The definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter.

(1) "Administrator" means a person designated by an electrical contractor to supervise electrical work and electricians in accordance with the rules adopted under this chapter.

(2) "Basic electrical work" means the work classified in (a) and (b) of this subsection as class A and class B basic electrical work:

(a) "Class A basic electrical work" means 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; or wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment as specified by rule.

(b) "Class B basic electrical work" means work other than class A basic electrical work that requires minimal electrical circuit modifications and has limited exposure hazards. Class B basic electrical work includes the following:

(i) Extension of not more than one branch electrical circuit limited to one hundred twenty volts and twenty amps each where:

(A) No cover inspection is necessary; and

(B) The extension does not supply more than two outlets;

(ii) Like-in-kind replacement of a single luminaire not exceeding two hundred seventy-seven volts and twenty amps;

(iii) Like-in-kind replacement of a motor larger than ten horsepower;

(iv) The following low voltage systems:

(A) Repair and replacement of devices not exceeding one hundred volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in one and two-family dwellings;

(B) Repair and replacement of the following devices not exceeding one hundred volt-amperes in Class 2, Class 3, or power limited low voltage systems in other buildings, provided the equipment is not for fire alarm or nurse call systems and is not located in an area classified as hazardous by the national electrical code; or

(v) Wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment as specified by rule.

(3) "Board" means the electrical board under RCW 19.28.311.

(4) "Chapter" or "subchapter" means the subchapter, if no chapter number is referenced.

(5) "Department" means the department of labor and industries.

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

(7) "Electrical construction trade" includes, but is not limited to, installing or maintaining electrical wires and equipment that are used for light, heat, or power and installing and maintaining remote control, signaling, power limited, or communication circuits or systems.

(8) "Electrical contractor" means a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that offers to undertake, undertakes, submits a bid for, or does the work of installing or maintaining wires or equipment that convey electrical current.

(9) "Equipment" means any equipment or apparatus that directly uses, conducts, insulates, or is operated by electricity but does not mean: Plug-in appliances; or plug-in equipment as determined by the department by rule.

(10) "Industrial control panel" means a factory-wired or user-wired assembly of industrial control equipment such as motor controllers, switches, relays, power supplies, computers, cathode ray tubes, transducers, and auxiliary devices. The panel may include disconnect means and motor branch circuit protective devices.

(11) "Journey level electrician" means a person who has been issued a journey level electrician certificate of competency by the department.

(12) "Like-in-kind" means having similar characteristics such as voltage requirements, current draw, and function, and being in the same location.

(13) "Master electrician" means either a master journey level electrician or master specialty electrician.

(14) "Master journey level electrician" means a person who has been issued a master journey level electrician certificate of competency by the department and who may be designated by an electrical contractor to supervise electrical work and electricians in accordance with rules adopted under this chapter.

(15) "Master specialty electrician" means a person who has been issued a specialty electrician certificate of competency by the department and who may be designated by an electrical contractor to supervise electrical work and electricians in accordance with rules adopted under this chapter.

(16) "Specialty electrician" means a person who has been issued a specialty electrician certificate of competency by the department.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: "Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law." [ 2003 c 399 s 901.]

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) All wires and equipment, and installations thereof, that convey electric current and installations of equipment to be operated by electric current, in, on, or about buildings or structures, except for telephone, telegraph, radio, and television wires and equipment, and television antenna installations, signal strength amplifiers, and coaxial installations pertaining thereto shall be in strict conformity with this chapter, the statutes of the state of Washington, and the rules issued by the department, and shall be in conformity with approved methods of construction for safety to life and property. The following are exempt from the requirements of this chapter: All wires and equipment that fall within section 90.2(b)(5) of the National Electrical Code, 1981 edition; all wires and equipment within the communication worker safety zone and supply space, as defined in the National Electrical Safety Code, on poles supporting electric utility transmission or distribution lines or wires; and electric utility-owned equipment between a meter base and meter. The regulations and articles in the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, and other installation and safety regulations approved by the national fire protection association, as modified or supplemented by rules issued by the department in furtherance of safety to life and property under authority hereby granted, shall be prima facie evidence of the approved methods of construction. All materials, devices, appliances, and equipment used in such installations shall be of a type that conforms to applicable standards or be indicated as acceptable by the established standards of any electrical product testing laboratory which is accredited by the department. Industrial control panels, utilization equipment, and their components do not need to be listed, labeled, or otherwise indicated as acceptable by an accredited electrical product testing laboratory unless specifically required by the National Electrical Code, 1993 edition.

(2) Residential buildings or structures moved into or within a county, city, or town are not required to comply with all of the requirements of this chapter, if the original occupancy classification of the building or structure is not changed as a result of the move. This subsection shall not apply to residential buildings or structures that are substantially remodeled or rehabilitated.

(3) This chapter shall not limit the authority or power of any city or town to enact and enforce under authority given by law, any ordinance, rule, or regulation requiring an equal, higher, or better standard of construction and an equal, higher, or better standard of materials, devices, appliances, and equipment than that required by this chapter. A city or town shall require that its electrical inspectors meet the qualifications provided for state electrical inspectors in accordance with RCW 19.28.321. In a city or town having an equal, higher, or better standard the installations, materials, devices, appliances, and equipment shall be in accordance with the ordinance, rule, or regulation of the city or town.

(4) Incorporated cities and towns where electrical inspections are required by local ordinances may enforce the provisions of RCW 19.28.041(1), 19.28.161, 19.28.271(1), 19.28.420(1), and applicable licensing and certification rules within their respective jurisdictions. Nothing in this subsection diminishes the authority of the department to enforce the provisions of RCW 19.28.041(1), 19.28.161, 19.28.271(1), 19.28.420(1), and applicable licensing and certification rules within any city or town.

(5) Electrical equipment associated with spas, hot tubs, swimming pools, and hydromassage bathtubs shall not be offered for sale or exchange unless the electrical equipment is certified as being in compliance with the applicable product safety standard by bearing the certification mark of an approved electrical products testing laboratory.

(6) Nothing in this chapter may be construed as permitting the connection of any conductor of any electric circuit with a pipe that is connected with or designed to be connected with a waterworks piping system, without the consent of the person or persons legally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the waterworks piping system.

Disputes arising under RCW 19.28.010(3) regarding whether the city or town's electrical rules, regulations, or ordinances are equal to the rules adopted by the department shall be resolved by arbitration. The department shall appoint two members of the board to serve on the arbitration panel, and the city or town shall appoint two persons to serve on the arbitration panel. These four persons shall choose a fifth person to serve. If the four persons cannot agree on a fifth person, the presiding judge of the superior court of the county in which the city or town is located shall choose a fifth person. A decision of the arbitration panel may be appealed to the superior court of the county in which the city or town is located within thirty days after the date the panel issues its final decision.

(1) Prior to January 1st of each year, the director shall obtain an authentic copy of the national electrical code, latest revision. The department, after consulting with the board and receiving the board's recommendations, shall adopt reasonable rules in furtherance of safety to life and property. All rules shall be kept on file by the department. Compliance with the rules shall be prima facie evidence of compliance with this chapter. The department upon request shall deliver to all persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, or other entities licensed under this chapter a copy of the rules.

(2) The department shall also obtain and keep on file an authentic copy of any applicable regulations and standards of any electrical product testing laboratory which is accredited by the department prescribing rules, regulations, and standards for electrical materials, devices, appliances, and equipment, including any modifications and changes that have been made during the previous year.

(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to advertise, offer to do work, submit a bid, engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of installing or maintaining wires or equipment to convey electric current, or installing or maintaining equipment to be operated by electric current as it pertains to the electrical industry, without having an unrevoked, unsuspended, and unexpired electrical contractor license, issued by the department in accordance with this chapter. All electrical contractor licenses expire twenty-four calendar months following the day of their issue. The department may issue an electrical contractor license for a period of less than twenty-four months only for the purpose of equalizing the number of electrical contractor licenses that expire each month. Application for an electrical contractor license shall be made in writing to the department, accompanied by the required fee. The application shall state:

(a) The name and address of the applicant; in case of firms or partnerships, the names of the individuals composing the firm or partnership; in case of corporations, the names of the managing officials thereof;

(b) The location of the place of business of the applicant and the name under which the business is conducted;

(c) Employer social security number;

(d) Evidence of workers' compensation coverage for the applicant's employees working in Washington, as follows:

(i) The applicant's industrial insurance account number issued by the department;

(ii) The applicant's self-insurer number issued by the department; or

(iii) For applicants domiciled in a state or province of Canada subject to an agreement entered into under RCW 51.12.120(7), as permitted by the agreement, filing a certificate of coverage issued by the agency that administers the workers' compensation law in the applicant's state or province of domicile certifying that the applicant has secured the payment of compensation under the other state's or province's workers' compensation law;

(e) Employment security department number;

(f) State excise tax registration number;

(g) Unified business identifier (UBI) account number may be substituted for the information required by (d) of this subsection if the applicant will not employ employees in Washington, and by (e) and (f) of this subsection; and

(h) Whether a general or specialty electrical contractor license is sought and, if the latter, the type of specialty. Electrical contractor specialties include, but are not limited to: Residential, pump and irrigation, limited energy system, signs, nonresidential maintenance, restricted nonresidential maintenance, appliance repair, and a combination specialty. A general electrical contractor license shall grant to the holder the right to engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of installing or maintaining wires or equipment to carry electric current, and installing or maintaining equipment, or installing or maintaining material to fasten or insulate such wires or equipment to be operated by electric current, in the state of Washington. A specialty electrical contractor license shall grant to the holder a limited right to engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of installing or maintaining wires or equipment to carry electrical current, and installing or maintaining equipment; or installing or maintaining material to fasten or insulate such wires or equipment to be operated by electric current in the state of Washington as expressly allowed by the license.

(2) The department may verify the workers' compensation coverage information provided by the applicant under subsection (1)(d) of this section, including but not limited to information regarding the coverage of an individual employee of the applicant. If coverage is provided under the laws of another state, the department may notify the other state that the applicant is employing employees in Washington.

(3) The application for an electrical contractor license shall be accompanied by a bond in the sum of four thousand dollars with the state of Washington named as obligee in the bond, with good and sufficient surety, to be approved by the department. The bond shall at all times be kept in full force and effect, and any cancellation or revocation thereof, or withdrawal of the surety therefrom, suspends the license issued to the principal until a new bond has been filed and approved as provided in this section. Upon approval of a bond, the department shall on the next business day deposit the fee accompanying the application in the electrical license fund and shall file the bond in the office. The department shall upon request furnish to any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity a certified copy of the bond upon the payment of a fee that the department shall set by rule. The fee shall cover but not exceed the cost of furnishing the certified copy. The bond shall be conditioned that in any installation or maintenance of wires or equipment to convey electrical current, and equipment to be operated by electrical current, the principal will comply with the provisions of this chapter and with any electrical ordinance, building code, or regulation of a city or town adopted pursuant to RCW 19.28.010(3) that is in effect at the time of entering into a contract. The bond shall be conditioned further that the principal will pay for all labor, including employee benefits, and material furnished or used upon the work, taxes and contributions to the state of Washington, and all damages that may be sustained by any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity due to a failure of the principal to make the installation or maintenance in accordance with this chapter or any applicable ordinance, building code, or regulation of a city or town adopted pursuant to RCW 19.28.010(3). In lieu of the surety bond required by this section, the license applicant may file with the department a cash deposit or other negotiable security acceptable to the department. If the license applicant has filed a cash deposit, the department shall deposit the funds in a special trust savings account in a commercial bank, mutual savings bank, or savings and loan association and shall pay annually to the depositor the interest derived from the account.

(4) The department shall issue general or specialty electrical contractor licenses to applicants meeting all of the requirements of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing of any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity including the requirement of a bond with the state of Washington named as obligee therein and the collection of a fee therefor, are exclusive, and no political subdivision of the state of Washington may require or issue any licenses or bonds or charge any fee for the same or a similar purpose. No person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity holding more than one specialty contractor license under this chapter may be required to pay an annual fee for more than one such license or to post more than one four thousand dollar bond, equivalent cash deposit, or other negotiable security.

(5) To obtain a general or specialty electrical contractor license, the applicant must designate an individual who currently possesses a valid master journey level electrician's certificate of competency, master specialty electrician's certificate of competency in the specialty for which application has been made, or administrator's certificate as a general electrical contractor administrator or as a specialty electrical contractor administrator in the specialty for which application has been made.

(6) Administrator certificate specialties include, but are not limited to: Residential, pump and irrigation or domestic pump, limited energy system, signs, nonresidential maintenance, restricted nonresidential maintenance, appliance repair, and combination specialty. To obtain an administrator's certificate, an individual must pass an examination as set forth in RCW 19.28.051 unless the applicant was a licensed electrical contractor at any time during 1974. Applicants who were electrical contractors licensed by the state of Washington at any time during 1974 are entitled to receive a general electrical contractor administrator's certificate without examination if the applicants apply prior to January 1, 1984. The board of electrical examiners shall certify to the department the names of all persons who are entitled to either a general or specialty electrical contractor administrator's certificate.

(7) For a contractor doing domestic water pumping system work as defined by RCW 18.106.010(14)(c), the department shall consider the requirements of subsections (1)(a) through (h), (2), and (3) of this section to have been met to be a pump and irrigation or domestic pump licensed electrical contractor if:

(a) The contractor has met the plumbing contractor licensing requirements of chapter 18.106 RCW. The department shall establish a single licensing document for those who qualify for both a plumbing contractor license as defined in chapter 18.106 RCW and a pump and irrigation or domestic pump electrical contractor license as defined by this chapter; or

(b) Until January 1, 2021, the contractor has met the contractor registration requirements of chapter 18.27 RCW. The department shall establish a single registration/licensing document for those who qualify for both a general contractor registration as defined in chapter 18.27 RCW and a pump and irrigation or domestic pump electrical contractor license as defined by this chapter.

Finding—Intent—1998 c 279: See note following RCW 51.12.120.

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 195; 1975 1st ex.s. c 92: "If any provision of this 1975 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1975 1st ex.s. c 195 s 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 92 s 4.]

Effective date—1974 ex.s. c 188: "The effective date of this 1974 amendatory act is July 1, 1974." [ 1974 ex.s. c 188 s 6.]

Severability—1974 ex.s. c 188: "If any provision of this 1974 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1974 ex.s. c 188 s 5.]

Effective date—1971 ex.s. c 129: "The effective date of this 1971 amendatory act shall be December 1, 1971." [ 1971 ex.s. c 129 s 3.]

It shall be the purpose and function of the board to establish, in addition to a general electrical contractors' license, such classifications of specialty electrical contractors' licenses as it deems appropriate with regard to individual sections pertaining to state adopted codes in this chapter. In addition, it shall be the purpose and function of the board to establish and administer written examinations for general electrical administrators' certificates and the various specialty electrical administrators' certificates. Examinations shall be designed to reasonably ensure that general and specialty electrical administrators' certificate holders are competent to engage in and supervise the work covered by this statute and their respective licenses. The examinations shall include questions from the following categories to ensure proper safety and protection for the general public: (1) Safety, (2) state electrical code, and (3) electrical theory. The department with the consent of the board shall be permitted to enter into a contract with a professional testing agency to develop, administer, and score these examinations, or accept certifications or other appropriate demonstrations established by independent entities that otherwise fulfill the examination requirements of this section. The fee for the examination may be set by the department in its contract with the professional testing agency. The department may direct that the applicant pay the fee to the professional testing agency. The fee shall cover but not exceed the costs of preparing and administering the examination. It shall be the further purpose and function of this board to advise the director as to the need of additional electrical inspectors and compliance officers to be utilized by the director on either a full-time or part-time employment basis and to carry out the duties enumerated in RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 as well as generally advise the department on all matters relative to RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271.

Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 195; 1975 1st ex.s. c 92: See note following RCW 19.28.041.

Effective date—Severability—1974 ex.s. c 188: See notes following RCW 19.28.041.

(1) Each applicant for an electrical contractor's license, other than an individual, shall designate a supervisory employee or member of the firm to take the required master electrician's or administrator's examination. Effective July 1, 1987, a supervisory employee designated as the electrical contractor's master electrician or administrator shall be a full-time supervisory employee. This person shall be designated as master electrician or administrator under the license. No person may concurrently qualify as master electrician or administrator for more than one contractor. If the relationship of the master electrician or administrator with the electrical contractor is terminated, the contractor's license is void within ninety days unless another master electrician or administrator is qualified by the board. However, if the master electrician or administrator dies or is otherwise incapacitated, the contractor's license is void within one hundred eighty days unless another master electrician or administrator is qualified by the board. The contractor must notify the department in writing within ten days if the master electrician's or administrator's relationship with the contractor terminates due to the master electrician's or administrator's death or incapacitation.

(2) The department must issue an administrator's certificate to all applicants who have passed the examination as provided in RCW 19.28.051 and this section, and who have complied with the rules adopted under this chapter. The administrator's certificate must bear the date of issuance, expires on the holder's birthday, and is nontransferable. The certificate must be renewed every three years, upon application, on or before the holder's birthday.

(a) If the certificate holder demonstrates to the department that he or she has satisfactorily completed an annual eight-hour continuing education course, the certificate may be renewed by appropriate application without examination unless the certificate has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed within ninety days after the expiration date. For holders of pump and irrigation or domestic pump specialty administrator certificates, the continuing education may comprise both electrical and plumbing education.

(b) The contents and requirements for satisfactory completion of the continuing education course must be determined by the director and approved by the board.

(c) The department must accept proof of a certificate holder's satisfactory completion of a continuing education course offered in another state as meeting the requirements for maintaining a current Washington state certificate if the department is satisfied the course is comparable in nature to that required in Washington state for maintaining a current certificate.

(3) A fee must be assessed for each administrator's certificate and for each renewal. An individual holding more than one administrator's certificate under this chapter is not required to pay fees for more than one certificate. The department must set the fees by rule for issuance and renewal of a certificate. The fees must cover, but not exceed, the costs of issuing the certificates and of administering and enforcing the administrator certification requirements of this chapter.

(4) The department may deny an application for an administrator's certificate for up to two years if the applicant's previous administrator's certificate has been revoked for a serious violation and all appeals concerning the revocation have been exhausted. For the purposes of this section only, a serious violation is a violation that presents imminent danger to the public. The certificate may be renewed for a three-year period without examination by appropriate application unless the certificate has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed within ninety days after the expiration date. If the certificate is not renewed before the expiration date, the individual shall pay twice the usual fee. A person may take the administrator's examination as many times as necessary to pass without limit.

(5) The designated master electrician or administrator shall:

(a) Be a member of the firm or a supervisory employee and shall be available during working hours to carry out the duties of an administrator under this section;

(b) Ensure that all electrical work complies with the electrical installation laws and rules of the state;

(c) Ensure that the proper electrical safety procedures are used;

(d) Ensure that all electrical labels, permits, and licenses required to perform electrical work are used;

(e) See that corrective notices issued by an inspecting authority are complied with; and

(f) Notify the department in writing within ten days if the master electrician or administrator terminates the relationship with the electrical contractor.

(6) The department shall not by rule change the administrator's duties under subsection (5) of this section.

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 195; 1975 1st ex.s. c 92: See note following RCW 19.28.041.

Effective date—Severability—1974 ex.s. c 188: See notes following RCW 19.28.041.

Any person, firm, or corporation sustaining any damage or injury by reason of the principal's breach of the conditions of the bond required under RCW 19.28.041 may bring an action against the surety named therein, joining in the action the principal named in the bond; the action shall be brought in the superior court of any county in which the principal on the bond resides or transacts business, or in the county in which the work was performed as a result of which the breach is alleged to have occurred; the action shall be maintained and prosecuted as other civil actions. Claims or actions against the surety on the bond shall be paid in full in the following order of priority: (1) Labor, including employee benefits, (2) materials and equipment used upon such work, (3) taxes and contributions due to the state, (4) damages sustained by any person, firm or corporation due to the failure of the principal to make the installation in accordance with the provisions of chapter 19.28 RCW, or any ordinance, building code, or regulation applicable thereto: PROVIDED, That the total liability of the surety on any bond shall not exceed the sum of four thousand dollars and the surety on the bond shall not be liable for monetary penalties; and any action shall be brought within one year from the completion of the work in the performance of which the breach is alleged to have occurred. The surety shall mail a conformed copy of the judgment against the bond to the department within seven days.

In the event that a cash or securities deposit has been made in lieu of the surety bond, and in the event of a judgment being entered against such depositor and deposit, the director shall upon receipt of a certified copy of a final judgment, pay said judgment from such deposit.

No person, firm or corporation engaging in, conducting or carrying on the business of installing wires or equipment to convey electric current, or installing apparatus to be operated by said current, shall be entitled to commence or maintain any suit or action in any court of this state pertaining to any such work or business, without alleging and proving that such person, firm or corporation held, at the time of commencing and performing such work, an unexpired, unrevoked and unsuspended license issued under the provisions of this chapter; and no city or town requiring by ordinance or regulation a permit for inspection or installation of such electrical work, shall issue such permit to any person, firm or corporation not holding such license.

(1) No license under the provision of this chapter shall be required from any utility or any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity employed by a utility because of work in connection with the installation, repair, or maintenance of lines, wires, apparatus, or equipment owned by or under the control of a utility and used for transmission or distribution of electricity from the source of supply to the point of contact at the premises and/or property to be supplied and service connections and meters and other apparatus or appliances used in the measurement of the consumption of electricity by the customer.

(2) No license under the provisions of this chapter shall be required from any utility because of work in connection with the installation, repair, or maintenance of the following:

(a) Lines, wires, apparatus, or equipment used in the lighting of streets, alleys, ways, or public areas or squares;

(b) Lines, wires, apparatus, or equipment owned by a commercial, industrial, or public institution customer that are an integral part of a transmission or distribution system, either overhead or underground, providing service to such customer and located outside the building or structure: PROVIDED, That a utility does not initiate the sale of services to perform such work;

(c) Lines and wires, together with ancillary apparatus, and equipment, owned by a customer that is an independent power producer who has entered into an agreement for the sale of electricity to a utility and that are used in transmitting electricity from an electrical generating unit located on premises used by such customer to the point of interconnection with the utility's system.

(3) Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity licensed under RCW 19.28.041 may enter into a contract with a utility for the performance of work under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) No license under the provisions of this chapter shall be required from any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity because of the work of installing and repairing ignition or lighting systems for motor vehicles.

(5) No license under the provisions of this chapter shall be required from any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity because of work in connection with the installation, repair, or maintenance of wires and equipment, and installations thereof, exempted in RCW 19.28.010.

(6) The department may by rule exempt from licensing requirements under this chapter work performed on premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies and control gear involving the testing, repair, modification, maintenance, or installation of components internal to the power generation equipment, the control gear, or the transfer switch.

(7) This chapter does not require an electrical contractor license if: (a) An appropriately certified electrician or a properly supervised certified electrical trainee is performing the installation, repair, or maintenance of wires and equipment for a nonprofit corporation that holds a current tax exempt status as provided under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) or a nonprofit religious organization; (b) the certified electrician or certified electrical trainee is not compensated for the electrical work; and (c) the value of the electrical work does not exceed thirty thousand dollars.

(8) An entity that currently holds a valid plumbing contractor's license under chapter 18.106 RCW, or, until January 1, 2021, an entity that currently holds a valid specialty or general plumbing contractor's registration under chapter 18.27 RCW may employ a certified plumber, a certified residential plumber, or a plumber trainee meeting the requirements of chapter 18.106 RCW to perform electrical work that is incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance or other small household utilization equipment that requires limited electric power and limited waste and/or water connections. A plumber trainee must be supervised by a certified plumber or a certified residential plumber while performing electrical work. The electrical work is subject to the permitting and inspection requirements of this chapter.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

(1) The scope of work for the equipment repair specialty involves servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment or wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment as specified by rule of the department.

(2) "Utilization equipment" means equipment that is: (a) Self-contained on a single skid or frame; (b) factory built to standardized sizes or types; (c) listed or field evaluated by a laboratory or approved by the department under WAC 296-46B-030; and (d) connected as a single unit to a single source of electrical power limited to a maximum of six hundred volts. The equipment may also be connected to a separate single source of electrical control power limited to a maximum of two hundred fifty volts. Utilization equipment does not include devices used for occupant space heating by industrial, commercial, hospital, educational, public, and private commercial buildings, and other end users.

(3) "Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment" includes:

(a) The like-in-kind replacement of the equipment if the same unmodified electrical circuit is used to supply the equipment being replaced;

(b) The like-in-kind replacement or repair of remote control components that are integral to the operation of the equipment;

(c) The like-in-kind replacement or repair of electrical components within the equipment; and

(d) The disconnection, replacement, and reconnection of low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length provided there are no modifications to the characteristics of the branch circuit.

(4) "Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment" does not include:

(a) The installation, repair, or modification of wiring that interconnects equipment and/or remote components, branch circuit conductors, services, feeders, panelboards, disconnect switches, motor control centers, remote magnetic starters/contactors, or raceway/conductor systems interconnecting multiple equipment or other electrical components;

(b) Any work providing electrical feeds into the power distribution unit or installation of conduits and raceways; or

(c) 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), except for electrical work in sewage pumping stations.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

(1) The director shall cause an inspector to inspect all wiring, appliances, devices, and equipment to which this chapter applies except for basic electrical work as defined in this chapter. The department may not require an electrical work permit for class A basic electrical work unless deficiencies in the installation or repair require inspection. The department may inspect class B basic electrical work on a random basis as specified by the department in rule. Nothing contained in this chapter may be construed as providing any authority for any subdivision of government to adopt by ordinance any provisions contained or provided for in this chapter except those pertaining to cities and towns pursuant to RCW 19.28.010(3).

(2) Upon request, electrical inspections will be made by the department within forty-eight hours, excluding holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If, upon written request, the electrical inspector fails to make an electrical inspection within twenty-four hours, the serving utility may immediately connect electrical power to the installation if the necessary electrical work permit is displayed: PROVIDED, That if the request is for an electrical inspection that relates to a mobile home installation, the applicant shall provide proof of a current building permit issued by the local government agency authorized to issue such permits as a prerequisite for inspection approval or connection of electrical power to the mobile home.

(3) Whenever the installation of any wiring, device, appliance, or equipment is not in accordance with this chapter, or is in such a condition as to be dangerous to life or property, the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity owning, using, or operating it shall be notified by the department and shall within fifteen days, or such further reasonable time as may upon request be granted, make such repairs and changes as are required to remove the danger to life or property and to make it conform to this chapter. The director, through the inspector, is hereby empowered to disconnect or order the discontinuance of electrical service to conductors or equipment that are found to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition and not in accordance with this chapter. Upon making a disconnection the inspector shall attach a notice stating that the conductors have been found dangerous to life or property and are not in accordance with this chapter. It is unlawful for any person to reconnect such defective conductors or equipment without the approval of the department, and until the conductors and equipment have been placed in a safe and secure condition, and in a condition that complies with this chapter.

(4) The director, through the electrical inspector, has the right during reasonable hours to enter into and upon any building or premises in the discharge of his or her official duties for the purpose of making any inspection or test of the installation of new construction or altered electrical wiring, electrical devices, equipment, or material contained in or on the buildings or premises. No electrical wiring or equipment subject to this chapter may be concealed until it has been approved by the inspector making the inspection. At the time of the inspection, electrical wiring or equipment subject to this chapter must be sufficiently accessible to permit the inspector to employ any testing methods that will verify conformance with the national electrical code and any other requirements of this chapter.

(5) Persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, or other entities making electrical installations shall obtain inspection and approval from an authorized representative of the department as required by this chapter before requesting the electric utility to connect to the installations. Electric utilities may connect to the installations if approval is clearly indicated by certification of the electrical work permit required to be affixed to each installation or by equivalent means, except that increased or relocated services may be reconnected immediately at the discretion of the utility before approval if an electrical work permit is displayed. The permits shall be furnished upon payment of the fee to the department.

(6) The director, subject to the recommendations and approval of the board, shall set by rule a schedule of license and electrical work permit fees that will cover the costs of administration and enforcement of this chapter. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. No fee may be charged for plug-in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or portable appliances.

(7) Nothing in this chapter shall authorize the inspection of any wiring, appliance, device, or equipment, or installations thereof, by any utility or by any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity employed by a utility in connection with the installation, repair, or maintenance of lines, wires, apparatus, or equipment owned by or under the control of the utility. All work covered by the national electric code not exempted by the 1981 edition of the national electric code 90-2(B)(5) shall be inspected by the department.

(8) During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010(12), the governor may waive or suspend the collection of fees under this section or any portion of this section or under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate the operation of state or local government or to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

Part headings not law—2008 c 181: See note following RCW 43.06.220.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

Effective date—1971 ex.s. c 129: See note following RCW 19.28.041.

Adoption of certain regulations proscribed: RCW 36.32.125.

RCW 19.28.101 inapplicable in certain cities, towns, electricity supply agency service areas, and rights-of-way of state highways: RCW 19.28.141.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to install or maintain any electrical wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment not in accordance with this chapter. In cases where the interpretation and application of the installation or maintenance standards prescribed in this chapter is in dispute or in doubt, the board shall, upon application of any interested person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity, determine the methods of installation or maintenance or the materials, devices, appliances, or equipment to be used in the particular case submitted for its decision.

Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity desiring a decision of the board pursuant to RCW 19.28.111 shall, in writing, notify the director of such desire and shall accompany the notice with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars. The notice shall specify the ruling or interpretation desired and the contention of the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity as to the proper interpretation or application on the question on which a decision is desired. If the board determines that the contention of the applicant for a decision was proper, the two hundred dollars shall be returned to the applicant; otherwise it shall be used in paying the expenses and per diem of the members of the board in connection with the matter. Any portion of the two hundred dollars not used in paying the per diem and expenses of the board in the case shall be paid into the electrical license fund.

Until July 1, 2007, the department shall issue a written warning to any specialty contractor, performing the scope of work defined by rule for the pump and irrigation or domestic pump specialties, not having a valid electrical contractor license. The warning will state that the contractor must be qualified for and apply for a specialty electrical contractor license under the requirements in RCW 19.28.041 within thirty calendar days of the warning. Only one warning will be issued to any contractor. If the contractor fails to comply with this section, the department shall issue a penalty or penalties as authorized in this section to the contractor. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of RCW 19.28.010 through 19.28.141 and 19.28.311 through 19.28.361 shall be assessed a penalty of not less than fifty dollars or more than ten thousand dollars. The department shall set by rule a schedule of penalties for violating RCW 19.28.010 through 19.28.141 and 19.28.311 through 19.28.361. The department shall notify the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of RCW 19.28.010 through 19.28.141 and 19.28.311 through 19.28.361 of the amount of the penalty and of the specific violation using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed sent to the last known address of the assessed party. Any penalty is subject to review by an appeal to the board. The filing of an appeal stays the effect of the penalty until the board makes its decision. The appeal shall be filed within twenty days after notice of the penalty is given to the assessed party using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed, sent to the last known address of the assessed party and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the department. The notice shall be accompanied by a certified check for two hundred dollars or ten percent of the penalty amount, whichever is less, but in no event less than one hundred dollars, which shall be returned to the assessed party if the decision of the department is not sustained by the board. If the board sustains the decision of the department, the amount of the check shall be applied by the department to the payment of the per diem and expenses of the members of the board incurred in the matter, and any balance remaining after payment of per diem and expenses shall be paid into the electrical license fund. The hearing and review procedures shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. The board shall assign its hearings to an administrative law judge to conduct the hearing and issue a proposed decision and order. The board shall be allowed a minimum of twenty days to review a proposed decision and shall issue its decision no later than the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Effective date—2014 c 190: "This act takes effect July 1, 2015." [ 2014 c 190 s 6.]

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the provisions of RCW 19.28.101 shall not apply:

(a) Within the corporate limits of any incorporated city or town which has heretofore adopted and enforced or subsequently adopts and enforces an ordinance requiring an equal, higher or better standard of construction and of materials, devices, appliances and equipment than is required by this chapter.

(b) Within the service area of an electricity supply agency owned and operated by a city or town which is supplying electricity and enforcing a standard of construction and materials outside its corporate limits [on] July 1, 1963. The city, town, or agency shall enforce by inspection within its service area outside its corporate limits the same standards of construction and of materials, devices, appliances and equipment as are enforced by the department of labor and industries under this chapter. Fees charged in connection with such enforcement shall not exceed those established in RCW 19.28.101.

(c) Within the rights-of-way of state highways, provided the state department of transportation maintains and enforces an equal, higher or better standard of construction and of materials, devices, appliances and equipment than is required by RCW 19.28.010 through 19.28.141 and 19.28.311 through 19.28.361.

(2) A city, town, or electrical supply agency is permitted, but not required, to enforce the same permitting and inspection standards applicable to basic electrical work as are enforced by the department of labor and industries.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

Effective date—1963 c 207: See RCW 19.28.910.

The provisions of RCW 19.28.010 through 19.28.141 and 19.28.311 through 19.28.361 shall not apply to the work of installing, maintaining or repairing any and all electrical wires, apparatus, installations or equipment used or to be used by a telegraph company or a telephone company in the exercise of its functions and located outdoors or in a building or buildings used exclusively for that purpose.

(1) No person may engage in the electrical construction trade without having a valid master journey level electrician certificate of competency, journey level electrician certificate of competency, master specialty electrician certificate of competency, or specialty electrician certificate of competency issued by the department in accordance with this chapter. Electrician certificate of competency specialties include, but are not limited to: Residential, pump and irrigation, limited energy system, signs, nonresidential maintenance, restricted nonresidential maintenance, and appliance repair.

(2)(a) A person who is: (i) Registered in an apprenticeship program approved under chapter 49.04 RCW or equivalent apprenticeship program approved by the department for the electrical construction trade; (ii) learning the electrical construction trade while working in a specialty; or (iii) learning the electrical construction trade in a program described in RCW 19.28.191(1) (e) or (f) for a journey level certificate of competency may work in the electrical construction trade if supervised by a certified master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician in that electrician's specialty.

(b) All apprentices and individuals learning the electrical construction trade shall obtain an electrical training certificate from the department. The certificate shall authorize the holder to learn the electrical construction trade while under the direct supervision of a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty. The certificate may include a photograph of the holder. The holder of the electrical training certificate shall renew the certificate biennially. At the time of renewal, the holder shall provide the department with an accurate list of the holder's employers in the electrical construction industry for the previous biennial period and the number of hours worked for each employer. The holder shall also provide proof of forty-eight hours of: Approved classroom training covering this chapter, the national electrical code, or electrical theory; or equivalent classroom training taken as part of an approved apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW or an approved electrical training program under RCW 19.28.191(1)(e). A biennial fee shall be charged for the issuance or renewal of the certificate. The department shall set the fee by rule. The fee shall cover but not exceed the cost of administering and enforcing the trainee certification and supervision requirements of this chapter.

(c)(i) Apprentices and individuals learning the electrical construction trade shall have their electrical training certificates in their possession at all times that they are performing electrical work. They shall show their certificates to an authorized representative of the department at the representative's request.

(ii) Unless working in a specialty, apprentices and individuals learning the electrical construction trade must also have in their possession proof of apprenticeship or training program registration. They shall show their apprenticeship or training program registration documents to an authorized representative of the department at the representative's request.

(3) Any person who has been issued an electrical training certificate under this chapter may work: (a) If that person is under supervision, and is (b) unless working in a specialty, (i) registered in an approved journey level apprenticeship program, as appropriate; or (ii) learning the electrical construction trade in a program described in RCW 19.28.191(1)(e) for a journey level certificate of competency. Supervision shall consist of a person being on the same jobsite and under the control of either a certified master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty. Either a certified master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty shall be on the same jobsite as the noncertified individual for a minimum of seventy-five percent of each working day unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

(4) The ratio of noncertified individuals to certified master journey level electricians, journey level electricians, master specialty electricians, or specialty electricians on any one jobsite is as follows:

(a) When working as a specialty electrician, 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 journey level electrician, or journey level electrician, except that the ratio requirements are one certified master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, master journey level electrician, or journey level electrician working as a specialty electrician to no more than four students enrolled in and working as part of an electrical construction program at public community or technical colleges, or not-for-profit nationally accredited trade or technical schools licensed by the workforce training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW. In meeting the ratio requirements for students enrolled in an electrical construction program at a trade school, a trade school may receive input and advice from the electrical board; and

(b) When working as a journey level electrician, not more than one noncertified individual for every certified master journey level electrician or journey level electrician, except that the ratio requirements shall be one certified master journey level electrician or journey level electrician to no more than four students enrolled in and working as part of an electrical construction program at public community or technical colleges, or not-for-profit nationally accredited trade or technical schools licensed by the workforce training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW. In meeting the ratio requirements for students enrolled in an electrical construction program at a trade school, a trade school may receive input and advice from the electrical board.

An individual who has a current training certificate and who has successfully completed or is currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program or in an electrical construction program at public community or technical colleges, or not-for-profit nationally accredited technical or trade schools licensed by the workforce training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW, may work without direct on-site supervision during the last six months of meeting the practical experience requirements of this chapter.

(5) For the residential (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a)), pump and irrigation (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(b)), sign (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(d)), limited energy (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(e)), nonresidential maintenance (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(g)), restricted nonresidential maintenance as determined by the department in rule, or other new nonresidential specialties, not including appliance repair, as determined by the department in rule, either a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty must be on the same jobsite as the noncertified individual for a minimum of seventy-five percent of each working day. Other specialties must meet the requirements specified in RCW 19.28.191(1)(d)(ii). When the ratio of certified electricians to noncertified individuals on a jobsite is one certified electrician to three or four noncertified individuals, the certified electrician must:

(a) Directly supervise and instruct the noncertified individuals and the certified electrician may not directly make or engage in an electrical installation; and

(b) Be on the same jobsite as the noncertified individual for a minimum of one hundred percent of each working day.

(6) The electrical contractor shall accurately verify and attest to the electrical trainee hours worked by electrical trainees on behalf of the electrical contractor.

Effective date—2018 c 249: See note following RCW 19.28.191.

Effective date—2010 c 33: "This act takes effect July 1, 2011." [ 2010 c 33 s 2.]

Finding—Intent—2009 c 36: See note following RCW 18.106.020.

The department may audit the records of an electrical contractor that has verified the hours of experience submitted by an electrical trainee to the department under RCW 19.28.161(2) in the following circumstances: Excessive hours were reported; hours reported outside the normal course of the contractor's business; the type of hours reported do not reasonably match the type of permits purchased; or for other similar circumstances in which the department demonstrates a likelihood of excessive hours being reported. The department shall limit the audit to records necessary to verify hours. The department shall adopt rules implementing audit procedures. Information obtained from an electrical contractor under the provisions of this section is confidential and is not open to public inspection under chapter 42.56 RCW.

Any person desiring to be issued a certificate of competency as provided in this chapter shall deliver evidence in a form prescribed by the department affirming that said person has met the qualifications required under RCW 19.28.191 and 19.28.205. An electrician from another jurisdiction applying for a certificate of competency must provide evidence in a form prescribed by the department affirming that the person has the equivalent qualifications to those required under RCW 19.28.191.

Effective date—2012 c 32: See note following RCW 19.28.205.

(1) Upon receipt of the application, the department shall review the application and determine whether the applicant is eligible to take an examination for the master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician, or specialty electrician certificate of competency.

(a) To be eligible to take the examination for a master journey level electrician certificate of competency, the applicant must have possessed a valid journey level electrician certificate of competency for four years.

(b) To be eligible to take the examination for a master specialty electrician certificate of competency, the applicant must have possessed a valid specialty electrician certificate of competency, in the specialty applied for, for two years.

(c) To be eligible to take the examination for a journey level certificate of competency, the applicant must have:

(i) Successfully completed the work experience and education requirements of an 8,000 hour electrical construction trade apprenticeship program approved under chapter 49.04 RCW. Four thousand of the hours must be new industrial or commercial electrical installations under the supervision of a master journey level electrician or journey level electrician and not more than a total of 4,000 hours in all specialties under the supervision of a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty. Specialty electricians with less than a 4,000 hour work experience requirement cannot credit the time required to obtain that specialty towards qualifying to become a journey level electrician. The holder of a specialty electrician certificate of competency with a 4,000 hour work experience requirement shall be allowed to credit the work experience required to obtain that certificate towards apprenticeship requirements for qualifying to take the examination for a journey level electrician certificate of competency;

(ii) Successfully completed an 8,000 hour electrical construction trade apprenticeship program in another jurisdiction equivalent to an apprenticeship program approved under chapter 49.04 RCW. Four thousand of the hours must be new industrial or commercial electrical installations;

(iii) An out-of-state journey level electrician certificate obtained through examination by a state licensing jurisdiction requiring at least 8,000 hours of supervised experience in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment for installations of a type regulated under this chapter. Four thousand of the hours must be new industrial or commercial electrical installations. All experience applied toward qualifying for examination must be experience gained in the state that issued the certificate or military experience not exceeding that allowed under this chapter, or both;

(iv) At least 16,000 hours of out-of-state experience in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment for installations of a type regulated under this chapter. Four thousand of the hours must be new industrial or commercial electrical installations; or

(v) Eight thousand hours of experience in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment for installations of a type regulated under this chapter while serving in a construction battalion in the armed forces of the United States.

(d) To be eligible to take the examination for a specialty electrician certificate of competency, the applicant must have:

(i) Worked in the residential (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a)), pump and irrigation (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(b)), sign (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(d)), limited energy (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(e)), nonresidential maintenance (as specified in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(g)), or other new nonresidential specialties as determined by the department in rule under the supervision of a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty for a minimum of 4,000 hours;

(ii) Worked in the appliance repair specialty as determined by the department in rule, restricted nonresidential maintenance as determined by the department in rule, the equipment repair specialty as determined by the department in rule, the pump and irrigation specialty other than as defined by (d)(i) of this subsection or domestic pump specialty as determined by the department in rule, or a specialty other than the designated specialties in (d)(i) of this subsection for a minimum of the initial ninety days, or longer if set by rule by the department. The restricted nonresidential maintenance specialty is limited to a maximum of 277 volts and 20 amperes for lighting branch circuits and/or a maximum of 250 volts and 60 amperes for other circuits excluding the replacement or repair of circuit breakers. The department may alter the scope of work for the restricted nonresidential maintenance specialty by rule. The initial period must be spent under one hundred percent supervision of a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty. After this initial period, a person may take the specialty examination. If the person passes the examination, the person may work unsupervised for the balance of the minimum hours required for certification. A person may not be certified as a specialty electrician in the appliance repair specialty or in a specialty other than the designated specialties in (d)(i) of this subsection, however, until the person has worked a minimum of 2,000 hours in that specialty, or longer if set by rule by the department;

(iii) Successfully completed an approved apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW for the applicant's specialty in the electrical construction trade; or

(iv) In meeting the training requirements for the pump and irrigation or domestic pump specialties, the individual shall be allowed to obtain the experience required by this section at the same time the individual is meeting the experience required by RCW 18.106.040(1)(d). After meeting the training requirements provided in this section, the individual may take the examination and upon passing the examination, meeting additional training requirements as may still be required for those seeking a pump and irrigation, or a domestic pump specialty certificate as defined by rule, and paying the applicable fees, the individual must be issued the appropriate certificate. The department may include an examination for specialty plumbing certificate defined in RCW 18.106.010(14)(c) with the examination required by this section. The department, by rule and in consultation with the electrical board, may establish additional equivalent ways to gain the experience requirements required by this subsection. The department shall establish a single document for those who have received both an electrical specialty certification as defined by this subsection and have also met the certification requirements for the specialty plumber as defined by RCW 18.106.010(14)(c), showing that the individual has received both certifications. No other experience or training requirements may be imposed.

(e) Any applicant for a journey level electrician certificate of competency who has successfully completed a two-year program in the electrical construction trade at public community or technical colleges, or not-for-profit nationally accredited technical or trade schools licensed by the workforce training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW, may substitute up to two years of the technical or trade school program for two years of work experience under a master journey level electrician or journey level electrician required under the apprenticeship program. The applicant shall obtain the additional two years of work experience required in industrial or commercial electrical installation prior to the beginning, or after the completion, of the technical school program. Any applicant who has received training in the electrical construction trade in the armed service of the United States may be eligible to apply armed service work experience towards qualification to complete an apprenticeship and take the examination for the journey level electrician certificate of competency.

(f) An applicant for a specialty electrician certificate of competency who, after January 1, 2000, has successfully completed a two-year program in the electrical construction trade at a public community or technical college, or a not-for-profit nationally accredited technical or trade school licensed by the workforce training and education coordinating board under chapter 28C.10 RCW, may substitute up to one year of the technical or trade school program for one year of work experience under a master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty, or specialty electrician working in that electrician's specialty. Any applicant who has received training in the electrical construction trade in the armed services of the United States may be eligible to apply armed service work experience towards qualification to take the examination for an appropriate specialty electrician certificate of competency.

(g) The department must determine whether hours of training and experience in the armed services or school program are in the electrical construction trade and appropriate as a substitute for hours of work experience. The department must use the following criteria for evaluating the equivalence of classroom electrical training programs and work in the electrical construction trade:

(i) A two-year electrical training program must consist of 3,000 or more hours.

(ii) In a two-year electrical training program, a minimum of 2,400 hours of student/instructor contact time must be technical electrical instruction directly related to the scope of work of the electrical specialty. Student/instructor contact time includes lecture and in-school lab.

(iii) The department may not allow credit for a program that accepts more than 1,000 hours transferred from another school's program.

(iv) Electrical specialty training school programs of less than two years will have all of the above student/instructor contact time hours proportionately reduced. Such programs may not apply to more than fifty percent of the work experience required to attain certification.

(v) Electrical training programs of less than two years may not be credited towards qualification for journey level electrician unless the training program is used to gain qualification for a 4,000 hour electrical specialty.

(h) No other requirement for eligibility may be imposed.

(2) The department shall establish reasonable rules for the examinations to be given applicants for certificates of competency. In establishing the rules, the department shall consult with the board. Upon determination that the applicant is eligible to take the examination, the department shall so notify the applicant, indicating instructions for taking the examination.

(3) No noncertified individual may work unsupervised more than one year beyond the date when the trainee would be eligible to test for a certificate of competency if working on a full-time basis after original application for the trainee certificate. For the purposes of this section, "full-time basis" means 2,000 hours.

Effective date—2023 c 95: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2023." [ 2023 c 95 s 3.]

Effective date—2020 c 153 s 26: "Section 26 of this act takes effect July 1, 2023." [ 2020 c 153 s 31.]

Expiration date—2020 c 153 s 25: "Section 25 of this act expires July 1, 2023." [ 2020 c 153 s 30.]

Effective date—2018 c 249: "Sections 1 through 4 of this act take effect July 1, 2023." [ 2018 c 249 s 5.]

Effective date—2003 c 399 ss 501, 601, and 701: "Sections *501, 601, and 701 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 20, 2003]." [ 2003 c 399 s 902.]

*Reviser's note: Section 501, chapter 399, Laws of 2003 was vetoed by the governor.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

(1) Until July 1, 2026, notwithstanding RCW 19.28.161(2)(a)(i) and 19.28.191(1)(c)(i), the department shall permit:

(a) A person issued an electrical training certificate to work to gain the experience required to qualify for the journey level electrician certification examination without registering in an apprenticeship program approved under chapter 49.04 RCW or equivalent out-of-state apprenticeship program if before July 1, 2023, the trainee has:

(i) 3,000 hours of lawful experience worked in the electrical construction trade regulated under this chapter; or

(ii) Completed a two-year training school program pursuant to RCW 19.28.191(1)(e);

(b) Electrical trainees described in (a) of this subsection to qualify for the journey level electrician certification examination without completing the work and education requirements of an apprenticeship approved under chapter 49.04 RCW or completing an equivalent out-of-state apprenticeship program. To be eligible to take the examination for a journey level certificate of competency, the applicant must demonstrate 8,000 hours of lawful experience working in the electrical construction trade regulated under this chapter. Four thousand of the hours must be new industrial or commercial electrical installations.

(2) This section expires July 1, 2026.

Effective date—2023 c 95: See note following RCW 19.28.191.

Effective date—2018 c 249: See note following RCW 19.28.191.

The department, in coordination with the board, shall prepare an examination to be administered to applicants for master journey level electrician, journey level electrician, master specialty electrician, and specialty electrician certificates of competency.

The department, with the consent of the board, may enter into a contract with a professional testing agency to develop, administer, and score electrician certification examinations. The department may set the examination fee by contract with the professional testing agency.

The department must, at least four times annually, administer the examination to persons eligible to take it under RCW 19.28.191. The fee must cover, but not exceed, the costs of preparing and administering the examination.

The department must certify the results of the examination upon the terms and after such a period of time as the department, in cooperation with the board, deems necessary and proper.

(1)(a) The master electrician's certificates of competency examinations must include questions from the following categories to ensure proper safety and protection for the general public: (i) Safety; (ii) the state electrical code; and (iii) electrical theory.

(b) A person may take the master electrician examination as many times as necessary without limit. All applicants must, before taking the examination, pay the required examination fee to the agency administering the examination.

(2) The journey level electrician and specialty electrician examinations shall be constructed to determine:

(a) Whether the applicant possesses varied general knowledge of the technical information and practical procedures that are identified with the status of journey level electrician or specialty electrician; and

(b) Whether the applicant is sufficiently familiar with the applicable electrical codes and the rules of the department pertaining to electrical installations and electricians.

A person may take the examination as many times as necessary without limit. All applicants must, before taking the examination, pay the required examination fee to the agency administering the examination.

(1) An applicant for a journey level certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.191(1)(c) or a specialty electrician certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.191(1)(d) must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department completion of in-class education as follows:

(a) Twenty-four hours of in-class education if two thousand hours or more but less than four thousand hours of work are required for the certificate;

(b) Forty-eight hours of in-class education if four thousand or more but less than six thousand hours of work are required for the certificate;

(c) Seventy-two hours of in-class education if six thousand or more but less than eight thousand hours of work are required for the certificate;

(d) Ninety-six hours of in-class education if eight thousand or more hours of work are required for the certificate.

(2) For purposes of this section, "in-class education" means approved classroom training covering this chapter, the national electric code, or electrical theory; or equivalent classroom training taken as part of an approved apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW or an approved electrical training program under RCW 19.28.191(1)(e).

(3) Classroom training taken to qualify for trainee certificate renewal under RCW 19.28.161 qualifies as in-class education under this section.

Effective date—2018 c 249: See note following RCW 19.28.191.

Effective date—2012 c 32: "This act takes effect July 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 32 s 4.]

(1) The department shall issue a certificate of competency to all applicants who have passed the examination provided in RCW 19.28.201, met the in-class education requirements of RCW 19.28.205 if applicable, and who have complied with RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 and the rules adopted under this chapter. The certificate may include a photograph of the holder. The certificate shall bear the date of issuance, and shall expire on the holder's birthday. The certificate shall be renewed every three years, upon application, on or before the holder's birthdate. A fee shall be assessed for each certificate and for each annual renewal.

(2) If the certificate holder demonstrates to the department that he or she has satisfactorily completed an annual eight-hour continuing education course, the certificate may be renewed without examination by appropriate application unless the certificate has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed within ninety days after the expiration date. For pump and irrigation or domestic pump specialty electricians, the continuing education course may combine both electrical and plumbing education provided that there is a minimum of four hours of electrical training in the course.

(a) The contents and requirements for satisfactory completion of the continuing education course shall be determined by the director and approved by the board.

(b) The department shall accept proof of a certificate holder's satisfactory completion of a continuing education course offered in another state as meeting the requirements for maintaining a current Washington state certificate of competency if the department is satisfied the course is comparable in nature to that required in Washington state for maintaining a current certificate of competency.

(3) If the certificate is not renewed before the expiration date, the individual shall pay twice the usual fee. The department shall set the fees by rule for issuance and renewal of a certificate of competency. The fees shall cover but not exceed the costs of issuing the certificates and of administering and enforcing the electrician certification requirements of this chapter.

(4) The certificates of competency and temporary permits provided for in this chapter grant the holder the right to work in the electrical construction trade as a master electrician, journey level electrician, or specialty electrician in accordance with their provisions throughout the state and within any of its political subdivisions without additional proof of competency or any other license, permit, or fee to engage in such work.

Effective date—2012 c 32: See note following RCW 19.28.205.

Finding—Intent—2009 c 36: See note following RCW 18.106.020.

No examination shall be required of any applicant for a certificate of competency who, on July 16, 1973, was engaged in a bona fide business or trade as a journey level electrician in the state of Washington. Applicants qualifying under this section shall be issued a certificate by the department upon making an application as provided in RCW 19.28.181 and paying the fee required under RCW 19.28.201: PROVIDED, That no applicant under this section shall be required to furnish such evidence as required by RCW 19.28.181.

The department is authorized to grant and issue temporary permits in lieu of certificates of competency whenever an electrician coming into the state of Washington from another state requests the department for a temporary permit to engage in the electrical construction trade as an electrician during the period of time between filing of an application for a certificate as provided in RCW 19.28.181 and the date the results of taking the examination provided for in RCW 19.28.201 are furnished to the applicant. The temporary permit may include a photograph of the holder. The department is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states providing for the acceptance of such states' journey level and specialty electrician certificate of competency or its equivalent when such states requirements are equal to the standards set by this chapter. No temporary permit shall be issued to:

(1) Any person who has failed to pass the examination for a certificate of competency, except that any person who has failed the examination for competency under this section shall be entitled to continue to work under a temporary permit for ninety days if the person is enrolled in a journey level electrician refresher course and shows evidence to the department that he or she has not missed any classes. The person, after completing the journey level electrician refresher course, shall be eligible to retake the examination for competency at the next scheduled time.

(2) Any applicant under this section who has not furnished the department with such evidence required under RCW 19.28.181.

(3) Any apprentice electrician.

Finding—Intent—2009 c 36: See note following RCW 18.106.020.

(1) The department may revoke any certificate of competency upon the following grounds:

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

(b) The holder thereof is judged to be incompetent to work in the electrical construction trade as a journey level electrician or specialty electrician;

(c) The holder thereof has violated any of the provisions of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 or any rule adopted under this chapter; or

(d) The holder thereof has committed a serious violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter. A serious violation is a violation that presents imminent danger to the public.

(2) The department may deny an application for a certificate of competency for up to two years if the applicant's previous certificate of competency has been revoked.

(3) Before any certificate of competency shall be revoked, the holder shall be given written notice of the department's intention to do so, mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the holder's last known address. The notice shall enumerate the allegations against the holder, and shall give the holder the opportunity to request a hearing before the board. At the hearing, the department and the holder may produce witnesses and give testimony. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. The board shall render its decision based upon the testimony and evidence presented, and shall notify the parties immediately upon reaching its decision. A majority of the board shall be necessary to render a decision.

(4) The department shall immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate shall be automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order.

Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

Effective dates—Intent—1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

The director may promulgate rules, make specific decisions, orders, and rulings, including demands and findings, and take other necessary action for the implementation and enforcement of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271. In the administration of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 the department shall not enter any controversy arising over work assignments with respect to the trades involved in the construction industry.

(1) Nothing in RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be construed to require that a person obtain a license or a certified electrician in order to do electrical work at his or her residence or farm or place of business or on other property owned by him or her unless:

(a) The electrical work is on the construction of a new building intended for rent, sale, or lease; or

(b) The electrical work is on property that is offered for sale within 12 months after obtaining the property.

However, if the construction is of a new residential building with up to four units intended for rent, sale, or lease, the owner may receive an exemption from the requirement to obtain a license or use a certified electrician if he or she provides a signed affidavit to the department stating that he or she will be performing the work and will occupy one of the units as his or her principal residence. The owner shall apply to the department for this exemption and may only receive an exemption once every twenty-four months. It is intended that the owner receiving this exemption shall occupy the unit as his or her principal residence for twenty-four months after completion of the units.

(2) Nothing in RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be intended to derogate from or dispense with the requirements of any valid electrical code enacted by a city or town pursuant to RCW 19.28.010(3), except that no code shall require the holder of a certificate of competency to demonstrate any additional proof of competency or obtain any other license or pay any fee in order to engage in the electrical construction trade.

(3) RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall not apply to common carriers subject to Part I of the *Interstate Commerce Act, nor to their officers and employees.

(4) Nothing in RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be deemed to apply to the installation or maintenance of telephone, telegraph, radio, or television wires and equipment; nor to any electrical utility or its employees in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wiring, circuits, and equipment by or for the utility, or comprising a part of its plants, lines, or systems.

(5) The licensing provisions of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall not apply to:

(a) Persons making electrical installations on their own property or to regularly employed employees working on the premises of their employer, unless the electrical work is on:

(i) The construction of a new building intended for rent, sale, or lease; or

(ii) Property offered for sale within 12 months after obtaining the property;

(b) Employees of an employer while the employer is performing utility type work of the nature described in RCW 19.28.091 so long as such employees have registered in the state of Washington with or graduated from a state-approved outside lineworker apprenticeship course that is recognized by the department and that qualifies a person to perform such work;

(c) Any work exempted under RCW 19.28.091(6); and

(d) Certified plumbers, certified residential plumbers, or plumber trainees meeting the requirements of chapter 18.106 RCW and performing exempt work under RCW 19.28.091(8).

(6) Nothing in RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be construed to restrict the right of any householder to assist or receive assistance from a friend, neighbor, relative, or other person when none of the individuals doing the electrical installation hold themselves out as engaged in the trade or business of electrical installations.

(7) Nothing precludes any person who is exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter under this section from obtaining a journey level or specialty certificate of competency if they otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter.

*Reviser's note: Interstate Commerce Act, see, now, 49 U.S.C.A. Sec. 10101 et seq.

Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

Part headings not law—2003 c 399: See note following RCW 19.28.006.

(1) A person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity and a manufacturer's authorized engineers and factory-trained service technicians it employs are exempt from licensing requirements under RCW 19.28.041, certification requirements under RCW 19.28.161, and inspection requirements under this chapter for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of components and the disconnection and reconnection of existing low voltage digital control system connections within the confines of the manufacturer's industrial equipment. Except for disconnection and reconnection of existing low voltage digital control system connections, this exemption does not include any: (a) Installation, maintenance, repair, disconnection, or reconnection of any premises wiring or electrical equipment connected to industrial equipment; (b) on-site assembly of industrial equipment; or (c) electrical interconnections between industrial equipment units.

(2) Modifications may not include any changes to the original intended equipment configuration. Any entity making modifications is responsible for maintaining conformance to applicable electrical product safety standards. Proof of conformance must be in accordance with this chapter.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "industrial equipment" means utilization equipment that is: (a) Fully assembled at the manufacturer's facility; (b) self-contained on a single skid or frame; (c) of a type that conforms to applicable standards or is indicated as acceptable by the established standards of any electrical product testing laboratory which is accredited by the department; and (d) directly used in manufacturing or industrial process not accessible to the public.

(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to employ an individual for purposes of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 who has not been issued a certificate of competency, a temporary permit, or a training certificate. It is unlawful for any individual to engage in the electrical construction trade or to maintain or install any electrical equipment or conductors without having in his or her possession a certificate of competency, a temporary permit, or a training certificate under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271, and photo identification. The department may establish by rule a requirement that the individual also wear and visibly display his or her certificate or permit.

(2) Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity found in violation of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be assessed a penalty of not less than fifty dollars or more than five hundred dollars. The department shall set by rule a schedule of penalties for violating RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271. An appeal may be made to the board as is provided in RCW 19.28.131. The appeal shall be filed within twenty days after the notice of the penalty is given to the assessed party using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed, sent to the last known address of the assessed party and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the department. Any equipment maintained or installed by any person who does not possess a certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall not receive an electrical work permit and electrical service shall not be connected or maintained to operate the equipment. Each day that a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violates RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 is a separate violation.

(3) A civil penalty shall be collected in a civil action brought by the attorney general in the county wherein the alleged violation arose at the request of the department if any of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 or any rules adopted under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 are violated.

Finding—Intent—2009 c 36: See note following RCW 18.106.020.

The director shall adopt by rule standards for the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure, including all wires and equipment that convey electric current and any equipment to be operated by electric current, in, on, or about buildings or structures. The rules must be consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540.

Finding—Purpose—2009 c 459: See note following RCW 47.80.090.

Regional transportation planning organizations—Electric vehicle infrastructure: RCW 47.80.090.

(1) If he or she has reason to believe there has been a violation of this chapter, the director and the director's authorized representatives may issue subpoenas to enforce the production and examination of any information, whether written or electronic, necessary to enforce this chapter. The subpoena must describe the possible violation, cite the relevant sections of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter, and must explain how the information being subpoenaed is reasonably related to the possible violation.

(2) The subpoena may be issued only if an electrical contractor, administrator, electrician, or other entity or person to which this chapter applies fails to provide the above information when requested by the department. The department's request for information must describe the possible violation, cite the relevant sections of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter, and must explain how the information being requested is reasonably related to the possible violation.

(3) The superior court has the power to enforce such a subpoena by proper proceedings.

(4) This section applies to all electrical contractors, administrators, electricians, other entities and persons, and electrical work to which this chapter applies.

(1) RCW 19.28.311 through 19.28.381 apply throughout this chapter.

(2) RCW 19.28.311 through 19.28.381 constitute the subchapter "provisions applicable to electrical installations and telecommunications installations."

Severability—2000 c 238: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2000 c 238 s 301.]

There is hereby created an electrical board, consisting of fifteen members to be appointed by the governor with the advice of the director of labor and industries as herein provided. It shall be the purpose and function of the board to advise the director on all matters pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter including, but not limited to, standards of electrical and telecommunications installation, minimum inspection procedures, and the adoption of rules pertaining to the electrical inspection division: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no rules shall be amended or repealed until the electrical board has first had an opportunity to consider any proposed amendments or repeals and had an opportunity to make recommendations to the director relative thereto. The members of the electrical board shall be selected and appointed as follows: One member shall be an employee or officer of a corporation or public agency generating or distributing electric power; one member must be an employee or officer of a facilities-based telecommunications service provider regulated by the Washington state utilities and transportation commission; three members shall be licensed electrical contractors: PROVIDED, That one of these members may be a representative of a trade association in the electrical industry; one member shall be a licensed telecommunications contractor; one member shall be an employee, or officer, or representative of a corporation or firm engaged in the business of manufacturing or distributing electrical and telecommunications materials, equipment, or devices; one member shall be a person with knowledge of the electrical industry, not related to the electrical industry, to represent the public; three members shall be certified electricians; one member shall be a telecommunications worker; one member shall be a licensed professional electrical engineer qualified to do business in the state of Washington and designated as a registered communications distribution designer; one member shall be an outside line worker; and one nonvoting member must be a building official from an incorporated city or town with an electrical inspection program established under RCW 19.28.141. The regular term of each member shall be four years: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, The original board shall be appointed on June 9, 1988, for the following terms: The first term of the member representing a corporation or public agency generating or distributing electric power shall serve four years; two members representing licensed electrical contractors shall serve three years; the member representing a manufacturer or distributor of electrical equipment or devices shall serve three years; the member representing the public and one member representing licensed electrical contractors shall serve two years; the three members selected as certified electricians shall serve for terms of one, two, and three years, respectively; the member selected as the licensed professional electrical engineer shall serve for one year. In appointing the original board, the governor shall give due consideration to the value of continuity in membership from predecessor boards. Thereafter, the governor shall appoint or reappoint board members for terms of four years and to fill vacancies created by the completion of the terms of the original members. When new positions are created, the governor may appoint the initial members to the new positions to staggered terms of one to three years. The governor shall also fill vacancies caused by death, resignation, or otherwise for the unexpired term of such members by appointing their successors from the same business classification. The same procedure shall be followed in making such subsequent appointments as is provided for the original appointments. The board, at this first meeting shall elect one of its members to serve as chair. Any person acting as the chief electrical inspector shall serve as secretary of the board during his or her tenure as chief state inspector. Meetings of the board shall be held at least quarterly in accordance with a schedule established by the board. Each member of the board shall receive compensation in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 which shall be paid out of the electrical license fund, upon vouchers approved by the director of labor and industries.

Appointment to electrical board—2005 c 280: "The governor shall appoint the member representing outside line workers within ninety days after July 24, 2005." [ 2005 c 280 s 2.]

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

The director of labor and industries of the state of Washington and the officials of all incorporated cities and towns where electrical inspections are required by local ordinances shall have power and it shall be their duty to enforce the provisions of this chapter in their respective jurisdictions. The director of labor and industries shall appoint a chief electrical inspector and may appoint other electrical inspectors as the director deems necessary to assist the director in the performance of the director's duties. The chief electrical inspector, subject to the review of the director, shall be responsible for providing the final interpretation of adopted state electrical standards, rules, and policies for the department and its inspectors, assistant inspectors, electrical plan examiners, and other individuals supervising electrical program personnel. If a dispute arises within the department regarding the interpretation of adopted state electrical standards, rules, or policies, the chief electrical inspector, subject to the review of the director, shall provide the final interpretation of the disputed standard, rule, or policy. All electrical inspectors appointed by the director of labor and industries shall have not less than: Four years experience as journey level electricians in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment; or four years experience as a journey level electrician performing the duties of an electrical inspector employed by the department or a city or town with an approved inspection program under RCW 19.28.141, except that for work performed in accordance with the national electrical safety code and covered by this chapter, such inspections may be performed by a person certified as an outside journeyperson lineworker, under RCW 19.28.261(5)(b), with four years experience or a person with four years experience as a certified outside journeyperson lineworker performing the duties of an electrical inspector employed by an electrical utility. Such state inspectors shall be paid such salary as the director of labor and industries shall determine, together with their travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended. As a condition of employment, inspectors hired exclusively to perform inspections in accordance with the national electrical safety code must possess and maintain certification as an outside journeyperson lineworker. The expenses of the director of labor and industries and the salaries and expenses of state inspectors incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be paid entirely out of the electrical license fund, upon vouchers approved by the director of labor and industries.

Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

This chapter shall not limit the authority or power of any city or town where electrical inspections are required by local ordinances to enact and enforce under authority given by law, any ordinance, rule, or regulation enforcing the same requirements of this chapter for having or possessing or displaying a license or a certificate, employing certified individuals, supervision of trainees, or duties of an administrator in their respective jurisdictions. Penalties are to be established within the limits provided in this chapter. No person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity may be penalized by both a city or town and the department for the same violation. Each day that a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violates this chapter is a separate violation. Penalties upheld through an appellate process of a city or town may be appealed to the board by filing a written notice of appeal to the secretary of the board. All costs of an appeal under this section payable from the electrical license fund shall be reimbursed by the city or town that is party to the matter. The process for service and hearings before the board shall be conducted according to the rules enacted by the department.

If any inspection made under this chapter requires any correction or change in the work inspected, a written report of the inspection shall be made by the inspector, in which report the corrections or changes required shall be plainly stated. A copy of the report shall be furnished to the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity doing the installation work, and a copy shall be filed with the department.

(1) The department has the power, in case of serious noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, to revoke or suspend for such a period as it determines, any electrical or telecommunications contractor license or electrical or telecommunications contractor administrator certificate issued under this chapter. The department shall notify the holder of the license or certificate of the revocation or suspension using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed. A revocation or suspension is effective twenty days after the holder receives the notice. Any revocation or suspension is subject to review by an appeal to the board. The filing of an appeal stays the effect of a revocation or suspension until the board makes its decision. The appeal shall be filed within twenty days after notice of the revocation or suspension is given using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed sent to the address of the holder of the license or certificate as shown on the application for the license or certificate, and shall be effected by filing a written notice of appeal with the department, accompanied by a certified check for two hundred dollars, which shall be returned to the holder of the license or certificate if the decision of the department is not sustained by the board. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. If the board sustains the decision of the department, the two hundred dollars shall be applied by the department to the payment of the per diem and expenses of the members of the board incurred in the matter, and any balance remaining after payment of per diem and expenses shall be paid into the electrical license fund.

(2) The department shall immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate shall be automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

Effective dates—Intent—1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

All sums received from licenses, permit fees, or other sources, herein shall be paid to the state treasurer and placed in a special fund designated as the "electrical license fund," and paid out upon vouchers duly and regularly issued therefor and approved by the director of labor and industries or the director's designee following determination by the board that the sums are necessary to accomplish the intent of chapter 19.28 RCW. The treasurer shall keep an accurate record of payments into, or receipts of, the fund, and of all disbursements therefrom.

During the 2013-2015 biennium, the legislature may transfer moneys from the electrical license fund to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the fund.

Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 2.68.020.

Severability—2003 1st sp.s. c 25: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2003 1st sp.s. c 25 s 945.]

Effective date—2003 1st sp.s. c 25: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [June 26, 2003]." [ 2003 1st sp.s. c 25 s 946.]

Severability—1979 ex.s. c 67: "If any provision of this 1979 act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1979 ex.s. c 67 s 22.]

Nothing contained in this chapter will be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person for injury or damage to person or property caused by or resulting from any defect of any nature in any electrical or telecommunications work performed by said person or in any electrical or telecommunications equipment owned, controlled, installed, operated or used by him or her; nor shall the state of Washington, or any officer, agent, or employee thereof incur or be held as assuming any liability by reason or in consequence of any permission, certificate of inspection, inspection or approval authorized herein, or issued or given as herein provided, or by reason of consequence of any things done or acts performed pursuant to any provision of this chapter.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) A medical device which is not in violation of the Medical Device Amendments of 1976, Public Law No. 94-295, 90 Stat. 539, as amended from time to time, and as interpreted by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or its successor, shall be deemed to be in compliance with all requirements imposed by this chapter.

(2) The installation, maintenance, or repair of a medical device deemed in compliance with this chapter 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.

The department may deny renewal of a certificate or license issued under this chapter, if the applicant for renewal owes outstanding penalties for a final judgment under this chapter. The department shall notify the applicant of the denial by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the application. The applicant may appeal the denial within twenty days by filing a notice of appeal with the department accompanied by a certified check for two hundred dollars or ten percent of the amount of the outstanding penalties, whichever is less, but in no event less than one hundred dollars. The check shall be returned to the applicant if the decision of the department is not upheld by the board. The office of administrative hearings shall conduct the hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW. The electrical board shall review the proposed decision at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. If the board sustains the decision of the department, the amount of the check must be applied to the cost of the hearing.

Effective date—2014 c 190: See note following RCW 19.28.131.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Board" means the electrical board under RCW 19.28.311.

(2) "Department" means the department of labor and industries.

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

(4) "Telecommunications administrator" means a person designated by a telecommunications contractor to supervise the installation of telecommunications systems in accordance with rules adopted under this chapter.

(5) "Telecommunications backbone cabling systems" means a system that provides interconnections between telecommunications closets, equipment rooms, and entrance facilities in the telecommunications cabling system structure. Backbone cabling consists of the backbone cables, intermediate and main cross-connects, mechanical terminations, and patch cords or jumpers used for backbone to backbone cross-connection. Backbone cabling also includes cabling between buildings.

(6) "Telecommunications closet" means a room for housing telecommunications equipment, cable terminations, and cross-connect wiring that serve that particular floor. The closet is the recognized transition point between the backbone and horizontal cabling systems.

(7) "Telecommunications contractor" means a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that advertises, offers to undertake, undertakes, submits a bid for, or does the work of installing or maintaining telecommunications systems.

(8) "Telecommunications horizontal cabling systems" means the portions of the telecommunications cabling system that extend from the work area telecommunications outlet or connector to the telecommunications closet. The horizontal cabling includes the horizontal cables, the telecommunications outlet or connector in the work area, the mechanical termination, and horizontal cross-connections located in the telecommunications closet.

(9) "Telecommunications network demarcation point" means the point or interconnection between the service provider's communications cabling, terminal equipment, and protective apparatus and the customer's premises telecommunications cabling system. The location of this point for regulated carriers is determined by federal and state regulations. The carrier should be contacted to determine the location policies in effect in the area.

(10) "Telecommunications scope of work" means the work of a telecommunications contractor as defined in this section and as specified by rule of the department. This includes, but is not limited to, the installation, maintenance, and testing of telecommunications systems, equipment, and associated hardware, pathway systems, and cable management systems, which excludes cable tray and conduit raceway systems. The scope also includes installation of open wiring systems of telecommunications cables, surface nonmetallic raceways designated and used exclusively for telecommunications, optical fiber innerduct raceway, underground raceways designated and used exclusively for telecommunications and installed for additions or extensions to existing telecommunications systems not to exceed fifty feet inside the building, and incidental short sections of circular or surface metal raceway, not to exceed ten feet, for access or protection of telecommunications cabling and installation of cable trays and ladder racks in telecommunications service entrance rooms, spaces, or closets.

(11) "Telecommunications service entrance room or space" means a room or space used as the building serving facility in which the joining of inter-building and intra-building backbone facilities takes place. The service entrance room may also house electronic equipment serving any telecommunications function.

(12) A "telecommunications structured cabling system" is the complete collective configuration of cabling and associated hardware at a given site and installed to perform specific telecommunications functions.

(13) "Telecommunications systems" means structured cabling systems that begin at the demarcation point between the local service provider and the customer's premises structured cabling system or the wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment as specified by rule of the department.

(a) Telecommunications systems include, but are not limited to, all forms of information generation, processing, and transporting of signals conveyed electronically or optically within or between buildings, including voice, data, video, and audio.

(b) Telecommunications systems include, but are not limited to, structured cabling systems, compatible connecting hardware, telecommunications equipment, premises switching equipment providing operational power to the telecommunications device, infrared, fiber optic, radio-frequency, power distribution associated with telecommunications systems, and other limited-energy interconnections associated with telecommunications systems or appliances.

(c) Telecommunications systems do not include horizontal cabling used for fire protection signaling systems, intrusion alarms, access control systems, patient monitoring systems, energy management control systems, industrial and automation control systems, HVAC/refrigeration control systems, lighting or lighting control systems, and stand-alone amplified sound or public address systems.

(d) Telecommunications systems may interface with other building signal systems including security, alarms, and energy management at cross-connection junctions within telecommunications closets or at extended points of demarcation. Horizontal cabling for a telecommunications outlet, necessary to interface with any of these systems outside of a telecommunications closet, is the work of the telecommunications contractor. Telecommunications systems do not include the installation or termination of premises line voltage service, feeder, or branch circuit conductors or equipment.

(14) "Telecommunications worker" means a person primarily and regularly engaged in the installation and/or maintenance of telecommunications systems, equipment, and infrastructure as defined in this chapter.

(15) "Telecommunications workstation" means a building space where the occupant normally interacts with telecommunications equipment. The telecommunications outlet in the work area is the point at which end user equipment plugs into the building telecommunications utility formed by the pathway, space, and building wiring system.

Effective date—2014 c 156 s 1: "Section 1 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2014]." [ 2014 c 156 s 3.]

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) All installations of wires and equipment defined as telecommunications systems are subject to the requirements of this subchapter. Installations shall be in conformity with approved methods of construction for safety to life and property. The national electrical code, approved standards of the telecommunications industries association, the electronic industries association, the American national standards institute, and other safety standards approved by the department shall be evidence of approved methods of installation.

(2) This chapter may not limit the authority or power of any city or town to enact and enforce under authority given by law in RCW 19.28.141, any ordinance, or rule requiring an equal, higher, or better standard of construction and an equal, higher, or better standard of materials, devices, appliances, and equipment than that required by this chapter.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to advertise, offer to do work, submit a bid, engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of installing or maintaining telecommunications systems without having a telecommunications contractor license. Electrical contractors licensed as general electrical (01) or specialty electrical (06) contractors under this chapter and their designated administrators qualify to perform all telecommunications work defined in this chapter. Telecommunications contractors licensed under this chapter are not required to be registered under chapter 18.27 RCW. All telecommunications licenses expire twenty-four calendar months following the day of their issue. A telecommunications contractor license is not required for a licensed specialty electrical contractor to perform telecommunications installations or maintenance integral to the equipment or occupancy limitations of their electrical specialty. A telecommunications contractor license is not required for persons making telecommunications installations or performing telecommunications maintenance on their own property or for regularly employed employees working on the premises of their employer, unless on:

(a) A new building intended for rent, sale, or lease; or

(b) Property offered for sale within 12 months after obtaining the property.

(2) Application for a telecommunications contractor license shall be made in writing to the department accompanied by the required fee. The applications shall state:

(a) The name and address of the applicant. In the case of firms or partnerships, the applications shall state the names of the individuals composing the firm or partnership. In the case of corporations, the applications shall state the names of the corporation's managing officials;

(b) The location of the place of business of the applicant and the name under which the business is conducted;

(c) The employer social security number or tax identification number;

(d) Evidence of workers' compensation coverage for the applicant's employees working in Washington, as follows:

(i) The applicant's industrial insurance account number issued by the department;

(ii) The applicant's self-insurer number issued by the department; or

(iii) For applicants domiciled in a state or province of Canada subject to an agreement entered into under RCW 51.12.120(7), as permitted by the agreement, filing a certificate of coverage issued by the agency that administers the workers' compensation law in the applicant's state or province of domicile certifying that the applicant has secured the payment of compensation under the other state's or province's workers' compensation law;

(e) The employment security department number; and

(f) The state excise tax registration number.

(3) The unified business identifier account number may be substituted for the information required by subsection (2)(d), (e), and (f) of this section if the applicant will not employ employees in Washington.

(4) The department may verify the workers' compensation coverage information provided by the applicant under subsection (2)(d) of this section including, but not limited to, information regarding the coverage of an individual employee of the applicant. If coverage is provided under the laws of another state, the department may notify the other state that the applicant is employing employees in Washington.

(5) To obtain a telecommunications contractor license the applicant must designate an individual who currently possesses a telecommunications administrator certificate. To obtain an administrator's certificate an individual must pass an examination as set forth in this chapter. Examination criteria will be determined by the board.

(6) No examination may be required of any applicant for an initial telecommunications administrator certificate qualifying under this section. Applicants qualifying under this section shall be issued an administrator certificate by the department upon making an application and paying the required fee. Individuals must apply before July 1, 2001, to qualify for an administrator certificate without examination under this section. The board shall certify to the department the names of all persons entitled to this administrator certificate.

Prior to July 1, 2001, bona fide registered contractors under chapter 18.27 RCW engaged in the business of installing or maintaining telecommunications wiring in this state on or before June 8, 2000, may designate the following number of persons to receive a telecommunications administrator certificate without examination:

(a) One owner or officer of a contractor, registered under chapter 18.27 RCW on or before June 8, 2000, currently engaged in the business of installing telecommunications wiring;

(b) One employee, principal, or officer, with a minimum of two years experience performing telecommunications installations, per registered telecommunications contractor; and

(c) One employee for each one hundred employees, or fraction thereof, with a minimum of two years experience performing telecommunications installations.

(7) The application for a contractor license shall be accompanied by a bond in the sum of four thousand dollars with the state of Washington named as obligee in the bond, with good and sufficient surety, to be approved by the department. The bond shall at all times be kept in full force and effect, and any cancellation or revocation thereof, or withdrawal of the surety therefrom, suspends the license issued to the principal until a new bond has been filed and approved as provided in this section. Upon approval of a bond, the department shall, on the next business day, deposit the fee accompanying the application in the electrical license fund and shall file the bond in the office. The department shall, upon request, furnish to any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity a certified copy of the bond upon the payment of a fee that the department shall set by rule. The fee shall cover but not exceed the cost of furnishing the certified copy. The bond shall be conditioned that the principal will pay for all labor, including employee benefits, and material furnished or used upon the work, taxes and contributions to the state of Washington, and all damages that may be sustained by any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity due to a failure of the principal to make the installation or maintenance in accordance with this chapter. In lieu of the surety bond required by this section the applicant may file with the department a cash deposit or other negotiable security acceptable to the department. If the applicant has filed a cash deposit, the department shall deposit the funds in a special trust savings account in a commercial bank, mutual savings bank, or savings and loan association and shall pay annually to the depositor the interest derived from the account.

(8) Any person, firm, or corporation sustaining any damage or injury by reason of the principal's breach of the conditions of the bond required under this section may bring an action against the surety named therein, joining in the action the principal named in the bond; the action shall be brought in the superior court of any county in which the principal on the bond resides or transacts business, or in the county in which the work was performed as a result of which the breach is alleged to have occurred; the action shall be maintained and prosecuted as other civil actions. Claims or actions against the surety on the bond shall be paid in full in the following order of priority: (a) Labor, including employee benefits, (b) materials and equipment used upon such work, (c) taxes and contributions due to the state, (d) damages sustained by any person, firm, or corporation due to the failure of the principal to make the installation in accordance with this chapter, or any ordinance, building code, or regulation applicable thereto. However, the total liability of the surety on any bond may not exceed the sum of four thousand dollars, and the surety on the bond may not be liable for monetary penalties. Any action shall be brought within one year from the completion of the work in the performance of which the breach is alleged to have occurred. The surety shall mail a conformed copy of the judgment against the bond to the department within seven days. In the event that a cash or securities deposit has been made in lieu of the surety bond, and in the event of a judgment being entered against the depositor and deposit, the director shall upon receipt of a certified copy of a final judgment, pay the judgment from the deposit.

(9) The department shall issue a telecommunications contractor license to applicants meeting all of the requirements of this chapter applicable to electrical and telecommunications installations. The provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing of any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity including the requirement of a bond with the state of Washington named as obligee and the collection of a fee for that bond, are exclusive, and no political subdivision of the state of Washington may require or issue any licenses or bonds or charge any fee for the same or a similar purpose.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) Each applicant for a telecommunications contractor license shall designate a supervisory employee or member of the firm to take the administrator's examination. This person shall be designated as administrator under the contractor's license and must be a full-time supervisory employee of the applicant. No person may qualify as administrator for more than one contractor. If the relationship of the administrator with the telecommunications contractor is terminated, the contractor's license is void within ninety days unless another administrator is qualified by the board. However, if the administrator dies, the contractor's license is void within one hundred eighty days unless another administrator is qualified by the board.

(2) A certificate issued under this section is valid for two years from the nearest birthdate of the administrator, unless revoked or suspended, and is nontransferable. The certificate may be renewed for a two-year period without examination by appropriate application unless the certificate has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed within ninety days after the expiration date. If the certificate is not renewed before the expiration date, the individual shall pay twice the usual fee. A person may take the administrator's test as many times as necessary to pass, without limit.

(3) The administrator shall:

(a) Be a member of the firm or a supervisory employee and shall be available during working hours to carry out the duties of an administrator under this section;

(b) Ensure that all telecommunications work complies with the telecommunication[s] installation laws and rules;

(c) Ensure proper permits are required and inspections made;

(d) See that corrective notices issued by an inspecting authority are complied with; and

(e) Notify the department in writing within ten days if the administrator relationship is terminated with the telecommunications contractor.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

It is the purpose and function of the board to establish and administer written examinations for telecommunications administrators' certificates. Examinations shall be designed to reasonably ensure that telecommunications administrators' certificate holders are competent to engage in and supervise the work regulated under this subchapter and their respective licenses. The examinations shall include questions to assure proper safety and protection for the general public. The department, with the consent of the board, is permitted to enter into a contract with a professional testing agency to develop, administer, and score these examinations. The fee for the examination may be set by the department in its contract with the professional testing agency. The department may direct that the applicant pay the fee to the professional testing agency. The fee shall cover but not exceed the costs of preparing and administering the examination.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) The director and the officials of all incorporated cities and towns where electrical inspections are required by local ordinances, allowed by RCW 19.28.141, may require by local ordinance the enforcement of this subchapter in their respective jurisdictions. If an incorporated city or town elects to enforce this subchapter, the city or town has the power and shall enforce the provisions of this subchapter.

(2) The director, through the chief electrical inspector and other inspectors appointed under RCW 19.28.321, shall enforce this chapter. Compliance enforcement may be performed by contractor compliance inspectors appointed under chapter 18.27 RCW. The expenses of the director and the salaries and expenses of state inspectors incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be paid entirely out of the electrical license fund, on vouchers approved by the director.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Disputes arising under this chapter regarding whether any city or town's telecommunications rules, regulations, or ordinances are equal to the rules adopted by the department shall be resolved by arbitration. The department shall appoint two members of the board to serve on the arbitration panel, and the city or town shall appoint two persons to serve on the arbitration panel. These four persons shall choose a fifth person to serve. If the four persons cannot agree on a fifth person, the presiding judge of the superior court of the county in which the city or town is located shall choose a fifth person. A decision of the arbitration panel may be appealed to the superior court of the county in which the city or town is located within thirty days after the date the panel issues its final decision.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) The director shall require permits and require an inspector to inspect all installations of telecommunications systems on the customer side of the network demarcation point for projects greater than ten outlets. However:

(a) All projects penetrating fire barriers, passing through hazardous locations and all backbone installations regardless of size shall be inspected;

(b) All installations in single-family residences, duplex residences, and horizontal cabling systems within apartment residential units, including cooperatives and condominiums, do not require permits or inspections;

(c) No permits or inspections may be required for installation or replacement of cord and plug connected telecommunications equipment or for patch cord and jumper cross-connected equipment;

(d) The chief electrical inspector may allow a building owner or licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor to apply for annual permitting and regularly scheduled inspection of telecommunications installations made by licensed electrical/telecommunications contractors or the building owner for large commercial and industrial installations where:

(i) The building owner or licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor has a full-time telecommunications maintenance staff or a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor;

(ii) The permit is purchased before beginning any telecommunications work; and

(iii) The building owner or licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor assumes responsibility for correcting all installation deficiencies.

(2) Upon request, the department shall make the required inspection within forty-eight hours. The forty-eight hour period excludes holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

(3) A written report of the inspection, which plainly and clearly states any corrections or changes required, shall be made by the inspector. A copy of the report shall be furnished to the person or entity doing the installation work, and a copy shall be filed by the department.

(4) Whenever the installation of any telecommunications cabling and associated hardware is not in accordance with this chapter, or is in such a condition as to be dangerous to life or property, the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity owning, using, or operating it shall be notified by the department and shall within fifteen working days, or such further reasonable time as may upon request be granted, make such repairs and changes as are required to remove the danger to life or property and to make it conform to this chapter. The director, through the inspector, is empowered to disconnect or order the discontinuance of the telecommunications cabling or electrical service to conductors or equipment that are found to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition and not in accordance with this chapter. Upon making a disconnection, the inspector shall attach a notice stating that the conductors have been found dangerous to life or property and are not in accordance with this chapter. It is unlawful for any person to reconnect such defective conductors or equipment without the approval of the department, and until the conductors and equipment have been placed in a safe and secure condition that complies with this chapter.

(5) The director, through the electrical inspector, has the right during reasonable hours to enter into and upon any building or premises in the discharge of his or her official duties related to permitting activities for the purpose of making any inspection or test of the installation of new or altered telecommunications systems contained in or on the buildings or premises. No telecommunications cabling subject to this chapter may be concealed until it has been approved by the inspector making the inspection. At the time of the inspection, wiring or equipment subject to this chapter must be sufficiently accessible to permit the inspector to verify installation conformance with the adopted codes and any other requirements of this chapter.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to install or maintain any telecommunications cabling and associated hardware in violation of this chapter. When the interpretation and application of the installation or maintenance standards provided for in this chapter are in dispute or in doubt, the board shall, upon application of any interested person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity, determine the methods of installation or maintenance of the cabling materials and hardware to be used in the case submitted for its decision.

(2) Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity desiring a decision of the board under this section shall, in writing, notify the director of such desire and shall accompany the notice with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars. The notice shall specify the ruling or interpretation desired and the contention of the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity as to the proper interpretation or application on the question on which a decision is desired. If the board determines that the contention of the applicant for a decision was proper, the two hundred dollars shall be returned to the applicant; otherwise it shall be used in paying the expenses and per diem of the members of the board in connection with the matter. Any portion of the two hundred dollars not used in paying the per diem and expenses of the board in the case shall be paid into the electrical license fund.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter may be assessed a penalty of not less than one hundred dollars or more than ten thousand dollars per violation. The department, after consulting with the board and receiving the board's recommendations, shall set by rule a schedule of penalties for violating this chapter. The department shall notify the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violating any of these provisions of the amount of the penalty and of the specific violation. The notice shall be sent using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed to the last known address of the assessed party. Penalties are subject to review by an appeal to the board. The filing of an appeal stays the effect of the penalty until the board makes its decision. The appeal shall be filed within twenty days after notice of the penalty is given to the assessed party, and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the department. The notice shall be accompanied by a certified check for two hundred dollars or ten percent of the penalty amount, whichever is less, but in no event less than one hundred dollars. The check shall be returned to the assessed party if the decision of the department is not sustained by the board. If the board sustains the decision of the department, the amount of the check shall be applied by the department to the payment of the per diem and expenses of the members of the board incurred in the matter, and any balance remaining after payment of per diem and expenses shall be paid into the electrical license fund. The hearing and review procedures shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. The board shall assign its hearings to an administrative law judge to conduct the hearing and issue a proposed decision and order. The board shall be allowed a minimum of twenty days to review a proposed decision and shall issue its decision no later than the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Effective date—2014 c 190: See note following RCW 19.28.131.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) At the time of licensing and subsequent relicensing, the applicant shall furnish insurance or financial responsibility in the form of an assigned account in the amount of 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, or financial responsibility to satisfy these amounts.

(2) Failure to maintain insurance or financial responsibility relative to the contractor's activities is cause to suspend or deny the contractor's license.

(3)(a) Proof of financial responsibility authorized in this section may be given by providing, in the amount required by subsection (1) of this section, an assigned account acceptable to the department. The assigned account shall be held by the department to satisfy any execution on a judgment issued against the contractor for damage to property or injury or death to any person occurring in the contractor's contracting operation, according to the provisions of the assigned account agreement. The department shall have no liability for payment in excess of the amount of the assigned account.

(b) The assigned account filed with the director as proof of financial responsibility shall be canceled three years after:

(i) The contractor's license has expired or been revoked;

(ii) The contractor has furnished proof of insurance as required by subsection (1) of this section; or

(iii) No legal action has been instituted against the contractor or on the account at the end of the three-year period.

(c) If a contractor chooses to file an assigned account as authorized in this section, the contractor shall, on a contracting project, notify each person with whom the contractor enters into a contract or to whom the contractor submits a bid, that the contractor has filed an assigned account in lieu of insurance and that recovery from the account for any claim against the contractor for property damage or personal injury or death occurring on the project requires the claimant to obtain a court judgment.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Individual worker certification is not required for work under this subchapter. This subchapter does not preclude any person performing telecommunications work from obtaining a limited energy credit towards an electrical certificate of competency if they otherwise meet the certification requirements under this chapter that are applicable to electrical installations.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

No person, firm, or corporation engaging in or conducting or carrying on the business of telecommunications installation shall be entitled to commence or maintain any suit or action in any court of this state pertaining to any such work or business, without alleging and proving that such person, firm or corporation held, at the time of commencing and performing such work, an unexpired, unrevoked, and unsuspended license issued under this subchapter; and no city or town requiring by ordinance or regulation a permit for inspection or installation of such telecommunications installation work, shall issue such permit to any person, firm or corporation not holding such license.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to install or maintain telecommunications equipment not in accordance with this subchapter. In cases where the interpretation and application of the installation or maintenance standards under this subchapter are in dispute or in doubt, the board shall, upon application of any interested person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity, determine the methods of installation or maintenance or the materials, devices, appliances, or equipment to be used in the particular case submitted for its decision.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity desiring a decision of the board pursuant to RCW 19.28.531 shall, in writing, notify the director of such desire and shall accompany the notice with a certified check payable to the department in the sum of two hundred dollars. The notice shall specify the ruling or interpretation desired and the contention of the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity as to the proper interpretation or application on the question on which a decision is desired. If the board determines that the contention of the applicant for a decision was proper, the two hundred dollars shall be returned to the applicant; otherwise it shall be used in paying the expenses and per diem of the members of the board in connection with the matter. Any portion of the two hundred dollars not used in paying the per diem and expenses of the board in the case shall be paid into the electrical license fund.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

(1) The director may adopt rules, make specific decisions, orders, and rulings, including demands and findings, and take other necessary action for the implementation and enforcement of this subchapter after consultation with the board and receiving the board's recommendations. In the administration of this subchapter the department shall not enter any controversy arising over work assignments with respect to the trades involved in the construction industry.

(2) Compliance with the rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section is prima facie evidence of compliance with the subchapter. Copies of all rules shall be maintained by the department and made available upon request.

Severability—2000 c 238: See note following RCW 19.28.301.

This act shall take effect on July 1, 1963.