Last updated: February 13, 2008
Electrical Codes
Contact local counties for code information regarding field practice.
Maryland has two separate codes for buildings. New buildings are governed by the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS), and buildings that are one year and older are governed by the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code (MBRC) or "Smart Codes." http://mdcodes.umbc.edu/
MARYLAND BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) (Ref: COMAR 05.02.07; Public Safety Article Title 12, Subtitle 6, Annotated Code of Maryland)
- 2006 International Building Code (IBC) w/modifications (Ref: COMAR 05.02.07)
- 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) w/modifications (Ref: COMAR 05.02.07)
STATE MODEL PERFORMANCE CODE (MPC)
- 2005 National Electrical Code
- 2006 International Building Code 2006 with DHCD modifications, Including:
2006 International Energy Conservation Code 2006 and
2006 International Existing Building Code 2006
2006 International Residential Code 2006 with DHCD modifications
2003 National Standard Plumbing Code 2003 illustrated with DLLR modifications
2006 International Mechanical Code 2006
- Maryland Accessibility Code
- Maryland State Fire Prevention Code with State Fire Marshal Modifications, Including:
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2006
Licensing: Electrical Inspectors/Services
Department of State Police
Office of the State Fire Marshal
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Phone: 410-653-8980 / 800-525-3124
FAX: 410-653-8988
http://www.firemarshal.state.md.us/
Codes can be found at: http://mdcodes.umbc.edu/
Inspection requirements:
State Fire Marshall authorizes electrical inspectors, who also have the responsibility of obtaining local approval and/or certification as may be required
Maryland Code, Public Safety Code, Title 12, Subtitle 6
"Authorized electrical inspection agency" means a nongovernmental organization approved by the State Fire Marshal to inspect electrical installations for conformity with the National Electrical Code or a local code.
Electrical installation.
"Electrical installation" means any installed: (1) electrical wires or conductors that transmit electric current for electric light, heat, or power purposes; (2) molding, duct, raceway, or conduit for the reception or protection of wires or conductors; or (3) electrical machinery, apparatus, device, or fixture.
Counties exempt from subtitle.
This subtitle does not apply to Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, or Montgomery County. Also, public utilities— This subtitle does not apply to public utilities, their affiliated companies, and electrical appliances and devices used in their work.
Certification of electrical installation required.
Within 15 days after completion, each electrical installation shall be certified by an authorized electrical inspection agency or a governmental unit that is qualified to issue electrical inspection certificates.
Licensing: Contractors
Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
500 North Calvert St., Room 302
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 230-6163 Fax: (410) 333-6314
www.dllr.state.md.us
Licensing requirements:
To do electrical work you must get a master electrician license from the Maryland Board of Master Electricians. Unless you qualify for a waiver, you must pass an exam given by PSI Examination Services before you can get an application from the Board.
The State Board of Master Electricians issues one category of license, that of Master Electrician. For many counties in the State, the Master Electricians license is a prerequisite to obtaining the county electrical license. The Board does not investigate complaints, that function is the responsibility of the county or local subdivision. The Board may take disciplinary action against a person's state license, however, if the person is reprimanded, or the person's license is suspended or revoked by the local subdivision.
| Master Electrician License |
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The master electrician license is needed by people who provide electrical services or engage with a business to provide electrical services. The only person in a business that needs to be licensed for electrical work is the master electrician. Other people may perform electrical work without individual state licenses as long as at least one person is a licensed Master Electrician. Electrical companies are not licensed, but they are required to employ a licensed Master Electrician who is insured to contract.
All applicants for a master electricians license must be regularly engaged in or employed to provide electrical services for all categories of electrical equipment for at least seven years, while under the direction and supervision of a master electrician.
Each Maryland county issues its own electrical license to operate in that particular county. An electrician must hold a license for each county where the electrician performs electrical services.
The state's Master Electrician license is a non-performing license; it may only be used by the person to obtain the necessary local electrician licenses.
A licensed Master Electrician may only assign the license to one company. A Master Electrician may not operate as an individual and then also assign the license to a company. If the Master Electrician assigns the license to a company, the Master Electrician is responsible for obtaining the permits for that company and is totally responsible for the electrical work the company performs.
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| Requirements: |
Pre-Approval
Must have been employed regularly in providing electrical services for at least seven (7) years, while under the supervision of a Master Electrician or a similarly qualified person of a government unit. The work must be documented in writing and the applicant must pass a comprehensive written examination.
Post-Approval
A licensee must provide evidence of insurance coverage for liability and property damage prior to being licensed as a Master Electrician insured to contract.
Local Approval
To perform electrical work in most jurisdictions throughout the state, the electrician must also obtain a local license and meet specific local requirements. Contact the county government for more information.
A person providing electrical services must obtain a local permit to perform each specific job. The work performed is then inspected by a local electrical inspector to determine if the work was completed correctly according to applicable electrical codes.
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| Fees: |
Initial application and exam fee: $40
An applicant obtains a qualification information handbook and application package through the privatized testing service, PSI Examination Services.
The applicant completes the application and returns it to PSI Examination Services with the applicable fee and supporting documents.
Upon review and approval of the application, the applicant is notified that he/she may schedule an examination which is given at least twice weekly at four different locations throughout Maryland.
Processing time:
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Initial full license fee for a two year license: $20 |
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| Renewal: |
Biennial renewal; Renewal fee: $25
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CE Requirements
There are none on the state level. Prince George's County and Cecil County do it on the local level.
Reciprocates
The Board issues licenses through reciprocity to individuals holding a current master electrician's license in the states of either Delaware or Virginia. Currently there is not reciprocity with licensees from other states.
The Board issues license, through reciprocity to individuals, who hold a current master electrician's license in one of the Maryland counties or Baltimore City.
State Websites
Here is a list of governmental websites to find the latest licensing and code information.
Submit Alteration
Use the Alteration form to request changes, updates, and other corrections to this page. You can also use this form if you wish to add a new jurisdiction. Requests must include source of information so that IAEI can verify it. You can also contact IAEI directly at directCONNECT@iaei.org.
 Submit Alteration Form
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