The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 26: Professions and Occupations

Chapter 015: Electricians and Electrical Installations

• Subchapter 001: General Provisions

• § 881. Definitions

  As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

  (1) “Board” means the Electricians’ Licensing Board created under this chapter.

  (2) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Public Safety.

  (3) “Complex structure” shall have the same meaning as the term “public building” as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 2900(8).

  (4) “Electrical inspector” means a State electrical inspector employed pursuant to section 915 of this title.

  (5) “Electrical installation” means wires, fixtures, or apparatus installed in a complex structure or at the construction site of such structure for the transmission and use of commercially supplied or privately generated electrical energy.

  (6) “Electrician’s helper” means a person assisting in the construction, installation, or repair of an electrical installation under the direct supervision of a master or journeyman electrician who is present at the work site.

  (7) “Legislative body” means the selectboard of a town, the board of aldermen or city council of a city, or the board of trustees of an incorporated village.

  (8) “Municipal inspector” means an electrical inspector authorized to conduct municipal inspections pursuant to section 898 of this title.

  (9) “Registered apprentice” means an apprentice registered with the Apprenticeship Division of the State Department of Labor for electrical training.

  (10) “Work notice” means the notice required to be filed under this chapter by an electrician prior to commencement of electrical work. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2003, No. 63, § 76, eff. June 11, 2003; 2003, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 10a, eff. April 1, 2005; 2005, No. 8, § 8, eff. April 25, 2005; 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006.)

• § 882. Exceptions

  This chapter does not apply to:

  (1) The construction, installation, operation, repair, or maintenance of electrical installations that are used by a public utility in rendering its authorized service; nor to the installation, operation, repair, and wiring associated with telecommunication services and equipment used for the transmission of information by electricity regardless of the location of such electrical installations, equipment, or facilities.

  (2) Electrical installations in ships, pipeline systems, railway rolling stock, automotive equipment, or portable sound equipment.

  (3) The manufacture, testing, or repair of electrical equipment in the plant of the manufacturer of the equipment.

  (4) The construction, repairs, or maintenance of buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes on owner-occupied farms. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1983, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 11, 1984; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)

• Subchapter 002: Regulation of Electrical Installations by Licensing Board

• § 891. Rules adopted by Board

  The Electricians’ Licensing Board created under section 901 of this title may adopt, amend, revise, and repeal rules providing reasonable standards and requirements applicable to any electrical installation as defined in section 881 of this title, except as provided in sections 882 and 892 of this title. The Board, if it finds it practicable to do so, may adopt the provisions of a nationally recognized electrical code under authority of this section. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)

• § 892. Work in progress

  Rules adopted under section 891 of this title are not applicable to the construction, repair, or replacement of any electrical installation if the work is commenced within 30 days following their adoption, or to electrical installations in any structure standing or in the process of construction at the time of their adoption. (Added 1969, No. 284, § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)

• § 893. Commencement of work; fees; work notice; inspection of work; certificate of completion

  (a) Electrical work in a complex structure shall not commence until a work notice accompanied by the required fee is submitted to the Department and the work notice is validated by the Department. There shall be a base fee of $40.00 for each work notice, except for electrical work done in one and two family residential dwellings. In addition to the base fee, the following fees shall be charged:

  (1) Services

  (A) Temporary—$30.00.

  (B) Permanent—1 phase and 3 phase through 400 amp—$35.00.

  (C) Permanent—401 to 800 amp—$50.00.

  (D) Permanent—801 amp and larger—$100.00.

  (2) Transformers

  (A) 1 to 25 KVA—$10.00 each.

  (B) 26 to 75 KVA—$15.00 each.

  (C) 76 to 200 KVA—$25.00 each.

  (D) Over 200 KVA—$35.00 each.

  (3) Motors and Generators

  (A) Up to 5 hp, KW, KVA—$10.00 each.

  (B) 5 to 25 hp, KW, KVA—$10.00 each.

  (C) 25 to 100 hp, KW, KVA—$15.00 each.

  (D) Over 100 hp, KW, KVA—$25.00 each.

  (4) Other electrical work

  (A) Each panel and feeder after the main disconnect—$35.00.

  (B) Outlets for receptacles, switches, fixtures, electric baseboard (per 50 units or portion thereof)—$20.00.

  (C) Yard lights signs—$5.00 each.

  (D) Fuel oil, kerosene, LP, natural gas, and gasoline pumps—$15.00 each.

  (E) Boilers, furnaces, and other stationary appliances—$10.00 each.

  (F) Elevators—$75.00 each.

  (G) Platform lifts—$40.00 each.

  (H) Fire alarm initiating, signaling, and associated devices (per 50 units or portions thereof)—$30.00.

  (I) Fire alarm main panel and annunciator panels—$50.00 each.

  (J) Fire pumps—$50.00.

  (5) Reinspection fee. For each reinspection for code violations, there will be a fee of $125.00.

  (b) The Commissioner may establish inspection priorities for electrical inspections. Priorities shall be based on the relative risks to persons and property, the type and size of the complex structure, and the type and number of electrical installations to be installed. Electrical installations regulated by the Board shall be inspected by the Commissioner or an electrical inspector in accordance with the procedures and priorities established by the Commissioner.

  (c) An electrical installation in any part of a complex structure shall not be covered unless it is inspected by an electrical inspector. The provisions of this subsection may be specifically waived by an electrical inspector in writing. Upon completion of a new electrical installation, the applicant shall request a final inspection by an electrical inspector in writing. Within five working days of receipt of the application, the Commissioner, or inspector, shall conduct an inspection, establish a reasonable date for inspection, or issue a waiver of inspection.

  (d) A certificate of completion shall be issued if the Commissioner or electrical inspector determines after inspection that the installation is in compliance with the standards and requirements adopted by the Board.

  (e) No part of a complex structure, in which part a new electrical installation has been made, shall be sold or conveyed for use or occupancy without first securing a certificate of completion for the new electrical installation.

  (f) The Commissioner or an inspector designated by the Commissioner shall have authority to enter any premises in which an electrical installation subject to the rules of the Board is being or has been installed, replaced, or repaired for the purpose of making such inspection as is necessary to carry out his or her responsibilities under this subchapter. If the owner or occupant of the premises refuses to permit entry by the Commissioner, or an electrical inspector, any Superior Court, on application of the Commissioner, shall have jurisdiction to issue an order enforcing such right of entry. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1973, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 11, 1974; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1983, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 11, 1984; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1991, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 1999, No. 49, § 141; 2001, No. 65, § 2; 2009, No. 134 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. May 29, 2010.)

• § 894. Energizing installations

  (a) A new electrical installation in or on a complex structure or an electrical installation used for the testing or construction of a complex structure shall not be connected or caused to be connected, to a source of electrical energy unless prior to such connection, either a temporary or a permanent energizing permit is issued for that installation by the Commissioner or an electrical inspector.

  (b) This section shall not be construed to limit or interfere with a contractor’s right to receive payment for electrical work for which a certificate of completion has been granted. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)

• § 895. Issuance of order by Commissioner

  If the Commissioner finds a violation of the rules adopted under section 891 of this title or that the structure is not in substantial compliance with the safety requirements of the Department for that structure, the Commissioner may issue an order directing the owner of the premises in which the violation is found, or the owner’s agent and the person doing the work, to correct or remove the violation, withdraw validation of the work notice, or order the owner, any public utility, or any private party furnishing electricity to such installation to not connect or disconnect electrical energy from all or any portion of the electrical system until the cited violation is removed or corrected. The Commissioner may order any one or a combination of these options in order to effect compliance. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 7.)

• § 896. Request for reconsideration; appeals

  A person aggrieved by a refusal to grant a certificate of completion under section 893 of this title or by an order under section 895 of this title may request that the Commissioner reconsider such refusal or order. A request for reconsideration shall be made in writing and shall be filed with the Commissioner within 15 days after receipt of written notice of such refusal or order. The Commissioner shall review the refusal or order within 30 days of the date the request for reconsideration is received. The Commissioner shall issue an order amending, modifying, or affirming the prior refusal or order as circumstances require within 30 days of the date of the review. A person aggrieved by the Commissioner’s decision under this section may appeal to the Superior Court, which shall hear the matter de novo. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 8.)

• § 897. Administrative penalties; enforcement; liability

  (a) The Commissioner may, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, assess an administrative penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation against a person who violates any rule adopted under this subchapter, or any order lawfully issued under this subchapter. Penalties assessed under this section shall be based on the severity of the violation according to rules adopted by the Commissioner.

  (b) The Superior Court for the county in which occurs a violation of any rule adopted or any order lawfully issued under this subchapter, on application by the Commissioner shall have jurisdiction to issue an order enjoining or restraining such violation. However, an election by the Commissioner to proceed under this subsection shall not limit or restrict the Commissioner’s authority to assess an administrative penalty under subsection (a) of this section.

  (c) Violation of any rule adopted under this subchapter shall be prima facie evidence of negligence in any civil action for damage or injury that is the result of the violation. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 9.)

• § 898. Municipal inspection

  (a) A legislative body may establish inspection procedures and appoint trained and qualified municipal inspectors to conduct electrical inspections. If the Commissioner determines that the inspection procedures and the training and qualifications of the municipal inspectors are sufficient, the Commissioner may assign the Department’s responsibility for conducting inspections of electrical installations regulated by the Board within that municipality to the municipality. An assignment of responsibility under this section shall not affect the authority of the Commissioner under this subchapter. If the Commissioner assigns responsibility for municipal inspections under this section, the Commissioner may exempt all electrical installations within the municipality from inspection by the State under section 893 of this title. The legislative body may establish reasonable fees for inspections for the purpose of defraying the cost of the same. Such fees will be in lieu of fees established under subsection 893(a) of this title.

  (b) Work notices, certificates of completion, and energizing permits shall be issued by municipal inspectors in the same manner and subject to the same conditions that they are issued by the State electrical inspectors under sections 893 and 894 of this title.

  (c) A municipal inspector shall have authority to enter any premises in which an electrical installation subject to rules adopted under section 891 of this title is being installed, replaced, or repaired for the purpose of making such inspection as is necessary to carry out his or her responsibilities under this subchapter.

  (d)(1) If, after inspection of the electrical installation, a violation of the rules of the Board is found, a municipal inspector may:

  (A) issue an order directing the electrician of record or the owner of the premises in which the violation is found, to correct or remove the violation;

  (B) withdraw validation of the work notice; or

  (C) order the owner, any public utility, or any private party furnishing electricity to such installation to disconnect electrical energy from all or any portion of the electrical system until the violation is removed or corrected.

  (2) A municipal inspector may order any one or combination of these options set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, as necessary to effect compliance with the Board’s rules.

  (e) Acceptance of an assignment of responsibility under this section shall not preclude a municipality from conducting its own electrical inspection program.

  (f) A person aggrieved by a refusal of a municipal inspector to issue a certificate of completion or by any other action of a municipal inspector or the municipality relating to this section may appeal to the Commissioner by filing a written application for a hearing with the Commissioner within 15 calendar days after written notice of such refusal or action. A person filing an application in accordance with this subsection shall be entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing before the Commissioner within 45 calendar days. Within 30 calendar days after the hearing, the Commissioner shall issue an order amending, modifying, or affirming the action by the municipal inspector or municipality.

  (g) The results of all inspections conducted by municipal inspectors under this section shall be reported monthly to the Commissioner. Reports shall include the date of inspections, locations of the work inspected, the name and license number of the contractor performing the work, violations found, orders issued, and the date of any completion certificates or energizing permits issued.

  (h) Municipal inspectors shall participate in training provided by the Department of Public Safety. The Department shall also provide continuing consultation, review, and assistance as may be necessary to municipal inspectors.

  (i) The Commissioner may revoke an assignment of responsibility to a municipality granted under this section if the Commissioner determines that the training or qualifications of the municipal inspectors or the inspection procedures adopted by the legislative body are insufficient. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2003, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 10b, eff. April 1, 2005; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 273.)

• § 899. Private inspections

  (a) Upon a determination that the resources of the State and the municipality are insufficient to provide the approval or inspection services required by this chapter, the Commissioner may assign responsibility for inspecting electrical installations on its own premises to a private corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has an ongoing need for services. Applications to conduct private inspections under this section shall be in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner.

  (b) The Commissioner may grant an application under this section if he or she determines that the applicant has the ability to carry out inspections. The Commissioner shall consider at least the following factors:

  (1) the size of the facility;

  (2) self-insurance or other indication of incentive and motivation for safety;

  (3) whether the applicant’s training program for inspectors and inspection procedures are at least equivalent to the State’s program and procedures.

  (c) A person authorized to perform private inspections under this section shall:

  (1) participate in State-sponsored training programs;

  (2) file monthly reports with the Commissioner containing the number and type of inspections, electrical installations, violations for that month, and the license numbers of the electrical contractors performing work;

  (3) permit electrical inspectors to perform random inspections of the applicant’s facility;

  (4) pay the Department an annual flat fee. The amount of the fee shall be negotiated by the Department and the applicant and shall take into consideration the cost to the applicant of conducting private inspections. The fee shall not exceed the fee established under section 893 of this title.

  (d) The Commissioner may revoke an approval to conduct private inspections whenever the Commissioner determines that the training program is insufficient or that the business has failed to comply with the provisions of subdivisions (c)(1)-(3) of this section. (Added 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 11.)

• Subchapter 003: Licensing Electricians

• § 901. Electricians’ Licensing Board; membership; powers

  (a) Creation. A board for the licensing of electricians is created, to be known as the “Electricians’ Licensing Board.”

  (b) Membership. The Board consists of the Commissioner of Public Safety or a member of that Department designated by the Commissioner and four persons appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

  (1) The four appointed members shall serve for terms of three years, beginning on July 1 in the year of appointment, and they shall include one licensed master electrician, one licensed journeyman electrician, one person associated with the public electrical utility industry who is knowledgeable in technical as well as operational issues of the electrical utility industry, and one person associated with the fire insurance industry.

  (2) Not more than two appointed members’ terms shall expire in the same year.

  (3) The Governor shall appoint one of the members of the Board to serve as its chair.

  (c) Continuing education; sunset review.

  (1) Not less than once every five years, the Board shall review electricians’ continuing education or other continuing competency requirements. The review results shall be in writing and address the following:

  (A) the renewal requirements for electricians;

  (B) the renewal requirements in other jurisdictions, particularly in the Northeast region;

  (C) the cost of the renewal requirements for electricians;

  (D) an analysis of the utility and effectiveness of the renewal requirements with respect to public protection; and

  (E) recommendations to the Commissioner on whether the continuing education or other continuing competency requirements should be modified.

  (2) The Commissioner shall respond to the Board within 45 days of its submitted review results. The Commissioner may require the Board to reduce, modify, or otherwise change the renewal requirements, including by proposing any necessary amendments to statute or rule. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1971, No. 14, § 14, eff. March 11, 1971; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 1993, No. 218 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2005, No. 8, § 9, eff. April 25, 2005; No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. April 1, 2021; 2019, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. July 1, 2021.)

• § 902. Master electricians

  (a) To be eligible for licensure as a master electrician, an applicant shall:

  (1) have been licensed as a journeyman electrician under this chapter for at least two years; or

  (2) have had comparable experience and training, within or without this State, acceptable to the Board; and

  (3) pass an examination to the satisfaction of the Board.

  (b) Upon successful completion of the examination and payment of the required fee, the applicant shall receive a master electrician’s license in the form of a wallet-size card. This license shall be carried by the master electrician at all times while performing his or her trade and shall be displayed upon request. Upon the request by the licensee and upon payment of the required fee, the Board shall issue a license certificate suitable for framing.

  (c) A person licensed under this chapter as a master electrician is entitled to design, install, repair, maintain, and replace electrical installations including lightning rods, fire alarms, and fire detection systems as his or her principal business or in the course of another business conducted by him or her, and may employ other persons licensed under this chapter or electrician’s helpers to perform work in connection with electrical installations under his or her direction. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1971, No. 42, § 1, eff. April 7, 1971; 1973, No. 214 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 13.)

• § 903. Journeyman electricians

  (a) To be eligible for licensure as a journeyman electrician an applicant shall:

  (1) provide verification by the Vermont Apprenticeship Council of completion of an apprenticeship in electrical wiring that included both instruction and practice in work processes; or

  (2) have had equivalent training and experience, within or outside this State, acceptable to the Board; and

  (3) pass an examination to the satisfaction of the Board.

  (b) Upon successful completion of the examination and payment of the required fee, the applicant shall receive a journeyman electrician’s license in the form of a wallet-size card. This license shall be carried by the journeyman at all times while performing his or her trade and shall be displayed upon request. Upon request by the licensee and payment of the required fee, the Board shall issue a license certificate suitable for framing.

  (c) A person licensed under this chapter as a journeyman electrician is entitled to perform electrical installations under the direction of a master electrician, and may supervise an apprentice electrician or an electrician’s helper employed by a master electrician under the master electrician’s direction. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1971, No. 42, § 2, eff. April 7, 1971; 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 274.)

• § 904. Type-S journeyman electrician

  (a) To be eligible for licensure as a type-S journeyman an applicant shall:

  (1) complete an accredited training and experience program recognized by the Board; or

  (2) have had training and experience, within or without this State, acceptable to the Board; and

  (3) pass an examination to the satisfaction of the Board in one or more of the following fields:

  (A) automatic gas or oil heating;

  (B) outdoor advertising;

  (C) refrigeration or air conditioning;

  (D) appliance and motor repairs;

  (E) well pumps;

  (F) farm equipment;

  (G) any miscellaneous specified area of specialized competence.

  (b) Upon successful completion of the examination and payment of the required fee for each field in which a license is to be issued, the applicant shall receive a license in the form of a wallet-size that which shall be carried at all times while performing his or her trade and shall be displayed upon request. Upon request of the licensee and upon payment of the required fee, the Board shall issue a license certificate suitable for framing. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1971, No. 42, § 3, eff. April 7, 1971; 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)

• § 905. Application; examinations, education, and fees

  (a)(1) Each applicant for a license shall submit to the Board, on forms furnished by it, a written application containing such relevant information as the Board may require, accompanied by the required examination fee.

  (2) The examination fee shall be established by the Board but shall be no greater than the cost associated with administering the examination. Notwithstanding 32 V.S.A. § 502(a), if the examination is conducted by an outside testing service, the required examination fee may be paid directly to the testing service.

  (b) Examinations shall be conducted in writing and shall include a practical skills examination. The examination shall cover theoretical and practical aspects of electrical work, together with pertinent laws and rules. In addition, the master electrician’s examination shall contain questions on the installation of lightning rods, fire alarms, and fire detection systems.

  (c) An applicant who fails the examination may, upon payment of the required fee, retake the examination.

  (d)(1) Three-year electrical license fees shall be:

  (A) for a masters license (initial and renewal) $150.00;

  (B) for a journeyman’s license (initial and renewal) $115.00;

  (C) for a type-S journeyman’s license (initial and
  renewal) per field $115.00.

  (2) The fee for a certificate for framing shall be: $ 10.00.

  (e) If a license is allowed to lapse, it may be renewed within one year of its expiration date by the payment of $25.00 in addition to the renewal fee.

  (f) The fee for replacement of a lost or damaged license shall be: $20.00.

  (g) Pursuant to qualifications and procedures determined by the Commissioner, the Board shall, upon request, waive application fees for qualified military members and military spouses.

  (1) The education module shall be not more than two hours and shall be required as a condition of initial licensure and license renewal. The module shall include education on any State or utility incentives relevant to the profession.

  (A) The education module for initial licensure shall provide general information regarding the State’s energy goals.

  (B) The education module for license renewal shall provide any updates on the State’s energy goals and any updates regarding corresponding State energy programs applicable to the profession.

  (2) The Commissioner shall consider any recommendations on these education modules provided by relevant stakeholders and approve education modules in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Service.

  (h) In addition to other education requirements of this subchapter, the Commissioner shall require each applicant to complete an education module regarding the State’s energy goals and how the electrician profession can further those goals. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 1991, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1999, No. 49, §§ 142, 143; 2001, No. 65, § 3; 2009, No. 134 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. May 29, 2010; 2019, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. April 1, 2021; 2019, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. July 1, 2021.)

• § 906. Examinations not required

  (a) Generally. A license for an individual who is licensed by another state or who has received designation by the U.S. Armed Forces as a 12R electrician or equivalent shall be issued without examination as provided pursuant to this section on payment of the required fee.

  (b)(1) Reciprocity. A master’s or journeyman’s license, as the case may be, shall be issued to a person to whom a master electrician’s license or a journeyman electrician’s license has been previously issued by another state, whose standards are equivalent to those of this State, if under the laws or regulations of the state issuing the license a similar privilege is granted to electricians licensed under the laws of this State.

  (2) Uniform process for endorsement from other states.

  (A) The Board shall issue a license to master and journeyman electricians who have been licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction within the United States for at least three years, regardless of whether that jurisdiction meets the reciprocity requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection.

  (B) If the Board determines that three years of demonstrated practice in another specific jurisdiction is not adequately protective of the public, it shall provide its rationale to the Commissioner, who may propose any necessary statutory or rule amendments in order to implement more restrictive requirements for endorsement for that jurisdiction.

  (C) The Commissioner may issue to an endorsement applicant a waiver of the practice requirement if there is a showing that the waiver follows State policy and the public is adequately protected.

  (c) Except as otherwise provided by law, a journeyman’s license shall be issued to a service member or veteran who:

  (1) submits a complete application and any documentation required by the Board;

  (2) has received designation by the U.S. Armed Forces as a 12R electrician or equivalent; and

  (3) has completed a minimum of 8,000 hours and four years of active duty field work as a 12R electrician or equivalent.

  (d) As used in this section:

  (1) “Service member” means an individual who is an active member of:

  (A) the U.S. Armed Forces;

  (B) a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces;

  (C) the U.S. Coast Guard; or

  (D) the National Guard of any state.

  (2) “Veteran” means a former service member who received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from active duty not more than two years prior to submitting an application for licensure. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2017, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2019, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. April 1, 2021.)

• § 907. Recognition of experience

  (a) The Board, in determining the qualifications of an applicant for a license, may in its discretion give recognition:

  (1) in the case of an application for a master’s license, to the applicant’s experience as a licensed journeyman in another state;

  (2) in the case of an application for a journeyman’s license, to an apprenticeship served in another state; or

  (3) to experience or prior qualifications.

  (b)(1) The Board, in determining the qualifications of a service member or veteran, as defined pursuant to section 906 of this subchapter, who is applying for a master’s license, shall give recognition to the applicant’s:

  (A) experience as a 12R electrician or equivalent in the U.S. Armed Forces; and

  (B) other experience or prior qualifications.

  (2) The Board may evaluate specific military credentials to determine equivalency to credentials within the Board’s jurisdiction. The determinations shall be adopted through written policy that shall be posted on the Board’s website.

  (c)(1) The Commissioner shall adopt rules in consultation with the Board that prescribe a process for the Commissioner to assess the equivalence of an applicant’s professional credentials earned outside the United States as compared to State licensing requirements for electricians.

  (2) Any determination of equivalence by the Commissioner under this subsection shall be in consultation with the Board, recorded in the applicant’s licensing file, and binding upon the Board.

  (3) In administering this section, the Board may rely upon third-party credential verification services. The cost of such services shall be paid by the applicant. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1973, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. March 11, 1974; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2017, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2019, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. April 1, 2021.)

• § 908. Expiration and renewal of licenses; continuing education

  (a) All licenses expire on the last day of a month designated by the Board. A license shall be valid for three years. The Board shall renew the license of a person holding a valid license issued under this chapter on receipt of an application for renewal and the required fee on or before the expiration date of his license, except as provided in section 892 of this title.

  (b) All journeyman and master electricians shall, as a condition of license renewal, complete 15 hours of instruction, approved by the Board, on the national electrical code during the preceding 36-month period. All holders of a type-S journeyman license shall, as a condition of renewal, complete eight hours of instruction, approved by the Board, on the subject of the license holder’s specialty during the preceding 36 months, except that holders of multiple type-S licenses shall not be required to complete more than 15 hours of instruction during the preceding 36 months. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 19; 1991, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2001, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 44f, eff. June 27, 2002; 2003, No. 63, § 77, eff. June 11, 2003.)

• § 909. Revocation, suspension, and refusing of renewal of license

  The Board, after notice to the licensee and opportunity for hearing, may revoke or suspend a license issued under this chapter, or refuse to renew the license of a person who has made application for renewal:

  (1) if the license was wrongfully or fraudulently obtained;

  (2) if the licensee has violated or failed to comply with any provision of this chapter, or any rule, regulation, or requirement adopted under this chapter;

  (3) if the licensee is found by the Board to be unqualified to hold the license. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)

• § 910. License not required

  A license shall not be required for the following types of work:

  (1) Any electrical work, including construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical installations in, on, or about equipment or premises, that are owned or leased by the operator of any industrial or manufacturing plant, if the work is done under the supervision of an electrical engineer or master electrician in the employ of the operator.

  (2) Installation in laboratories of exposed electrical wiring for experimental purposes only.

  (3) Any electrical work by an owner or his or her regular employees in the owner’s freestanding single unit residence, in outbuildings accessory to such freestanding single unit residence, or any structure on owner-occupied farms.

  (4) Electrical installations performed as a part of a training project of a vocational school or other educational institution. However, the installation shall be inspected if the building in which the installation is made is to be used as a “complex structure”.

  (5) Electrical work performed by an electrician’s helper under the direct supervision of a person who holds an appropriate license issued under this chapter.

  (6) Any electrical work in a building used for dwelling or residential purposes that contains no more than two dwelling units.

  (7) Installation of solar electric modules and racking on complex structures to the point of connection to field-fabricated wiring and erection of net metered wind turbines. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1973, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 11, 1974; 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 20; 2009, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 18d, eff. June 4, 2010.)

• § 911. Penalty

  Any person who installs, replaces, or repairs any electrical installation except as provided in sections 882 and 910 of this title, without first obtaining an appropriate license under this subchapter, or employs a person to make any electrical installation for which he or she is not properly licensed under this chapter, or procures any license wrongfully or by fraud, shall be fined not more than $500.00 for each offense. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 21.)

• § 912. Repealed. 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 24.

• § 913. License fees and licenses

  All licenses shall be issued by the Chair of the Board. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1975, No. 118, § 77; 1999, No. 49, § 144.)

• § 914. Members of Board; per diem and expenses

  Each appointed member of the Board is entitled to a per diem and expenses as provided in 32 V.S.A. § 1010. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1987, No. 274 (Adj. Sess.), § 22.)

• § 915. Employment of inspectors; appropriation

  The Department of Public Safety is authorized to employ inspectors as necessary for carrying out the responsibilities of the Commissioner under section 893 of this title. (Added 1969, No. 284 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1979, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 1999, No. 49, § 145; 2003, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 10c, eff. April 1, 2005.)