Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor Committee

ESSB 5282

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 residential security system installations.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Braun, Baumgartner and Warnick).

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

  • Exempts the installation, repair, and maintenance of low-voltage security alarm systems in one and two-family dwellings from state electrical permit and inspection requirements.

Hearing Date: 3/24/15

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The electrical laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department). The regulatory scheme includes licensure for electrical contractors and certification for electricians. Electricians may be certified as journey level, or as multiple types of specialty electricians. Certification is not required for the telecommunications specialty.

Electrical work must meet specified standards and generally requires a permit and inspection. Cities or towns meeting the same or higher standard than the state may perform the permitting and inspection. No state permit or inspection, however, is required for Class A basic electrical work, which includes certain like-in-kind replacements and travel trailers. Class B basic electrical work includes low-voltage systems such as certain security and public address systems. A permit is required, but inspections are conducted on a random basis. Only a licensed electrical contractor and certain certified electricians may use class B permits.

Summary of Bill:

Work in connection with the installation, repair, or maintenance of one main control panel for a low voltage security, intrusion, or similar alarm system in a one or two family dwelling is specified to be Class A basic electrical work, making the work exempt from state permitting and inspection requirements. Exempt work is limited to the installation of no more than one power supply cable six feet or less in length from a class two 24 volt or less transformer. Systems that monitor required fire or smoke detectors are excluded.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.