Electrical Work Definitions and Journeyman / Apprentice Licensing Requirements

What Most States Consider Electrical Work (General Definitions)

• Electrical work is generally defined as any activity involving the installation, alteration, repair, replacement, maintenance, or supervision of electrical systems or electrical equipment.

• The determining factor is not the job title, but whether the task affects fixed electrical wiring or permanently connected electrical equipment.

• Electrical work typically triggers individual licensing requirements even when performed for a properly licensed electrical contractor.

Electrical Systems (Common State Interpretation)

• Systems of conductors, raceways, and devices used to generate, transmit, distribute, control, or utilize electrical energy.

• Includes service entrance equipment, feeders, branch circuits, panels, switchboards, and switchgear.

• Includes grounding and bonding systems.

• Includes permanently installed control wiring associated with equipment.

• Applies to systems used for lighting, heating, power, signaling, communications, and control.

Electrical Equipment (Common State Interpretation)

• Devices or apparatus that produce, control, distribute, or use electrical energy.

• Equipment that is hardwired or permanently connected to an electrical system.

• Examples include transformers, motors, disconnects, controllers, contactors, lighting fixtures, EV chargers, HVAC electrical components, and industrial machinery electrical components.

• Equipment installation becomes electrical work when it requires new circuits, wiring modifications, or hardwiring.

Electrical Wiring (Almost Universally Regulated)

• Conductors, cables, and cords.

• Raceways such as conduit, cable tray, wireways, and enclosures.

• Terminations, splices, and junction boxes.

• Overcurrent protection devices and disconnecting means.

• Grounding and bonding conductors and electrodes.

Low-Voltage and Power-Limited Systems

• Includes fire alarm systems, security systems, access control, communications, data cabling, and signaling systems.

• Many states regulate these systems as electrical work when permanently installed.

• Some states require full electrician licensure; others require limited-energy or specialty licenses.

• Apprenticeship and supervision requirements commonly apply even when separate licenses exist.

Work Generally NOT Considered Electrical Work

• Plugging equipment into existing receptacles.

• Operating electrical equipment.

• Routine mechanical servicing that does not involve wiring or electrical connections.

• Replacing lamps, bulbs, or fuses where no wiring alteration occurs.

• Manufacturer-authorized component replacement that does not modify wiring or electrical systems.

Key Compliance Principle Used by Regulators

• If the task involves installing, altering, repairing, or maintaining fixed wiring or permanently connected electrical equipment, it is electrical work.

• Electrical work must be performed by a licensed journeyman electrician or a registered apprentice working under required supervision.

• Unlicensed helpers may not independently perform electrical work.

State-Level Requirements for Journeymen and Apprentices (Employees of Licensed Electrical Contractors)

1. Texas (TX): Individuals performing electrical work must hold a journeyman electrician license or be registered as an apprentice working under supervision. Electrical work includes installing, maintaining, extending, or altering electrical wiring or equipment. (Texas Occupations Code §1305.151)

2. New Mexico (NM): Electrical work must be performed by licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices under direct supervision. Covered work includes installing, altering, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. (NMSA §60-13-14)

3. Oklahoma (OK): Electrical installation, alteration, and repair work must be performed by licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices under supervision. (Oklahoma Statutes Title 59, Electrical License Act)

4. California (CA): Workers performing electrical work for a C-10 contractor must be certified journeyman electricians or registered electrician trainees or apprentices. Uncertified workers may not perform electrical installation work. (Labor Code §108.2–108.4)

5. Nebraska (NE): Electrical installation work must be performed by licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices working under supervision. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-2105)

6. Arizona (AZ): Arizona does not issue state-level journeyman electrician licenses. Electrical work must be performed by qualified employees of a licensed contractor under appropriate supervision. Local jurisdictions may impose journeyman card requirements. (A.R.S. §32-1121)

7. North Dakota (ND): Individuals installing, altering, or repairing electrical wiring or equipment must be licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices under supervision. (NDCC §43-09-09)

8. Minnesota (MN): Electrical work must be performed by licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices. Unlicensed helpers may not perform electrical work. (Minn. Stat. §326B.33)

9. Michigan (MI): Electrical workers must be licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices to install, repair, or maintain electrical wiring or systems. (Skilled Trades Regulation Act, Article 7)

10. Colorado (CO): Electrical installation and repair work must be performed by licensed journeyman electricians or registered apprentices working under supervision. (C.R.S. §12-115-109)