconnect switches, or raceway/conductor systems interconnecting multiple appliances, equipment, or other electrical components.
(B) Any work governed under Article(s) 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 510, 511, 513, 514, 515, or 516 NEC (i.e., classified locations).
(C) Any plumbing work regulated under chapter 18.106 RCW.
(l) Equipment repair (07E): Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment.
See RCW 19.28.095 for the equipment repair scope of work and definitions. This specialty cannot perform any plumbing work regulated under chapter 18.106 RCW.
(m) Telecommunications (09): Limited to the installation, maintenance, and testing of telecommunications systems, equipment, and associated hardware, pathway systems, and cable management systems.
(i) This specialty includes:
(A) Installation of open wiring systems of telecommunications cables.
(B) Surface nonmetallic raceways designated and used exclusively for telecommunications.
(C) Optical fiber innerduct raceway.
(D) Underground raceways designated and used exclusively for telecommunications and installed for additions or extensions to existing telecommunications systems not to exceed fifty feet inside the building.
(E) Incidental short sections of circular or surface metal raceway, not to exceed ten feet, for access or protection of telecommunications cabling and installation of cable trays and ladder racks in telecommunications service entrance rooms, spaces, or closets.
(F) Audio or paging systems where the amplification is integrated into the telephone system equipment.
(G) Audio or paging systems where the amplification is provided by equipment listed as an accessory to the telephone system equipment and requires the telephone system for the audio or paging system to function.
(H) Closed circuit video monitoring systems if there is no integration of line or low-voltage controls for cameras and equipment. Remote controlled cameras and equipment are considered (intrusion) security systems and must be installed by appropriately licensed electrical contractors and certified electricians.
(I) Customer satellite and conventional antenna systems receiving a telecommunications service provider's signal. All receiving equipment is on the customer side of the telecommunications network demarcation point.
(ii) This specialty does not include horizontal cabling used for fire protection signaling systems, intrusion alarms, access control systems, patient monitoring systems, energy management control systems, industrial and automation control systems, HVAC/refrigeration control systems, lighting control systems, and stand-alone amplified sound or public address systems. Telecommunications systems may interface with other building signal systems including security, alarms, and energy management at cross-connection junctions within telecommunications closets or at extended points of demarcation. Telecommunications systems do not include the installation or termination of premises line voltage service, feeder, or branch circuit conductors or equipment. Horizontal cabling for a telecommunications outlet, necessary to interface with any of these systems outside of a telecommunications closet, is the work of the telecommunications contractor.
(n) Door, gate, and similar systems (10): This specialty may install, service, maintain, repair, or replace door/gate/similar systems electrical operator wiring and equipment.
(i) For the purposes of this subsection, door/gate/similar systems electrical operator systems include electric gates, doors, windows, awnings, movable partitions, curtains and similar systems. These systems include, but are not limited to: Electric gate/door/similar systems operators, control push buttons, key switches, key pads, pull cords, air and electric treadle, air and electric sensing edges, coil cords, take-up reels, clocks, photo electric cells, loop detectors, motion detectors, remote radio and receivers, antenna, timers, lock-out switches, stand-alone release device with smoke detection, strobe light, annunciator, control panels, wiring and termination of conductors.
(ii) This specialty includes:
(A) Low-voltage, NEC Class 2, door/gate/similar systems electrical operator systems where the door/gate/similar systems electrical operator system is not connected to other systems.
(B) Branch circuits originating in a listed door/gate/similar systems electric operator control panel that supplies only door/gate/similar systems system components providing: The branch circuit does not exceed 600 volts, 20 amperes and the component is within sight of the listed door/gate/similar systems electric operator control panel.
(C) Reconnection of line voltage power to a listed door/gate/similar systems electric operator control panel is permitted provided:
• There are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit/feeder;
• The circuit/feeder does not exceed 600 volts, 20 amperes; and
• The conductor or conduit extending from the branch circuit/feeder disconnecting means or junction box does not exceed six feet in length.
(iii) This specialty does not include any work governed under Article(s) 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 510, 511, 513, 514, 515, or 516 NEC (i.e., classified locations). This specialty may not install, repair, or replace branch circuit (line voltage) conductors, services, feeders, panelboards, or disconnect switches supplying the door/gate/similar systems electric operator control panel.
(3) A specialty electrical contractor, other than the (06) limited energy specialty electrical contractor, may only perform telecommunications work within the equipment or occupancy limitations of their specialty electrical contractor's license. Any other telecommunications work requires a telecommunications contractor's license.
| (( |
 |
[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-920, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-920, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-920, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-22-025, § 296-46B-920, filed 10/25/05, effective 11/25/05; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-920, 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-920, 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-920, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) The department will issue an
electrical/telecommunications contractor's license that will
expire twenty-four months following the date of issue to a
person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity that
complies with requirements for such license in chapter 19.28 RCW. An electrical/telecommunications contractor's license
will not be issued to or renewed for a person, firm, or
partnership unless the Social Security number, date of birth,
and legal address of ((the individual legal owner(s))) each
member(s) (see WAC 296-46B-100 definition for member), are
submitted with the application. The department may issue an
electrical/telecommunications contractor's license for a
period greater or less than twenty-four months for the purpose
of equalizing the number of electrical contractor's licenses
that expire each month. The department may prorate the
electrical/telecommunications contractor's license fee
according to the license period.
The applicant, upon application and renewal, must provide the department with the Social Security number, date of birth, and legal address of each member(s).
(2) Combination specialty contractor's license. The department may issue a combination specialty contractor's license to a firm that qualifies for more than one specialty electrical contractor's license. The assigned administrator must be certified in all specialties applicable to the combination specialty contractor's license. The license will plainly indicate the specialty licenses' codes included in the combination license. An administrator assigned to a telecommunications contractor must be certified as a telecommunications administrator. A combination license will not be issued for telecommunications (09).
(3) See RCW 19.28.041(((1))) (7) for a contractor doing
domestic pumping work as defined in RCW 18.106.010 (10)(c).
(4) The department may deny application ((or)), renewal,
or reinstatement of an electrical/telecommunications
contractor's license if a firm, an owner, partner, member, or
corporate officer owes money as a result of an outstanding
final judgment(s) to the department.
Electrical/telecommunications contractor bond, cash or
securities deposit.
(5) Bond, cash, or securities deposit.
(a) The electrical/telecommunications contractor may furnish the department with a cash or security deposit to meet the bond requirements in lieu of posting a bond. A cash or security deposit assigned to the department for bond requirements will be held in place for one year after the contractor's license is expired, revoked, or the owner notifies the department in writing that the company is no longer doing business in the state of Washington as an electrical/telecommunications contractor. Upon written request, the cash or security deposit will then be released by the department providing there is no pending legal action against the contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW of which the department has been notified.
(b) See RCW 19.28.041(7) for a contractor doing domestic pumping work as defined in RCW 18.106.010 (10)(c).
Telecommunications contractor insurance.
(6) To obtain a telecommunications contractor's license,
the applicant must provide the department with an original
certificate of insurance naming the department of labor and
industries, electrical section as the certificate holder. Insurance coverage must be no less than twenty thousand
dollars for injury or damages to property, fifty thousand
dollars for injury or damage including death to any one
person, and one hundred thousand dollars for injury or damage
including death to more than one person. The insurance will
be considered a continuing obligation unless canceled by the
insurance company. The insurance company must notify the
department in writing ten days prior to the effective date of
said cancellation or failure to renew.
(7) The telecommunications contractor may furnish the department with an assigned account to meet the insurance requirements in lieu of a certificate of insurance. An account assigned to the department for insurance requirements will be held in place for three years after the contractor's license is expired, revoked, or the owner notifies the department in writing that the company is no longer doing business in the state of Washington as a telecommunications contractor. Upon written request, the account then will be released by the department providing there is no pending legal action against the contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW of which the department has been notified.
Electrical/telecommunications contractor exemptions.
(8) The following types of systems and circuits are
considered exempt from the requirements for licensing and
permitting described in chapter 19.28 RCW. The electrical
failure of these systems does not inherently or functionally
compromise safety to life or property.
Low-voltage thermocouple derived circuits and low-voltage circuits for:
(a) Built-in residential vacuum systems;
(b) Underground landscape sprinkler systems;
(c) Underground landscape lighting; and
(d) Residential garage doors.
For these types of systems and circuits to be considered exempt, the following conditions must be met:
(e) The power supplying the installation must be derived from a listed Class 2 power supply;
(f) The installation and termination of line voltage equipment and conductors supplying these systems is performed by appropriately licensed and certified electrical contractors and electricians;
(g) The conductors of these systems do not pass through fire-rated walls, fire-rated ceilings or fire-rated floors in other than residential units; and
(h) Conductors or luminaires are not installed in installations covered by the scope of Article 680 NEC (swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations).
(9) Firms who clean and/or replace lamps in luminaires are not included in the requirements for licensing in chapter 19.28 RCW. This exemption does not apply to electric signs as defined in the NEC.
(10) Firms who install listed plug and cord connected utilization equipment are not included in the requirements for licensing in chapter 19.28 RCW. The plug and cord must be a single listed unit consisting of a molded plug and cord and not exceeding 250 volt 60 ampere single phase. The plug and cord can be field installed per the manufacturer's instructions and the product listing requirements. The utilization equipment must be a single manufactured unit, including the plug and cord, that does not require any electrical field assembly except for the installation of the plug and cord and is allowed to be plug and cord connected by the NEC.
(11) Firms regulated by the Federal Communications Commission or the utilities and transportation commission, supplying telecommunications service to an end-user's property, are not required to be licensed as a telecommunications contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW for telecommunications installations made ahead of the telecommunications network demarcation point.
(12) Unregulated firms, supplying telecommunications service to an end-user's property, are not required to be licensed as a telecommunications contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW for telecommunications installations made ahead of the telecommunications network demarcation point.
(13) Leaseholders. For electrical installations, maintenance, or alterations to existing buildings only, any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity holding a valid, signed lease from the property owner authorizing the leaseholder to perform electrical work, on the property the leaseholder occupies, will be allowed to purchase an electrical permit(s) and do electrical work on or within the property described in the lease. The lessee and/or his or her regularly employed employees must perform the electrical installation, maintenance and alteration.
The lessee who performs the electrical maintenance or installation work must be the sole occupant of the property or space. Property owners or leaseholders cannot perform electrical work on new buildings for rent, sale, or lease, without the proper electrical licensing and certification. Refer to RCW 19.28.261 for exemptions from licensing and certification.
(14) Assisting a householder. A friend, neighbor, relative, or other person (including a certified electrician) may assist a householder, at his/her residence in the performance of electrical work on the condition that the householder is present when the work is performed and the person assisting the householder does not accept money or other forms of compensation for the volunteer work. For the purposes of this subsection, a residence is a single-family residence.
(15) Volunteering to do electrical work. There are no exceptions from the electrical contractor's license or electrician certification requirements to allow persons to perform volunteer electrical work for anyone other than a householder or a nonprofit organization as allowed by RCW 19.28.091(7). For the purpose of this section, volunteer means that there is no remuneration or receiving of goods or services in return for electrical installations performed.
(16) Farms or place of business. See RCW 19.28.261 for licensing/certification exemptions allowed for the owner(s) of a farm or other place of business and for the employees of the owner.
Exemptions - Electrical utility and electrical utility's
contractor.
(17) Electrical utility exemptions.
(a) Utility system exemption - RCW 19.28.010(1) and 19.28.091(1).
(i) Neither a serving electrical utility nor a contractor or subcontractor employed by the serving electrical utility is required to have an electrical contractor's license for work on the "utility system" or on service connections or on meters or other apparatus used to measure the consumption of electricity.
(ii) Exemption from inspection. The work of a serving electrical utility and its contractor(s) on the work exempted by NEC 90.2 (b)(5), 1981 edition, is not subject to inspection.
(b) Street/area lighting exemption - RCW 19.28.091
(2)(a)(((A))).
(i) On:
(A) Publicly owned streets, parks, athletic/play fields, beaches, and similar areas where the public has general, clear, and unrestricted access; or
(B) Outside area lighting installed on a utility owned pole(s) that is used to support the utility's electric distribution wiring or equipment that supplies a private property owner's property, the serving electrical utility is considered to be an owner and is not required to have an electrical contractor's license or electrical permit to install or work on wiring or equipment, owned by the utility and used in the lighting of those streets/areas.
(ii) On other privately or publicly owned property (e.g., private streets, parking lots, businesses, schools, etc.), the serving utility is not required to have an electrical contractor's license or electrical permit to install or work on outside street/area lighting where the light(s) is supplied directly from the utility system and installed according to the NESC or NEC.
This work is considered to be utility type work.
An electric utility is not allowed to install or work on street/area lighting:
(A) When the area is privately or publicly owned and the public does not have general, clear, and otherwise unrestricted access such as: Industrial property, residential property, or other property where the public's access is restricted in any manner.
(B) Where the lighting is supplied from a source of power derived from a customer-owned electrical system.
(C) Where the lighting or wiring is attached to a building or other customer-owned structure.
(D) If the utility does not directly perform the installation or work, it may only contract the work to an appropriately licensed electrical contractor(s). See RCW 19.28.091(3).
(c) Customer-owned equipment exemption - RCW 19.28.091 (2)(b). A serving electrical utility is not required to have an electrical contractor's license to work on electrical equipment owned by a commercial, industrial, or public institution customer if:
(i) The utility has not solicited such work; and
(ii) Such equipment:
(A) Is located outside a building or structure; and
(B) The work performed is ahead of the secondary side of the customer's transformer(s) which supplies power at the customer's utilization voltage.
If the utility does not directly perform the installation or work, it may only contract the work to an appropriately licensed electrical contractor(s). See RCW 19.28.091(3).
This work is considered to be utility type work.
The owner will provide the electrical work permit and be responsible for requesting inspections and for ensuring the work is installed per chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.
Exemptions - Electrical utility telecommunications transition
equipment installations, maintenance and repair.
(18) No license, inspection or other permit will be
required by the department of any electric utility or, of any
person, firm, partnership or corporation or other entity
employed or retained by an electric utility or its contractor,
because of work in connection with the installation,
maintenance, or repair of telecommunications transition
equipment located ahead of the utility's telecommunications
network demarcation point on the outside of a building or
other structure when the work is performed by a qualified
person consistent with the requirements of the National
Electric Code (NEC) except as provided in (a) and (b) of this
subsection:
(a) The following exceptions to the NEC ((shall)) will be
permitted:
(i) An additional service disconnect supplying power to the transition equipment can be connected on the supply side of the main service disconnect supplying general power to the building;
(ii) Service entrance disconnects may be separated when clearly labeled;
(iii) The service disconnect used for supplying power to the transition equipment must be connected to the grounding electrode system using:
(A) # 8 AWG copper or larger grounding electrode conductor if protected from physical damage; or
(B) # 6 AWG copper or larger grounding electrode conductor if not protected from physical damage;
(iv) Use of equipment or materials that have been listed/field evaluated by a recognized independent testing laboratory or the department;
(v) Low-voltage circuits do not require a separate disconnecting means and may be grounded to the transition equipment grounding system;
(vi) Any other variance to the NEC must be approved by the department.
(b) A variance recommended by a joint utility standards group composed of representatives of both public and private utilities or certified by a professional engineer will be approved by the department unless the recommendation is inconsistent with meeting equivalent objectives for public safety.
(c) For the purposes of this section, a qualified worker is employed by a utility or its contractor and is familiar with the construction or operation of such lines and/or equipment that concerns his/her position and who is proficient with respect to the safety hazards connected therewith, or, one who has passed a journey status examination for the particular branch of the electrical trades with which he/she may be connected or is in a recognized training or apprenticeship course and is supervised by a journey level person.
(d) Although the utility is responsible for inspection
and approval of the installation, including the selection of
material and equipment, the department reserves the right to
audit worker qualifications and inspect such installations
semiannually for conformance with the requirements of (a), (b)
and (c) of this subsection but ((shall)) will not collect a
permit fee for such inspection or audit.
(e) If a utility fails to meet the requirements of this section, the department may require the utility to develop and submit a remedial action plan and schedule to attain compliance with this section which may be enforced by the department.
(f) This exemption ((shall)) will be in addition to any
other exemption provided in chapter 19.28 RCW, this chapter or
other applicable law.
Exemptions - Independent electrical power production equipment
exemption.
(19) An independent electrical power production entity is
not required to have an electrical contractor's license to
work on electrical equipment used to produce or transmit
electrical power if:
(a) The entity is:
(i) The owner or operator of the generating facility is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC);
(ii) A municipal utility, or other form of governmental electric utility, or by an electrical cooperative or mutual corporation; or
(iii) The owner or operator of the generating facility is an independent electrical power producer and the facility generates electrical power only for sale to one or more:
(A) Electrical utilities regulated by FERC, municipal utility, or other form of governmental utility, or to an electric cooperative or mutual corporation; and
(B) The electrical power generated by the facility is not used for self-generation or any other on- or offsite function other than sale to one or more utilities regulated by FERC or by one or more state public utilities commissions, or to a PUD, municipal utility, or other form of governmental electric utility, or to an electric cooperative or mutual corporation.
(b) The entity must supply the chief electrical inspector a valid master business license issued by the department of licensing, state of Washington so that the entity's status as a revenue generating business can be confirmed.
(c) The entity has entered into an agreement to sell electricity to a utility or to a third party; and
(d) The electrical equipment is used to transmit electricity from the terminals of an electrical generating unit located on premises to the point of interconnection with a utility system.
(e) The electrical power production facility's generation
capacity exceeds ((115)) 100 KVA.
(f) Notwithstanding that a generating facility may be granted an exemption pursuant to this section, the facility will be subject to all the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW if the facility at any time in the future ceases to comply with the requirements for exemption. All site facilities not exclusively and directly required to generate and/or distribute the electrical power generated on the site are subject to all the licensing and inspection requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW. All facility services, feeders, and circuits not exclusively and directly required to generate and/or distribute the electrical power (e.g., lights, outlets, etc.) must comply with all requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW for licensing and inspection. Facility circuits supplied to equipment required for the function of generation equipment (e.g., block heaters, power supplies, wind generator tower circuits, etc.) must comply with all requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW for licensing and inspection up to and including the equipment termination point.
(g) The generation equipment must not be mounted on or in any building or structure not required for generation of power (e.g., schools, offices, residences, apartment buildings, hospitals, etc.).
Exemptions - Telegraph and telephone utility and telegraph and
telephone utility's contractor.
(20) Telegraph and telephone utility exempted equipment
and installations. No person, firm, partnership, corporation,
or other entity is required to have an electrical contractor's
license for work on electrical equipment and installations
thereof that are exempted by RCW 19.28.151. For the purposes
of this exemption, "building or buildings used exclusively for
that purpose" may mean any separate building or space of a
building where the space is separated from the remainder of
the building by a two-hour fire wall. The telecommunications
or telegraph equipment within such a space must supply
telephone or telegraph service to other customer's buildings
(i.e., telecommunications or telegraph equipment cannot solely
supply the building containing the telephone/telegraph space).
Exemptions - Manufacturers of electrical/telecommunications
products.
(21) Manufacturers of electrical/telecommunications
systems products will be allowed to utilize a manufacturer's
authorized factory-trained technician to perform initial
calibration, testing, adjustment, modification incidental to
the startup and checkout of the equipment, or replacement of
components within the confines of the specific product,
without permit or required licensing:
(a) Provided the product:
(i) Has not been previously energized;
(ii) Has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission;
(iii) Is within the manufacturer's written warranty period; or
(iv) The manufacturer is working under the written request and supervision of an appropriately licensed electrical contractor.
(b) Except for the replacement of individual components, as allowed above, this exemption does not include the initial installation, removal, or replacement of the electrical product. Modifications to the equipment, as designated above, must not include any changes to the original intended configuration nor changes or contact with external or field-connected components or wiring.
(c) The manufacturer will be responsible for obtaining any required reapproval/recertification from the original listing or field evaluation laboratory.
(d) The manufacturer must notify the department if any modifications have been made or reapproval/recertification is required.
Premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies
and control gear.
(22) Premanufactured electric power generation equipment
assemblies and control gear.
(a) Manufacturers of premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies and control gear will be allowed to utilize a manufacturer's authorized factory-trained technician to perform initial calibration, testing, adjustment, modification incidental to the startup and checkout of the equipment, or replacement of components within the confines of the specific product, without permit or required licensing, provided:
(i) For transfer equipment, the product has not been previously energized or is within the manufacturer's written warranty period;
(ii) Modifications to the equipment, as designated above, must not include any changes to the original intended configuration nor changes or contact with external or field-connected components or wiring;
(iii) The manufacturer will be responsible for obtaining any required reapproval/recertification from the original listing or field evaluation laboratory; or
(iv) The manufacturer must notify the department if any modifications have been made or reapproval/recertification is required.
(b) Premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies are made up of reciprocating internal combustion engines and the associated control gear equipment. Control gear equipment includes control logic, metering, and annunciation for the operation and the quality of power being generated by the reciprocating internal combustion engine and does not have the function of distribution of power.
(c) Modifications of a transfer switch must not include changes to the original intended configuration or changes or contact with externally field-connected components.
(d) For the purposes of this subsection, the following work on premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies is not exempt from the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW:
(i) Installation or connection of conduit or wiring between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear;
(ii) Installation of the transfer switch;
(iii) Connections between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear, and utility's transmission or distribution systems;
(iv) Connections between the power generation unit, transfer switch, control gear, and any building or structure; or
(v) Test connections with any part of:
(A) The utility's transmission or distribution system; or
(B) The building or structure.
(23) The installation, maintenance, or repair of a medical device deemed in compliance with chapter 19.28 RCW is exempt from licensing requirements under RCW 19.28.091, certification requirements under RCW 19.28.161, and inspection and permitting requirements under RCW 19.28.101. This exemption does not include work providing electrical feeds into the power distribution unit or installation of conduits and raceways. This exemption covers only those factory engineers or third-party service companies with equivalent training who are qualified to perform such service.
(24) Coincidental electrical/plumbing work. See RCW 19.28.091(8) for the plumber exemption.
(25) Nothing in this section will alter or amend any other exemptions from or requirement for licensure or inspection, chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter.
Photovoltaic equipment.
(26) See WAC 296-46B-690 for specific exemptions related
to photovoltaic installations.
[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-925, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/31/08; 06-24-041, § 296-46B-925, filed 11/30/06, effective 12/31/06; 06-05-028, § 296-46B-925, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-925, filed 4/26/05, effective 6/30/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW. 04-21-086, § 296-46B-925, 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-925, 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-925, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) Partners must be on file with the department of licensing; or
(2) Corporate officers or members of an LLC must be on file with the secretary of state.)) A member of the firm is defined in WAC 296-46B-100.
In determining whether an individual is a full-time supervisory employee, the department will consider whether the individual is on the electrical/telecommunications contractor's full-time payroll; receives a regular salary or wage similar to other employees; has supervisory responsibility for work performed by the electrical/telecommunications contractor, and carries out the duties shown in 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, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, and 19.28.551. 05-10-024, § 296-46B-930, 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-930, 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, and chapter 19.28 RCW. 03-18-089, § 296-46B-930, filed 9/2/03, effective 10/3/03. 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-930, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]
(1) The department will deny application ((or)), renewal,
or reinstatement 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.
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 administrator's certificate.
[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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-935, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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,
or reinstatement 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, wear, and visibly display on the
front of the upper body, 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) 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.
The certificate may be worn inside the outer layer of clothing when outer protective clothing (e.g., rain gear when outside in the rain, arc flash, welding gear, etc.) is required. The certificate must be worn inside the protective clothing so that when the protective clothing is removed, the certificate is visible. A cold weather jacket or similar apparel is not protective clothing.
The certificate may be worn inside the outer layer of clothing when working in an attic or crawl space or when operating equipment (e.g., drill motor, conduit threading machine, etc.) where wearing the certificate may pose an unsafe condition for the individual.
The certificate must be immediately available for examination at all times.
When working as a certified electrician, the electrician must not display a training certificate.
When supervising a trainee(s), the supervising electrician's certificate must be appropriate for the work being performed by the trainee(s).
Any person working as an electrician or trainee must also possess a government issued photo identification and immediately present that identification when requested by the inspector.
(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).
Original certificates of competency.
(5) 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 chapter 19.28 RCW; 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) and (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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) 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.
(11) 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.
(12) 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.
(13) An individual may not renew a revoked certificate of competency.
Exemptions - Linemen.
(((5))) (14) 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))) (15) 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))) (16) 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 certificate of competency.
Military/shipyard experience.
(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.
(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.
(19) Out-of-country experience credit is not allowed toward a specialty electrician certificate.
Training school credit.
(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).
(21) See RCW 19.28.191 (1)(h) for training school credit allowed for journeyman applicants.
(22) See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional information on training schools.))
[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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-940, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
General.
(1) To work in the electrical construction trade as an
electrical trainee, an individual must possess, wear, and
visibly display a current valid 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.
The trainee must meet all the requirements of WAC 296-46B-940 related to visibly displaying a current certificate and having a valid photo identification on his/her person.
(2) 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) Is not working in exempt status as allowed by chapter 19.28 RCW.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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, 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) 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. Basic trainee classes are only valid when all the requirements of WAC 296-46B-970 are completed. If an individual files inaccurate or false evidence of basic trainee class information when renewing a training certificate, the individual's training certificate may be suspended.
Basic trainee classes 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-942(12). 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 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.
(9) An individual who has not completed the required hours of basic trainee class 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 basic trainee class education.
(10) An individual may renew a suspended training certificate by submitting a complete renewal application including obtaining and submitting the basic trainee class education required for renewal. However, the certificate will remain in a suspended status for the duration of the suspension period.
(11) 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.
(12) 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.
(13) 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.
(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 without supervision present on the job site.
(15) 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 fully completed and returned or
postmarked within twenty-four hours to the inspector. The
supervising electrician must sign the statement for the
trainee if appropriate supervision was provided. 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.
Trainees seeking a journeyman electrician certificate - Working with no supervision.
(16) 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.
(17) 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.
(18) 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.
[]
(1) General.
(((1))) (a) All applicants must be at least sixteen years
of age.
(b) All applicants, from in or out of state, must demonstrate the completion of basic trainee classes described in WAC 296-46B-970 (4)(c)(ii)(D).
(i) Twenty-four hours where two thousand or more; but less than four thousand hours of work experience is required.
(ii) Forty-eight hours where four thousand or more; but less than six thousand hours of work experience is required.
(iii) Seventy-two hours where six thousand or more; but less than eight thousand hours of work experience is required.
(iv) Ninety-six hours where eight thousand or more of work experience is required.
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 a specialty electrician certificate of
competency or examination.
(5) After review and approval by the department, 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 two thousand minimum hours of work experience required for certification as an HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (06B) specialty electrician may be credited as two thousand hours towards the four thousand minimum hours of work experience required for certification as an 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)(iv). |
(b) Or has completed an appropriate two-year apprenticeship program in the electrical construction trade that is registered with the state apprenticeship council while working under the direct supervision of an electrician in the appropriate specialty in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161.
Qualifying for a certificate of competency when the Washington electrical work experience is exempt from certification requirements in RCW 19.28.261.
(6) After review and approval by the department, an individual may be granted work experience credit to take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when an original notarized letter of work experience accompanied by verifiable documentation - See subsection (7) of this section.
For the purposes of this section, exempt work does not include work performed on property owned, in whole or part, by the individual seeking credit.
All exempt individuals must have a valid electrical training certificate when working to gain electrical work experience.
Work experience requested by an individual for telecommunications work must be gained while working for (01) general electrical, (02) residential, or (06) limited energy system electrical contractors as allowed by those scopes of work. When the work was performed, the individual must have a valid training certificate, be under the supervision of an appropriately certified journeyman, residential or limited energy electrician, and be in compliance with RCW 19.28.191.
General - Qualifying hours gained by applicants seeking work
experience credit without a Washington electrician training
certificate.
(7) The type of on-the-job work experience must be
similar to the credit being applied for and lawfully gained in
the state or other entity where the work was performed. The
individual must submit verifiable documentation (e.g.,
payroll, time sheets, permits, supervision, etc.) that the
department may use to ascertain the type of work performed and
the number of hours worked for each type (i.e., specialty) of
work.
Training hours credited for specialties requiring less than two years (i.e., four thousand hours) may not be credited towards qualification for general journeyman electrician.
The documentation must include a complete description of the individual's usual duties with percentages attributed to each type (e.g., wiring, material handling, shop, low voltage, etc.)
The department may reduce the number of hours allowed if the:
(a) Individual did not have supervision during the training period;
(b) Training hours are not related to electrical construction;
(c) Training hours are not related to the specialty being applied for;
(d) Documentation submitted by the individual does not fully verify the requested work experience; or
(e) Work credit was not lawfully gained.
Training school credit.
(8) 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).
See RCW 19.28.191 (1)(h) for training school credit allowed for journeyman applicants.
See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional information on training schools.
Qualifying for the journeyman/specialty electrician competency
examination when work was performed in a state requiring
electrician certification.
(((5))) (9) After review and approval by the department,
an individual may be granted on-the-job work experience
towards qualifying to take the journeyman/specialty
electrician's competency examination for hours worked in the
other state when the ((appropriate)) state ((having
authority)) certifies to the department ((that)):
(a) The type and number of hours of work performed within the state. Credit will not be allowed for work not done within the certifying state.
(b) That the work was legally performed under the other state's licensing and certification requirements; and
(((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))) (c) 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.)) If the experience is for other than
a new commercial or industrial installation, the individual
must identify the specialty credit desired and provide
verifiable documentation identifying the other state's allowed
scope of work for the specialty, see subsection (7) of this
section.
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:)) (10) After review and approval by the department,
an individual may be granted work experience credit to take
the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination
when an original notarized letter of work experience
accompanied by documentation, see subsection (7) of this
section, that can be used to verify the individual has worked
the hours being requested is provided by:
(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:
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.)) appropriately state licensed electrical contractor;
(b) Registered apprenticeship training director;
(c) Nationally recognized contractor/labor organization; or
(d) The individual's lawful employer.
Military/shipyard experience.
(11) After review and approval by the department, 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.
(12) After review and approval by the department, and 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.
(13) Out of country experience credit is not allowed toward a specialty electrician certificate.
[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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-945, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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. For all administrator examinations, all sections must be successfully completed within a one-year examination period after beginning the examination. For all master electrician and electrician examinations, all sections must be successfully completed within a one-year examination period beginning with the date of the examination approval. 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.
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))) (8) 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))) (9) If the individual makes a failing score, the
individual must wait two weeks before being eligible to
retest.
(((11))) (10) 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.
(((12))) (11) 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.
(((13))) (12) 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. The department may also file a
civil penalty action under chapter 19.28 RCW.
Examination confidentiality.
(13) All examination questions are confidential.
Examination candidates and persons who have taken an
examination are not allowed to copy or otherwise make note of
or share examination content, in any manner, outside the
individual's examination environment. Examination candidates
must agree, prior to beginning an examination, to keep all
examination content confidential. The department may also
file a civil penalty 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, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-960, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
(((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 or basic
trainee 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))) "Currently adopted code," for this section means the code adopted in WAC 296-46B-010(1) or any more recently published National Electric Code.
"Date of notification" means the date of a request for
additional information from the ((contractor)) department or
the approval/denial letter sent to the applicant by the
((contractor)) department.
(((g))) "Examination" is any examination required by this
section. Each examination must be unique and must provide
randomized questions, except for classroom training. Each
examination question bank must be at least two times larger
than the number of questions in any individual examination.
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. No more than twenty percent of an examination's
questions may have a true/false answer. Competency is
demonstrated by scoring at least seventy-five percent on the
examination.
"Individual" means ((an)) a master electrician,
administrator or electrician seeking credit for continuing
education or a trainee seeking credit for basic trainee class
for renewal or certification.
(((h))) "Instructor" means an individual who is
authorized to instruct an approved continuing education or
basic trainee 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 and/or
instructor approval and/or reduce the number of credited hours
for the class.
(b) Department-offered classes and the instructors used
for ((those)) department 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))) (5)(d)(iv) 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)) trainee class that have similar class content given
during the same class session). ((No)) Credit will not be
granted for ((any)) a class that is not approved per this
section.
(e) ((Telecommunications administrators do not require
continuing educations.
(f) Other)) Electrical 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))
currently adopted code.
(B) Four hours of the required continuing education must
be on the currently adopted chapter 19.28 RCW and/or 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
electrician's prior ((electrician)) certificate 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 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/or 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 education((s)).
(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))) (f) Training certificates:
(i) To be eligible for renewal of a training certificate, the individual must have completed:
(A) ((Effective July 1, 2011,)) At least thirty-two hours
of approved basic ((classroom electrical training)) trainee
classes and effective July 1, 2013, at least forty-eight hours
of approved ((electrical training)) basic trainee classes. The individual cannot use a basic ((classroom electrical
training)) trainee 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 classes 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).
Equivalent classes must be submitted to and approved by the chief electrical inspector thirty calendar days prior to offering the class.
(ii) ((Note that)) Only trainees seeking experience
credit in the pump and irrigation (03) or domestic pumping
(03A) specialties may ((take)) receive credit for pumping
industry basic ((classroom training)) trainee 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))) (g) A continuing ((education)) or basic trainee
class attended or completed by an individual before the
class's effective date cannot be used to meet the certificate
renewal/certification 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)) department will ((review submitted
class and instructor applications to determine whether the
application meets the minimum requirements for approval.)):
(i) Review the application for completeness and conformance with the requirements in this section.
(ii) If the application is incomplete, notify the applicant within seven working days of the status of the review and if additional information is required.
(iii) Complete the review and approval/denial process within fifteen working days upon receipt of a complete application or additional requested information.
(b) The ((contractor)) department 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 process:
(((A))) (i) The applicant must submit a complete
application to the ((contractor)) department at least thirty
calendar days prior to offering or instructing a class.
(((B))) (ii) The ((contractor)) department will only
consider material included with the application when reviewing
an application.
(((C))) (iii) All applications ((will consist of)) must
include:
((• One copy of all material;
•)) (A) Applicant's name, address, contact name, e-mail address, and telephone number;
((•)) (B) 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))) The department must review the application for completeness within seven working days after receipt.
(B) If the application is incomplete, the ((contractor))
department 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)) department within
five working days after the date of notification.
(((B))) • The ((contractor)) department will deny the
application if the additional required information is not
received within the five working days after the date of
notification for additional information.
(((iii) When the contractor has received a complete
application, the contractor must review and evaluate the
application for compliance with the minimum requirements.))
(C) The ((contractor)) department must complete the
review and approval/denial process within ((seven)) fifteen
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))) the applicant of the approval/denial in writing or electronically.
(ii) 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))) (iii) A notification of approval:
(A) For classes must include:
• Applicant's name and telephone number;
• Sponsor's name and telephone number;
• Sponsor number;
• Class title;
• Class number;
• Number of hours approved for the class. ((Note that
the contractor)) The department 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)) trainee class, pumping industry, or
pumping industry ((basic classroom training)) trainee class);
((• 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:))
(iv) The ((applicant's)) applicant may request a review,
by the electrical board, 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.)) department's denial or modification of the application. The applicant must submit a written request for review to the Secretary of the Electrical Board - Chief Electrical Inspector - Within twenty days of notification of the denial/modification. The request must include a review fee of one hundred nine dollars and fifty cents. The review fee is nonrefundable.
(4) CLASS APPROVAL PROCESS.
(a) Class applications must include:
(i) Sponsor's name, address, contact name, e-mail address, telephone number, and sponsor's number (if a class was previously approved);
(ii) Class title;
(iii) Number of education hours requested for the class;
(iv) Category of class for which approval is sought (e.g., code update, RCW/WAC update, industry related, basic trainee class, pumping industry, or pumping industry basic trainee class);
(v) Statement that all requirements of this section will be complied with;
(vi) Statement of whether the class is open to the public;
(vii) Class syllabus (e.g., presentation method(s), description of the training, specific NEC/RCW/WAC articles taught, theory subjects, time allowed for various subject matter components, examination question samples, etc.) describing how the class meets the minimum requirements, described below, for the type of class being offered;
(viii) The applicant must show that the sponsor regularly employs at least one staff member who meets the requirements for instructors in this section;
(ix) List of resources (e.g., texts, references, etc.);
(b) 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))) (c) Minimum requirements:
(i) Class length:
(A) The minimum allowed length of a class is two hours; however, the minimum length for a basic trainee class or pumping industry basic trainee class is eight hours that may be delivered in multiple classroom components of not less than two hours each.
(B) Class length must be based on two-hour increments (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.)
(C) Class length must be based on the following:
• Classroom instruction will be based on the total hours the individual is in the classroom. A continuing education class may be divided into multiple components so long as each component is not less than two hours in length and all components are completed within a one-month period. A basic trainee class may be divided into multiple components so long as each component is not less than two hours in length and all components are completed within a two-month period.
• Distance learning continuing education classes (i.e., correspondence and internet continuing education classes) will be based on clock hours necessary to complete the class if it was presented in a classroom setting.
(ii) 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)) currently adopted National Electrical Code
(see definition of currently adopted), the electrical
law/rule;
• 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)) electrical 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)) currently adopted (see
definition) National Electrical Code and must specify the
((NEC)) code 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)) trainee
classes and pumping industry basic ((classroom training))
trainee classes must be classroom instruction only and based
upon basic electrical theory, ((use of the NEC)) currently
adopted (see definition for currently adopted) National
Electrical Code, and/or use of the electrical laws ((and)) or
rules. Correspondence and internet classes are not allowed. All basic ((classroom electrical training)) trainee classes
must include an appropriate written competency examination(s)
to ensure the participant ((understands)) mastered the basic
concepts of the class. ((To successfully complete the class,
the participant must score at least seventy percent on)) The
examination must consist of at least five questions per two
hours of class credit.
(E) ((In addition,)) For all 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.
• Distance learning (i.e., correspondence and internet classes) will be based on 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.
(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.
(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.)) (F) The sponsor of any distance learning class (e.g., correspondence/internet continuing education) must provide the following additional information with the application:
• How the sponsor will 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.
• In the case of internet based continuing education classes, 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 the sponsor determined the number of clock hours requested.
• The application must demonstrate how mastery of the material is evaluated (e.g., 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).
(5) INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PROCESS:
(a) Except first-aid training, all instructors must be approved per this section.
(b) The instructor application will include:
(i) Instructor's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address;
(ii) Copies of credentials or other information showing conformance with the instruction minimum qualifications.
(c) 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))) (d) Minimum requirements:
(((i))) The application must show that the instructor
meets one of the following:
(((A))) (i) 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))) (ii) Is currently 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))) (iii) 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))) (iv) 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)) department 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)) department'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)) trainee classroom training history with the
class sponsor;
(((c))) (b) Electrical approved classes offered in
Washington:
(i) The sponsor must provide the department with an
accurate on-line course attendance/completion roster for each
class given. Class attendance will only be verified based on
the on-line 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) 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.
(B) The attendance/completion roster must show each
individual's name, Washington certificate number, class
number, ((location of class,)) and date of completion((, and
instructor's name)).
(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 a class unless the sponsor's on-line attendance/completion roster shows the individual successfully completed the class.
(((d))) (c) For classes approved under chapter 18.106 RCW
for the pumping industry, 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))) (b) 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.)) (8) Noncompliance with this section by a course sponsor or instructor.
(a) Before a course sponsor or instructor is revoked or suspended for noncompliance with this section, the course sponsor or instructor will be given written notice of the department's intention to suspend or revoke. The notification will describe the allegations and provide the necessary procedures to request a hearing before the electrical board as described in RCW 19.28.341.
(b) The department may also file a civil penalty action under chapter 19.28 RCW for fraudulent, inaccurate, or material misrepresentation activity.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.28 RCW and 2010 c 33. 11-12-018, § 296-46B-970, filed 5/24/11, effective 6/30/11. 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-970, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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 minimum total hours for an electrical technical training program must be determined per RCW 19.28.191.
(3) Training school programs must be approved before their graduates may request credit for equivalent work experience hours toward journeyman or specialty electrician certification. Until December 31, 2003, existing electrical training programs, in effect after January 1, 2000, may apply for retroactive approval of their program to determine the number of hours that will be credited for the program graduates. After December 31, 2003, all training programs must be approved by the department prior to beginning instruction.
(4) Training schools must submit the curriculum of each journeyman or specific specialty electrical training program to the department for approval. The curriculum must include a detailed description of each course that is included in the total training hours required by RCW 19.28.191. The curriculum must be reviewed by the department whenever significant changes in program content or course length are implemented or at an interval not to exceed three years. After department review, the program may be renewed. In evaluating the relevance of the curriculum, the department will consider the following criteria:
(a) Scope of work for the appropriate electrician certification.
(b) Understanding whole systems related to and integrated with electrical equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and appliance repair (e.g., refrigeration, pumps, hydraulics, thermodynamics, compressed air, and similar systems).
(c) Courses not directly related to electrical technical instruction or specific scope of work, but required to complete the specific training program (i.e., mathematics, technical writing, business, safety, first aid, ergonomics, etc.), must not exceed ten percent of the total student/instructor contact time of the program.
(5) Within thirty days after beginning a program, the
program sponsor must supply the department with a roster of
individuals enrolled in the program. The roster must show
each student's name, date of enrollment, Washington training
or electrician certificate number, and the training program
number. Within thirty days after each graduation cycle,
approved training school programs must provide the department
with a roster of individuals that have successfully completed
the program. The roster must show each student's name, date
of completion, Washington training or electrician certificate
number ((or student identification number)), and the training
program title. An individual must provide a copy of the
certificate of completion or proof of graduation from the
electrical training program when making application to the
department for an electrician examination.
(6) All school training activities involving electrical work or appliance repair done outside of in-school lab facilities must be done under a valid Washington electrical contractor's license. All students performing such work must have a valid training certificate and work under a supervising journeyman or specialty electrician in a ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, in compliance with RCW 19.28.161.
(7) Individuals in a two-year electrical construction trade training program for journeyman electrician must obtain the additional two years of work experience required in new industrial or commercial installation prior to the beginning, or after the completion, of the technical school program.
All student electrical training hours obtained when working for contractors or other employers in intern programs arranged by the school must be evaluated as part of the training program hours. Additional work experience credit gained in an intern program is not allowed.
This does not prohibit trainees in a training program for
specialty electricians from having concurrent employment and
obtaining additional specialty work experience while attending
school. All such concurrent work must be documented in an
affidavit of experience per WAC ((296-46B-965 (5), (6), (7),
and)) 296-46B-942(8).
The following supervision requirements must be met when working as an intern or student:
(a) Intern when working for contractors or other employers as a:
(i) General electrician, there must be not more than one noncertified individual for every certified master journeyman electrician or journeyman electrician.
(ii) Specialty electrician, there must be not more than two noncertified individuals for every certified master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, master journeyman electrician, or journeyman electrician.
(b) Student when working for a public community or technical college, or not-for-profit nationally accredited trade or technical school licensed by the work force training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW as a journeyman or specialty electrician in the training program, the ratio requirements are one certified master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, master journeyman electrician, or journeyman electrician working as a specialty electrician to no more than four students enrolled in and working as part of an electrical construction program. All such work will be considered to be an integral part of the training program and work experience credit will not be allowed except as a part of the program.
When the ratio of certified electricians to noncertified individuals on a job site is one certified electrician to three or four noncertified individuals, the certified electrician must:
(i) Directly supervise and instruct the noncertified individuals and the certified electrician may not directly make or engage in an electrical installation; and
(ii) Be on the same job site as the noncertified individual for a minimum of one hundred percent of each working day.
The public community or technical colleges, or not-for-profit nationally accredited trade or technical schools must be an appropriately licensed electrical contractor when performing work outside the classroom.
(8) The department will use the criteria in this section
to evaluate the hours of credit that may be allowed for United
States armed forces experience and training in the electrical
construction, electrical maintenance, and appliance repair
trades. See WAC ((296-46B-940(20))) 296-46B-945.
[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-971, 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 or basic trainee classroom 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 or basic trainee classroom 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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-985, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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, 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, 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, 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) The license or certificate holder incompletely or inaccurately reported continuing or basic trainee class education units on an application for renewal; or
(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 or basic trainee class 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 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, or training certificate.
(5) The department may confiscate a license or
certificate 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, 19.28.281, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-990, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09. 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)) will 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)) will be determined by the board
at the hearing; the members' votes ((shall)) will 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))
will 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
(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)) will 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)) must 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.
(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 forty-five days before a regularly scheduled board meeting. If you want the board to consider written argument, briefs testimony or other documents, it must be submitted at least forty-five days prior to the scheduled hearing.
(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)) must be filed by
written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector,
as secretary to the board.
(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.
(16) Appeals of a continuing ((education)) or basic
trainee 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)))
(iv) to the superior court per RCW 34.05.542(3).
(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)) must be filed by written notice of appeal with the
chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.
(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.
(19) If appeal(s) according to subsections (12), (13), (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.
(20) Appeals - General requirements.
(a) Appeals according to subsections (12), (15), or (16)
of this section must specify the contentions of the appellant,
and must for subsection (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)) will not grant a hearing ((due))
de novo.
(b) In appeals under subsections (13), (14), (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.
(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.
(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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-995, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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-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. 09-20-032, § 296-46B-997, filed 9/29/09, effective 10/31/09; 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.]
(1) This section describes the methods required to obtain recognition and accreditation of electrical product(s) certification and/or field evaluation laboratories by the state of Washington. This section provides assurance to the general consuming public that electrical products have been tested for safety and identified for their intended use.
(2) An electrical product is considered to be safe when it is either certified by a laboratory accredited by the department or labeled with a field evaluation mark by a laboratory accredited by the department.
(a) The department may declare electrical 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 an electrical product unsafe, the department will:
(i) Notify the product manufacturer and the appropriate testing laboratory in writing;
(ii) Notify the general public by:
(A) Report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission;
(B) A published article in the Electrical Currents;
(C) Internet web site posting; and/or
(D) News release.
Accreditation - General.
(3) The department's chief electrical inspector's office
reviews requests for accreditation or evaluation. Applicants
must submit supporting data to document and verify the
requirements of this section have been met.
(4) The accreditation of a NRTL will be valid for the period of the laboratory's current OSHA NRTL accreditation. The accreditation of a non-NRTL will be valid for the period of five years from the date of the department's accreditation.
(5) On-site inspection of a laboratory.
(a) On-site inspection of the laboratory may be required during the initial application process or the renewal process. Technically qualified representative(s) of the department will evaluate for compliance with accreditation criteria.
(b) On-site inspection is not required for NRTL-recognized laboratories requesting approval as certification laboratories using standards for which NRTL recognition has been approved.
(c) The department may waive on-site inspection for:
(i) Laboratories recognized or accredited by another state determined to provide an accreditation program acceptable to the department; or
(ii) NRTL-recognized laboratories requesting approval as certification laboratories for using other standards for which NRTL recognition has not been approved.
(d) The applicant must pay all costs associated with the on-site inspection.
(6) For purposes of chapter 19.28 RCW, all laboratories which certify and/or field evaluate electrical products offered for sale in the state of Washington must be accredited by the department. A NRTL requesting approval as a certification laboratory will be approved for accreditation by the department upon completion of the application process.
(7) Fees are payable as required in WAC 296-46B-911.
(8) The laboratory must apply for renewal of accreditation at least thirty days prior to the accreditation expiration date. The department will renew accreditation for the period specified in subsection (4) of this section or notify the renewing laboratory of the department's reason(s) of refusal following receipt of the completed form and renewal fee. Accreditation may be renewed or refused for one or more electrical product category(ies).
(9) The department accepts or denies laboratory accreditation for all laboratories within the state. Accreditation is determined when a laboratory 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 laboratory.
(a) Accreditation is subject to review when deemed necessary by the department. The laboratory must pay all costs associated with on-site review.
(b) Every accredited laboratory must continue to satisfy all the conditions specified in this chapter during the period of the accreditation. A non-NRTL accredited laboratory 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 factory inspections;
(ii) Organizational structure of the laboratory;
(iii) Statement of ownership of the laboratory;
(iv) Laboratory equipment verification;
(v) Client accreditation programs;
(vi) Reports of litigation, which in any way were the result of or may affect any accreditation or testing of products covered by this chapter; or
(vii) Assessment of recordkeeping (i.e., certification/evaluation plans, certification/evaluation reports).
(c) The department will notify the applicant of the accreditation results. A letter of accreditation from the department is proof of the accreditation of a laboratory.
(10) The laboratory will be approved to certify only those categories identified and authorized by the department. The department will approve and list electrical product category(ies) the laboratory is qualified to certify or evaluate. The accreditation letter will indicate the electrical product category(ies) for which accreditation is issued.
(11) The department may exclude specific electrical products from acceptance. When required, the laboratory must provide evidence, acceptable to the department, that the laboratory is qualified to certify or field evaluate the specific electrical product. Laboratory recognition as an NRTL for the standard(s) used to certify or field evaluate an electrical product will be acceptable evidence. The standards used for certification or field evaluation must be determined by the department to be acceptable and applicable to the electrical product being certified or field evaluated.
If a laboratory chooses to add additional standards prior to its expiration date, it must submit a Request Approval for Additional Standards form to the chief electrical inspector.
Suspension or revocation.
(12) Any laboratory failing to comply with the
requirements of this chapter or submitting false information
may have accreditation revoked or suspended for one or more
electrical product category(ies).
(13) The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the accreditation of any laboratory found to be in noncompliance with this chapter or the laws of the state of Washington.
(14) The department will serve written notice of intent prior to suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew the accreditation of a laboratory.
(15) The laboratory must immediately notify all manufacturers whose products are covered by the accreditation that such products manufactured subsequent to the departmental revocation and offered for sale in the state of Washington can no longer bear the laboratory's label that identified it as a certified product in the state of Washington. A laboratory, whose accreditation has been suspended, may not reapply for accreditation during the period of such suspension. A laboratory, whose accreditation has been revoked, may reapply for accreditation no sooner than one year after the date of revocation of accreditation.
Business structure, practices, and personnel.
(16) The laboratory must be an independent, third-party
organization with no organizational, managerial, financial,
design, or promotional affiliation with manufacturers,
suppliers, installers, or vendors of products covered under
its certification or evaluation programs.
The laboratory 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 laboratory.
(17) The laboratory 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 and attempt to resolve complaints contesting certifications and evaluation results;
(f) Maintain an independent relationship between its clients, affiliates, and other organizations so the laboratory'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.
(18) Laboratories 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;
(c) Changes in principal officers, key supervisory and responsible personnel in the company including the director of testing and engineering services, director of follow-up services, and the laboratory supervisor; or
(d) Change in independent status.
(19) The laboratory 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) Adequate personnel to perform the certification or evaluation;
(d) Verification and maintenance of facilities and/or equipment; or
(e) Sample selection as applicable for product certifications, and for component testing as necessary for field evaluations.
The plan must demonstrate that the laboratory has adequate personnel, 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 laboratory operations control manual.
(20) The laboratory must develop and maintain a quality control system adequate to assure the accuracy and technical integrity of its work as follows:
(a) The laboratory's quality control system must include a quality control or laboratory operations control manual;
(b) The quality control or laboratory 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 laboratory's certification and/or evaluation program(s); and
(c) The laboratory must have a current copy of its quality control or laboratory operations control manual available in the laboratory for use by laboratory personnel.
(21) Competent personnel who 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 must staff the laboratory.
(22) The laboratory must:
(a) Provide adequate safeguards protecting the employment status of personnel from the influence or control of manufacturers, vendors, or installers of electrical products certified or tested by the laboratory;
(b) Develop and maintain a job description for each technical position category;
(c) Ensure the competency of its staff to perform assigned tasks through individual yearly observation and/or examination by a person(s) qualified by the person who has technical responsibility for the laboratory;
(d) Develop and maintain records of the results and dates of the observation or examination of personnel performance;
(e) Maintain information on the training, technical knowledge, and experience of personnel; and
(f) Develop and maintain an adequate training program assuring that new or untrained personnel will be able to perform assigned tasks properly and uniformly.
Recordkeeping and reporting - General.
(23) The laboratory must develop and maintain records and
reports of those testing, inspection, certification, and
evaluation activities associated with each program for which
accreditation is sought. The laboratory must retain these
records for a minimum of three years.
(24) The laboratory must make available to the department, upon request, all records required by the department to verify compliance with this chapter.
Recordkeeping and reporting - Certification.
(25) Certification reports must contain, as applicable:
(a) Name and address of the laboratory;
(b) Pertinent data and identification of tests or inspections;
(c) Name of client;
(d) Appropriate product title;
(e) 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);
(f) Description and identification of the sample including, as necessary, where and how the sample was selected;
(g) Identification of the test, inspection, or procedure as specified for certification or evaluation by the standard;
(h) Known deviations, additions to, or exclusions from evaluation and certification activities in order to be appropriate for new or innovative products not contemplated by the standard;
(i) Measurements, examinations, derived results, and identification of test anomalies;
(j) A statement as to whether or not the results comply with the requirements of the standard;
(k) Name, contact information, and signature of person(s) having responsibility for the report;
(l) Raw data, calculations, tables, graphs, sketches, and/or photographs generated during certification or evaluation must be maintained if not included in the report;
(m) Control forms documenting the receipt, handling, storage, shipping, and testing of samples;
(n) Laboratory records of its quality control checks and audits for monitoring its test work associated with its certification programs, including:
(i) Records of products assurance (follow-up) test results; and
(ii) Records of detected errors and discrepancies and actions taken subsequent to such detection.
(o) Record of written complaints and disposition thereof; and
(p) A statement that records required by these criteria will be maintained for a minimum of three years after cessation of the certification or evaluation.
Recordkeeping and reporting - Field evaluation.
(26) The evaluation report must include:
(a) Name and address of the laboratory;
(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 and identification of the nonlisted and nonlabeled component(s) requiring evaluation by applicable standard(s);
(f) Description of the overall product evaluated to include full nameplate data and equipment type;
(g) A statement as to whether or not the results comply with the requirements of the standard;
(h) Pertinent test evaluation data and identification of tests or inspections including anomalies;
(i) Signature of person(s) having responsibility for the report;
(j) Any condition of acceptability or restrictions on use/relocation;
(k) Serial number(s) of the field evaluation label(s)
applied must be included with the equipment identification;
((and))
(l) The labor and industries department file identification number; and
(m) Date the equipment label was affixed.
(27) Within thirty calendar days after affixing the evaluation mark, the laboratory 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 testing laboratory.
Facilities and equipment.
(28) The laboratory must provide adequate evidence of the
calibration, verification, and maintenance of the facilities
and equipment specified for each certification or evaluation.
(29) Verification and maintenance of facilities and equipment must include as applicable, but not be limited to:
(a) Equipment description;
(b) Name of manufacturer;
(c) Model, style, serial number, or other identification;
(d) Equipment variables subject to calibration and verification;
(e) Statement of the equipment's allowable error and tolerances of readings;
(f) Calibration or verification procedure and schedule;
(g) Dates and results of last calibrations or verifications;
(h) Specified maintenance practices;
(i) Calibration and/or verification of equipment used;
(j) Name and contact information of personnel or outside contractor providing the calibration or verification service; and
(k) Traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology or other equivalent standard reference authority.
Standards.
(30) The laboratory must have copies available, for
laboratory personnel use, of applicable standards and other
documents referred to or used in performing each certification
or test for which approval is sought.
(31) If a laboratory desires to use a standard other than an ANSI standard, the department will evaluate the proposed standard to determine that it provides an adequate level of safety. The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, will not be allowed to be the primary standard used to evaluate a product.
Product certification.
(32) The electrical product certification program must
contain test procedure(s), standard(s) used, certification
agreement(s), method(s) of identification of products,
follow-up inspection, and other laboratory procedures and
authority necessary to ensure that the product complies with
the standards (requirements) established by the program.
(33) All components of certified or tested products must be labeled or evaluated for compliance with all standards and conditions of use applicable to such components.
(34) The laboratory must publish an Annual Product Directory identifying products that are authorized to bear the laboratory's certification mark. The products directory must briefly describe the program, the products covered, the name of the manufacturer or vendor of the certified products, and the identification of the published standards or the compiled requirements on which the program is based. The product directory must be available to the public. Supplemental up-to-date information must be available to the public at the office of the laboratory during normal business hours.
Certification laboratory/manufacturer - Agreement.
(35) Measures to provide for manufacturer compliance with
the provisions of the product standard and laboratory control
of the use of the certification mark must be embodied in an
agreement between the manufacturer and the certification
laboratory. The certification agreement must:
(a) Require the manufacturer to provide information and assistance as needed by the laboratory to conduct the necessary product conformity and production assurance evaluation;
(b) Allow the laboratory's representative(s) access to the manufacturer's facilities during working hours for inspection and may allow audit activities without prior notice;
(c) Restrict the manufacturer's application of certification marks to products that comply with requirements of the product standard;
(d) Secure the manufacturer's agreement to the publication of notice by the certification laboratory for any product already available in the marketplace that does not meet the safety standard;
(e) Require reevaluation of products whenever the standard covering the product is revised;
(f) Require the laboratory to notify the manufacturer's personnel responsible for and authorized to institute product recall in the case of a hazard;
(g) Provide for control of certification marks by the laboratory;
(h) Require that the laboratory provide the manufacturer with a report of original product evaluation. The report must document conformity with applicable product standards by test results and other data; and
(i) Require the identification of the manufacturer(s) of the product and the location(s) where the product is produced.
Certification mark.
(36) The laboratory owns the certification mark.
(37) The certification mark must be registered as a certification mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
(38) The certification mark must:
(a) Not be readily transferable from one product to another;
(b) Be directly applied to each unit of production in the form of labels or markings suitable for the environment and use of the product. When the physical size of the unit does not permit individual marking, markings may be attached to the smallest package in which the unit is marketed;
(c) Include the name or other appropriate identification of the certification laboratory;
(d) Include the product category; and
(e) The laboratory must have a system of controls and records for all marks. The records must include marks removed or otherwise voided. See WAC 296-46B-999(25).
(39) The certification mark may be applied to the product prior to authorizing the use of a certification mark on a product. The laboratory must:
(a) Determine by examination and/or tests that representative samples of the product comply with the requirements (standards). Components of certified products must comply with the applicable safety requirements (standards) or be listed. Evaluation of the product design must be made on representative production samples or on prototype product samples with subsequent verification that factory productions are the same as the prototype;
(b) Determine that the manufacturer has the necessary facilities, test equipment, and control procedures to ensure that continuing production of the product complies with the requirements; and
(c) If the certification mark is not applied at the manufacturing facility, the laboratory must provide prior notification to the department of its intent to affix the certification mark in the field.
Certification laboratory product - Assurance/follow up.
(40) To verify continued product acceptability, the
laboratory must develop and maintain a factory follow-up
inspection program and manual to determine continued
compliance of certified products with the applicable standard.
(41) The follow-up inspection file must include the:
(a) Conditions governing the use of the certification mark on products;
(b) Identification of the products authorized for certification;
(c) Identification of manufacturer and plant location at which manufacture and certification are authorized;
(d) Description, specifications, and requirements applicable to the product;
(e) Description of processes needed for control purposes;
(f) Description of the manufacturer's quality assurance program when used as part of the follow-up program;
(g) Description of inspections and tests to be conducted by the manufacturer and the laboratory; and
(h) Description of follow-up tests to be conducted in the laboratory.
(42) Follow-up procedures and activities must include:
(a) Periodic inspections at the factory with testing at the factory or certification laboratory of representative samples selected from production and, if appropriate, from the market;
(b) Periodic auditing or surveillance of the manufacturer's quality assurance program through the witnessing of manufacturer's tests, review of the manufacturer's records, and verification of the manufacturer's produced data;
(c) Investigation of alleged field failures upon department request; and
(d) Procedures for control of the use of the certification mark by:
(i) Keeping records of the release and use of certification marks;
(ii) Removal of marks from noncomplying products;
(iii) Return or destruction of unused marks when the authority to use the marks is terminated; and
(iv) Legal action.
(43) The frequency of laboratory follow-up inspections must not be less than four times per year during production, unless adequate data is provided to the department to justify less frequent inspections. If there is no production during the year, at least one follow-up inspection is to be completed. The frequency of follow-up inspections must be sufficient to provide a reasonable check on the method(s) the manufacturer exercises to assure that the product bearing the certification mark complies with the applicable standards.
Field evaluation - Requirements.
(44) The field evaluation laboratory may perform
evaluations on any products or product categories previously
approved by the department. NRTL recognition may be accepted
by the department as a basis for approval to perform field
evaluations. Since OSHA does not review or recognize
laboratories for field evaluation purposes, laboratories
seeking accreditation from the department for field evaluation
may be required to provide additional justification of
capability such as, but not limited to: Recordkeeping,
employee standards and proficiency, equipment requirements,
and other requirements described in this chapter.
(45) ((The laboratory must request permission from the
department in writing two working days prior to conducting any
field evaluation of an electrical product to be installed in
any jurisdiction in the state. Requests must be made using a
department-supplied form.
(46) The field evaluation process must be completed within six months following department approval. If the field evaluation is not completed within six months following department approval, the laboratory must request permission from the department in writing to continue the evaluation process. If this secondary permission is granted to the laboratory, the department may require the equipment to be placed out-of-service except as necessary to complete the field evaluation process.
(47))) The scope of a field evaluation will depend on the status of the item to be evaluated as follows:
(a) A new piece of equipment must have a complete evaluation of all components and the assembly as provided by the manufacturer. For example: An industrial machine with a control panel, remote motors, sensors, controls, and other utilization equipment; and
(b) A product that has been modified internally or by an addition need have only those portions evaluated that were affected by the modification. For example: A switchboard with multiple sections that has a section added would only need the new section, the one section immediately adjacent, and any control modifications evaluated.
(((48))) (46) Each unit that receives a field evaluation
mark applied by the field evaluation laboratory must have
sufficient inspections and/or testing completed to ensure it
is in essential conformance with the applicable product
standard(s).
(((49))) (47) The laboratory may perform the preliminary
evaluation in the manufacturer's facility. Final evaluation
and acceptance of the product must be made on-site at the
location of final installation, unless waived by the
department.
Field evaluation mark.
(((50))) (48) Only laboratory personnel may apply the
field evaluation mark after final acceptance of the product. The field evaluation label must be applied on-site at the
location of the final installation, unless waived by the
department.
(((51))) (49) The field evaluation laboratory must have a
system of controls and records for all field evaluation marks
it applies. The records must include labels removed or
otherwise voided.
(((52))) (50) A field evaluated product may be relocated
or fed from a different power source if not prohibited by the
field evaluation mark or the field evaluation report.
(((53))) (51) The field evaluation mark must:
(a) Not be readily transferable from one product to another;
(b) Be directly applied by the laboratory personnel to each unit of production in the form of labels or markings suitable for the environment and use of the product;
(c) Include the name or other appropriate identification
of the certification laboratory; ((and))
(d) Include a unique evaluation laboratory reference number; and
(e) Include a reference to the evaluation report or other notation if there are any limitations of use noted within the report.
(((54))) (52) The field evaluation laboratory must have a
system of controls and records for all field evaluation marks
it applies. The records must include labels removed or
otherwise voided. See subsection (26) of this section.
[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. 06-05-028, § 296-46B-999, filed 2/7/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-024, § 296-46B-999, 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-999, 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-999, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 296-46B-520 | Special occupancies -- Theaters, motion picture and television studios, performance areas and similar areas. |
| WAC 296-46B-965 | Training certificate required. |