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| Information
you need to legally and safely carry out your building and remodeling
projects. |
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When do I need an electrical permit?
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| Safety first |
| For your safety, your family's safety, and the safety of future
occupants - and to avoid expensive mistakes - do not perform any electrical
work that is beyond your skill level. |
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| When do I need an electrical permit? |
| How do I get a permit for electrical work? |
| How do I get an inspection? |
| When do I need an inspection? |
| Planning to do electrical work on your one- or
two-family dwelling? |
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| When do I need an
electrical permit? |
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A permit is required to do the following:
- install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device
- run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture,
install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or convert from fuse
box to circuit breakers
- install or alter low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo
or computer systems
For homeowners, a permit is not required to replace electrical devices
or to perform the maintenance on an existing electrical installation.
If you are not sure if you need a permit, call the building department
responsible for your area.
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| How
do I get a permit for electrical work? |
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Permits are issued by Building Codes Division (BCD) field offices or
your local building department, depending on the jurisdiction responsible
for your area.
- Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to do residential electrical
work.
- Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to perform residential
electrical work, unless the service involves 400 amps or greater. Some
building departments require a plan review for service over 400 amps.
- An electrical inspector or office staff member can help you make
sure you have all the necessary information for the proposed project.
If everything is in order, you can usually leave with your permit.
- Electrical permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.
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| How
do I get an inspection? |
Any work performed under a permit must be inspected by a certified
electrical inspector. You may call the inspection request line at the building
department in your area within 24 hours of completion of any phase of the
project. A minimum of 24-hours' notice is usually required for inspections.
When you call, you will be asked for the permit number, homeowner's name,
project address, type of inspection needed, and date on which the inspection
is desired. Be prepared to furnish detailed directions to the job site and
a detailed description of the electrical work performed.
Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at
the site to provide access for the inspector. |
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| When
do I need an inspection? |
| Most electrical permits require three inspections: rough-in,
service, and final. Call for a rough-in inspection when all of the new circuits
are wired, grounding wires are in, the raceways and boxes are installed,
and any necessary nail plates are put on. Do not cover any work with insulation,
receptacles, or wall switches until the inspector has approved it. Call
for a service inspection when the service electrical mast, the electric
meter base, the service panels, and the grounding electrodes and terminals
have been installed. Wires must be visible without removing cover devices.
Sometimes, the inspector is able to inspect these items during the rough-in
inspection. Call for a final inspection upon completion of the electrical
work. Be sure that panel boxes are covered and circuits are labeled in the
correct spaces on the box. All of the equipment, fixtures, switches, and
appliances must be installed, grounded, and energized for the final inspection. |
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| Planning
to do electrical work on your one- or two-family dwelling? |
| You must be both the owner and the occupant of a dwelling
to obtain a permit to do the electrical work yourself. You may not perform
any electrical installations or modifications on a house or residential
unit intended for sale, lease, rent, or exchange. If you do not own or do
not intend to live in the unit, a licensed electrical contractor must do
the work. A landlord, landlord's agent, or the employee of the landlord
or landlord's agent may replace an existing garbage disposal, dishwasher,
or electric water heater with a similar appliance of 30 amps or less, single
phase, in residential properties. If you have any questions concerning your
eligibility to work on a building, call the Building Codes Division, (503)
378-4133 or (800) 442-7457, or your local jurisdiction. |
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