Code Adoption

Department of Consumer & Business Services (BCD)
Building Codes Division
1535 Edgewater NW
Salem, OR 97310
(503) 373-1268
(503) 378-2322 FAX
www.cbs.state.or.us

• Adopted Code. 2008 National Electrical Code, effective April 1, 2008
  
  
• Adoption type: State-wide. Local jurisdictions must adhere to the state regulations and cannot impose requirements that are either more stringent or less stringent than those of the state.

At a Glance: Licensing Requirements

• Electrical Inspectors? Yes
  
  
• Electricians? Yes
  
  
• Contractors? Yes

Licensing: Electrical Inspectors/Services and Contractors

Oregon's electrical licensing program is very detailed and complex. For the most up-to-date information, and expanded requirements, please check out the State of Oregon's License Directory and look under the Building Codes Division for individual licenses.

All electrical contractors and electricians must be licensed and bonded by the Building Codes Division AND the Construction Contractors Board. Individuals are required to be licensed via the Building Codes Division, while companies must be licensed by both (contractors).

Licensing requirements

Electrical Inspector (EI)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Electrical Inspectors conduct on-site construction inspections of electrical work and may review construction plans for all work regulated by the Electrical Specialty Code.

Requirements:

Four years experience as a licensed general journeyman electrician and a current valid Oregon general supervising electrician license;
A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, plus three years approved experience in design, inspection or supervision of installations covered by the National Electrical Code or Electrical Specialty Code or
Equivalent experience or qualifications approved by the board.

After October 1, 2005, a person must also possess a valid Oregon Inspector Certification prior to performing inspections.
To work as an Electrical Inspector in Oregon you must possess:
an Electrical Inspector Certification obtained prior to 10/1/05, or
an Oregon Inspector Certification and certification as an Oregon Electrical Inspector issued after 10/1/05.

This certification is issued by the Building Codes Division (BCD) to demonstrate that a person has passed a division-approved examination that covers Oregon laws relating to state building codes, including, but not limited to architectural barrier laws governing accessibility to buildings by disabled persons.

You must obtain an OIC in order to work in Oregon using the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications: Building Official Legal Management, Building Plans Examiner, Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Mechanical Inspector, Fire Plans Examiner, Residential Building Inspector, or Residential Mechanical Inspector.

Fees:

• Application fee: $22

CE Requirements:

• Those with electrical licenses shall maintain their license. During electrical code change years, the code change credits shall be obtained prior to or no later than six months after the effective date of the applicable code.
• Those electrical inspectors who do not have an electrical license shall obtain at least eight hours of continuing education credits each year.
  

Electrical Inspectors, 1 & 2 Family Dwelling/Residential (CAE)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to conduct on-site construction inspections of electrical work regulated by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, excluding apartment buildings.

Requirements:

Applicants for certification as a one and two family dwelling/residential electrical inspector must demonstrate compliance with at least one of the following minimum experience, education and training requirements:

• A current division certification as an Electrical Specialty Code inspector;
• Experience designing or installing electrical systems as a general journeyman electrician or limited residential journeyman electrician or their respective equivalents;
• 3,200 hours of experience as an electrical inspector in another jurisdiction inspecting electrical installations in A-level or B-level structures or dwellings for compliance with a recognized code for electrical installations;
• 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours education and training in electrical engineering which includes designing and installing electrical systems through a college or community college;
• Current division certification as a 1 & 2 family dwelling/residential inspector and 1,000 hours experience administering and enforcing another provision of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code and confirmation by the building official of the jurisdiction that employs the applicant that the applicant has completed a 1 & 2 family dwelling/residential electrical inspector cross-training program that meets the minimum requirements established by the division.

Any combination of experience or education listed in subsections (2) through (4) designing, installing or inspecting electrical systems totaling 4,800 hours.

Applicants certified by nationally recognized certification body to to inspect electrical installations in A-level or B-level structures or dwellings according to a recognized code in electrical installations will be granted 1,000 hours toward the experience requirement listed in subsections 2 or 3.

Fees:

• Application fee: $22

CE Requirements:

• Persons performing inspections and plan review in Oregon are required to obtain at least 16 hours of continuing education every three years, beginning January 1, 2006.
• At least one course during each three-year cycle shall be a division-approved code-change course related to the scope of work allowed under each certification, if the code related to that specific certification changed during the cycle.

Electrical Contractor (C)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Needs to also register with the Construction Contractors Board

An electrical contractor license is a specialized license allowing a company to engage in the business of making electrical installations. This license is required in addition to licensing and bonding required by the Construction Contractors Board.

Requirements:

• All electrical work must be under actual supervision of a licensed supervising electrician
• All electrical contractors are required to hold a supervisors license or to employ a licensed supervisor that is identified as the "signing supervisor". The signing supervisor is the one that signs all the permit applications and is the individual directly responsible for the technical performance of the work by all the crew that works for the contractor, including the requirements for use of licensed people and the ratio of the apprentices under training to journeymen on a job.
• Contractors also must register with the Construction Contractor's Board

Fees:

• License fee: $250

Renewal:

• Biannually, on even years; Renewal fee: $250
  

Electrical contractor license (COMPANY)

License Type: CORPORATE
Register With: Construction Contractors Board

State of Oregon business licenses may be issued either to firms or individuals.

Requirements:

• All electrical work must be under actual supervision of a licensed supervising electrician
• All electrical contractors are required to hold a supervisors license or to employ a licensed supervisor that is identified as the "signing supervisor". The signing supervisor is the one that signs all the permit applications and is the individual directly responsible for the technical performance of the work by all the crew that works for the contractor, including the requirements for use of licensed people and the ratio of the apprentices under training to journeymen on a job.

Fees:

• License fee: $125

Renewal:

• Annually, all electrical contractor licenses expire on October 1 each year; Renewal fee: $125
  

— For additional types of contractors, please visit the Oregon State Licensing Website —

Electrician, General Journeyman (J)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Requirements:

• At least four years apprenticeship as a general electrician, or equivalent experience
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $10
• License fee: $100

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• Triannually; Renewal fee: $100

Electrician, General Supervising (S)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license will permit the holder to perform any electrical installation when employed by either a licensed electrical contractor or an industrial plant. This license authorizes the holder to direct, supervise, perform, or control the making of any electrical installation.

Requirements:

• Submit notarized verification of at least four years - (8,000 hours) experience with a general journeyman electrician license or provides proof of equivalent experience (8 years - 16,000 hours), 2,000 each in residential, commercial, and industrial.
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $10
• License fee: $100 every three years

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• Triannually; Renewal fee: $100

Electrician, Limited Building Maintenance (BME)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to maintain, repair, and replace electrical appliances, light switches and fixtures, fans, receptacles, and fluorescent ballasts on the premises of commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by the state, a local government entity, or facilities designated by the Building Codes Division in electrical systems not exceeding 300 volts to ground.

Requirements:

• The minimum work hours under each subject shall not be less than the hours specified. No more than 300 percent credit shall be allowed under subjects (a) through (f) for any one subject: (a) Electrical appliances, 100 hours; (b) Light switches, 250 hours; (c) Light fixtures, 200 hours; (d) Fans, 100 hours; (e) Receptacles, 250 hours; (f) Fluorescent Ballasts, 300 hours
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During Each three-year license period, all licensees shall compete a minimum of 4 hours of approved code change continuing education.

Renewals:

• Triannually

Electrician, Limited Energy Technician, Class A (LEA)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the person to install, alter and repair all limited energy systems. "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 One and Two Family Dwelling Code.

Requirements:

• Complete a four-year apprenticeship program or provide proof of equivalent experience as outlined in ORS 479.630 (5) and OAR 918-282-0345. Submit four years' (8,000 hours) notarized work experience.
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• This license renews every three years. The next renewal will be October 1, 2008. 

Electrician, Limited Energy Technician, Class B (LEB)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to install, alter,or repair all limited energy systems that do not include protective signaling, including but not limited to: 1. HVAC; 2. Medical; 3. Boiler controls; 4. Intercom and paging systems; 5. Clock Systems; 6. Data telecommunications Installations; 7. Instrumentation (industrial only). "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 One and Two Family Dwelling Code.

Requirements:

• Complete an approved apprenticeship program or provide proof of equivalent experience, as outlined in ORS 479.630 (5) and OAR 918-282-0365.
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• This license renews every three years.

Electrician, Limited Journeyman, Manufacturing Plant (PJ)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to perform an electrical installation, or repair, replace, or maintain electrical wiring and electrical products on or in an existing and operable manufacturing or industrial plant that is owned or used by the license holder's employer.

Requirements:

• Complete an approved apprenticeship program or submit proof of equivalent experience, as outlined in ORS 479.630 (5)and OAR 918-282-0190. Submit four yearsý (8,000 hours) notarized work experience.
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Must pass a written examination

Fees:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• This license renews every three years. The next renewal will be October 1, 2008. 

Electrician, Limited Journeyman, Sign (SIG)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to perform electrical sign and outline lighting installations. The installations shall not extend beyond a junction box installed by an electrical contractor or property owner.

Requirements:

• Four years (8,000 hours) experience in servicing signs
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During Each three-year license period, all licensees shall compete a minimum of 4 hours of approved code change continuing education.

Renewals:

• This license renews every three years.

Electrician, Limited Journeyman, Stage (ST)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Stage Electricians install, repair, or maintain temporary wiring and portable electrical equipment used in the production of stage or theater presentations.

Requirements:

• Applicants must present evidence of four years (8,000 hours) experience in stage lighting, and must pass a written examination
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During Each three-year license period, all licensees shall compete a minimum of 4 hours of approved code change continuing education.

Renewals:

• 3 years or less, depending on the date of issue.

Electrician, Limited Maintenance (LME)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to repair and maintain electrical equipment of a type normally found in an industrial plant, commercial office buildings, buildings owned or operated by the state, or a local government entity or institution.

Requirements:

• Complete a two-year apprenticeship program or provide proof of equivalent experience as outlined in ORS 479.630 (5) and OAR 918-282-0240. Submit two years (4,000 hours) notarized work experience.
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.

Fees:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewals:

• 3 years or less, depending on the date of issue.

Electrician, Limited Maintenance Manufactured Structures (LMM)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Needs to also register with the Construction Contractors Board

This license allows a person to repair, maintain, or service mobile homes or RVs and their attached equipment other than the service supplying power.

Requirements:

• Provide proof of two years' (4,000 hours) experience working for a manufacturer or a licensed limited maintenance mobile home/RV electrician.
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
• Contractors also must register with the Construction Contractor's Board

Fees:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewal:

• 3 years or less, depending on the date of issue.

Electrician, Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

This license allows the holder to install, maintain, replace, or repair electrical wiring and electrical; products that convey or operate on renewable electrical energy not exceeding 25 KVA, according to the requirements of ORS 479.630.

Requirements:

• "Complete a two-year apprenticeship program as outlined in ORS 479.630 and OAR 918-282-0035 (2) OR,
  B. Provide verifiable proof acceptable to the division of equivalent experience as outlined in ORS 479.630 and OAR 918-282-0035 (3). Item C of this section will be repealed January 1, 2004."
• Licensee must be employed by a limited renewable energy contractor or an electrical contractor.
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.
  

Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During Each three-year license period, all licensees shall compete a minimum of 4 hours of approved code change continuing education.

Renewals:

• 3 years or less, depending on the date of issue.

Electrician, Limited Residential (LR)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Needs to also register with the Construction Contractors Board

This license allows the holder to perform electrical installations on single or multi-family dwelling units not exceeding three floors above grade.
The following restrictions apply to the holder of this license: A. Licensee must work under the supervision, direction, or control of a general supervisor electrician; B. Licensee is limited to making installations in residential dwelling units.

Requirements:

• Complete a two-year apprenticeship program or provide proof of equivalent experience as outlined in ORS 479.630 (5) and OAR 918-282-0180.Submit two years' (4,000 hours) notarized work experience.
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.

Fees:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewal:

• Triannually
  

Electrician, Limited Supervisor, Manufacturing Plant (PS)

License Type: INDIVIDUAL
Register With: Building Codes Division

Needs to also register with the Construction Contractors Board

This license will permit the holder to direct, supervise, or perform the making of any electrical installation, except a service, in or on the manufacturing or industrial plant that the regular employer manages or owns.

Requirements:

• Submit proof of at least four years' (8,000 hours) experience with a limited journeyman manufacturing plant license, specializing in the industrial plant field, or proof of 16,000 legally obtained hours.
• Must pass a written examination
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, a GED certificate, or a military record (DD214) showing proof of high school completion.

Fees:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee: $10

CE Requirements:

• During each three-year license period, all licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education. Of these 24 required continuing education hours you must have a minimum of 8 code change hours. The other 16 hours can be either code change or code related.

Renewal:

• Triannually

CE Requirements

Varies with license type; please see descriptions above

Reciprocates

Arkansas: Journeyman & Supervisor to Master; Idaho: Journeyman & Supervisor to Master; Maine: Journeyman; Massachusetts: Journeyman; Montana: Journeyman; Utah: Journeyman & Supervisor to Master; Wyoming: Journeyman