New Electrical Code And Other Possible WAC Changes
The 2008 version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) has recently been published. This rule development process will evaluate the 2008 NEC for appropriateness with Washington’s needs and for economic impacts before implementing the 2008 NEC. This rule development process will include
possible modification to all sections of WAC 296-46B.
The Department Is Seeking Stakeholder Input For Proposed Rule Changes
Any stakeholder in the electrical industry may make proposals for additions and/or revisions to the Washington Administrative Code WAC 296-46B – Electrical Safety Standards, Administration, and Installation electrical rules. Proposals, from stakeholders, may be submitted from January 1, 2008,
through March 31, 2008. Proposal submission guidelines are detailed below. Rules are developed to aid both stakeholders and the department in clarification or enforcement of the intent of the electrical statute. Technical changes require evidence of a specific problem and
substantiation that the proposal will provide a solution for that problem. The department is responsible and has final authority for developing all rules. The department will act as the correlating body during the rule development process and may at any time promote rule change as necessary to accommodate statutory change or department policies or procedures.
Proposals For Change
The form shown in this edition must be used to submit rule proposals for the 2008 revision cycle. An electronic fill-in version of the form is available on the website homepage:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Electrical
Industry proposals must be received from January 1, 2008, through March 31, 2008.
The submitter may submit a proposal(s) by:
o Sending the proposal(s) as an email attachment to mailto:TAC2008@lni.wa.gov; or
o Mailing a compact disc containing the proposal(s) to Chief Electrical Inspector, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA, 98504-4460.
Proposals will not be accepted before or after these dates.
All proposals to WAC 296-46B must be made electronically using the form supplied by the department.
All proposals must clearly identify original language as “new text.” Proposed revisions should include the relevant existing text and should
use the legislative format (i.e. Use underscore (or underlining) to denote wording to be inserted (e.g. inserted wording) and strike-through to denote wording to be deleted (e.g. deleted wording)). Proposals not submitted according to these instructions will be rejected.
Keep Informed
There will not be a specific mailing list for this WAC process. Special WAC update postings will be maintained using the Electrical Program’s Electrical Listserv, internet website, and Electrical Currents newsletter.
The best way to stay informed of the WAC process and other electrical issues is to join the Electrical Listserv at:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Main/Listservs/Electrical.asp
General Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC process has proven to be very valuable in past years. The department will again appoint an advisory General TAC made up of experts and interest group representatives to review and make recommendations on proposals from the electrical industry. Persons interested in becoming TAC members must submit a letter of interest for specific positions to the Chief Electrical Inspector, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA, 98504-4460 to be received from March 1, 2008, to March 31, 2008. The letter should show constituency support for the prospective member. All
applications will be evaluated to determine that the applicant meets the requirements for the position. The General TAC makeup will be based on an equitable distribution relative to proportion of involvement within the electrical industry in Washington. TAC membership provides an opportunity for everyone interested in the Electrical Program’s WAC development to participate in the process.
If necessary, each successful candidate may have an alternate attend the General TAC meeting. There will be no formal alternate assigned by the department. Any TAC member that is absent must notify the Chief Electrical Inspector of the alternate’s name one day prior to the General TAC meeting. Failure to make the required notification will result in the position being vacant during the meeting.
The TAC – Process
The TAC will make recommendations on industry proposals and identify proposals that may have an economic impact on other specialties, small businesses, construction costs, or the cost of enforcement. TAC representatives must have decision-making authority at the committee meeting. Members who know they will be absent from a TAC meeting should make every effort to send an alternate. The TAC must review and evaluate proposals based on the need:
o To address a critical life/safety need;
o To address a specific state policy/statute;
o To maintain a fair competitive environment;
o To address a unique character of the State; or
o To correct errors and omissions.
The TAC will operate on a majority basis. A majority vote in support of a motion, of members in attendance, will be considered as significant support for the motion made on a specific proposal. The TAC can propose amended language to a proposal. All TAC members share an equal vote. The
department will consider all TAC recommendations.
2008 WAC Revision Process – Proposed Sequence Of Events
o October 2007 – File CR 101 – pre-proposal statement of inquiry
o January 1, 2008 – Proposals from stakeholders to: amend or add to the existing WAC
o March 31, 2008 – Close proposal period
o March 2008 – Accept applications for TAC
o May or June 2008 – General TAC meeting, Seattle area
o August 2008 – File CR 102 –rule filing (opens the official required public comment period)
o September 2008 – Public hearing(s)
o October/November 2008 – File CR 103 – rulemaking order (adoption)
o December 2008 – Effective rule
General TAC – Membership
Chairperson– Chief Electrical Inspector (non voting)
3 Electrical Board Members
1 Plumber
1 Consumer
7 01 Contractor
1 Training School
9 01 Journeyman Electrician
1 Continuing Education Provider
1 02 Residential Contractor
1 JATC
1 02 Specialty Electrician
1 Electrical Manufacturer Representative
1 03 Specialty Electrician
1 L&I Inspection Supervisor
1 06 Specialty Contractor
2 City Regulator (Supervisor & Inspector)
1 06 Specialty Electrician
1 WA Manufacturing Business
2 06A Specialty Contractor
1 Electrical Engineer
2 06A Specialty Electrician
1 Electrical Testing Laboratory
1 07 Nonresidential Maint. Electrician