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January 7, 2020

INSPECTOR PERSPECTIVE

IECRM contractors, NECA members and state and local electrical inspectors recently held their monthly meeting to discuss National Electrical Code issues, interpretations, and implications for inspectors who assist electrical contractors in multiple jurisdictions in Colorado.

Starting December 1, 2019, applicants wishing to take the Colorado electrician’s licensing examination (exam) should contact the exam vendor, PSI, directly. The Division of Professions and Occupations (Division) is no longer requiring applicants to be pre-approved for the exam. Applicants may register for the exam on the PSI website on or after December 1, 2019.  PSI will permit an applicant to take the exam after confirming the following:

  1. Applicant has completed the required PSI registration process.
  2. Applicant pays the exam registration fee to PSI.

Applicants seeking a Colorado electrical license must pass the exam before applying for licensure at the Division. After passing the exam, applicants must complete the application for licensure for the Division of Professions and Occupations and demonstrate the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for licensure set by Colorado law. The application for licensure can be found on the State Electrical Board’s website. 

Please Note:

Per Colorado Electrical Law and Board Rules, you MUST have all required education and experience completed for the license type you are seeking BEFORE you are eligible to take the examination. Failure to meet the requirements before taking an examination could result in a referral to the Colorado Electrical Board and disciplinary action.

Per Colorado Electrical Law and Board Rules, it is not possible to obtain a Master Electrician (ME) license using experience only if you only hold an Apprentice (APE) or Residential Wireman (RW) license. You must first obtain a Journeyman Wireman (JW) license to gain the required supervision experience for the ME license. 

Xcel Energy Update: Any questions for evaluation in the field for service installations should be initiated from the builders call line.  1-800-628-2121 www.xcelenergy.com

Field problems updates:

Question-Can Eaton type CL breakers be used in other manufactures panel’s?
Answer-Click here to find literature provided by Eaton for use of their CL breakers in other than Eaton manufactured panels.  The literature states these breakers ”have been classified by UL for use in place of UL listed circuit breakers in UL listed panelboards/meter centers.”  Consensus was the use of these breakers in other than Eaton manufactured panels may result in a voided panel warranty.

 

 

 

Question-Are jurisdictions requiring existing electrode systems be brought up to current NEC adopted standards with new service installations?
Answer-Consensus was yes.

Question-Are jurisdictions requiring hard wired wall mounted ovens to have a disconnecting means?
Answer-Consensus was yes, if they are hard wired they must be provided a disconnecting means other than the disconnecting means as described in 422.33.  Either of the means as described in 422.31 or 422.34 are acceptable. 

Question-Are jurisdictions requiring a supply side bonding conductor in place of the grounded conductor be utilized to bond non-current carrying metal parts ahead of the service disconnecting means?
Answer-Consensus was either the grounded conductor as described in 250.142, conductive raceways utilizing connections as described in 250.92(B) or a supply side bonding conductor installed in accordance with 250.92 are code compliant methods of bonding ahead of the service disconnect.

Question-Are jurisdictions requiring a grounding conductor be ran with the existing feeders for a structure that was in compliance when initially installed.
Answer-Consensus was no, the grounded conductor is permitted to serve as the ground fault return path.  Reference NEC 250.32B(1)exception No. 1

 Question-Are jurisdictions still requiring the inside of recessed lighting fixtures to be covered to prevent the infiltration of any paint or drywall mud.
Answer-Consensus was yes, recessed lighting (especially those utilizing thermal protection devices) shall be installed per their manufacturers listing.  Reference NEC 110.3(B)

 

If you are an IECRM contractor member interested in attending these monthly IECRM/NECA sponsored meetings for state and local electrical inspectors, please contact Paul Lingo, IECRM Training Director, [email protected], 303.853.4886. 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.