VERMONT

1 | P a g e

VERMONT

ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES

2017

====================================================================

The Vermont Electricians’ Licensing Board

and the Vermont Department of Public Safety

Division of Fire Safety

Effective Date: October 1, 2017

| P a g e 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
l.  PURPOSE OF THE RULES ....................................................................................................... 3 
ADOPTION OF THE RULES ..................................................................................................... 3 
ELECTRICAL LICENSING ....................................................................................................... 3 
1. Master Electrician ......................................................................................................... 4 
2 Journeyman Electrician .................................................................................................. 4 
3 Type-S Journeyman Electrician ..................................................................................... 5 
4 Application; Examinations and Fees .............................................................................. 6 
5 Renewal of License ........................................................................................................ 6 
6 Revocation, suspension and refusal of renewal of license ............................................. 7 
DUTIES OF THE LICENSEE ..................................................................................................... 7 
ADOPTION OF NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SAFETY STANDARDS ............................. 8 
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ……………………………………………………………..…..9 
WORK NOTICE, FEES, INSPECTION, ENERGIZING, INSTALLATIONS, CERTIFICATE 
OF COMPLETION ............................................................................................................ 10 
1 Work Notice ................................................................................................................. 10 
2 Work Notice Fees......................................................................................................... 10 
3 Inspection ..................................................................................................................... 10 
4 Energizing Installations ................................................................................................ 11 
POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT ............................................................................................... 11 
LICENSING DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE………………………………………….……11 
1 Initiating a complaint against a licensee ....................................................................... 11 
2 Initiating the investigation ............................................................................................ 12 
3 Recommended action ................................................................................................... 12 
4 Formal hearing by the board ........................................................................................ 12 
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE ......................................................... 14 
ANNEX I - 
VSA CHAPTER 15: ELECTRICIANS AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ..... 15 
ANNEX II - 
ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS ................................................................... 16 
ANNEX III - 
HOW TO OBTAIN STANDARDS AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ....................... 17 
ANNEX IV - 
HOW TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY ............................................. 17 

3 | P a g e

l. PURPOSE OF THE RULES

The purpose of these rules is to protect the

people of the State of Vermont from the risk of

fire or electrocution from unsafe electrical

installation, by the adoption and enforcement of

nationally recognized safety codes and by the

licensure, education and training, of people doing

electrical installation work. The State of

Vermont’s law regarding electricians and

electrical installations (Chapter 15 of Title 26,

Vermont Statutes Annotated) is referenced in

Annex I. Further information about these rules

and their application may be obtained from the;

Division of Fire Safety

1311 U.S. Route 302, Suite 600

Barre, VT 05641-2354

Telephone: 802-479-7561

Website:www.firesafety.vermont.gov

2. ADOPTION OF THE RULES

(a) These rules are adopted by the Commissioner

of Public Safety and the Electricians’ Licensing

Board pursuant to 26 V.S.A. Chapter 15, to license

people doing electrical work and to adopt and

enforce nationally recognized safety codes.

(b) Existing electrical installations that do not

comply with the provisions of these rules shall be

permitted to be continued in use unless the

authority having jurisdiction determines that the

lack of conformity with these rules presents an

imminent danger. Where changes are required

for correction of hazards, a reasonable amount of

time shall be given for compliance, depending on

the degree of the hazards.

(c) These rules do not apply to:

(1) The construction, installation, operation,

repair or maintenance of electrical

installations which are used by a public

utility in rendering its authorized service,

including communications, metering,

generation, control, transformation,

transmission or distribution of electric

energy; nor to the installation, operation,

repair

and

wiring

associated

with

telecommunication

services

and

equipment used for the transmission of

information by electricity regardless of

the location of such electrical

installations, equipment or facilities.

(2) Electrical installations in ships, aircraft,

pipeline systems, railway rolling stock,

automotive equipment, or portable sound

equipment.

(3) The manufacture, testing or repair of

electrical equipment in the plant of the

manufacturer of the equipment.

(4) The construction repairs or maintenance

of buildings used exclusively for

agricultural purposes on owner occupied

farms.

(5) Manufactured or mobile homes owned by

the occupant and located on leased land

or in a mobile home park. The rules do

apply to the electrical service and feeder

for such units.

(6) A single-family owner occupied dwelling.

3. ELECTRICAL LICENSING

With limited exceptions, anyone performing

electrical work in the State of Vermont, other

than in a residential building containing two or

fewer dwelling units or electrical work regulated

under the National Electrical Code, article 800,

Communications Circuits, is required to be

licensed as an electrician. The exceptions to the

licensing requirement are contained in 26 V.S.A. §

910, which is reference in Annex I.

An elevator or lift mechanic licensed in

accordance with 21 V.S.A. § 145 is permitted to

install, alter or maintain electrical wiring

required for an elevator or lift beginning after

the main electrical disconnect for the

elevator or lift. The main disconnect for the

4 | P a g e

elevator or lift and building wiring and devices

associated with an elevator or lift, such as

electrical lights, receptacles and fire alarm

devices are required to be installed by an

electrician licensed under this section.

To become licensed to do electrical work in the

State of Vermont an applicant must meet the

requirements established by the following

sections:

3.1 MASTER ELECTRICIAN

(a) To be eligible for licensure as a master

electrician, an applicant shall:

(1) have been licensed as, and working as, a

journeyman electrician under this chapter

for at least two years; or

(2) have had comparable experience and

training, within or without this state,

acceptable to the board; and

(3) pass an examination to the satisfaction of

the board.

(b) Upon successful completion of the

examination and payment of the required fee, the

applicant shall receive a master electrician's

license in the form of a wallet-size card. This

license shall be carried by the master electrician

at all times while performing his or her trade and

shall be displayed upon request. Upon the

request by the licensee and upon payment of the

required fee, the board shall issue a license

certificate suitable for framing.

(c) A person licensed under this chapter as a

master electrician is entitled to design, install,

repair, maintain and replace electrical

installations including work in the specialty fields

designated in Section 3.3 of these rules, as his or

her principal business or in the course of another

business conducted by him or her, and may

employ other persons licensed under this chapter

or electrician's helpers to perform work in

connection with electrical installations under his

or her direction.

In the case of an apprentice or helper, “under

his or her direction” means either that the

master is physically present on the work site and

is immediately available to direct and supervise

that apprentice or helper, or that a journeyman

under the master’s direction is immediately

available to direct and supervise that apprentice

or helper.

3.2 JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN

(a) To be eligible for licensure as a journeyman

electrician an applicant shall:

(1) provide verification by the Vermont

apprenticeship council of completion of

an apprenticeship in electrical wiring

which included both instruction and

practice in work processes; or

(2) have had equivalent training acceptable

to the board; and

(3) pass an examination to the satisfaction of

the board.

(b) The board may approve an applicant who has

completed the instruction portion of the

apprenticeship program to take the examination

prior to completion of the practice in work

experience. Where an applicant has successfully

completed the examination, but not the practice

in work experience, a license shall not be issued

until the practice in work experience portion of

the apprenticeship program has been completed.

(c) Upon successful completion of the

examination and payment of the required fee, the

applicant shall receive a journeyman electrician's

license in the form of a wallet-size card. This

license shall be carried by the journeyman at all

times while performing his or her trade and shall

be displayed upon request. Upon request by the

licensee and payment of the required fee, the

board shall issue a license certificate suitable for

framing.

5 | P a g e

(d) A person licensed under this chapter as a

journeyman electrician is entitled to perform

electrical installations under the direction of a

master electrician or a type-s journeyman in

connection with that specialty field, and may

supervise an apprentice electrician or an

electrician's helper employed by a master

electrician under the master electrician's

direction. In the case of an apprentice or helper,

“supervise” means that the journeyman is

physically present on the work site and is

immediately available to direct and supervise that

apprentice or helper.

3.3 TYPE-S JOURNEYMAN

ELECTRICIAN

(a) To be eligible for licensure as a Type-S

Journeyman an applicant shall:

(1) Complete an accredited training and

experience program recognized by the

board; or

(2) Have had training and experience, within

or without this state, acceptable to the

Board; and

(3) Pass an examination to the satisfaction of

the board in one or more of the following

fields:

(A1) Automatic gas or oil heating,

including geo-thermal;

(B2) Outdoor advertising;

(C3) Refrigeration or air conditioning;

(D4) Appliance and motor repairs;

(E5) Well pumps;

(F6) Farm Equipment;

(G7) Any miscellaneous specified area

of specialized competence. This

class includes:

(G7)c Commercial fire alarm systems

(G7)g Gas pump installation, including

electrical work involving a canopy

over gas pumps, and bulk plant

work

(G7)k Electrical lock installation

including delayed egress and

access control

(G7)l Lightning rod installation

(G7)s Solar installation

(b) Upon successful completion of the

examination and payment of the required fee for

each field in which a license is to be issued, the

applicant shall receive a license in the form of a

wallet-size card which shall be carried at all times

while performing his or her trade and shall be

displayed upon request. Upon request of the

licensee and upon payment of the required fee,

the board shall issue a license certificate suitable

for framing.

(c) A person licensed under this Chapter as a

Type-S Journeyman Electrician is entitled to

design, install, repair, maintain and replace

electrical installations as an employee or an

independent contractor only in connection with

the specialty field designated on the person’s

license, and may only install branch circuits from

the existing electrical service. A Type-S

Journeyman Electrician may employ other

persons licensed under this chapter and may

supervise an apprentice or an electrician’s helper.

In the case of an apprentice or helper, “supervise”

means that the Type-S journeyman is physically

present on the work site and is immediately

available to direct and supervise that apprentice

or helper.

(d) No person, other than a licensed master

electrician, shall engage in the business of

installing lightning rods, fire alarms or fire

detection equipment or systems for another

unless that person holds an appropriate type-s

journeyman electricians' license, issued by the

Board under this section.

6 | P a g e

3.4 APPLICATION; EXAMINATIONS

AND FEES

(a) Each applicant for a license shall submit to the

board, on forms furnished by it, a written

application containing such relevant information

as the board may require, accompanied by the

required examination fee. The examination fee

shall be established by the board but shall be no

greater

than

the cost associated with

administering the examination. The examination

fee may be paid directly to a testing agency under

contract to provide examinations for the board.

[Note: The current examination fee is $65 for the

standard test, or $100 for the computer based

test, paid directly to the testing agency.]

(b) Examinations shall be conducted in writing

and shall include a practical skills examination.

The examination shall cover theoretical and

practical aspects of electrical work, together with

pertinent laws and rules. In addition, the master

electrician's examination shall contain questions

on all specialty fields designated for type-s

journeyman electricians.

(c) The board, in determining the qualifications of

an applicant for a license, may in its discretion

give recognition, in the case of an application for

a master's license, to the applicant's experience

as a licensed journeyman in another state, or in

the case of an application for a journeyman's

license, to an apprenticeship served in another

state, or may otherwise give recognition to

experience or prior qualifications.

(d) The approval to an applicant for a license to

take the required examination is valid for three

years from the date of the approval by the board.

(e) An applicant who fails the examination may,

upon payment of the required fee to the testing

agency, retake the examination. The board shall

require that an applicant obtain a minimum of 8

hours of education on the National Electrical Code

or National Fire Alarm Code before retaking the

examination where the applicant has failed the

examination on three attempts.

(f) A person to whom a master electrician’s

license or a journeyman electrician’s license has

been previously issued by another state, whose

standards are equivalent to those of this state, if

under the laws or regulations of the state issuing

the license a similar privilege is granted to

electricians licensed under the laws of this state,

shall be issued a reciprocal license without

examination on payment of the required fee.

[Note: Current reciprocal agreements include the

States of New Hampshire, and Maine.]

Electrical license fees are established by the

Vermont Legislature. Refer to §905 located at site

below for fees;

http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/26

/015

3.5 RENEWAL OF LICENSE

(a) All licenses expire on the last day of a month

designated by the board. A license shall be valid

for three years. A notice of renewal and

application for renewal is sent to each licensee

prior to the expiration of the license. The signed

application for renewal, the certification of

continuing education and the appropriate fee

must be returned prior to the date that the

license expires. The board shall renew the license

of a person holding a valid license issued under

this chapter on receipt of an application for

renewal, certification of continuing education,

child support certification, tax certification and

the required fee, on or before the expiration date

of his license.

(b) All journeyman and master electricians shall,

as a condition of license renewal, complete 15

hours of instruction, approved by the board, on

the national electrical code during the preceding

36-month period. All holders of a type-S

journeyman license shall, as a condition of

renewal, complete eight hours of instruction,

approved by the board, on the subject of the

license holder’s specialty during the preceding 36

months. A person who is licensed in more than

two fields of specialized competence shall not be

required to complete more than a total of 15

hours of instruction.

7 | P a g e

(c) If a license is allowed to lapse it may be

renewed within one year of its expiration date by

the payment of $25.00 in addition to the renewal

fee. A licensed electrician whose license has

lapsed shall not accomplish any unsupervised

electrical installation work covered by these rules

until the license has been renewed.

(d) If a license is not renewed within one year of

its expiration date the inactive licensee shall make

application for a new license and shall follow the

appropriate licensing procedure. The Board may

waive the requirement for reexamination where

there is an undue hardship or other unusual

circumstance.

3.6 REVOCATION, SUSPENSION AND

REFUSAL OF RENEWAL OF LICENSE

(a) The board, after notice to the licensee and

opportunity for hearing, may revoke or suspend a

license issued under this chapter, or refuse to

renew the license of a person who has made

application for renewal:

(1) If the license was wrongfully or

fraudulently obtained;

(2) If the licensee has violated or failed to

comply with any provision of 26 V.S.A.

Chapter 15 or any provision of these

rules;

(3) If the licensee is found by the board to be

unqualified to hold the license.

(b) The board, after notice and opportunity for

hearing, may take alternative actions against a

license holder which is less severe than

revocation, suspension or refusal to renew a

license, including but not limited to formal

reprimand, additional required education,

conditions on electrical installation, etc. The

Board may act:

(1) If the license was wrongfully or

fraudulently obtained;

(2) If the licensee has violated or failed to

comply with any provision of 26 V.S.A.

Chapter 15 or any provision of these

rules;

(3) If the licensee is found by the board to be

unqualified to hold the license.

(c) The Board will proceed with initiating a

complaint against a licensee, investigation of the

complaint, action and hearings as described in

Section 9.

(d) A person may file a complaint with the Board

by doing so in writing, setting forth a full

statement of the facts concerning the alleged

infraction of the electrician’s licensing law or

rules. In the event a complaint is filed with the

Board, the Board’s investigation shall not be

limited to the matter set forth in the request for

investigation but may extend to any act coming to

the attention of the board which appears to

violate the law or these rules.

4. DUTIES OF THE LICENSEE

(a) Any person who has obtained an electrical

license under these rules shall:

(1) Not install, repair or maintain electrical

conductors and equipment in a manner

which is likely to be unsafe to people and

property.

(2) Observe these rules regarding all

electrical installation, repair or

maintenance work, and supervision of

unlicensed employees.

(3) Not begin electrical work until a work

notice for the work has been validated.

(4) Notify the Division of Fire Safety of a

change of address.

(b) Any licensed electrician who has filed a work

notice shall;

8 | P a g e

(1) Keep records which outline who has

accomplished the work covered under

the work notice.

(2) Provide at least 5 working days notice

to the electrical inspector for any

required inspection.

(3) Provide access for the electrical

inspector to all electrical work and

records subject to inspection.

5. ADOPTION OF NATIONALLY

RECOGNIZED SAFETY

STANDARDS

(a) The Electricians’ Licensing Board, for the

purpose of making rules regarding the

safeguarding of persons and property from

hazards arising from the use of electricity

adopts the following standards per the specific

edition.

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, (2017

edition) To meet the needs of Vermont, NFPA

70 is amended as follows:

-delete & replace- 210.8(A)(10) Laundry areas

and rooms: GFCI protection shall be required

for receptacles installed within 6 feet (1.8 m) of

a washing machine or sink.

-add- 210.12(D)(2): add number to first

exception, now Exception No. 1, Branch Circuit

Extensions or Modifications — Dwelling Units

and Dormitory Units.

-add- 210.12(D)(2) Exception No. 2: AFCI

protection shall not be required where the

extension of the existing conductors is used

solely to hardwire single station smoke and or CO

alarms in an existing dwelling or dormitory unit.

-delete and replace as follows - article 230.70

(A)(1)

(1) Location. The service disconnecting means

shall be installed at a readily accessible location

either outside of a building or structure, or inside

a building or structure nearest the point of

entrance of the service conductors, not to exceed

10 feet of conductor length from the point of

entrance.

-add- article 334.10(3) Exception: The 15-minute

finish rating shall not be required in buildings or

portions of buildings that are not required to be of

fire resistance construction.

-delete article 334.12(A)(2)

-add- article 518.3 (D)(D) Illumination of Means of

Egress. Lighting circuits and illumination of means

of egress shall be provided in accordance with

Section 7.8 of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) as

adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building Safety

Code. [Note: see Annex II for a copy of this

section as adopted.]

-delete- article 520.5(C), Wiring Methods for

Theaters and similar locations

-delete- article 620.51(B) Disconnecting means:

(elevator shunt-trip not required)

-delete & replace- article 690.12(C) Initiation

Device: The initiation device(s) shall initiate the

rapid shutdown function of the PV (photovoltaic)

system. The device “off” position shall indicate that

the rapid shutdown function has been initiated for

all PV systems connected to that device. Initiation

device(s) shall be located at a readily accessible

location outside the building.

NFPA 73, Residential Electrical Safety Code (2016

edition), to meet the needs of Vermont NFPA 73

is amended as follows:

-delete and replace as follows - Section 5.1

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter: Ground Fault

Circuit Interrupters shall be installed in accordance

with NFPA 70 Section 210.8(A) and operate

properly.

9 | P a g e

NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code (2014

edition)

(b) If there are conflicting sections between

an adopted code and a referenced code or

standard, the adopted code shall apply. If

there are conflicting sections between a

general requirement and a specific

requirement, the specific requirement shall

apply. [Note: see Annex III for information on

how to obtain standards and reference

documents.]

6. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

(a) The following documents, while not part of

the electrical safety rules, have been adopted

by the State of Vermont as part of the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

Electricians should be aware of these

documents and consult them as needed.

NFPA 1 - Fire Prevention Code, as adopted

under the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 20 - Standard for the Installation of

Centrifugal Fire Pumps, as adopted under the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 30 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Code, as adopted under the Vermont Fire &

Building Safety Code.

NFPA 30A - Automotive and Marine Service

Station Code, as adopted under the Vermont

Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 32 - Standard for Dry Cleaning Plants,

as adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building

Safety Code.

NFPA 33 - Standard for Spray Application

Using Flammable or Combustible Materials, as

adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building

Safety Code.

NFPA 34 - Standard for Dipping and Coating

Process Using Flammable or Combustible

Liquids, as adopted under the Vermont Fire &

Building Safety Code.

NFPA 45 - Standard on Fire Protection of

Laboratories Using Chemicals, as adopted under

the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 50A - Standard for Gaseous Hydrogen

Systems at consumer sites as adopted under the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 50B - Standard for Liquefied Hydrogen

Systems at consumer sites as adopted under the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code, as adopted

under the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 58 - Standard for the Storage and Handling

of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, as adopted under

the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 59 - Standard for the Storage and Handling

of Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants

as adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building

Safety Code.

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code, as adopted

under the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 90A - Air Conditioning and Ventilating

System as adopted under the Vermont Fire &

Building Safety Code.

NFPA 96 - Standard for Ventilation Control and

Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations,

as adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building

Safety Code.

NFPA 99 - Standard for Health Care Facilities, as

adopted under the Vermont Fire & Building Safety

Code.

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code as adopted under the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 110 - Standard for Emergency and Standby

Power Systems, as adopted under the Vermont

10 | P a g e

Fire & Building Safety Code.

NFPA 232 - Standard for the Protection of

Records, as adopted under the Vermont Fire

& Building Safety Code.

NFPA 720 - Standard for the Installation of

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment in

Dwelling Units, as adopted under the

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

(b) If there are differences between the

requirements adopted under Section 5 and

the requirements in this section, the

requirements in Section 5 shall apply.

7. WORK NOTICE, FEES,

INSPECTION, ENERGIZING,

INSTALLATIONS, CERTIFICATE OF

COMPLETION

7.1 WORK NOTICE

(a) Electrical work in a complex structure shall

not commence until a work notice

accompanied by the required fee is submitted

to the department by a Master or Type-S

Journeyman Electrician and the work notice is

validated by the department. Where electrical

work is proposed in a complex structure used

for residential purposes, containing no more

than two dwelling units, the work notice may

be submitted by any person. Demolition work

of energized electrical wiring or equipment is

considered electrical work and requires a work

notice. The validated work notice is the

electrical permit for the electrical work to be

done.

(b) The electrical inspector may accept an

annual electrical work notice where electrical

installation work is ongoing at an existing

building. An electrical work notice filed under

this section shall include the name and location

of the building, the licensed electrician

responsible for the work and payment of the

base fee. The acceptance of an annual

electrical work notice does not modify the

requirements for licensure or direct supervision

as established under these rules.

(c) Installation or replacement of equipment such

as lamps and electric utilization equipment

approved for connection to suitable permanently

installed receptacles, replacement of fuses, and

other minor maintenance and repair work, such

as replacing worn cords and tightening connections

on a wiring device, do not require a work notice.

(d) Electrical work regulated under the National

electrical Code, Article 800, Communications

Circuits, does not require a work notice.

(e) A validated work notice shall expire if the work

authorized under the validated work notice is not

commenced, or is suspended or abandoned, for a

time period of 12 months.

(f) The fee for a work notice, other than the base

fee, may be refunded upon written request, when

the electrical work is abandoned or discontinued,

prorated on the electrical work, services, reviews

and inspections conducted prior to such

abandonment or discontinued electrical work.

Electrical Work Notice may be down loaded at

www.firesafety.vermont.gov

7.2 WORK NOTICE FEES

Electrical work notice fees are established by the

Vermont Legislature. Refer to §893 located at site

below for fees;

http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/26

/015

All fees are required to be paid to the

Commissioner or designated representative prior

to the validation of a work notice.

7.3 INSPECTION

(a) An electrical installation in any part of a

complex structure shall not be covered unless it is

inspected by an electrical inspector. The

provisions of this subsection may be specifically

waived by an electrical inspector in writing. Upon

completion of a new electrical installation, the

11 | P a g e

applicant shall request a final inspection by an

electrical inspector. Within five working days

of receipt of the application, the

commissioner, or inspector, shall conduct an

inspection, establish a reasonable date for

inspection or issue a waiver of inspection.

(b) The electrical inspector may also waive the

presence of the licensee who filed the work

notice for rough and final inspections.

(c) A certificate of completion shall be issued

if the electrical inspector determines after

inspection that the installation is in

compliance with the standards and

requirements adopted by the board and that

all required fees for the electrical installation

have been paid.

(d) No part of a complex structure, in which part

a new electrical installation has been made,

shall be sold or conveyed for use or

occupancy without first securing a certificate

of completion for the new electrical

installation.

(e) Violation of these rules shall be prima

facie evidence of negligence in any civil action

for damage or injury, which is the result of

the violation.

7.4 ENERGIZING INSTALLATIONS

(a) A new electrical installation in or on a

complex structure or an electrical installation

used for the testing or construction of a

complex structure shall not be connected or

caused to be connected, to a source of

electrical energy unless prior to such

connection, either a temporary or a permanent

energizing permit is issued for that installation

by the electrical inspector.

(b) This section shall not be construed to limit

or interfere with a contractor's right to

receive payment for electrical work for which a

certificate of completion has been granted.

8. POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT

The Commissioner of Public Safety or Designated

Representative may:

(a) Refuse to validate a work notice if the license

holder has other on-going electrical work for

which a work notice has not been filed, or if the

Department is owed fees or penalties.

(b) Assess an administrative penalty of not more

than $1,000 for each violation of these rules. The

“Rules for Administrative Citations and Penalties”

adopted by the Vermont Department of Public

Safety, Division of Fire Safety establishes the

procedure for issuing administrative citations,

assessing penalties and appealing citations

pursuant to 26 V.S.A. § 897 and are included in

Annex I.

(c) Assign the responsibility for inspection and

enforcement of all or part of these rules to

municipalities as established in 26 V.S.A. 898 and

included in Annex I.

(d) Assign the responsibility for inspections and

enforcement of all or part of these rules to a

private corporation, partnership or sole

proprietorship for electrical work on their own

premises as established in 26 V.S.A. 899 and

included in Annex I.

9. LICENSING DISCIPLINARY

PROCEDURE

9.1 INITIATING A COMPLAINT

AGAINST A LICENSE

(l) Form of complaint(Filing): A person may

register a complaint against an electrician licensed

by the electricians' licensing board by filing a

written complaint with the Department of Public

Safety, Division of Fire Safety, 1311 U.S. Route 302,

Suite 600 Barre, VT 05641-2351. The written

complaint must set forth, at a minimum, the

nature, date and place of the alleged violations.

The board may also initiate a license review

procedure on its own motion by filing a

complaint with the department.

12 | P a g e

(2) Verification: Upon receipt of a complaint,

the department will verify the Vermont

license number of the person against whom

the complaint is lodged. If the person is

unlicensed and the complaint alleges criminal

conduct, the department will refer the

complaint to the office of the attorney general.

If the person is a licensee of the board, the

department will docket the complaint and

open an investigation file under the name and

license number of the person.

(3) Investigating Panel: An investigating panel

consisting of an investigator designated by the

department and assistant attorney general will

be formed upon the docketing of a complaint.

The Assistant Attorney General assigned to

the case will head the panel and supervise

the investigation of the complaint.

9.2 INITIATING THE INVESTIGATION

(1) Notice to the Assistant Attorney General

and to the investigator: Upon docketing the

complaint, the department will send a copy of

all materials contained in the newly opened

file, including a copy of the complaint, to the

Assistant Attorney General and to the

investigator.

(2) Notice to the Licensee: The department

will send written notice of the initiation of an

investigation to the licensee against whom the

complaint has been filed. The notice shall

include a copy of the complaint and a copy of

the statute and these rules. The notice will

inform the licensee that inquiries or materials

regarding the investigation should be

addressed to the investigating panel at the

address of the department.

(3) Notice to the Board: The department will

send written notice to the board indicating

that an investigation has been instituted

regarding a licensing complaint.

(4) The inspector assigned to investigate the

complaint shall inspect the work which is the

subject of the complaint and interview the

complainant. The inspector may also meet and

interview the licensee at the direction of the

Assistant Attorney General assigned to the

matter.

9.3 RECOMMENED ACTION

(1) At the conclusion of the investigation the

Assistant Attorney General assigned to the matter

shall make a recommendation as to whether

formal proceedings should commence against the

licensee.

(2) If formal disciplinary proceedings are

recommended, the Assistant Attorney General

shall submit a complaint describing the alleged

violations, and the rules or statutes violated, with

the recommendation.

(3) If the licensee is willing to admit to the charges

the Assistant Attorney General may develop a

stipulated settlement for approval of the Board.

(4) If no disciplinary action is recommended the

case will be closed and the complainant and the

licensee will be notified that no further action will

be taken at this time. The matter may be

reopened if new evidence is presented.

9.4 FORMAL HEARING BY THE BOARD

(1) Notice and Place of Hearing: Upon the filing of a

notice of charges by the investigating panel, the

board will commence the hearing process by

serving the notice of charges and a notice of the

hearing upon the licensee. Notice will be served

personally or by certified mail, return receipt

requested. Copies will be sent to the members of

the investigating panel and the complainant. The

hearing will be scheduled at least 20 days after

service.

(2) Failure to Appear: If the licensee fails to

appear after proper notice has been given, the

board shall hold the hearing and make a decision

on the charges.

13 | P a g e

(3) A quorum of the board shall be a

majority of its members.

(4) Conduct of Hearing; Receipt of Evidence;

Argument: The board may admit any evidence

it deems of a type commonly relied upon by

reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of

their affairs. All persons shall testify under

oath or affirmation. The licensee or his/her

attorney may examine or cross-examine

witnesses, inspect documents, and explain or

rebut any evidence presented to the board.

The assistant attorney general, investigator,

and licensee may present oral and written

argument in addition to evidence, which also

shall be made part of the record.

Where a licensee is not represented by

counsel the board shall advise the licensee and

aid in the examining and cross examining of

witnesses as effectively as possible compatible

with the impartial discharge of its duties as a

body of impartial review.

(5) Authority of the Chair: The chair shall

administer oaths to witnesses, rule on

questions of evidence and upon the service

of subpoenas and other notices, and do

whatever is necessary and proper to conduct

the hearing in a judicious, fair and expeditious

manner.

(6) Disqualification of a Board Member: A

member of the board shall voluntarily

disqualify him or herself and withdraw from

any hearing in which the member cannot act

in a fair and impartial manner, or where the

member has an interest in the proceedings.

Any party to a hearing may request

disqualification of a board member by filing

an affidavit stating with particularity the

grounds for disqualification. If the board

member does not disqualify him or herself in

response to the motion, the chair of the board

shall decide the issue of disqualification. A

hearing shall be held if requested by the

moving party or if deemed necessary by the

chair. All materials pertinent to a matter of

disqualification shall be made part of the

record.

If a board member is disqualified, thereby

negating the quorum, the chair shall appoint a

hearing officer to decide the matter in the same

manner as if the board were presiding.

(7) Judgment of the Board: The board will issue a

decision within a reasonable time following the

conclusion of the hearing. The decision must be

in writing and be signed by the members of the

board. The decision shall set forth findings of fact,

conclusions of fact and law, and the judgment. If

a decision of the board is not unanimous, the

decision of the majority will control. The

minority may file a dissenting opinion.

The Board promptly shall mail or deliver a copy of

its decision to the licensee, the investigating panel

and, if appropriate, to the complainant. An order

attached to the judgment will go into effect after

the end of the 30-day appeal period, if no appeal

is filed.

(8) Appeal from a Decision of the Board: A

licensee aggrieved by a judgment of the board may

appeal that judgment to the Supreme Court. The

board may grant, or the court may order, a stay

of the board's order upon application of the

licensee.

(9) Transcripts: A contested case hearing shall be

recorded but not transcribed unless a transcript is

requested by an interested person. Transcripts

will be available for cost. The board will provide

an estimate of transcription cost before filling an

order for transcript.

14 | P a g e

10. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE

AND EFFECTIVE DATE

(a) In the event any part or provision of

these rules is held to be illegal, this shall not

have the effect of making void or illegal any of

the other parts or provisions of these rules.

(b) These rules shall take effect Oc t ob e r 1,

2017 and shall be known as The Vermont

Electrical Safety Rules. To achieve an orderly

transition for compliance with these rules:

(c) Electrical installation work in the process

of construction at the time of adoption of

these rules, or where a work notice has been

validated and work is commenced within 30

days of the adoption of these rules, may be

completed in accordance with the 2014

Vermont Electrical Safety Rules.

15 | P a g e

ANNEX I

Title 26: Chapter 15: ELECTRICIANS AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Subchapter 1: General Provisions

§ 881. Definitions

§ 882. Exceptions

Subchapter 2: Regulation Of Electrical Installations By Licensing Board

§ 891. Rules adopted by board

§ 892. Work in progress

§ 893. Commencement of work; fees; work notice; inspection of work; certificate of completion

§ 894. Energizing installations

§ 895. Issuance of order by commissioner§ 896. Request for reconsideration; appeals

§ 897. Administrative penalties; enforcement; liability

§ 898. Municipal inspection

§ 899. Private inspections

Subchapter 3: Licensing Electricians

§ 901. Electricians' licensing board

§ 902. Master electricians

§ 903. Journeyman electricians

§ 904. Type-S journeyman electrician

§ 905. Application; examinations and fees

§ 906. Examinations not required

§ 907. Recognition of experience in or out of state

§ 908. Expiration and renewal of licenses; continuing education

§ 909. Revocation, suspension and refusing of renewal of license

§ 910. License not required

§ 911. Penalty

§ 913. License fees and licenses

§ 914. Members of board; per diem and expenses

§ 915. Employment of inspectors; appropriation

For full text please refer to; http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/26/015

16 | P a g e

ANNEX II

SECTION 7.8 ILLUMINATION

OF MEANS

OF EGRESS (NFPA 101; LIFE

SAFETY

CODE, 2015 EDITION)

7.8

Illumination of Means of Egress.

7.8.1

General.

7.8.1.1* Illumination of means of egress shall be

provided in accordance with Section 7.8 for every

building and structure where required in Chapter 11

through Chapter 43. For the purposes of this

requirement, exit access shall include only

designated

stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps,

escalators, and

passageways leading to an exit. For

the purposes of this

requirement, exit discharge

shall include only

designated stairs, aisles, corridors,

ramps, escalators,

walkways, and exit passageways

leading to a public

way.

7.8.1.1

Illumination of means of egress shall be

continuous during the time that the conditions of

occupancy require that the means of egress be

available

for use, unless otherwise provided in

7.8.1.2.2.

7.8.1.1.1

Artificial lighting shall be employed at

such

locations and for such periods of time as are

necessary

to maintain the illumination to the

minimum criteria

values herein specified.

7.8.1.2.2* Unless prohibited by Chapters 11 through

43, automatic lighting control devices shall be

permitted to temporarily turn off illumination within

the means of egress, provided that each lighting

control device complies with all of the following:

(1) In new installations, the lighting control device is

listed.

(2) The lighting control device is equipped to

automatically energize the controlled lights upon loss

of normal power and is evaluated for this purpose.

(3) Illumination timers are provided and are set for a

minimum 15-minute duration.

(4) The lighting control device is activated by any

occupant movement in the area served by the lighting

units.

(5) In new installations, the lighting control device is

activated by activation of the building fire alarm

system, if provided.

(6) The lighting control device does not turn off any

lights relied upon for activation of photoluminescent

exit signs or path markers.

(7) The lighting control devices does not turn off any

battery-equiped emergency luminaries, unit equipment,

or exit signs.

7.8.1.2.3* Energy-saving sensors, switches, timers, or

controllers shall be approved and shall not compromise

the continuity of illumination of the egress required by

7.8.1.2.

7.8.1.2

The floors and other walking surfaces within

an

exit and within the portions of the exit access and

exit

discharge designated in 7.8.1.1 shall be illuminated

as

follows:

(1)

During conditions of stair use, the minimum

illumination for new stairs shall be at least 10

ft-candle

(108 lux), measured at the walking surfaces.

(2)

The minimum illumination for floors and

walking

surfaces, other than new stairs during conditions of the

stair use, shall be to

values of at least 1 ft-candle (10.8

lux), measured at the

floor.

(3)

In assembly occupancies, the illumination of

the

walking surfaces of exit access shall be at least 0.2 ft-

candle (2.2 lux) during periods of performances or

projections

involving directed light.

(4)* The minimum illumination requirements

shall

not apply where operations or processes require

low lighting levels.

7.8.1.4* Required illumination shall be arranged so

that

the failure of any single lighting unit does not

result in

an illumination level of less than 0.2 ft-candle

(2.2 lux)

in any designated area.

7.8.1.3

The equipment or units installed to meet the

requirements of Section 7.10 also shall be permitted

to

serve the function of illumination of means of

egress,

provided that all requirements of Section 7.8

for such

illumination are met.

7.8.2

Sources of Illumination.

7.8.2.1

Illumination of means of egress shall be from a

source considered reliable by the authority having

jurisdiction.

7.8.2.2

Battery-operated electric lights and other

types

of portable lamps or lanterns shall not be used

for

primary illumination of means of egress. Battery-

operated electric lights shall be permitted to be used

as

an emergency source to the extent permitted

under

Section 7.9.

17 | P a g e

ANNEX III - HOW TO OBTAIN STANDARDS AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

American Society for Testing and Materials

100 Barr Harbor Drive

PO Box C700

West Conshohocken PA 19428-2959

(610) 832-9500

www.astm.org/

National Fire Protection Association

Fulfillment Center

11 Tracy Drive

Avon, MA 02322-9910

(800) 344-3555

www.nfpa.org/

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

333 Pfingsten Road

Northbrook IL 60062

(877-854-3577)

www.ul.com

IEEE Operations Center

445 Hoes Lane,

Piscataway, N.J.08854-4141

(732) 981-0060

ANNEX IV – HOW TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY

The Division of Fire Safety has four regional offices:

Barre:

1311 U.S. Route 302

Suite 500

Barre, VT 05641

Main Phone: (802) 479-4434

Toll Free: (888) 870-7888

Fax: (802) 479-4446

Rutland:

56 Howe St.

Building A, Suite 200

Rutland, VT 05701

Main Phone: (802) 786-5867

Toll Free: (888) 370-4834

Fax: (802) 768-5872

Springfield:

100 Mineral St.

Suite 307

Springfield, VT 05156

Main Phone: (802) 885-8883

Toll Free: (866) 404-8883

Fax: (802) 885-8885

Williston:

380 Hurricane Lane

Suite 101

Williston, VT 05495

Main Phone: (802) 879-2300

Toll Free: (800) 366-8325

Fax: (802) 879-2312

The Division of Fire Safety Central Office is:

1311 U.S. Route 302 - Suite 600 Barre, VT 05641

Main Phone: (802) 479-4761 Toll Free: (800) 640-2106 Fax: (802) 479-7562

www.firesafety.vermont.gov