W.A.C.

Chapter 296-46B WAC

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STANDARDS, ADMINISTRATION, AND INSTALLATION

Last Update: 5/28/04

WAC SECTIONS

top

WAC 296-46B-005   Chapter 19.28 RCW rule references.  RCW 19.28.161(5) and 19.28.191(1) refer to specific sections in chapter 296-46A WAC. Chapter 296-46A WAC has been replaced by this chapter. The following cross-reference identifies the appropriate sections in this chapter:

[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-005, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-010   General.  Adopted standards - inspectors - city inspection - variance.

(1) The 2002 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70 - 2002) including Annex A, B, and C, but excluding Article 80; the 1999 edition of Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20 - 1999); the 2002 edition of Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110 - 2002); Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.1-May 2001 including Annex 1 through 5); Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathway and Spaces (ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A-December 2001 including Annex 1 through 4); Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications (ANSI/TIA/EIA 607 - 1994); Residential Telecommunications Cable Standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA 570-A-1999); and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC C2-2002 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 this chapter will be observed 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-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607, ANSI/TIA/EIA 570, or the NESC C2-2002.

The National Electrical Code will be followed where there is any conflict between Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20), Emergency and Standby Power Systems (NFPA 110), ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 569-A, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607, ANSI/TIA/EIA 570, or the NESC C2-2002 and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

(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) The department may enforce city electrical ordinances where those governmental agencies do not make electrical inspections under an established program.

(4) A variance from the electrical installation requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter may be granted by the department 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. 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 WAC 296-46B-905.

Inspection.

(5) Electrical wiring or equipment subject to this chapter must be sufficiently accessible, at the time of inspection, to permit the inspector to visually inspect the installation to verify conformance with the NEC and any other electrical requirements of this chapter.

(6) Cables or raceways, fished according to the NEC, do not require visual inspection.

(7) Wires pulled into conduit systems are not considered concealed. All required equipment grounding conductors installed in concealed raceway, cable, or flexible conduit systems must be completely installed and made up at the time of the rough-in cover inspection.

(8) 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.

(9) 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 standards recognized by the department, be listed, or field evaluated. Other than as allowed in WAC 296-46B-030(3), equipment must not be energized until such standards are met unless specific permission has been granted by the chief electrical inspector.

(10) The department will recognize the state department of transportation as the inspection authority for telecommunications systems installation 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.

(11) 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.

(12) 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.

(13) 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 must be limited to a maximum of 42 circuits.

(iii) CSA listed panelboards used as lighting and appliance 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.

Classification or definition of occupancies.

(14) 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 and correctional occupancies where some degree of restraint or security is required. 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, or 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, and 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, and 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) "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) "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) "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) "Hospice care center" means any building, facility, place, or equivalent, organized, maintained, and operated specifically to provide beds, accommodations, facilities, and 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) "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, and rehabilitative services required for the care of renal dialysis patients (including inpatient dialysis furnished directly or under arrangement). (NEC; Ambulatory Health Care Center.)

(xii) "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 not required.

(xiii) "Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth" means a residence, place, or facility designed and organized to provide twenty-four-hour residential care and 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 and organized primarily to provide twenty-four-hour residential care, crisis and short-term care and/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.

(xv) "Group care facility" means a facility other than a foster-family home maintained and 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; except, a program meeting the definition of a family child care home will not be licensed as a day care center without meeting the requirements of WAC 388-150-020(5).

(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 not required.

Plan review for educational, institutional or health care facilities and other buildings.

(15) Plan review is a part of the electrical inspection process; its primary purpose is to determine:

(a) That loads and 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.

(16) All electrical plans for new or altered electrical installations in educational, institutional, and health or personal care occupancies classified or defined in this chapter must be reviewed and approved before the electrical installation or alteration is started. Approved plans must be available on the job site for use during the electrical installation or alteration and for use by the electrical inspector. Plans are not required to be on the job site for a preliminary electrical inspection if:

(a) Completed electrical plans have been submitted and conditionally accepted by the department for review; and

(b) The permit holder has requested the inspection in writing to the department noting that the preliminary electrical inspection is conditional and subject to any changes required from the plan review process. No other inspections will be allowed until the department has approved all submitted plans and the approved plans are on the job site.

(17) All electrical plans for educational facilities, hospitals and nursing homes must be prepared by, or under the direction of, a consulting electrical engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW, and chapters246B-320, 180-29, and 388-97 WAC and stamped with the engineer's mark and signature.

(18) Plans for these electrical installations within cities that perform electrical inspections within their jurisdiction, and provide an electrical plan review program that equals or exceeds the department's program in plans examiner minimum qualifications per chapter 19.28 RCW, must be submitted to that city for review rather than to the department, unless the agency licensing or regulating the installation specifically requires review by the department.

(19) Refer plans for department review to the Electrical Section, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, Washington 98504-4460.

(20) Plans to be reviewed by the department 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 switchboard and/or 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. Plan review fees are not required to be paid until the review is completed. Plans will not be returned until all fees are paid.

(21) Plan review for new or altered electrical installations of other types of construction may be voluntarily requested by the owner or electrical contractor.

(22) For existing structures where additions or alterations to feeders and services are proposed, Article 220.35(1) NEC may be used. If Article 220.35(1) NEC is used, the following is required:

(a) The date of the measurements.

(b) 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.

(c) A diagram of the electrical system identifying the point(s) of measurement.

(d) Building demand measured continuously on the highest-loaded phase of the feeder or service over a thirty-day period, with demand peak clearly identified. (Demand peak is defined as the maximum average demand over a fifteen-minute interval.)

(23) Due to their minimal load requirements, plan review of the following limited energy systems will not be required: Fire alarm, nurse call, intrusion or security alarm, intercom, public address, music, energy management, programmed clock, or telecommunications.

(24) When the service or feeder load calculation is affected five percent or less by the addition or alteration of five or less branch circuits, plan review for the branch circuits may be requested from the department's local inspection office. Permission for such small project plan review may be granted at the discretion of the electrical inspection field supervisor, the plans examiner supervisor, or the chief electrical inspector.

Wiring methods for designated building occupancies.

(25) Wiring methods, equipment and devices for health or personal care, educational and 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.

(26) Listed tamper-resistant receptacles or listed tamper-resistant receptacle cover plates 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.

Notes to Tables 010-1 and 010-2.

1. Wiring methods in accordance with the NEC unless otherwise noted.

2. Metallic or nonmetallic raceways, MI, MC, or AC cable, except that metallic raceway or cable is required in places of assembly.

3. Limited energy system may use wiring methods in accordance with the NEC.

WAC 296-46B-020   General definitions.
(1) All definitions listed in the National Electrical Code and chapter 19.28 RCW are recognized in this chapter unless other specific definitions are given in this chapter.

(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) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials. Copies of ASTM documents are available from ASTM International.

(8) "AWG" means American Wire Gauge.

(9) "Board" means the electrical board established and authorized under chapter 19.28 RCW.

(10) "Chapter" means chapter 296-46B WAC unless expressly used for separate reference.

(11) "Category list" is a list of nonspecific product types determined by the department.

(12) 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.

(13) 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.

(14) "Certificate of competency" includes the certificates of competency for master journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician, journeyman, and specialty electrician.

(15) 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.

(16) A "complete application" includes the submission of all appropriate fees, documentation, and forms.

(17) "Department" means the department of labor and industries of the state of Washington.

(18) "Director" means the director of the department, or the director's designee.

(19) "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.

(20) An "electrical products certification laboratory" is a laboratory or firm accredited by the state of Washington to perform certification of electrical products.

(21) 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.

(22) "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.

(23) "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.

(24) 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.

(25) The "filing" is the date the document is actually received in the office of the chief electrical inspector.

(26) "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.

(27) "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).

(28) 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).

(29) An "individual" or "party" or "person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, government subdivision or unit thereof, or other entity.

(30) 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.

(31) An "identification plate" is a phenolic or metallic plate or other similar material engraved in block letters at least 1/4" (6 mm) high unless specifically required to be larger by this chapter, suitable for the environment and application. The letters and the background must be in contrasting colors. Screws, rivets, or methods specifically described in this chapter must be used to affix an identification plate to the equipment or enclosure.

(32) "License" means a license required under chapter 19.28 RCW.

(33) "Labeled" means an electrical product that bears a certification mark issued by a laboratory accredited by the state of Washington.

(34) A "laboratory" may be either an electrical product(s) certification laboratory or an electrical product(s) evaluation laboratory.

(35) A "laboratory operations control manual" is a document to establish laboratory operation procedures and may include a laboratory quality control manual.

(36) "Like-in-kind" means having similar characteristics such as voltage requirement, current draw, circuit overcurrent and short circuit characteristics, and function within the system and being in the same location. Like-in-kind also includes any equipment component authorized by the manufacturer as a suitable component replacement part.

(37) "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.

(38) "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.

(39) "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 725.41(A).

(c) NEC, Class 3 circuits powered by a Class 3 power supply as defined in NEC 725.41(A).

(d) Circuits of telecommunications systems as defined in chapter 19.28 RCW.

(40) "NEC" means National Electrical Code. Copies of the NEC are available from the National Fire Protection Association.

(41) "NEMA" means National Electrical Manufacturer's Association. Copies of NEMA standards are available from the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association.

(42) "NESC" means National Electrical Safety Code. Copies of the NESC are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

(43) "NETA" means International Electrical Testing Association, Inc. Copies of the NETA standards and information are available from the International Electrical Testing Association, Inc.

(44) "NFPA" means the National Fire Protection Association. Copies of NFPA documents are available from the National Fire Protection Association.

(45) "NRTL" means Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory accredited by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7.

(46) "Point of contact" for utility work, means the point at which a customer's electrical system connects to the serving utility system.

(47) "Proceeding" means any matter regarding an appeal before the board including hearings before an administrative law judge.

(48) "Public area or square" is an area where the public has general, clear, and unrestricted access.

(49) 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.

(50) "RCW" means the Revised Code of Washington. Copies of electrical RCWs are available from the department and the office of the code reviser.

(51) 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.

(52) "Service" or "served" means that as defined in RCW 34.05.010(19) when used in relation to department actions or proceedings.

(53) 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.

(54) "Telecommunications network demarcation point" is as defined in RCW 19.28.400 for both regulated carriers and unregulated local service providers.

(55) "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.

(56) 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.

(57) "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.

(58) "UL" means Underwriters Laboratory.

(59) "Utility" means an electrical utility.

(60) "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.

(61) "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.

(62) "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.

(63) "WAC" means the Washington Administrative Code. Copies of this chapter of the WACs are available from the department and the office of the code reviser.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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-020, 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, and chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, ?296-46B-020, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]

WAC 296-46B-030   Industrial control panel and industrial utilization equipment inspection.  Specific definitions.

(1) Specific definitions for this section:

(a) "Department evaluation" means a review in accordance with subsection (2)(c) of this section.

(b) "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.

(c) In RCW 19.28.010, "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.

(d) "Industrial 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.

(e) "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.

(f) "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).

(g) "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 WAC 296-46B-905.

(h) 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.

Safety standards.

(2) 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) By department evaluation showing compliance with appropriate standards. Appropriate standards are NEMA, ANSI, NFPA 79, UL 508A or International Electrotechnical Commission 60204 or their equivalent. Industrial utilization equipment is required to conform to a nationally or internationally recognized standard applicable for the particular industrial utilization equipment. Compliance must be shown as follows:

(i) The equipment's manufacturer must document, by letter to the equipment owner, the equipment's conformity to an appropriate standard(s). The letter must state:

(A) The equipment manufacturer's name;

(B) The type of equipment;

(C) The equipment model number;

(D) The equipment serial number;

(E) The equipment supply voltage, amperes, phasing;

(F) The standard(s) used to manufacture the equipment;

(G) Fault current interrupting rating of the equipment or the owner may provide documentation showing that the fault current available at the point where the building wiring connects to the equipment is less than 10,000 AIC; and

(H) The date the equipment was manufactured. Equipment that was manufactured prior to January 1, 1985, is not required to meet (c)(i)(F) of this subsection.

(ii) The equipment owner must document, by letter to the chief electrical inspector, the equipment's usage as industrial utilization equipment as described in this section and provide a copy of the equipment manufacturer's letter described in (c)(i) of this subsection. The owner's letter must be accompanied by the fee required in WAC 296-46B-905(14).

For the purposes of this section, the owner must be a food processing or industrial plant as described in this section.

(iii) The chief electrical inspector will evaluate the equipment manufacturer's letter, equipment owner's letter, and the individual equipment.

If the equipment is determined to have had electrical modifications since the date of manufacture, the chief electrical inspector will not approve equipment using this method.

(iv) If required by the chief electrical inspector, the owner must provide the department with a copy, in English, of the standard(s) used and any documentation required by the chief electrical inspector to support the claims made in the equipment manufacturer's or owner's letter. At the request of the owner, the department will obtain a copy of any necessary standard to complete the review. If, per the owner's request, the department obtains the copy of the standard, the owner will be billed for all costs associated with obtaining the standard.

If the industrial utilization equipment has been determined to be manufactured to a standard(s) appropriate for industrial utilization equipment as determined by the chief electrical inspector per RCW 19.28.010(1), the equipment will be marked with a department label.

The department will charge a marking fee as required in WAC 296-46B-905(14). Once marked by the department, the equipment is suitable for installation anywhere within the state without modification so long as the equipment is being used as industrial utilization equipment. If payment for marking is not received by the department within thirty days of marking the equipment, the department's mark(s) will be removed and the equipment ordered removed from service.

(v) If the equipment usage is changed to other than industrial utilization equipment or electrical modifications are made to the equipment, the equipment must be successfully listed or field evaluated by a laboratory approved by the department.

(vi) The equipment must be permanently installed at the owner's facility and inspected per the requirements of RCW 19.28.101.

(3) 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, or evaluation.

[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-030, 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-030, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-040   Traffic management systems.  (1) The department 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; and

(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.

A traffic management system can provide signalization for controlling vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, or rolling stock.

(2) The department recognizes that traffic signal conductors, pole and bracket cables, signal displays, and 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).

(3) Associated induction detection loop or similar circuits will be accepted by the department without inspection.

(4) For the licensing requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW, jurisdictions will be considered owners of traffic management systems when doing electrical work for other 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 prior to work being performed for this provision to apply.

(5) 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.

(6) 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 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 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 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 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.

(7) 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 (2) 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.

(8) 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, 19.28.271, 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-040, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-110   General -- Requirements for electrical installations.  

012 Mechanical execution of work.

(1) Unused openings. Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout boxes, meter socket enclosures, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Where metallic plugs or plates are used with nonmetallic enclosures, they shall be recessed at least 6 mm (1/4") from the outer surface of the enclosure. Unused openings do not include weep holes, unused mounting holes, or any other opening with less than .15 square inches of open area.

016 Flash protection.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) Where electrical equipment is installed to obtain a series combination rating, the identification as required by NEC 110.22, must be in the form of an identification plate that is substantially yellow in color. The words "CAUTION - SERIES COMBINATION RATED SYSTEM" must be on the label in letters at least 13 mm (1/2") high.

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.

(6) Only licensed electrical contractors can use the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process. Health care, large commercial, or industrial facilities using an employee who is a certified electrician(s) can use the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process after permission from the chief electrical inspector.

(7) If the Class B basic electrical inspection - random inspection process is used, the following requirements must be met:

(a) The certified electrician 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 contractor's name;

(iii) Electrical contractor's license number;

(iv) Installing electrician's 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 contractor's license number;

(iii) Installing electrician's certificate number;

(iv) Job site address;

(v) Contact telephone number for the job site (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 contractor must return the contractor's portion of the label to the Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Section, Chief Electrical Inspector, P.O. 4460, Olympia, WA 98506-4460 within fifteen working days after the job site portion of the Class B installation label is affixed.

(8) Class B basic installation labels will be sold in blocks. Installations where a Class B basic installation label is used will be inspected on a random basis as determined by the department.

(a) If any such random inspection fails, a subsequent installation in the block must be inspected.

(b) If any such subsequent installation fails inspection, all installations in the block must be inspected.

(9) Any electrical 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.

(10) Class B basic electrical work is described in RCW 19.28.006 (2)(b). For the purposes of Class B basic electrical work, a device includes: General use snap switches/receptacles, luminaires, thermostats, speakers, etc., but does not include wiring/cabling systems, isolating switches, magnetic contactors, motor controllers, etc. A cover inspection is required for all fire-wall penetrations.

In addition, Class B basic electrical work includes the like-in-kind replacement in a household of an:

(a) Electrical/gas/oil furnace not exceeding 240 volts and 100 amps when the furnace is connected to an existing branch circuit; and

(b) Air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit not exceeding 240 volts, 30 minimum circuit amps when the air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit is connected to an existing branch circuit.

Class B basic electrical work does not include any work in:

(c) Areas classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Zone locations per the NEC;

(d) Areas regulated by NEC 517 or 680; or

(e) Any work where electrical plan review is required.

[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.]

WAC 296-46B-210   Wiring and protection -- Branch circuits.       008B Other than dwelling units - GFCI requirements.

(1) For the purposes of NEC 210.8(B), all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel as required by NEC 210.8(A). Kitchens in other than dwelling units are considered to be any work surface where food and/or beverage preparation occurs and other countertops or islands.

011 Branch circuits.

(2) Circuits must be taken to all unfinished spaces adaptable to future dwelling unit living areas that are not readily accessible to the service or branch circuit panelboard. 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.

(3) For the purpose of NEC 210.12(B), Dwelling Unit Bedroom spaces that:

(a) Are accessed only through the bedroom;

(b) Are ancillary to the bedroom's function; and

(c) Contain branch circuits that supply 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere, outlets must be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit.

For the purposes of this section, such spaces will include, but not be limited to, spaces such as closets and sitting areas, but will not include bathrooms.

051(B)(5) Receptacle outlet locations.

(4) Receptacle outlets installed in appliance garages may be counted as a required countertop outlet.

052(A)(2) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets.

(5) For the purpose of NEC 210.52(A)(2)(1), "similar openings" include the following structures that are a permanent part of the dwelling structure 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.    

[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.]

WAC 296-46B-215   Wiring and protection -- Feeders.  

010 Feeders - ground fault protection testing.

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. 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-220   Wiring and protection -- Branch circuit, feeder, and service calculations.  

003 Branch circuit calculations.

Occupancy lighting loads. 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 220.3.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-225   Wiring and protection -- Outside branch circuits and feeders.  

032 Location of outside feeder disconnecting means.

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 the requirements of NEC 225.32 (except for Exceptions 1, 2, 3, or 4) in accordance with subsection (1) or (2) of this section.

(1) Outside location: Where the feeder disconnecting means is installed outside a 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:

(a) The building/structure served; and

(b) Its function as the building/structure main disconnect(s).

(2) 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.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-230   Wiring and protection -- Services.  

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.

002 Number of services.

(4) In addition to the items described in NEC 230.2(A), an additional service is permitted to supply a transient voltage surge suppressor. In addition, a service disconnect for a transient voltage surge suppressor is not required to be counted as one of the six service disconnects allowed in NEC 230.71

028 Service or other masts.

(5) 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.

 

Notes to drawings E-101, E-102, and E-103 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. 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 are permitted only below the point the mast is braced, secured, or supported. 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. Intermediate support masts must be installed in an approved manner with methods identical or equal to those required for service masts. 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. Conductors must extend at least eighteen inches from all mastheads to permit connection to the connecting overhead wiring.

040 Service conductors - two-family and multiple-occupancy buildings.

(6) 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.

(7) If the service conductors have a lesser ampacity than the overcurrent protection 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.

(8) 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; rigid nonmetallic conduit; cablebus; or mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (type MI).

(9) 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.

(10) 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.

062 Service equipment - general.

(11) Service equipment, subpanels, and similar electrical equipment must be installed so that they are readily accessible and may not be installed in bathrooms, clothes closets, or shower rooms. All indoor service equipment and subpanel equipment must have adequate working space and be adequately illuminated.

(12) Temporary construction service equipment may only be used for construction purposes and must be disconnected when the permanent service is connected unless the department grants an extension of time.

070 Service disconnecting means.

(13) 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.

(14) 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. 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.

(15) 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 rigid nonmetallic conduit, metal-clad cable that is exposed for its entire length, cablebus, or busways.

(16) 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-250   Wiring and protection -- Grounding.  

030(A)(3)(b) Grounding separately derived alternating-current systems.

(1) All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible location by a listed connector, an irreversible compression connector listed for the purpose, listed connections to copper busbars not less than 6 mm x 50 mm (1/4 in. x 2 in.), or by exothermic welding process. The tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common grounding electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.

032 Two or more buildings or structures.

(2) Effective August 1, 2003, an equipment grounding conductor must be installed with the circuit conductors between buildings and/or structures. A grounded conductor (i.e., neutral) is not permitted to be used in place of a separate equipment grounding conductor between buildings and/or structures.

052 Grounding electrodes.

(3) 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. However, a temporary construction service is not required to have more than one made electrode.

090 Bonding.

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

184 Solidly grounded neutral systems over 1 kV.

(6) 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 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.

(7) Multiple grounding. NEC 250.184(B) is replaced with the following:

The neutral of a solidly grounded neutral system may be grounded at more than one point.

(a) Multiple grounding is permitted at the following locations:

(i) Services;

(ii) Underground circuits where the neutral is exposed; and

(iii) Overhead circuits installed outdoors.

(b) Multiple grounding is not allowed:

(i) For new systems where singlepoint and multigrounded circuits form a single system (e.g., where a singlepoint circuit is derived from a multigrounded circuit); or

(ii) In new single phase (i.e., single phase to ground) installations.

(8) Multigrounded neutral conductor. NEC 250.184(D) is replaced with the following:

Where a multigrounded neutral system is used, the following will apply for new balanced phase to phase circuits and extensions, additions, replacements; and repairs to all existing systems of 1 kV and over:

(a) For existing systems:

(i) The cable's concentric shield must be used as the neutral and all the requirements for neutral conductors described in subsection (6) of this section must be met; or

(ii) The cable's concentric shield must be effectively grounded to a separate bare copper neutral conductor at all locations where the shield is exposed to personnel contact.

(b) For new systems:

A separate copper neutral must be installed and the cable's concentric shield is effectively grounded to the separate neutral at all locations where the shield is exposed to personnel contact.

(c) In addition to (a) and (b) of this subsection, the following is required:

(i) A minimum of two made electrodes, separated by at least six feet, must be installed at each existing and new transformer and switching/overcurrent location and connected to the neutral conductor at that location;

(ii) At least one grounding electrode must be installed and connected to the multigrounded neutral every 400 m (1,300'). The maximum distance between adjacent electrodes must not be more than 400 m (1,300');

(iii) In a multigrounded shielded cable system, the shielding must be grounded at each cable joint that is exposed to personnel contact;

(iv) All exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts (e.g., mounting brackets, manhole covers, equipment enclosures, etc.) must be effectively grounded to the neutral conductor; and

(v) An electrical engineer must provide a specific certification to the electrical plan review supervisor in writing that the design of the multiple grounding installation has been reviewed by the electrical engineer and the design is in accordance with the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW, this chapter, and normal standards of care. 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.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-300   Wiring methods and materials -- Wiring methods.  

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 elsewhere in the NEC, chapter 19.28 RCW, or this chapter.

005 Underground installations.

(2) Induction loops.

See WAC 296-46B-040 for induction detection loops that are made in a public roadway and regulated by a governmental agency.

The department will inspect induction loops that are not installed in public roadways regulated by a governmental agency. These 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 polyethene 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-314   Wiring methods and materials -- Outlet, device, pull and junction boxes.  

001 Boxes and fittings.

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

(a) In vehicular traffic areas the box must be rated for not less than H-20 loading and be provided with a bolted, hinged, or slide-on lid embossed with the identification "ELECTRIC" or "ELECTRICAL."

(b) In incidental vehicular traffic areas (e.g., parks, sports fields, sidewalks, grass lawns, etc.) the box must be rated for not less than H-10 loading and be provided with a bolted, hinged, or slide-on lid embossed with the identification "ELECTRIC" or "ELECTRICAL."

(c) In nonvehicular traffic areas (e.g., flower beds, patio decks, etc.) the box must be designed for the purpose and be provided with a lid embossed with the identification "ELECTRIC" or "ELECTRICAL."

(d) All conductors must be installed in approved electrical raceways that enter vertically from the open bottom of the enclosure or horizontally from the sides of the enclosure at least 150 mm (6 in.) from the sand or gravel at the bottom of the enclosure. These raceways must be fitted with a bushing, terminal fitting, or seal incorporating the physical protection characteristics of a bushing, and project not less than 5 cm (2") above the bottom surface material. The bottom surface material must be pea gravel or sand a minimum of 5 cm (2") thick or more if required by the box manufacturer.

(2) Conduit bodies, junction, pull, and outlet boxes must be installed so that the wiring contained in them is accessible without removing any part of the building structure, including insulation material.


[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-314, 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-314, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-334   Wiring methods and materials -- Nonmetallic-sheathed cable.  

010 Nonmetallic-sheathed cable.

(1) The building classification, for subsections (2) and (3) of this section, will be as determined by the building official. For the purposes of this section, Type III, IV and V may be as defined in the International Building Code adopted in the state of Washington. The installer must provide the inspector documentation substantiating the type of building construction and finish material rating(s) prior to any electrical inspection.

(2) This section replaces NEC 334.10(2). In multifamily dwellings, Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cable(s) may be used in structures of Types III, IV, and V construction except as prohibited in NEC 334.12.

(3) This section replaces NEC 334.10(3). In all other structures, Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cable(s) may be used in structures of Types III, IV, and V construction except as prohibited in NEC 334.12. All cable(s) must be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.


[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-334, 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-334, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-358   Wiring methods and materials -- Electrical metallic tubing.  

012 Electrical metallic tubing.

In addition to complying with the provisions of Article 358 NEC, electrical metallic tubing may not be installed in direct contact with the earth or in concrete on or below grade. Also see NEC 300.6 for resistance to corrosion.


[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-358, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-394   Wiring methods and materials -- Concealed knob-and-tube wiring.  

001 Knob-and-tube wiring.

Article 394 NEC does not prohibit the installation of loose or rolled thermal insulating material in spaces containing existing knob-and-tube wiring provided that all the following conditions are met:

(1) The wiring must be surveyed by an appropriately licensed electrical contractor who must certify in writing to the department that the wiring is in good condition with no evidence of improper overcurrent protection, conductor insulation failure or deterioration, and with no improper connections or splices. The electrical inspector must inspect all repairs, alterations, or extensions to the electrical system.

(2) The insulation must meet Class I specifications as identified in the Uniform Building Code, with a flame spread factor of twenty-five or less as tested using ASTM E84-81a. Foam insulation may not be used with knob-and-tube wiring.

(3) All knob-and-tube circuits must have overcurrent protection in compliance with NEC Table 310.16, 60 degree centigrade, Column C. Overcurrent protection must be either circuit breakers or Type S fuses.


[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-394, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-410   Equipment for general use -- Luminaires.       004 Luminaires.

(1) All luminaires within an enclosed shower area or within five feet of the waterline of a bathtub must be enclosed; these luminaires, with exposed metal parts that are grounded, must be ground fault circuit interrupter protected.

018 Exposed luminaire (fixture) parts.

(2) 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."

030 Flexible cord connection pendant boxes and electric discharge luminaires.

(3) The flexible cord and cord connection must comply with NEC 410.30 and the following:

(a) Connection to a suspended pendant box must utilize an integral threaded hub;

(b) The length of the cord for a suspended pendant drop from a permanently installed junction box to a suitable tension take-up device 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).


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-422   Equipment for general use -- Appliances.       010 Water heater circuit.

Water heaters with a rated circuit load in excess of 3,500 watts at 208 or 240 volts must be provided with branch circuit conductors not smaller than #10 AWG copper or equal. Overcurrent protection must comply with NEC 422.11(E).


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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-422, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-430   Motors, motor circuits, and controllers.       007 Marking on motors and multimotor equipment.

Except as required by the National Electrical Code, there is no requirement for motors to be identified for use or listed/field evaluated by a laboratory. All motors must be manufactured according to National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) standards for motors except motors that:

(1) Are a component part of equipment listed or field evaluated by a laboratory; or

(2) Are a component part of industrial utilization equipment approved by the department per WAC 296-46B-030.


[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-430, 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-430, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-450   Equipment for general use -- Transformers and transformer vaults.  

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;

"Approved Transformer Area" shown in Figure 450-1

450-2

WAC 296-46B-501   Special occupancies NEC Class 1 locations.  

001 Sewage disposal systems.

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

(a) The pumping chamber must be adequately vented. Venting may be accomplished through the building or structure plumbing vents where the system venting has been approved by the local jurisdiction authority or by a direct two-inch minimum vent to the atmosphere;

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

(c) Float switches installed in a pumping chamber must be hermetically sealed to prevent the entrance of gases or vapors;

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

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

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

(2) Residential wastewater loading characteristics in a nonresidential installation:

(a) For systems that process less than three thousand five hundred gallons of wastewater per day may be certified by:

(i) An on-site wastewater designer licensed under chapter 18.210 RCW; or

(ii) A professional engineer, engaged in the business of on-site wastewater system design, licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW.

(b) For systems that process three thousand five hundred gallons or more of wastewater per day may be certified by a professional engineer, engaged in the business of on-site wastewater system design, licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW.

Written documentation must be signed and stamped by the designer or engineer and provided to the electrical inspector prior to inspection.

(3) Any residential or nonresidential system that has building or structure floor drains being discharged into the system is classified as Class I Division I. Drains from any commercially made tub, shower, basin, sink, or toilet are not considered floor drains.

(4) Pumping chamber access covers can be covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil, and must be accessible for excavation. Access covers that are buried must have their exact location identified at the electrical panel or other prominent location by an identification plate. The authority having jurisdiction for performing electrical inspections must approve the identification plate location.

(5) Indoor grinder pumps installed in chambers with less than fifty gallons capacity are not required to meet the requirements of this section, except for the venting requirements in subsection (1)(a) of this section. Indoor grinder pumps installed in chambers with less than fifty gallons capacity are not classified systems as described in Article 500 NEC.

(6) Secondary treatment effluent pumping chambers such as sand filters are unclassified, and require no special wiring methods.

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


[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-501, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-514   Special occupancies -- Motor fuel dispensing facilities.  

001 General.

(1) In addition to the scope included in NEC 514.1, Article 514 NEC must be complied with for all liquified flammable gas storage or transfer facilities.

011 Emergency disconnecting means - dispensing and service stations.

(2) An emergency disconnecting means or operator must be provided to disconnect the pump or dispensing equipment serving gasoline, volatile flammable liquids, or liquefied flammable gases. The emergency disconnecting means or operator must disconnect all conductors of the circuit supplying all station dispensers and/or pumps (including the grounded conductor) simultaneously from the source(s) of supply.

(3) For installations with only one dispensing device, the emergency disconnecting means/operator may be used to satisfy subsection (2) of this section.

(4) For multicircuit installations, an electrically held normally open contactor operated by a push-button may serve as the disconnecting means to satisfy subsection (2) of this section. If a disconnecting pushbutton is used, the pushbutton may not function as the resetting mechanism for the electrically held contactor. The resetting means must be:

(a) Located at least fifteen feet or out of sight from the disconnecting pushbutton;

(b) Installed behind a cover or guard; and

(c) Identified with an identification plate that is substantially black in color.

(5) The disconnecting means satisfying subsection (2) of this section must be labeled with an identification plate, with letters at least one inch high, as the emergency disconnecting means. The disconnecting means or operator must be:

(a) Substantially red in color; and

(b) For attended facilities - must be readily accessible and must be located outdoors and within sight of the pump or dispensing equipment it controls; or

(c) For unattended facilities - must be readily accessible and must be located within sight, but at least twenty feet from the pump or dispensing equipment it controls.


[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-514, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-517   Special occupancies -- Health care facilities.  

001 Health care facilities.

In health care facilities, the following methods must be used to determine adequate capacity and ratings of equipment providing electrical power for the essential electrical systems defined in Article 517 NEC:

(1) Systems in new facilities:

(a) Emergency system: The emergency branch must consist of two branches known as:

(i) Life safety system: The feeder conductors and equipment used to supply electrical power to the life safety branch must be determined by summation of the connected loads as determined by Article 220 NEC and may not be subjected to any reduction due to the diversity of the loads. Feeder and equipment will be subject to a one hundred twenty-five percent multiplier for continuous loads in accordance with Article 220 NEC.

(ii) Critical branch system: The feeder conductors and equipment must be calculated in accordance with Article 220 NEC, including a level of diversity as determined by such article.

(b) Equipment branch: The feeder conductors and equipment used to supply electrical power to the equipment branch of the essential electrical system must be calculated in accordance with Article 220 NEC, including a level of diversity as determined by such article.

(c) Generator sizing: The rating of the generator(s) supplying electrical power to the essential system of a health care facility must meet or exceed the summation of the loads determined in (a) and (b) of this subsection with no additional demand factors applied. Momentary X-ray loads may be ignored if the generator is rated at least three hundred percent of the largest momentary X-ray load connected.

(2) Existing essential systems in facilities to which additional load is to be added:

(a) Existing loads: The existing loads of the separate branches of the essential electrical system may be determined by WAC 296-46B-010(20).

(b) Added loads: Added loads to the separate branches of the essential electrical system must be determined by subsection (1) of this section.

(c) Generator sizing: The rating of the generator(s) supplying electrical power to the essential electrical system must meet or exceed the summation of the loads determined by (a) and (b) of this subsection with no additional demand factors applied.


[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-517, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-520   Special occupancies -- Theaters, motion picture and television studios, performance areas and similar areas.  

001 Concerts, motion picture productions, stage shows, and similar shows.

(1) Service equipment, separately derived systems, feeders and circuits for concerts, motion picture productions, stage shows, and similar shows, must comply with the NEC and this chapter.

(2) The ampacity of cords and cables must be determined from the appropriate Article 400 NEC cord and cable ampacity tables including all notes.



[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-520, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-527   Special occupancies -- Temporary installations.  

001 Temporary installations.

(1) For the purposes of this section, any circuit used for construction purposes is considered to be temporary.

004 Temporary installations - splices.

(2) A splice or junction box is required for all wiring splice or junction connections in a temporary installation.


[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-527, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-550   Special occupancies -- Mobile homes, manufactured homes and mobile home parks.  

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.

032 Mobile/manufactured homes - service.

(2) If an electrical seervice 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.]

WAC 296-46B-553   Special occupancies -- Floating buildings.       004 Floating buildings and similar facilities - services and feeders.

(1) Where electrical power is provided, floating buildings and similar facilities in addition to complying with the appropriate sections of Article 553 NEC must have a readily accessible service rated disconnect located on the shoreline within sight of the shoreline connection of the dock, wharf or similar structure to which the floating building or similar facility is moored.

(2) Where shore power is provided, each floating building or similar facility must have a disconnecting means located within sight of each floating building or similar facility. The disconnecting means must be installed adjacent to but not in or on the floating building or similar facility.

007 Floating buildings and similar installations - wiring methods.

(3) 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 may be used as a permanent wiring method when joining the structures indicated above and for any concealed or protected wiring on a sectionalized floating dock leading to a floating building or similar facility. The cable needs to be resistant only to environments it is normally exposed to on an ongoing basis.

(4) Conductors operating in excess of 600 volts, nominal may not be installed on floating portions of a floating building or similar facility.


[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-553, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-555   Special occupancies -- Marinas and boatyards.  (1) For the purposes of NEC 555.1, the scope of work includes private, noncommercial docking facilities.

(2) For the purposes of NEC 555.5, transformers 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, electrical wiring and equipment located at or serving dispensing stations must comply with Article 514 NEC in addition to the requirements of this section.

(a) Boundary classifications.

(i) Class I, Division 1. The area under the dispensing unit is a Class I, Division 1 location. If a dock has one or more voids, pits, vaults, boxes, depressions, or similar spaces where flammable liquid or vapor can accumulate below the dock surface and within twenty feet horizontally of the dispensing unit, then the area below the top of the dock and within twenty feet horizontally of the dispensing unit is a Class I, Division 1 location. See Figure 555-1.

(ii) Class I, Division 2. The area eighteen inches above the water line and within twenty feet horizontally of the dispensing unit is a Class I, Division 2 location. If a dock has one or more voids, pits, vaults, boxes, depressions, or similar spaces where flammable liquid or vapor can accumulate below the dock surface and within twenty feet horizontally of the dispensing unit, then the area to eighteen inches above the top and adjacent to the sides of the dock and within twenty feet horizontally of the dispensing unit is a Class I, Division 2 location. See Figure 555-2.

(b) Portable power cable will be allowed as a permanent wiring method in Class I, Division 2 locations when protected from physical damage.

(10) For the purposes of NEC 555.23, the datum plane requirements do not apply.

WAC 296-46B-600   Special equipment -- Electric signs and outline lighting.  

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.

009 Awning electrical signs.

(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.

010 Portable or mobile outdoor electrical signs.

(5) A weatherproof receptacle outlet that is weatherproof with the supply cord connected must be installed within six feet of each electrical sign.

(6) Extension cords are not permitted to supply portable outdoor signs.

(7) All portable outdoor electrical signs must be listed or field evaluated by a laboratory accredited by the department.

030 Neon tubing.

(8) 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-680   Special equipment -- Swimming pools, fountains and similar installations.  

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 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.

040 Spas and hot tubs.

(10) NEC 680.42(C) will apply for interior and exterior wiring to outdoor installations of spas and hot tubs.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-700   Special conditions -- Emergency systems.  

001 Emergency systems - general.

(1) In all health or personal care facilities defined in this chapter, educational facilities, institutional facilities, hotels, motels, and places of assembly for one hundred or more persons, all exit and emergency lights must be installed in accordance with Article 700 NEC and located as required in standards adopted by the state building code council under chapter 19.27 RCW.

009 Emergency systems - equipment identification.

(2) All exit and emergency lights, whether or not required by the NEC, must be installed in accordance with Article 700 NEC.

(3) Device and junction boxes for fire alarm systems other than the surface raceway type, must be substantially red in color, both inside and outside. Power-limited fire protective signaling circuit conductors must be durably and plainly marked in or on junction boxes or other enclosures to indicate that it is a power-limited fire protective signaling circuit.

(4) All boxes and enclosures, for Article 700 NEC systems, larger than six inches by six inches, including transfer switches, generators, and power panels for emergency systems and circuits must be permanently identified with an identification plate that is substantially orange in color. All other device and junction boxes for emergency systems and circuits must be substantially orange in color, both inside and outside.


[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-700, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-800   Communications systems -- Communications circuits.  

001 Installation.

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.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-900   Electrical work permits and fees.  General.

(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;

(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 and/or a legible map is provided for the inspectors' use.

(2) An electrical work permit is valid for only one specific site address.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, a valid electrical work permit must be posted on the job site at a readily accessible and conspicuous location prior to beginning electrical work and at all times until the electrical inspection process is completed.

Permit - responsibility for.

(4) Each person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity must furnish a valid electrical work permit for the installation, alteration, or other electrical work performed or to be performed by that entity. Each electrical work permit application must be signed by the electrical contractor's administrator (or designee) or the person, or authorized representative of the firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that is performing the electrical installation or alteration. Permits purchased electronically do not require a handwritten signature. An entity designated to sign electrical permits must provide written authorization of the purchaser's designation when requested by the department.

(5) Permits to be obtained by customers. Whenever a serving electrical utility performs work for a customer under one of the exemptions in WAC 296-46B-925 and the work is subject to inspection, the customer is responsible for obtaining all required permits.

(6) Except for emergency repairs to existing electrical systems, electrical work permits must be obtained and posted at the job site prior to beginning the installation or alteration. An electrical work permit for emergency repairs to existing electrical systems must be obtained and posted at the job site no later than the next business day after the work is begun.

(7) Fees must be paid in accordance with the inspection fee schedule, WAC 296-46B-905. 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.

Permit - requirements for.

(8) As required by chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, an electrical work permit is required for the installation, alteration, or maintenance of all electrical systems except for:

(a) Travel trailers;

(b) Class A basic electrical work which includes the like-in-kind replacement of a: Contactor, relay, timer, starter, circuit board, or similar control component; household appliance; circuit breaker; fuse; residential luminaire; lamp; snap switch; dimmer; receptacle outlet; thermostat; heating element; luminaire ballast with an exact same ballast; ten horsepower or smaller motor; and induction detection loops described in WAC 296-46B-300(2) and used to control gate access devices.

(9) An electrical work permit is required for all installations of telecommunications systems on the customer side of the network demarcation point for projects greater than ten telecommunications outlets. All backbone installations regardless of size and all telecommunications cable or equipment installations involving penetrations of fire barriers or passing through hazardous locations require permits and inspections. For the purposes of determining the inspection threshold for telecommunications projects greater than ten outlets, the following will apply:

(a) An outlet is the combination of jacks and mounting hardware for those jacks, along with the associated cable and telecommunications closet terminations, that serve one workstation. In counting outlets to determine the inspection threshold, one outlet must not be associated with more than six standard four-pair cables or more than one twenty-five-pair cable. Therefore, installations of greater than sixty standard four-pair cables or ten standard twenty-five-pair cables require permits and inspections. (It is not the intent of the statute to allow large masses of cables to be run to workstations or spaces serving telecommunications equipment without inspection. Proper cable support and proper loading of building structural elements are safety concerns. When considering total associated cables, the telecommunications availability at one workstation may count as more than one outlet.)

(b) The installation of greater than ten outlets and the associated cables along any horizontal pathway from a telecommunications closet to work areas during any continuous ninety-day period requires a permit and inspection.

(c) All telecommunications installations within the residential dwelling units of single-family, duplex, and multifamily dwellings do not require permits or inspections. In residential multifamily dwellings, permits and inspections are required for all backbone installations, all fire barrier penetrations, and installations of greater than ten outlets in common areas.

(d) No permits or inspections are required for installation or replacement of cord and plug connected telecommunications equipment or for patch cord and jumper cross-connected equipment.

(e) Definitions of telecommunications technical terms will come from chapter 19.28 RCW, this chapter, TIA/EIA standards, and NEC.

Permit - inspection and approval.

(10) Requests for inspections.

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

(b) Requests for after hours or weekend inspections must be made by contacting the local electrical inspection supervisor at least three working days prior to the requested date of inspection. The portal-to-portal inspection fees required for after hours or weekend inspections are in addition to the cost of the original electrical work permit.

(c) Emergency requests to inspect repairs necessary to preserve life and equipment safety may be requested at any time.

(d) Inspections for annual electrical maintenance permits and annual telecommunications permits may be done on a regular schedule arranged by the permit holder with the department.

(11) Final inspection approval will not be made until all inspection fees are paid in full.

Permit - duration/refunds.

(12) Electricaal work permits will expire one year after the date of purchase unless electrical work is actively and consistently in progress and inspections requested. Refunds are not available for:

(a) Expired electrical work permits;

(b) Electrical work permits where the electrical installation has begun; or

(c) Any electrical work permit where an electrical inspection or electrical inspection request has been made.

Permit - annual telecommunications.

(13) The chief electrical inspector can allow annual permits for the inspection of telecommunications installations to be purchased by a building owner or licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor. The owner's full-time telecommunications maintenance staff, or a licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor(s) can perform the work done under this annual permit. The permit holder is responsible for correcting all installation deficiencies. The permit holder must make available, to the electrical inspector, all records of all the telecommunications work performed and the valid electrical or telecommunications contractor's license numbers for all contractors working under the permit.

Permit - annual electrical.

(14) The chief electrical inspector can allow annual permits for the inspection of electrical installations to be purchased by a building owner or licensed electrical contractor. This type of permit is available for commercial/industrial locations employing a full-time electrical maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical contractor.

The permit holder is responsible for correcting all installation deficiencies. The permit holder must make available, to the electrical inspector, all records of all electrical work performed.

This type of electrical permit may be used for retrofit, replacement, maintenance, repair, upgrade, and alterations to electrical systems at a single plant or building location. This type of permit does not include new or increased service or new square footage.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-905   Inspection fees.  To calculate inspection fees, the amperage is based on the conductor ampacity or the overcurrent device rating. 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) of this section, PROGRESS INSPECTIONS.

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.

WAC 296-46B-910   Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, administrator certificate and examination, master electrician certificate and examination, temporary, electrician certificate and examination, temporary electrician permit, copy, and miscellaneous fees.  

WAC 296-46B-911   Electrical testing laboratory fees.  The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date payment is made.

WAC 296-46B-920   Electrical/telecommunications license/certificate types and scope of work.  (1) General electrical (01): A general electrical license and/or certificate encompasses all phases and all types of electrical and telecommunications installations.

(2) All specialties listed in this subsection may perform the work described within their specific specialty as allowed by the occupancy and location described within the specialty's scope of work. 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 floors 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-010 (14), or commercial occupancies such as: Motels, hotels, offices, assisted living facilities, or stores.

(b) Pump and irrigation (03): Limited to the electrical connection of circuits, feeders, controls, low voltage, related telecommunications, and services to supply: Domestic 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 (see Table 920-1).

(c) Domestic well (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 used in residential potable water or residential sewage disposal systems.

(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.

Limited energy electrical contractors may perform all telecommunications work under their specialty (06) electrical license and administrator's certificate.

On the effective date of this rule, any entity holding a currently valid electrical contractor's license, electrical administrator's certificate, master specialty electrician's certificate, or specialty electrician's certificate in this specialty will be issued combination specialty status for HVAC/refrigeration (06A) at no cost and without examination.

(f) HVAC/refrigeration systems:

(i) See WAC 296-46B-020 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 floors on/above grade; or

Regardless of the number of floors above grade if the installation:

Does not pass between floors;

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 floors on/above grade.

(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 floors 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).

WAC 296-46B-925   Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license.  General.

(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) 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.

(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) The department may deny renewal 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 cash or securities deposit.


(4) Cash or securities deposit. 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.


Telecommunications contractor insurance.


(5) 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.

(6) 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.


(7) 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).

(8) 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.

(9) Firms who install listed plug and cord connected 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 exceed 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 equipment must be a single manufactured unit that does not require any electrical field assembly except for the installation of the plug and cord.

(10) 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.

(11) 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.

(12) 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.

(13) 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.

(14) 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.

(15) 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.


(16) Electrical utility system exemption. Neither a serving electrical utility nor a contractor 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 and other apparatus or appliances used to measure the consumption of electricity.

(a) Street lighting exemption. A serving electrical utility is not required to have an electrical contractor's license or electrical permit to work on electrical equipment used in the lighting of streets, alleys, ways, or public areas or squares.

Utilities are allowed to install outside area lighting on privately owned property where the lighting fixture(s) is installed on a utility owned pole(s) used to support utility owned electric distribution wiring or equipment designed to supply electrical power to a customer's property.

Utilities are allowed to install area lighting outside and not attached to a building or other customer owned structure when the areas are outside publicly owned buildings such as: Publicly owned/operated parking lots, parks, schools, play fields, beaches, and similar areas; or the areas are privately owned where the public has general, clear and unrestricted access such as: Church parking lots, and commercial property public parking areas and similar areas.

Utilities are not allowed to install area lighting when the area is privately owned and the public does not have general, clear, and unrestricted access such as industrial property, residential property and controlled commercial property where the public's access is otherwise restricted.

Utilities are not allowed to install area lighting where the lighting is supplied from a source of power derived from a customer owned electrical system.

(b) Customer-owned equipment exemption. 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 on the primary side of the customer's transformer(s) which supplies power at the customer's utilization voltage.

(c) 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 19.28.091.

(d) Exemption from inspection.

(i) The work of a serving electrical utility and its contractors on the utility system is not subject to inspection. The utility is responsible for inspection and approval for the installation.

(ii) Work exempted by NEC 90.2 (B)(5), 1981 edition, is not subject to inspection.


Exemptions - electrical utility telecommunications transition equipment installations, maintenance and repair.


(17) Until July 1, 2005, 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 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 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 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.


(18) 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 and:

Is an independent electrical power producer and the facility generates electrical power only for sale to one or more:

Electrical utilities regulated by FERC, municipal utility, or other form of governmental utility, or to an electric cooperative or mutual corporation; and

?The electrical power generated by the facility is not used for self-generation or any other on- or off-site 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 has entered into an agreement to sell electricity to a utility or to a third party; and

(c) 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.

(d) 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, etc.) must comply with all requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW for licensing and inspection up to and including the equipment termination point.


Exemptions - telegraph and telephone utility and telegraph and telephone utility's contractor.


(19) 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.


(20) 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) 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.

(21) 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.

(22) 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.

(23) Coincidental electrical/plumbing work. See RCW 19.28.091(8) for the plumber exemption.

(24) 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.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-930   Assignment -- Administrator or master electrician.  (1) An administrator or master electrician designated on the electrical/telecommunications contractor's license must be a member of the firm who fulfills the duties of an assigned master electrician/administrator as required in RCW 19.28.061(5), or be a full-time supervisory employee. In determining whether the individual is a member of the firm, the department will require that the individual is named as:

(a) The sole proprietor;

(b) A partner on file with the department of licensing; or

(c) A member of an LLC on file with the secretary of state.

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.

(2) A firm may designate certain temporary specialty administrator(s) to satisfy the requirements of RCW 19.28.041 and 19.28.061 under the guidelines described in Table 930-1 - Temporary Specialty Administrator Application/Enforcement Procedure. See note 1 on Figure 955-1 for additional requirements regarding failure to comply with the licensing/certification requirements during the open window opportunity.

WAC 296-46B-935   Administrator certificate.  General.

(1) The department will deny renewal of a certificate if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department.

(2) For special accommodation see WAC 296-46B-960.

(3) An applicant will not be issued a specialty administrator certificate that is a subspecialty of a certificate the applicant currently holds (i.e., the applicant is not eligible to take the domestic well administrator examination if the applicant currently possesses a pump and irrigation administrator certificate).


Qualifying for examination.


(4) There are no qualification requirements for taking an administrator certificate examination. Applicants should contact the testing agency directly.


Original - administrator certificates.


(5) The scope of work for electrical administrators is described in WAC 296-46B-920. The department will issue an original administrator certificate to a general administrator, or specialty administrator who:

(a) Successfully completes the appropriate administrator examination; and

(b) Submits the appropriate examination passing report from the testing agency with the applicant's: Date of birth, mailing address, and Social Security number; and

(c) Pays all appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

For an examination report to be considered, all the above must be submitted within ninety days after the completion of the examination. After ninety days, the applicant will be required to successfully retake the complete examination. An individual's original administrator certificate will expire on their birth date at least one year, and not more than three years, from the date of original issue.


Combination - specialty administrator certificate.


(6) The department may issue a combination specialty administrator certificate to an individual who qualifies for more than one specialty administrators' certificate. The combination specialty administrators' certificate will plainly indicate the specialty administrator's certificate(s) the holder has qualified for. Telecommunications cannot be issued a combination because the renewal requirements are different from those required for electrical administrators. Temporary administrator certificates will not be issued as a part of a combination certificate.


Renewal - administrator certificate.


(7) An individual must apply for renewal of their administrator certificate 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-910.

(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-910; 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.

(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 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-910.

The inactive certificate will be returned to current status upon validation, by the department, of the required continuing education requirements.

(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.


Temporary specialty administrator certificate.


(14) See WAC 296-46B-930 for additional information.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-940   Electrician/training/temporary certificate of competency or permit required.  Electrician - general.

(1) The department will deny renewal of a certificate or permit if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department.


Electrician - scope of work.


(2) The sscope of work for electricians and trainees is described in WAC 296-46B-920.


Electrician - certificate of competency required.


(3) To work in the electrical construction trade, an individual must possess a current valid:

(a) Master journeyman electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;

(b) Journeyman electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;

(c) Master specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;

(d) Specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department;

(e) Temporary electrician permit. Unless continually supervised by an appropriately certified electrician, no temporary electrician can install, repair, replace, or maintain any electrical wiring or equipment where the system voltage is more than 600 volts, whether the system is energized or deenergized; or

(f) Electrical training certificate, learning the trade in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the supervision of a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in their specialty, or specialty electrician working in their specialty.

(4) The department issues master electrician and electrician certificates of competency in the following areas of electrical work:

(a) General journeyman (01);

(b) Specialties:

(i) Residential (02);

(ii) Pump and irrigation (03);

(iii) Domestic well (03A);

(iv) Signs (04);

(v) Limited energy system (06);

(vi) HVAC/refrigeration (06A);

(vii) HVAC/refrigeration - restricted (06B);

(viii) Nonresidential maintenance (07);

(ix) Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A);

(x) Residential maintenance (07B);

(xi) Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C);

(xii) Appliance repair (07D);

(xiii) Equipment repair (07E); and

(xiv) Door, gate, and similar systems (10).


Exemptions - linemen.


(5) Definition: See general definitions WAC 296-46B-020 for the definition of a lineman.

(6) Electrical linemen employed by a:

(a) Serving electrical utility or the serving utility's contractor, or a subcontractor to their subcontractor, while performing work described in WAC 296-46B-925 do not need certificates of competency.

(b) Licensed general electrical contractors do not need certificates of competency if the electrical equipment:

(i) Is on commercial or industrial property;

(ii) Is located outside a building or structure; and

(iii) The work performed is on the primary side of the customer's transformer(s) supplying power at the customer's building or structure utilization voltage.


Exemptions - plumbers.


(7) Coincidental electrical/plumbing work. See RCW 19.28.091(8) for the plumber exemption.


Original - master electrician, journeyman, and specialty electrician certificates of competency.


(8) The department will issue an original certificate of competency to master, journeyman, or specialty electricians who meet the eligibility requirements listed in:

(a) RCW 19.28.191 (1)(a) or (b); and

(i) Submit an application for an original master electrician certificate including: Date of birth, mailing address and Social Security number; and

(ii) Pay all appropriate fees, as listed in WAC 296-46B-910;

(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-910; 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-910.

(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 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-910.

(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. 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.

(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.

(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.


Reciprocal agreements between Washington and other states.


(17) The department negotiates reciprocal agreements with states that have equivalent requirements for certification of master electricians, journeymen, or specialty electricians. These agreements allow electricians from those reciprocal states to become certified in the state of Washington without examination and allow Washington certified electricians to become certified in the other states without taking competency examinations.

(18) An individual coming into the state of Washington from a reciprocal state will be issued a reciprocal electrician certificate of competency if all the following conditions are met:

(a) The department has a valid reciprocal agreement with the other state in the master electrician category requested, journeyman, or specialty category requested;

(b) The individual makes a complete application for the reciprocity certificate on the form provided by the department. A complete application includes:

(i) Application for reciprocal certificate of competency;

(ii) Evidence that the individual meets the eligibility requirements listed in RCW 19.28.191, by presenting a valid journeyman or specialty electrician certificate or certified letter from the issuing state; and

(iii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

(c) The individual obtained the reciprocal state's certificate of competency as a master electrician, journeyman, or specialty electrician by examination;

(19) An individual is not eligible for a reciprocal electrician certificate of competency if the individual:

(a) Has failed to renew a similar Washington master electrician or electrician certificate of competency as required in RCW 19.28.211;

(b) Has a similar Washington master electrician or electrician certificate of competency in suspended, revoked, or inactive status under this chapter; or

(c) Was a resident of the state of Washington at the time the examination was taken in the other state.


Military experience.


(20) 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, radar, weapons, aeronautical experience, or similar experience may not be acceptable.

The military experience should be related to the building construction trade, not shipboard, aircraft, weapons, or similar installations.


Experience in another country.


(21) If an individual has a journeyman electrician certificate from a country outside the United States that requires that at least four years of electrical construction training and certification is obtained by examination, the individual may be eligible for four thousand hours of the specialty credit allowed towards the qualification to take the Washington journeyman electrician examination.

No more than two years of the required training to become a Washington journeyman electrician may be for work described for specialty electricians or technicians in WAC 296-46B-920. In addition to the maximum of four thousand hours credit that may be allowed by this subsection, an additional four thousand hours of new commercial/industrial experience must be obtained using a training certificate in the state while under the supervision of a master journeyman electrician or journeyman electrician.

Documentation substantiating the individual's out-of-country experience must be submitted in English.

(22) Out-of-country experience credit is not allowed toward a specialty electrician certificate.


Training school credit.


(23) No more than fifty percent of the minimum work experience needed to qualify for specialty electrician certification is allowed for any training school program (e.g., a specialty requiring two thousand hours of minimum required work experience may receive no more than one thousand hours credit from an electrical construction training program).

(24) See RCW 19.28.191 (1)(h) for training school credit allowed for journeyman applicants.

(25) See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional information on training schools.


Temporary electrician permit.


(26) Temporary permits are not allowed for master electricians.

(27) Temporary electrician permit when coming from out-of-state. An individual coming from out-of-state must either obtain a reciprocal electrician certificate, valid training certificate, or make application and receive approval for a temporary electrician permit to perform electrical work in the state, or otherwise obtain an electrician certificate of competency.

(a) Initial temporary electrician permit when coming from out-of-state.

(i) If an individual can show evidence of work experience in another state similar to RCW 19.28.191, the department may issue the individual one initial temporary journeyman or specialty electrician permit. The individual must present appropriate evidence at the time of application showing work experience equivalent to that required by RCW 19.28.191.

The initial temporary electrician permit allows the individual to work as an electrician between the date of filing a completed application for the certification examination and the notification of the results of the examination. This initial permit will be issued for one twenty-day period and will become invalid on the expiration date listed on the temporary electrician permit or the date the individual is notified they have failed the examination, whichever is earlier.

(ii) To qualify for an initial temporary electrician permit, an individual must:

(A) Meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 19.28.191; and

(B) Submit a complete application for an initial temporary electrician permit and original certification including:

Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and

All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

(iii) The individual must not have ever possessed a Washington master journeyman, journeyman certificate of competency, or a master specialty or specialty electrician certificate of competency in the specialty requested.

(iv) If the initial temporary electrician permit becomes invalid, it will not be extended or renewed. To continue to work in the electrical trade, the individual must apply for and receive a:

(A) Second temporary electrician permit; or

(B) Training certificate and work in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the direct supervision of either a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty, or a specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty.

(b) Second temporary electrician permit.

(i) If the individual fails the certification examination during the initial temporary electrician period and provides verification of enrollment in an approved journeyman refresher course or approved appropriate specialty electrician refresher course, as prescribed in RCW 19.28.231, application may be made for a second temporary electrician permit.

A complete second application must include proof of enrollment in the refresher course and all appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

(ii) The second temporary electrician permit will be issued for one ninety-day period and will become invalid: Upon withdrawal from the electrician refresher course, on the expiration date listed on the temporary electrician permit, or the date the individual is notified they have failed the examination, whichever is earlier;

(iii) After successfully completing the electrician refresher course, the individual must provide appropriate course completion documentation to the department and will be eligible to retake the appropriate competency exam.

(iv) If the second temporary electrician permit becomes invalid, it will not be extended or renewed. To continue to work in the electrical trade, the individual must apply for and receive a training certificate and work in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, under the direct supervision of either a certified master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician, master specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty, or a specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty.

(28) Temporary specialty electrician permit gained by using previous work experience gained in the state.

(a) For the specialties listed in chapter 296-46B WAC Table 950-1, individuals credited with the minimum amount of work experience using the criteria described in WAC 296-46B-950 will be eligible for a temporary specialty electrician permit for the purposes of working without supervision and for supervising trainees in the appropriate specialty. This temporary specialty electrician permit will be valid for a period of two years or until the individual has passed the appropriate specialty examination, whichever is first.

(b) To qualify for an initial temporary specialty electrician permit, an individual must:

(i) Document the hour requirements described in chapter 296-46B WAC Table 945-1; and

(ii) Submit a complete application including:

(A) Application for consideration of previous work experience as described in WAC 296-46B-950;

(B) Application for original electrician certificate of competency/examination including: Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and

(C) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

(c) If the individual does not successfully complete the appropriate specialty examination before the temporary specialty electrician permit expires, the individual must obtain a training certificate to continue performing electrical work. Such an individual must apply for a training certificate and work under the supervision of an appropriate electrician.


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-945   Qualifying for master, journeyman, specialty electrician examinations.  Qualifying for master, journeyman, specialty electrician examinations.

(1) All applicants must be at least sixteen years of age.


Qualifying for the master electrician examination.


(2) An individual may take the master electrician's certificate of competency examination if the individual meets the requirements described in RCW 19.28.191 (1)(d) or (e).


Qualifying for the master electrician examination from out-of-state.


(3) No credit may be applied from out-of-state toward qualifying for a master electrician certificate of competency examination.


Qualifying for the journeyman electrician competency examination.


(4) An individual may take the journeyman electrician's certificate of competency examination if the individual held a current electrical training certificate and has worked for an employer who employs at least one certified master electrician, journeyman, or specialty electrician on staff and the individual:

(a) Has been employed, in the electrical construction trade, under the direct supervision of a master electrician, journeyman electrician or specialty electrician working in the appropriate specialty in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, for four years (eight thousand hours). Of the eight thousand hours:

(i) At least two years (four thousand hours) must be in new industrial and/or new commercial electrical installation (excluding all work described for specialty electricians or technicians) under the direct supervision of a master journeyman electrician or journeyman electrician while working for a general electrical contractor; and

(ii) Not more than a total of two years (four thousand hours) may be for work described as an electrical specialty in WAC 296-46B-920(2).

(b) Has completed a four-year apprenticeship program in the electrical construction trade that is registered with the state apprenticeship council while working under the direct supervision of a master journeyman or journeyman electrician in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161; or

(c) Has completed a two-year electrical construction training program as described in RCW 19.28.191 for journeyman electricians, and two years (four thousand hours) of work experience in new industrial and/or new commercial electrical installations (excluding work described for specialty electricians or electrical technicians) under the direct supervision of a journeyman electrician while working for a general electrical contractor in the proper ratio, per RCW 19.28.161. See WAC 296-46B-971 for additional training school information.

Electrical construction training hours gained in specialties requiring less than two years (i.e., four thousand hours) will not be credited towards qualification for journeyman electrician.

The trainee and their employer and/or apprenticeship training director must attest to the accuracy of all information contained on affidavits of experience used to verify eligibility for the examination.


Qualifying for the journeyman/specialty electrician competency examination when work was performed in a state requiring electrician certification.


(5) An individual may take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when the appropriate state having authority certifies to the department that:

(a) The work was legally performed under the other state's licensing and certification requirements;

(i) For journeyman applicants who meet the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(4).

(ii) For specialty applicants who meet the minimum hour requirements described in WAC 296-46B-945(9).

(b) The other state's certificate of competency was obtained by examination.

Electrical construction training hours gained in specialties requiring less than two years (i.e., four thousand hours) may not be credited towards qualification for journeyman electrician.


Qualifying for the journeyman/specialty electrician competency examination when work was performed in a state that does not require electrician certification.


(6) If the other state requires electrical contractor licensing:

(a) An individual may take the journeyman/specialty electrician's competency examination when an appropriately licensed electrical contractor(s) 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) 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:

Table 945-1 Experience Hours

(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.

(3)This specialty is not eligible for modified 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).

(7)The 2,000 minimum hours of work experience required for certification as a HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (06B) specialty electrician may be credited as 2,000 hours towards the 4,000 minimum hours of work experience required for certification as a HVAC/refrigeration (06A) specialty electrician. Hours of work experience credited from the HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (06B) specialty cannot be credited towards qualification for taking the general electrician (01) examination or minimum work experience requirements.

(8)If any legislation is enacted in 2004 setting the minimum hours of work experience for a specialty electrician certification to be set at one year (2,000 hours), the minimum will be set at 2,000 hours.
(9)If any legislation is enacted in 2004 setting the minimum hours of work experience for a specialty certification required to be eligible for examination to ninety days (720 hours), the minimum will be set at 1,000 hours.
(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.


(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 biannually 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 biannually in order to receive credit for hours worked in the trade according to WAC 296-46B-965.

(c) Telecommunications contractors may not verify telecommunications work experience toward electrician certification.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-950   Opportunity for gaining credit for previous work experience gained in certain specialties.  Some specialties have an opportunity to apply any previous work experience gained toward electrical training credit. See Table 950-1 for opportunities, deadlines and requirements.

To qualify previous work experience training credit toward eligibility for any of the specialty certificate examination(s) in this subsection, an individual must provide proof, upon application for a specialty electrician temporary permit, to the department with a notarized verification letter from the individual's employer(s) documenting:

(1) The specific specialty for which credit is being sought;

(2) The specific date time period for which credit is being sought; and

(3) The number of previous work experience hours for which credit is being sought.

The department will deny application for previous work experience credit if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department.

WAC 296-46B-951   Domestic appliance specialty.  (1) The domestic appliance specialty (05) is eliminated as of the effective date of this chapter.

(2) All electrical contractors, administrators, and electricians who possessed a current domestic appliance (05) specialty license or certificate on the effective date of this chapter will be issued a residential (02) license or certificate. No application or examination is required to receive the replacement residential license or certificate.

(3) All training experience currently credited toward the domestic appliance (05) specialty will be considered to be residential (02) 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, 19.28.271, 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-951, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]

WAC 296-46B-955   Specialty contractor/electrician enforcement procedures.  Interim noncompliance enforcement procedures are outlined in Figure 955-1 for the specialties listed. All other specialties require full compliance with the requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.

Figure 955-1

[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, 19.28.271, 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-955, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]

WAC 296-46B-960   Administrator and electrician certificate of competency examinations.  General.

(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; or

(iii) Copies of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter.

(b) Candidates may not use:

(i) Copies of copyrighted material;

(ii) Copies of internet publications;

(iii) A foreign language dictionary that contains definitions;

(iv) Personal notes; or

(v) A personal computing device of any type other than the calculator in (a)(ii) of this subsection.

(3) Administrator and master electrician examinations may consist of multiple sections. All sections must be successfully completed within a one-year period of beginning the examination. Within the one-year examination period, the candidate does not have to retake any sections successfully completed within the examination period. If all sections are not successfully completed within the one-year period, the candidate must begin a new examination period and retake all sections.


Special accommodations for examination.


(4) An applicant for an examination who, due to a specific physical, mental, or sensory impairment, requires special accommodation in examination procedures, may submit a written request to the chief electrical inspector for the specific accommodation needed.

(a) The applicant must also submit to the department a signed and notarized release, authorizing the specifically identified physician or other specialist to discuss the matter with the department representative. The applicant must also submit an individualized written opinion from a physician or other appropriate specialist:

(i) Verifying the existence of a specific physical, mental, or sensory impairment;

(ii) Stating whether special accommodation is needed for a specific examination;

(iii) Stating what special accommodation is necessary; and

(iv) Stating if extra time for an examination is necessary and if so, how much time is required. The maximum allowance for extra time is double the normal time allowed.

(b) The written request for special accommodation and individualized written opinion must be submitted to the department at least six weeks in advance of the examination date and must be accompanied by a completed application and fees as described in WAC 296-46B-910.

(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-910.

(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 systemss - Less than 600 volts; 480/277 volts; single-and 3-phase delta or wye; distribution systems over 600 volts.

WAC 296-46B-965   Training certificate required.  General.

(1) 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;

(c) Possess a valid temporary electrician permit;

(d) Possess a valid temporary specialty electrician permit while working in that specialty's scope of work; or

(e) Is not working in exempt status as allowed by chapter 19.28 RCW.

(2) Trainees who have had their training certificates revoked or suspended (during the duration of the revocation or suspension) will not be issued a training certificate.


Original training certificates.


(3) The department will issue an original training certificate when the trainee applicant submits a complete training certificate application including:

(a) Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and

(b) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

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.


Specialty specific - zero percent and seventy-five percent supervision modified training certificates.


(4) For specialties as allowed in Table 945-1 (i.e., specialties with seven hundred twenty minimum hours of work experience required to be eligible for examination):

(a) The department will approve the trainee to take the appropriate specialty competency examination necessary to qualify for a zero percent supervision modified training certificate. To qualify, the trainee applicant must submit a complete zero percent supervision modified training certificate application including:

(i) Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number;

(ii) Affidavit of experience fulfilling the minimum work experience hours required to qualify for the specialty examination described in Table 945-1; and

(iii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

Upon successful completion of the appropriate examination, the trainee will be issued a nonrenewable zero percent supervision modified training certificate for the appropriate specialty. The zero percent supervision modified training certificate will be restricted in duration to the time allowed in Table 945-1, note 2.

(b) Prior to the expiration of the zero percent supervision modified training certificate or temporary specialty electrician permit obtained as described in WAC 296-46B-940(28), the individual must submit a complete application for a seventy-five percent supervision modified training certificate for the appropriate specialty including:

(i) Seventy-five percent supervision training certificate application including: Date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number; and

(ii) All appropriate fees as listed in WAC 296-46B-910.

(c) A trainee may possess multiple (i.e., in different specialties) modified supervision training certificates for specialties where reduced supervision is allowed in Table 945-1. Combination training certificates will not be issued.


Renewal of training certificates.


(5) The individual may not apply for renewal more than ninety days prior to the expiration date. 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. 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. 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:

(a) The electrical installation work performed for each employer the individual worked for in the electrical trade during the previous period;

(b) The correct electrical category the individual worked in; and

(c) The actual number of hours worked in each category worked under the proper supervision of a Washington certified, master journeyman electrician, journeyman electrician or appropriate master specialty electrician or specialty electrician under that specific training certificate. If a trainee possesses multiple training certificates, an affidavit must be submitted for each training certificate for the hours worked under that specific training certificate.

If the individual is enrolled in a department approved apprenticeship program, the program may submit the required affidavit(s) of experience upon the individual's completion of the required experience hours without cost to the individual.

(6) 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 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.

(7) The individual and their employer(s) and/or apprenticeship training director(s) must sign and have notarized the affidavit of experience attesting to the accuracy of all information contained in the affidavit.


Trainees seeking a journeyman electrician certificate - working with no supervision.


(8) 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-910; 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.


(9) 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.

(10) Individuals who received a temporary specialty electrician certificate using previous work experience credit as allowed in WAC 296-46B-950 and fail to successfully complete the appropriate specialty examination before the expiration of the temporary specialty electrician permit may be issued a training certificate in the appropriate specialty if the individual submits a complete application as described in WAC 296-46B-965 (4)(b) prior to the expiration of the temporary specialty electrician permit.

(11) HVAC/refrigeration trainees (06A) may work unsupervised when installing HVAC thermostat cable when the system consists of a single thermostat in one- and two-family dwelling units where line voltage power is not connected to the system.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, ?296-46B-965, filed 4/22/03, effective 4/22/03.]

WAC 296-46B-970   Continuing education.  General requirements - continuing education classes requirements for administrator, master electrician, and electrician renewal.

(1) DEFINITIONS - for purposes of this section.

(a) "Applicant" means the entity submitting an application for review.

(b) "Application" means a submittal made by an applicant seeking instructor or class approval.

(c) "Calendar day" means each day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

(d) "Class" means continuing education class or course.

(e) "Contractor" means the entity who has contracted with the department to review and approve/deny continuing education classes and instructors.

(f) "Date of notification" means the date of a request for additional information from the contractor or the approval/denial letter sent to the applicant by the contractor.

(g) "Individual" means an administrator or electrician seeking credit for continuing education.

(h) "Instructor" means an individual who is authorized to instruct an approved continuing education class.

(i) "Working day" means Monday through Friday, excluding state of Washington holidays.

(2) GENERAL.

(a) The department and the electrical board have the right to monitor all approved classes without notice and at no charge.

If the department or electrical board determines that the class or instructor does not meet or exceed the minimum requirements for approval or course length or instructor qualifications, the department may revoke the class or instructor approval and reduce the number of credited hours for the class.

(b) Department-offered classes and the instructors used for those classes are automatically approved and do not need to be sent to the contractor for review.

(c) Instructors who meet the minimum requirements using subsection (5)(b)(i)(D) of this section may only instruct classes sponsored by the manufacturer(s) who verified the instructors' qualifications under subsection (5)(b)(i)(D) of this section.

(d) An individual will not be given credit for the same approved continuing education class taken more than once. No credit will be granted for any class not approved per this section.

(e) Telecommunications administrators do not require continuing educations.

(f) Other administrators, master electricians, and electricians:

(i) To be eligible for renewal of an administrator certificate, master electrician or electrician certificate of competency, the individual must have completed at least eight hours of approved continuing education for each year of the prior certification period. The individual is not required to take the classes in separate years. At least eight hours of the total required continuing education must be on the currently adopted National Electrical Code changes. Beginning January 1, 2005, four hours of the required continuing education must be on the currently adopted chapter 19.28 RCW and its related WAC(s).

(ii) An individual changing an electrical administrator and an electrician certificate of competency into a master electrician's certificate of competency as allowed in RCW 19.28.191 (1)(a) or (b) must have completed at least eight hours of approved continuing education for each year of the prior electrician certificate period. The individual is not required to take the classes in separate years. Eight hours of the required continuing education must be on the currently adopted National Electrical Code changes. Beginning January 1, 2005, four hours of the required continuing education must be on the currently adopted chapter 19.28 RCW and its related WAC(s).

(iii) Any portion of a year of a prior administrator or electrician certificate period is equal to one year for the purposes of the required continuing educations.

(iv) An individual who has both an electrician certificate and an administrator certification may use the same class to fulfill the requirements for continuing education.

(g) A continuing education class attended or completed by an individual before the class's effective date cannot be used to meet the administrator or electrician certificate renewal requirements.

(h) 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-910(4).

(ii) The electrical board or the department will:

(A) Review the application for completeness within fifteen working days after receipt.

(B) If the application is incomplete, notify the applicant within seven working days of the status of the review and what additional information is required.

(C) Complete the review and approval/denial process within fifteen working days upon receipt of a complete application or additional requested information.

(iii) An appeal of a denial by the department will be heard by the full electrical board in accordance with WAC 296-46B-995.

(3) CLASS AND INSTRUCTOR - GENERAL APPROVAL PROCESS.

(a) The contractor will review submitted class and instructor applications to determine whether the application meets the minimum requirements for approval.

(b) The contractor will deny approval of applications that do not meet the minimum requirements.

(c) All applications will be considered to be new applications (i.e., Classes and instructors may not be renewed. All applications must include all information necessary to show conformance with the minimum requirements).

(d) Minimum requirements:

(i) Application review fees:

(A) The contractor may charge a fee for review of an application. Such fees, paid by the applicant, are nonrefundable.

(B) The fee will be as set by contractor between the department and the contractor.

(C) The fee will be set for a minimum of one year.

(D) Upon mutual agreement between the department and the contractor, the fee may be raised or lowered.

(ii) Application:

(A) The applicant must submit a complete application to the contractor at least thirty calendar days prior to offering or instructing a class.

(B) The contractor will only consider material included with the application when reviewing an application.

(C) All applications will consist of:

Two copies of all material;

Applicant's name, address, contact name, and telephone number;

All required fees;

Any other information the applicant wants to consider during the review; and

In addition, class applications will include:

Sponsor's name, address, contact name, and telephone number;

Class title;

Number of continuing education hours requested for the class;

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.);

List of resources (e.g., texts, references, etc.);

Copies of all visual aids;

Sample of the completion certificate.

In addition, instructor application will include:

Instructor's name, address, telephone number;

Copies of credentials or other information showing conformance with the instructor minimum qualifications.

(e) Contractor's review process:

(i) When the application is received, the contractor must:

(A) Date stamp the application;

(B) Review the application for completeness within seven working days after receipt.

(ii) If the application is incomplete, the contractor must within two working days notify the applicant of the status of the review and what additional information is required.

(A) The applicant must provide any additional information requested by the contractor within five working days after the date of notification.

(B) The contractor will deny the application if the additional required information is not received within the five working days after the date of notification.

(iii) When the contractor has received a complete application, the contractor must review and evaluate the application for compliance with the minimum requirements.

The contractor must complete the review and approval/denial process within seven working days upon receipt of a complete application or additional requested information and within two working days notify:

The applicant in writing; and

The chief electrical inspector in writing and electronically. The contractor's electronic notification to the chief electrical inspector must be made in a format approved by the chief electrical inspector.

(iv) A notification of denial must include:

(A) Applicant's name and telephone number;

(B) Date of denial;

(C) Sponsor's name and class title if applicable;

(D) Instructor's name if applicable; and

(E) The reason for denial.

(v) A notification of approval:

(A) For classes must include:

Applicant's name and telephone number;

Sponsor's name and telephone number;

Class title;

Class number;

Number of hours approved for the class. Note that the contractor may reduce the hours requested in the application if the review shows that the requested number of hours is excessive;

Effective date for this class;

Expiration date of class;

Category for which the class is approved (i.e., code update, RCW/WAC update, or industry related);

Sample of written class roster and attendance sheet;

Type of class (i.e., classroom, correspondence, internet); and

Whether the class is open to the public.

(B) For instructors must include:

Applicant's name and telephone number;

Instructor's name and telephone number;

Effective date for the approval; and

Expiration date of the approval.

(vi) Applicant's request for review of the contractor's decision:

The applicant's may request a review of the contractor's decision to deny or modify an application:

All requests for review must be:

Made in writing;

Received by the chief electrical inspector within twenty calendar days of the contractor's denial; and

Accompanied by a review fee of $109.50. The review fee is nonrefundable.

(4) CLASS APPROVAL PROCESS.

(a) Class approval will be valid for three years except:

(i) If the class is "code update" and a new NEC is adopted by the department within the class approval period, the class approval will be considered automatically revoked; or

(ii) If the class is modified after the application is approved, the class approval will be considered automatically revoked (i.e., change in syllabus, hours, examination, etc.).

(b) Minimum requirements:

(i) Class content:

(A) Industry-related classes must be based on:

Codes or rules included in the NEC chapters 19.28 RCW or 296-46B WAC;

Electrical theory based on currently published documents that are readily available for retail purchase; and/or

Materials and methods that pertain to electrical construction, building management systems, electrical maintenance, or workplace health and safety.

(B) Code update classes must be based on the latest adopted version of the NEC and must specify the NEC articles to be addressed in the class presentation.

(C) RCW/WAC update classes must be based on the latest adopted versions of chapter 19.28 RCW and/or chapter 296-46B WAC.

(ii) Class length:

(A) The minimum allowed length of a class is two hours.

(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.

Correspondence instruction will be based on:

A written examination (i.e., twenty-five questions will equal two hours of classroom instruction). Individuals must be responsible to determine the correct answer without the assistance of the sponsor.

Internet instruction will be based on:

A written examination (i.e., twenty-five questions will equal two hours of classroom instruction).

Examinations must not direct or point the individual to a correct answer or reference. Individuals must be responsible to determine the correct answer without the assistance of the sponsor.

To successfully complete a correspondence or internet class, a participant must score at least 70% on the examination required for the class.

(iii) Class material must include:

(A) Supplementary written instruction material appropriate to the type and length of the class; and

(B) If the class is code update and is provided via correspondence or internet, the sponsor must provide the individual with a nationally recognized, copyrighted publication that covers all changes to the NEC;

(iv) Class material may include:

Supplementary internet material;

Supplementary texts;

Other material as appropriate.

(v) Certificates of completion:

(A) The sponsor must award a completion certificate to each individual successfully completing the approved class. To successfully complete a correspondence or internet class, a participant must score at least 70% on the examination required for the class.

(B) The completion certificate must include the:

Name of participant;

Participant's Washington certificate number;

Name of sponsor;

Name of class;

Date of class;

Name of instructor;

Location of the class:

If a classroom-type class, the city and state in which the class was given;

If a correspondence class, state the class is a correspondence class;

If an internet class, state the class is an internet class;

Class approval number;

Number of continuing units; and

Type of continuing education units.

(vi) Instructors:

(A) For classroom instruction, all instructors must be approved per this section; and

(B) For correspondence and internet instruction, the applicant must show that the sponsor regularly employs at least one staff member who meets the requirements for instructors in this section.

(5) INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PROCESS:

(a) Instructor approval will be valid for three years except:

(i) If the instructor's credentials are invalidated (e.g., suspension or revocation by the issuing entity) for any reason, approval will be automatically revoked.

(ii) When the instructor approval expires or is revoked, a new application must be submitted to regain approved instructor status.

(b) Minimum requirements:

(i) The application must show that the instructor meets one of the following:

(A) Has a valid Washington:

General administrator's certificate; or

General master electrician's certificate; and

Has appropriate knowledge of and experience working as an electrical/electronic trainer; or

(B) Is accredited by the Washington work force training and education coordinating board. The instructor's normal duties must include providing electrical/electronic education; or

(C) Is a high school vocational teacher, community college, college, or university instructor. The instructor's normal duties must include providing electrical/electronic education; or

(D) Works for and is approved by a manufacturer of electrical products to teach electrical continuing education; or

(E) For first-aid classes is certified by the Red Cross or other similar agency as a first-aid instructor; and

(ii) Any other information the applicant wants to be considered during the review.

(6) FORMS:

(a) The contractor will:

Develop an appropriate form(s) for the applicant's use when submitting for instructor or class approval;

(b) Applicants must use the contractor's form when submitting an application for review.

(7) PUBLICATIONS:

The contractor will provide the department with appropriate material for use by the department on the electrical program website and may post the application process, review, and approval requirements on the contractor's website.

(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 history with the class sponsor;

(c) Classes offered in Washington:

(i) The sponsor must provide the department with an accurate and typed course attendance/completion roster for each class given.

(A) The attendance/completion roster must be provided within thirty days of class completion.

(B) In addition, the course sponsor must provide the attendance/completion roster in an electronic format provided by the department.

(C) The attendance/completion roster must show each individual's name, Washington certificate number, class number, location of class, date of completion, and instructor's name. The typed roster must contain the signature of the class sponsor's authorized representative.

(ii) The sponsor must provide the individual a certificate of completion within fifteen days after successful class completion. See subsection (4) of this section.

(iii) Individuals will not be granted credit for continuing education classes unless the sponsor's attendance/completion roster shows the individual successfully completed the class.

(iv) The department will keep submitted class rosters on file for four years.

(d) Classes offered in other states:

(i) For individuals to apply continuing education units earned from out-of-state classes, one of the following conditions must be met:

(A) The individual must request that the class sponsor submit a complete continuing education class application and gain approval for the class as described in this section for classes and instructors. Application for class or instructor approval will not be considered more than three years after the date the class was offered; or

(B) The department must have entered into a reciprocal agreement with the state providing class approval.

(ii) The individual must provide a copy of an accurate and completed award or certificate from the class sponsor identifying the class location, date of completion, individual's names, and Washington certificate number. The department will only accept a copy of the sponsor's certificate or form as evidence that the individual attended and completed the class.

(9) Contractor requirements:

(a) The contractor cannot be a sponsor or instructor.

(b) The contractor cannot be an employee of the department.

(c) The contractor must:

(i) Be an independent entity with no organizational, managerial, financial, design, or promotional affiliation with any sponsor or instructor covered under the contractor's review and approval/denial process;

(ii) Employ at least one staff member having a valid 01-General Administrator or 01-General Master Electrician Certificate. This staff member:

(A) Is responsible for reviewing and determining an application's approval or denial; and

(B) Must sign the written notification provided to applicants for all approvals and denials:

(iii) Receive, review, and process all applications as required in this section;

(iv) Allow the department access to the contractor's facilities during normal working hours to audit the contractor's ability to conform to the contract requirements;

(v) Treat all applications as proprietary information;

(vi) Respond to and attempt to resolve complaints contesting the review or approval/denial process performed by the applicant;

(vii) Notify the department within ten working days of any change in business status or ability to conform to this section;

(viii) Maintain one copy, original or electronic, of all applications and associated materials for a period of three years from the date of receipt.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-971   Training schools.  (1) The department must evaluate and approve training school programs in the electrical trade as regulated by chapter 19.28 RCW for equivalency to hours of supervised work experience. Approved training programs must be from a Washington state public community or technical college, or a not-for-profit nationally accredited technical or trade school licensed by the work force training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW.

(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. 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 (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).


[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.]

WAC 296-46B-975   Electrical audit.  General.

(1) The department may audit the employment records of the electrical contractor or employer to verify the employment status of trainees, assigned administrators, or assigned master electricians.

(2) Every employer or contractor must keep a record of trainee, assigned administrator/master electrician employment so the department may obtain the information it needs to verify electrical trainee, assigned administrator, or assigned master electrician status and trainee work experience. Upon the request of the department's auditors or agents, these records must be made available to the department for inspection within seven business days.

(3) Any information obtained from the contractor or employer during the audit is confidential and is not open to public inspection under chapter 42.17 RCW.


Trainee hours.


(4) The time period covered by a trainee audit will not exceed five years prior to the period included in the last affidavit verifying trainee hours is submitted.

(5) An employer or contractor must maintain payroll records, time cards, or similar records to verify:

(a) The number of hours the trainee worked as a supervised trainee;

(b) The type of electrical work the trainee performed; and

(c) Who provided the trainee's supervision.

(6) The department's audit may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

(a) An audit to determine whether the trainee was employed by the contractor or employer during the period for which the hours were submitted, the actual number of hours the trainee worked, the category of electrical work performed, and who provided the trainee's supervision; and

(b) An audit covering a specific time period and examining a contractor's or employer's books and records which may include their reporting of the trainee's payroll hours required for industrial insurance, employment security or prevailing wage purposes.


Administrator/master electrician - status.


(7) The time period covered by an administrator/master electrician audit will not exceed five years prior to the beginning of the audit.

(8) Every employer or contractor must maintain pay records, time cards, or similar records to verify the work relationship and status of the assigned administrator or master electrician so the department may obtain the information it needs to verify the contractor-administrator/master electrician relationship. Upon the request of the department's auditors or agents, these records must be made available to the department for inspection within seven business days.

(9) The department's audit may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

(a) An audit to determine whether the assigned administrator or assigned master electrician was employed by the contractor or employer during the period assigned which may include their reporting of the assigned administrator's/master electrician's payroll hours required for employment security, prevailing wage, worker's compensation, etc.; and

(b) An audit to determine the full-time supervisory status of the assigned administrator/master electrician.


[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-975, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-980   Enforcement -- Installations, licensing, and certification requirements.  (1) The department inspects the electrical worksites of individuals, employers, and employees with respect to the methods and installation requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter. The department's electrical inspectors and electrical auditors make electrical work inspections. The department's electrical inspectors, electrical auditors, and compliance officers make electrical licensing/certification inspections.

(2) The department ensures that individuals, employers, and employees comply with the electrical licensing and certification requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter. To do this, inspections are made by the department's electrical inspectors/auditors and compliance officers.

Compliance officers or electrical inspectors/auditors determine whether:

(a) Each person or entity advertising to do electrical work or doing electrical work on an electrical worksite has a proper license, certificate, or temporary electrician permit;

(b) The ratio, per RCW 19.28.161, of certified journeyman/specialty electricians to the certified trainees on the job site is correct; and

(c) Each certified trainee is directly supervised by an individual who possesses an appropriate certificate of competency or temporary electrician permit for the type of electrical work being performed.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, ?296-46B-980, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-985   Penalties for false statements or material misrepresentations.  (1) A person who knowingly makes a false statement or material misrepresentation on an application, statement of hours, or signed statement to the department may be referred to the county prosecutor for criminal prosecution under RCW 9A.72.020, 9A.72.030, and 9A.72.040. The department may also file a civil action under RCW 19.28.131 or 19.28.271 and may revoke or suspend a certificate under RCW 19.28.241 or 19.28.341.

(2) The department may file a civil action under RCW 19.28.131 or 19.28.271 and may revoke or suspend a certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.341 or 19.28.241 for inaccurate or false reporting of continuing education units on the administrator, master electrician, or electrician renewal form.

(3) If the department determines that a course sponsor has issued an inaccurate or incomplete course application or attendance/completion roster, the department may suspend or revoke the course approval and deny future approval of a continuing education course(s) by the course sponsor.

(4) The department may file a civil action under RCW 19.28.271 against both the trainee and the contractor, apprentice training director, or other entity verifying the training hours and may subtract up to two thousand hours of employment from a trainee's total hours if the department determines a false statement or material misrepresentation has been made in an affidavit of experience.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-990   Failure to comply with the electrical contractor licensing, administrator certification, or electrician certification laws.  General.

(1) If the compliance officer or electrical inspector/auditor determines that an individual, employer, or employee has violated chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter, the department will issue a citation that describes the violation.


Suspension or revocation - of an electrical contractor's license, administrator's certificate, master electrician's certificate of competency, electrician's certificate of competency, temporary electrician's permit, or training certificate.


(2) The department may revoke or suspend, for such time as it determines appropriate, an electrical contractor's license, administrator's certificate, master electrician's certificate of competency, electrician's certificate of competency, temporary electrician's permit, temporary specialty electrician's permit, or training certificate if:

(a) The license, certificate, or permit was obtained through error or fraud;

(b) The license, certificate, or permit holder is judged to be incompetent to work in the electrical construction trade as a master electrician, journeyman electrician, specialty electrician, electrical technician, temporary electrician, temporary specialty electrician, or electrical trainee;

(c) For serious noncompliance as described below. See RCW 19.28.241 and 19.28.341 for other grounds and procedures.

(d) A temporary electrician permit or temporary specialty electrician permit holder has violated any of the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or any rule adopted under chapter 19.28 RCW;

(e) The license or certificate holder incompletely or inaccurately reported continuing education units on an application for renewal; or

(f) The certificate holder falsely, incompletely, or inaccurately reported previous work experience.

The department will deny an application for any license/certificate during the period of revocation or suspension of the same or another license/certificate under chapter 19.28 RCW.

(3) For the purposes of this section, serious noncompliance includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

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

(b) The license or certificate was obtained through error or fraud;

(c) Submitting a fraudulent document to the department;

(d) Continuous noncompliance with the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW or this chapter. For the purposes of this section, continuous noncompliance will be defined as three or more citations demonstrating a disregard of the electrical law, rules, or regulations within a period of three years, or where it can be otherwise demonstrated that the contractor, master electrician, electrician, or administrator has continuously failed to comply with the applicable electrical standards;

(e) Failure to make any books or records, or certified copies thereof, available to the department for an audit to verify the hours of experience submitted by an electrical trainee;

(f) Making a false statement or material misrepresentation on an application, statement of hours, or signed statement required by the department;

(g) The certificate holder falsely or inaccurately reported continuing education units on an application for renewal;

(h) Installing a shortened rod/pipe grounding electrode, improper splicing of conductors in conduits/raceways or concealed within walls, or installing a fake equipment grounding conductor.

For any act of serious noncompliance, the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity may be referred to the county prosecutor for criminal prosecution under chapter 9A.72 RCW. The department may also file a civil action under chapter 19.28 RCW.

(4) Before a license, certificate, or temporary electrician permit is revoked or suspended, the certificate holder will be given written notice of the department's intention to suspend or revoke. Notification will be sent by registered mail to the certificate holder's last known address. The notification will list the allegations against the certificate holder, and provide the certificate holder with the procedures necessary to request a hearing before the electrical board as described in WAC 296-46B-995.


Confiscation - of an electrical contractor's license, administrator certificate, electrician certificate of competency, temporary electrician permit, or training certificate.


(5) The department may confiscate a license, certificate, or temporary electrician permit that is counterfeit, revoked, expired, suspended, or altered. The individual may be referred to the county prosecutor for criminal prosecution under chapter 9A.72 RCW. The department may also file a civil action under chapter 19.28 RCW.


[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2003 c 399, 2003 c 211, 2003 c 78, and 2003 c 242. 04-12-049, ?296-46B-990, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.28.006, 19.28.010, 19.28.031, 19.28.041, 19.28.061, 19.28.101, 19.28.131, 19.28.161, 19.28.171, 19.28.191, 19.28.201, 19.28.211, 19.28.241, 19.28.251, 19.28.271, 19.28.311, 19.28.321, 19.28.400, 19.28.420, 19.28.490, 19.28.551, 2002 c 249, chapters 34.05 and 19.28 RCW. 03-09-111, ?296-46B-990, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-995   Electrical board -- Appeal rights and hearings.  General.

(1) Chapter 19.28 RCW provides the authority for the duties and responsibilities of the electrical board. Except as provided in chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter, all proceedings will be conducted according to chapter 34.05 RCW the Administrative Procedure Act and chapter 10-08 WAC, Model rules of procedure. See chapter 34.05 RCW the Administrative Procedure Act for specific definitions not described in this chapter.

(2) See RCW 19.28.311 for the composition of the electrical board.

(3) The board adopts the current edition of the "Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised."

(4) The board will hold regular meetings on the last Thursday of January, April, July, and October of each year per RCW 19.28.311.

(5) The director or the chairperson of the board may call a special meeting at any time.

(6) Each board member must be notified in writing of the agenda, date, time, and place of each regular and special meeting. "Writing" includes by electronic mail, also known as "e-mail," if the member has provided an e-mail address for such notice.

(7) The board or department may elect to have an appeal heard by the office of administrative hearings either tape recorded or transcribed by a court reporter; and the board may so elect regarding hearings or board reviews heard by the board as a whole.

(8) A majority of the board constitutes a quorum for purposes of rendering any decision.

(a) If a majority does not attend a hearing or board review on an appeal, the board may either continue the hearing or board review to a date certain or may hear the testimony and arguments.

(b) If the board hears the testimony and arguments, the members of the board who are absent may make their decisions after hearing the tape recording or reading the transcript, of the hearing or board review.

(c) If the board selects the method in subsection (8)(b) of this section, at the time of the hearing, the board shall set a date certain for the absent members to complete review of the record and for the board as a whole to vote on the decision. The vote in subsection (8)(b) and (c) of this section may occur by U.S. mail, facsimile or by electronic mail and shall be determined by the board at the hearing; the members' votes shall be public record.

(9) All filings and documents for any matter before the board must be submitted to the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board, 7273 Linderson Way, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA 98504-4460. The filings may be submitted by ordinary mail, certified or registered mail, or by personal delivery.

(10) All hearings before the board as a whole shall be held on regularly scheduled meeting dates, as listed in subsection (4) of this section, unless the board determines that an alternate date is necessary. 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 thirty days before the regularly scheduled board meeting at which the hearing would occur. The appellant must submit any written argument, briefs testimony or documents for the board's consideration at least twenty days prior to the scheduled hearing.


Appeals


(11) Appeals of penalties issued by the department.

(a) A party may appeal a penalty issued by the department, pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW and this chapter, to the board. The appeal shall be assigned to the office of administrative hearings.

(b) The appeal must be filed within twenty days after the notice of the decision or penalty is served on the assessed party either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the assessed party and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board. The request for an appeal must be accompanied with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars.

(12) Appeals of proposed decisions issued by the office of administrative hearings.

(a) A party may appeal a proposed decision issued by the office of administrative hearings pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW to the board. The appeal must be filed within twenty days after service of the decision and must be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.

(b) The notice of appeal of a proposed decision must be received in the office of the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board, at least thirty days before a regularly scheduled board meeting. The appellant must submit any written argument, briefs testimony or documents for the board's consideration at least twenty days prior to the scheduled hearing.

(13) Appeals of suspension or revocation.

(a) An appeal of the suspension or revocation of a license or certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.241 and 19.28.341 will be heard by the board in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW and not assigned to the office of administrative hearings. The board will conduct the hearing and may elect to have the assistance of an administrative law judge in the proceeding.

(b) The notice of appeal, with the certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars for appeals of a revocation or suspension of a contractor's or administrator's license, must be filed within twenty days after the notice of suspension or revocation is served on the subject of said action, either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the subject and shall be filed by written notice of appeal with the chief electrical inspector, as secretary to the board.

(14) 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. The appellant must submit any written argument, briefs testimony or documents for the board's consideration at least twenty days prior to the scheduled hearing.

(15) Appeals of a continuing education class or instructor for denials or revocations.

A party may appeal a decision issued by the department, pursuant to WAC 296-46B-970 (3)(e)(vi), if the department acts as the contractor pursuant to WAC 296-46B-970 (2)(h) to the superior court per RCW 34.05.542(3).

(16) 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.

(17) If appeal(s) according to subsections (11), (12), (13), and (15) 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.

(18) Appeals - general requirements.

(a) Appeals according to subsections (11), (12), or (15) of this section must specify the contentions of the appellant, and must for subsection (12) of this section specify to which conclusions of law and findings of fact the party takes exception. The appeal will be based on the record of the hearing. The board shall not grant a hearing de novo.

(b) In appeals under subsections (12), (13), (14), and (15) 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, the appellant has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.


Appearance and practice before board.


(19) 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.

(20) 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

WAC 296-46B-998   Standards.  (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.

(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, and 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.


[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-998, filed 4/22/03, effective 5/23/03.]

WAC 296-46B-999   Electrical testing laboratory requirements.  General.

(1) This chapter 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 chapter 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 website posting; and

(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 as outlined in subsections (4) through (54) of this section.

(4) The accreditation period 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;

(iii) Statement of ownership;

(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.


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 or revoke 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;

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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.

(54) 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, 19.28.271, 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.]

 2004