Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workforce Development Committee |
HB 1855
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning credential and permit requirements for generator load bank testing.
Sponsors: Representative Hargrove.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/13
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
An electrical contractor license is required to engage in the business of installing or maintaining wires or equipment to convey electric current, or equipment to be operated by electric current. A general electrical contractor license allows the licensee to engage in all aspects of the electrical business. Electrical contractor specialty licenses include resident, nonresidential maintenance, appliance repair, and others. A specialty license allows a limited right to engage in the electrical business as permitted under the license type. To work as an electrician, an individual must have a journeyman or specialty electrician certificate of competency. The specialty certificates mirror the specialty contractor licenses. To be certified as a journeyman electrician, an individual must work in the electrical construction trade for at least 8,000 hours to take the required exam. For the nonresidential maintenance certificate, the applicant must work in the specialty for at least 4,000 hours to take the exam. The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) issues licenses and certificates of competency and otherwise administers the regulation of electricians and electrical work.
The scope of the nonresidential maintenance specialty certificate is limited to maintenance, repair, and replacement of like-in-kind existing electrical equipment and conductors.
A permit and inspection is required for electrical work; however, no permit is generally required for class A basic electrical work. Class A basic electrical work is the like-in-kind replacement of timers, thermostats, dimmers and other replacements, and other work as specified by rule.
Load banks are devices designed to provide electrical loads for testing power sources such as generators. The testing is done to ensure the generator will perform when needed.
Summary of Bill:
The nonresidential maintenance specialty electrical contractor license allows the licensee to engage in the business of load bank testing of generators and the related connection of cables. Similarly, the nonresidential maintenance specialty electrician certificate of competency includes the right to engage in the business of load bank testing of generators and the related connection of cables.
The Department may not require an electrical work permit to conduct load bank testing of generators and the related connection of cables.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.