This document outlines Oregon's electrical licensing requirements and permit process. It discusses the scope of work allowed under different electrical licenses, including limited maintenance electrician, limited renewable energy technician, and limited energy technicians. It also describes Oregon's adoption of the 2014 National Electrical Code, including state-specific amendments. Finally, it provides details on the permit application and issuance process for electrical work in Oregon, including the types of permits and rules around temporary permits.

1. OREGON ELECTRICAL
SPECIALITY CODE
2008 NEC Adoption Changes, Scope
of Work by License, & Permit Process
& Requirements

2. Oregon Section - Outline
By Building Code Rule this course is required
to include these three topics.
1. Scope of the different licenses
2. Adoption changes and amendments that
the electrical division wrote to include in
the 2014 NEC acceptance.
3. Permit Process & Requirements

3. ORS 497 Licenses
The 2013 Legislative Session changed some of the
licensing requirements for the licenses we will talk
about today.
Lets take the licenses in order that they appear in your
handout and in the statute itself. The statutes not
only give a overview of what the license can do but
what is required to receive the license in the first
place.

4. Scope of the different licenses
Since we are dealing with a different types of
licenses, we will give a overview of the the
licenses listed below that we will cover in this
course:
1. Limited Maintenance electrician
2. Limited renewable energy technician
3. Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician
4. Limited Energy Tech – Class A
5. Limited Energy Tech – Class B

5. LIMITED MAINTENANCE
ELECTRICLAN (LME)
A person with this license is authorized to maintain,
repair and replace electrical installations, including
electrical components, required on the premises of
industrial plants, and maintain, repair and replace
electrical installations on systems that are less than
600 volts phase to phase, including electrical
components, required on the premises of
commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by
the state or a local government entity or facilities
designated by the electrical board.

6. LIMITED JOURNEMAN SIGN
ELECTRICIAN (SIG) 918-282-0220
A limited journeyman sign electrician:
(a) Installs and services electrical signs and
outline lighting;
(b) Shall be employed by a limited sign contractor;
(c) May extend a sign branch circuit not more
than 15 feet if the dedicated branch circuit exists
at that location; and

7. LIMITED JOURNEMAN SIGN
ELECTRICIAN (SIG) 918-282-0220
(d) Is not permitted to:
(A) Install a branch circuit from an electrical
panel;
(B) Install control equipment not located on the
same wall or post, inside or outside the building;
(C) Install branch circuits; or
(D) Perform work on service equipment.

8. LIMITED RENEWABLE
ENERGY TECHICIAN (LRT)
A person licensed under this subsection may,
while in the employ of a licensed electrical
contractor or a limited renewable energy
contractor:
(a) Install, maintain, replace or repair electrical
wiring and electrical products that convey or
operate on renewable electrical energy not
exceeding 25 kilowatts AC; and

9. LIMITED RENEWABLE
ENERGY TECHICIAN (LRT)
cont.
(b) Make electrical installations not exceeding 25
kilowatts AC:
(A) On devices using renewable energy
involving wind, solar energy systems,
micro-hydroelectricity, photovoltaic systems or
fuel cells.
(B) Up to the load side of an inverter.
(C) To connect generators that are sized to
facilitate the inverter in an off-grid system.

10. LIMITED ENERGY
TECHNICIANS
As we look at the two licenses that deal specifically
with limited energy, lets go through the
definitions used in conjunction with this field of
work.
1. Class A limited energy technician
2. Class B limited energy technician
3. HVAC
4. Limited energy electrical activity
5. Protective signaling

11. LIMITED ENERGY
TECHNICIANS
(1) “Class A limited energy technician” means
a person licensed to install, alter and repair
ALL limited energy systems.

12. LIMITED ENERGY
TECHNICIANS
(2) “Class B limited energy technician” means a
person licensed to install, alter and repair all
limited energy systems that DO NOT
INCLUDE PROTECTIVE SIGNALING,
including but not limited to:
(a) HVAC;
(b) Medical;
(c) Boiler controls;
(d) Intercom and paging systems;
(e) Clock systems;
(f) Data telecommunication installations;
(g) Instrumentation.

13. LIMITED ENERGY
TECHNICIANS
(3) “HVAC” means thermostat and associated
control wiring of heating, ventilation, air
conditioning and refrigeration systems. “HVAC”
does not include boiler controls.

14. LIMITED ENERGY
TECHNICIANS
(4) “Limited energy electrical activity” means
installation, alteration, maintenance,
replacement or repair of electrical wiring and
electrical products that do not exceed 100 volt-
amperes in Class 2 and Class 3 installations, or
that do not exceed 300 volt amperes for
landscape low voltage lighting systems that are
cord connected to a ground fault circuit
interrupter receptacle, under the electrical
specialty code and the Low-Rise Residential
Dwelling Code.

15. Class A Limited Energy Technician
(LEA)
Class A Limited Energy Technicians (LEA)
can install, maintain, service and modify all
limited energy installations including those
in the “protective signaling” arena.
This license has now been changed to a 3 year
apprenticeship (6000 hours) along with
approved schooling of 432 hours.

16. Class B Limited Energy Technician
(LEB)
Class B Limited Energy Technicians (LEA)
can install, maintain, service and modify all
limited energy installations EXCEPT those
in the “protective signaling” arena.
Most holders of the LEB license work in either
the data/telecommunication or HVAC fields
of work. It is a 2 year (4000hr)
apprenticeship with 288 classroom hours of
education.

17. 479.940 Activities not subject to licensure
under ORS 479.510 to 479.945;
identification cards.
(1) The licensure provisions of ORS 479.510 to
479.945 do not apply to the following activity on
Class II and III systems in one and two family
dwellings regulated under the Low-Rise
Residential Dwelling Code:
(a) Prewiring of cable television and
telephone systems owned by the owner of the
residence;
(b) Garage door openers;
(c) Vacuum systems;

18. 479.940 Activities not subject to licensure
under ORS 479.510 to 479.945;
identification cards.
(1)(d) Audio and stereo systems;
(e) HVAC;
(f) Landscape sprinkler controls;
(g) Landscape lighting; and
(h) Doorbells.
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section
apply only to persons or businesses licensed and in
good standing with the Construction Contractors
Board.

19. OREGON ELECTRICAL
SPECIALITY CODE 2014
918-305-0010 Scope of the Electrical Specialty Code
The Electrical Specialty Code applies to all nonexempt
electrical installations except as covered by the electrical
provisions of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code and is
inspected by an Electrical Specialty Code inspector.
918-305-0020 Governing Codes
The applicable Electrical Specialty Code for electrical
installations and alterations is:
(1) The Electrical Specialty Code provisions in effect at the
earlier of a request for plan review or application for a permit; or
(2) At the option of the applicant, the current Electrical Specialty
Code.

20. OREGON ELECTRICAL
SPECIALITY CODE 2014
READ OVER YOUR COPY OF THE OREGON
ELECTRICAL SPECIALITY CODE . Pay special
attention to the amendments the State of Oregon
has made to the NEC while adopting it.
REMEMBER AS EACH STATE ADOPTS THE
NEW NEC EACH 3 YEARS THEY NORMALLY
DO SO WITH SPECIFIC CHANGES TO THE
NEC PARTICULAR TO THEIR STATE AND
ADOPT THE NEW CODE ONLY WITH
THOSE CHANGES.

21. Permits
When do I need a Permit? Generally, a permit is
required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or
change the occupancy of a building or structure, or
to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, convert, or
replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing
system. For specific requirements, read more about
electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural
permit and inspection requirements.

22. The Permit Process
The applicant must submit a complete permit
application. The application can be submitted:
In person, at the counter.
By mail.
By fax.
Over the internet through
BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov.
The permit application is reviewed for completeness.

23. The Permit Process
When a permit cannot be issued the applicant is
notified by telephone, fax, mail or e-mail that:
Additional information is required.
A plan review is required.
Incorrect fees or no fees were submitted.
After receipt of the fee the permit is issued:
In person, at the counter.
By mail.
By fax.

24. The Permit Process
If purchased from BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov, the
Authorization To Begin Work allows the contractor to
begin work on the project, while at the same time
allowing the jurisdiction to declare the Authorization
null and void if the jurisdiction finds that issuance of
a permit is in conflict with a local ordinance or land
use laws.
The permit purchaser must contact the regulating
jurisdiction to resolve the issue:
In person, at the counter. By mail. By email.

25. The Permit Process
Complete permit applications received in person at the
counter will be processed while the customer waits.
Permit applications received through the mail, fax or
through the BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov E-
permitting Web site that are complete and have the
correct payment included will be processed within 1
business day of receipt. If there are minor omissions
that can be provided over the telephone by the
applicant, staff will complete the form and process
the application.

26. Types of Permits
There are basically 4 types of electrical permits
issued in Oregon:
1. Single job site permit
2. Master permit
3. Bulk permits
4. Minor Installation Labels

27. Temporary Permits
918-309-0080 Temporary Electrical Permit Rule
 (1) Authority and Scope of Rule. This rule:
 (a) Is required by ORS 479.550;
 (b) Applies to the Building Codes Division and all municipalities that
enforce the electrical laws;
 (c) Can only be used by a licensed electrical contractor.
 (2) Definitions. For the purposes of this rule only, the following
definitions are adopted:
 (a) “Emergency Electrical Work” is an acute, unplanned and
immediate need for electrical repair or replacement involving an
existing electrical installation or product or both;

28. Temporary Permits (cont)
 (b) “Licensed Electrical Contractor” or “Contractor” means any
type of electrical contractor licensed by the Building Codes
Division;
 (c) “Jurisdiction” means the Building Codes Division, a
municipality enforcing the electrical laws or municipality issuing
electrical permits having authority over the electrical work;
 (d) “Unanticipated Electrical Work” is electrical work, including
a new installation, requested by a customer where the timing of a
request for commencement of work does not reasonably allow
the contractor time to obtain an electrical permit before starting
the work:

29. Temporary Permits – (cont.)
 (A) This includes, but is not limited to, additional work assigned at
the work site as well as pre-assigned work when the customer
requests service at an unplanned date or time;
 (B) This does not include electrical work where a permit already
exists covering all or part of the work.
 (3) Temporary Permit. A jurisdiction shall recognize the existence of
a temporary electrical permit when the contractor encounters
“emergency electrical work” or “unanticipated electrical work,”
complies with section (4) of this rule and does electrical work

30. Temporary Permits (cont)
 (4) Temporary Permit Procedures. The contractor must comply
with subsection (a) of this section and with one of the
requirements of subsections (b) to (d) of this section:
 (a) Prior to commencing work, the contractor shall fill out a
standard form electrical permit application for any jurisdiction,
identify the proper jurisdiction, identify the contractor, and
provide the electrical contractor and Construction Contractors
Board identifications:
 (A) The standard permit application form covering electrical
installations can be used in any transaction, except the fees shall
be that of the jurisdiction where the work is done;

31. Temporary Permits – (cont.)
 (B) A restricted energy electrical application can only be used if the
work is strictly covered by that permit;
 (C) The temporary permit must be signed by the journeyman or
technician that does the work or by a supervising electrician;
 (D) A copy must be posted at the job site marked “temporary
permit,” showing the starting work date and the ending date of the
temporary permit. The ending date shall not be more than seven
days from the starting date.

32. Temporary Permits – (cont.)
 (b) FAX a copy to the jurisdiction and mail the original with
proper payment to the jurisdiction all within seven days of the
start of the work;
 (c) If the jurisdiction does not have a FAX machine, telephone
the jurisdiction informing it of the time, place and type of work
that was started within 24 hours of the opening for business by
the jurisdiction, and mail a copy of the completed application
and payment within seven days of the start of the work; or
 (d) If the jurisdiction has a recording device, call in the time,
place and type of work within 12 hours of the start of work and
complete the electrical permit application and payment within
seven days of the start of the work.

33. Temporary Permits – (cont.)
 (5) If bulk label or minor label procedures are appropriate for the
electrical installation and are allowed by the jurisdiction, those
procedures may be followed in lieu of the requirements of this rule.
 (6) An inspection shall be requested at any time following the
temporary permit procedures. A jurisdiction may, but is not required
to, require permit fees before providing an inspection.
 (7) Burden of Proof and Assumed Risks. The contractor who uses
this rule has:

34. Temporary Permits – (cont.)
 (a) The burden of proving that an “emergency” or
“unanticipated electrical work” existed which justified using this
rule; and
 (b) Assumes all risks that are inherent with starting electrical
installations before review and approval by the jurisdiction.
 (8) In addition to civil penalties that may be assessed for
violation of this rule, the use of this rule may be suspended,
restricted or denied to a contractor who violates this rule more
than once.

35. Minor Labels
http://www.bcd.oregon.gov/programs/minorlabel/minor_label_programs.html

36. 479.540(9)
 Study the many different requirements set by
statute that restrict the use of Minor Labels.
These include their restriction from use if
penetrating a firestopping assembly.
 Another restriction is use when installing more
than 10 drops in data/telecommunication
systems.

37. Use of Minor Installation Labels
 (1) Persons who may be issued and use minor labels. Minor
installation labels may only be issued to and used for installations
under the minor label programs permitted by OAR 918-050-
0500 through 918-050-0520 and 918-100-0000 through 918-100-
0060 by:
 (a) An electrical contractor employing a properly licensed general
supervising electrician only as authorized by OAR 918-309-0220;
 (b) A limited maintenance specialty contractor or a limited
maintenance specialty contractor-HVAC/R only as authorized
by OAR 918-309-0220;

38. Use of Minor Installation Labels
 (c) A restricted energy contractor only as authorized by OAR
918-309-0220;
 (d) A limited renewable energy contractor only as authorized by
OAR 918-309-0220;
 (e) A limited pump installation specialty contractor only as
authorized by OAR 918-309-0220;
 (f) A limited energy contractor only as authorized by OAR 918-
309-0220; and
 (g) A registered telecommunications service provider only as
authorized by OAR 918-309-0220.

39. Use of Minor Installation Labels
(cont)
(2) Except as allowed under OAR 918-309-0220(3)(a) and (b), minor labels shall
not be used for:
(a) Underground electrical installations;
(b) Electrical installations that require a cover inspection;
(c) Installations involving GFCI or AFCI devices other than 15 or 20 amp, 125-
volt receptacles and circuit breakers;
(d) Any electrical installations that are covered by Chapter 5 or Article 680
(Swimming Pools, Fountains, or Similar Installations) of the National Electrical
Code, as adopted in OAR 918-305-0100, or Chapter 41 of the One- and Two-
Family Dwelling Specialty Code, as adopted in OAR 918-480-0005;
(e) Protective signaling; and
(f) New construction.

40.  918-309-0220 Scope of Electrical Work
Allowed with Minor Installation Label
 Except as provided in OAR 918-309-0200 which allows a person
to insist on using a permit rather than a label, or where the
transaction involves a component of an appliance exempted
under OAR 918-261-0020, minor installation labels shall be used
by:
 (1) A contractor with a signing supervisor, where the installation
does not exceed 240 volts for:
 (a) Extension of not more than two existing branch electrical
circuits limited to 30 amps each and, if relevant, connection of
an appliance authorized under sections (2) and (3) of this rule;

41. 918-309-0220 Scope of Electrical Work
Allowed with Minor Installation Label
 (b) Installation of one new electrical circuit limited to 30 amps and,
if relevant, connection of an appliance authorized under sections (2)
and (3) of this rule;
 (c) Repair or replacement of damaged components of existing
electrical equipment including services not to exceed 200 amps,
provided a reconnect is not required by the serving utility. For
reconnects, see OAR 918-309-0040(10) for services; and
 (d) The single installation of the appliances, repair or replacement
activities authorized by sections (2) and (3) of this rule;
 (e) Replacement of multiple switches, circuit breakers, receptacles,
light fixtures, smoke detectors, or GFCI or AFCI circuit breakers
and receptacles of 15-20 amp, 125-volt in a dwelling unit.

42. 918-309-0220 Scope of Electrical Work Allowed with
Minor Installation Label – (cont.)
 (2) A limited maintenance specialty contractor or a limited
maintenance specialty contractor-HVAC/R where the installation
does not exceed 120-240 volts single phase for repair or replacement
of:
 (a) A furnace, oil or gas, not to exceed 20 amps;
 (b) A fan not to exceed 20 amps;
 (c) A dishwasher or garbage disposal, not to exceed 20 amps;
 (d) A water heater, which involves an electrical circuit, not to exceed
30 amps;
 (e) An electrical furnace, air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit;

43. 918-309-0220 Scope of Electrical Work
Allowed with Minor Installation Label –
(cont.)
 (f) A defective ballast, or up to five ballasts under one label. (For
more than five ballasts, inspections shall be performed as a
branch circuit permit or hourly rate authorized under OAR 918-
309-0070(8)); or
 (g) An item in this section and any related transaction under
section (3) of this rule if the contractor employs a licensed
general supervising electrician or Class "A" or "B" limited energy
technician, the work is within the person's scope of license, and
that person does the work allowed.