§ 3.203. License required to do electrical work.

(a)

Electrical Work Performed by an Individual. Except as exempted by (c) of this section, an individual may not do electrical work unless licensed to do so pursuant to this subtitle or unless under the supervision of an individual licensed to do so pursuant to this subtitle.

(b)

Electrical Work Performed by a Firm or Corporation. Except as exempted by (c) of this section, a firm or corporation may not do electrical work unless its principal(s) are licensed to perform electrical work under this subtitle or unless it employs an individual licensed to perform electrical work under this subtitle.

(c)

Exemptions. The following individuals, firms or corporations are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subtitle:

(1)

Utility Companies. Utility companies regulated by the Public Service Commission of Maryland or contractors working for utility companies when doing electrical work on equipment owned and maintained by the utility company on its own premises or the customer's premises.

(2)

Radio and TV. Radio and television transmitting stations, licensed and commissioned by the Federal Communications Commission's regulations.

(3)

Federal or State employees or their agents. Employees of the United States Government or employees of the State of Maryland only when engaged in the performance of their official duties. Contractors or servicemen engaged by the United States government or by the State of Maryland to do electrical work on Federal or State-owned premises or equipment.

(4)

Homeowners, minor repairs : Single-family homeowners engaged in the repair or replacement of portable appliances, lighting fixtures, fuses, lamps or sockets or the making of other minor repairs at existing outlets in the homeowner's residence.

(5)

Homeowners, changes to wiring : Single-family homeowners making changes to wiring in the homeowner's residence only if performing work on a 120 volt, 15 and 20 amp branch circuit as follows:

(i)

A homeowner may perform work after:

a.

Passing, with a score of 70 percent or greater, a written exam administered by the Howard County Chief Electrical Inspector; and

b.

Obtaining a Howard County electrical permit;

(ii)

In order to obtain a Howard County electrical permit, a homeowner shall provide, at or before the exam:

a.

A written narrative explanation of work the homeowner wishes to perform themselves; and

b.

A drawing on 8.5 × 11 paper detailing wire type, wire location, the number of devices, the type of devices, and the location of devices; and

(iii)

A change to wiring performed by a homeowner is subject to inspection by the Building Official.

(6)

Manufacture or assembly of electrical equipment : An individual, firm or corporation engaged in the manufacture or assembly of electrical equipment made by that individual, firm or corporation or made for that individual, firm or corporation.

(C.B. 82, 1984; C.B. 62, 1988; C.B. 42, 1993; C.B. 41, 2005, § 4; C.B. 47, 2008, § 2; C.B. 9, 2015, § 1)