Arkansas Electrical Licensing Law

Arkansas Code · 29 sections

The following is the full text of Arkansas’s electrical licensing law statutes as published in the Arkansas Code. For the official version, see the Arkansas Legislature.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-15-106

(a) If a registered architect or professional engineer voluntarily, without compensation other than expense reimbursement, provides architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, or other design professional services related to a declared national, state, or local emergency caused by an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, explosion, collapse, or other similar disaster or catastrophic event, at the request of or with the approval of a national, state, or local public official, law enforcement official, public safety official, or building inspection official believed by the registered architect or professional engineer to be acting in his or her official capacity, the registered architect or professional engineer shall not be liable for any personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other loss of any nature related to the registered architect's or professional engineer's acts, errors, or omissions in the performance of any architectural or engineering services for any structure, building, facility, project utility, equipment, machine, process, piping, or other system, either publicly or privately owned. (b) The immunity provided under subsection (a) of this section shall apply only to a voluntary architectural or engineering service that occurs during the emergency or within ninety (90) days following the end of the period for an emergency or other similar disaster or catastrophic event, unless extended by an executive order issued by the Governor under the Governor's emergency executive powers. (c) This section does not provide immunity for wanton, willful, or intentional misconduct. (d) As used in this section: (1) "Building inspection official" means an appointed or elected federal, state, or local official with the executive responsibility to coordinate building inspection in the jurisdiction in which an emergency or event has occurred; (2) "Law enforcement official" means an appointed or elected federal, state, or local official with the executive responsibility to coordinate law enforcement in the jurisdiction in which an emergency or event has occurred; (3) "Professional engineer" means a person licensed as an engineer under a state's engineering licensure laws; (4) "Public official" means a federal, state, or local elected official with the executive responsibility in the jurisdiction in which an emergency or event has occurred; (5) "Public safety official" means an appointed or elected federal, state, or local official with the executive responsibility to coordinate public safety in the jurisdiction in which an emergency or event has occurred; and (6) "Registered architect" means a person licensed under a state's architectural licensure laws as a registered architect. Added by Act 2015, No. 534,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-25-401

(a) (1) As used in this subchapter, "contractor" means a person, firm, joint venture, partnership, copartnership, association, corporation, or other organization engaged in the business of the construction, alteration, dismantling, demolition, or repairing of roads, bridges, viaducts, sewers, water and gas mains, streets, disposal plants, water filters, tanks, towers, airports, buildings, dams, levees, canals, railways and rail facilities, oil and gas wells, water wells, pipelines, refineries, industrial or processing plants, chemical plants, power plants, electric, telephone, or any other type of energy or message transmission lines or equipment, or any other kind of improvement or structure. (2) As used in this subchapter, "contractor" includes: (A) All original, prime, and general contractors; and (B) A contractor who is required to obtain a contractor's license or registration under the state licensing law of this state, § 17-25-101 et seq. (b) However, when a person or entity acts as a contractor in the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of his or her own or its own property or of a single-family residence, or if the cost of the work to be done, including, but not limited to, labor and materials, is less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the person or entity shall not be deemed a contractor under this chapter. Amended by Act 2019, No. 805,§ 19, eff. 7/1/2020. Amended by Act 2017, No. 252,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1048,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1987, No. 162, § 1; 1989, No. 487, § 1; 1991, No. 783, § 1. Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-101

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Air conditioning electrician" means an individual who is limited to a license classification possessing the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge for the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical conductors and equipment solely for the purpose of supplying heating and air conditioning and refrigeration units; (2) (A) "Dwelling" means a building or other structure designed and constructed for residential purposes. (B) "Dwelling" includes a building or other structure that houses a home office or other business activity if the business activity does not require commercial-grade electric conductors or equipment. (C) "Dwelling" does not include a mixed-use building or other structure that requires commercial-grade electric conductors or equipment for any part of the building or other structure; (3) "Electrical apprentice" means a person whose principal occupation is the learning of and assisting in the installation of electrical work under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician or master electrician; (4) "Electrical contractor" means a person, member, or employee of a firm, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of installing, erecting, repairing, or contracting to install, erect, or repair electrical wires or conductors to be used for the transmission of electrical light, heat, power, or signaling purposes, or to install or repair moulding, ducts, raceways, or conduits, for the reception or protection of such wires or conduits, or any electrical machinery, apparatus, or systems to be used for electrical light, heat, power, or signaling purposes; (5) "Electrical work" means: (A) Installations of electric conductors and equipment within or on public and private buildings or other structures, including recreational vehicles and floating buildings, and other premises such as yards, carnivals, parking and other lots, and industrial substations; (B) Installations of conductors that connect to the supply of electricity; and (C) Installations of other outside conductors on the premises; (6) "Industrial maintenance electrician" means an individual who possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to maintain and extend electrical conductors and equipment for electrical power and control systems on or within industrial, manufacturing, or similar type facilities. He or she shall be capable of doing such work in accordance with standard rules governing that work; (7) "Journeyman electrician" means an individual who possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to install, maintain, and extend electrical conductors and equipment. He or she shall be capable of doing such work in accordance with plans and specifications furnished him or her in accordance with standard rules governing the work; (8) "Master electrician" means an individual who possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to plan, layout, and supervise the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical conductors and equipment; (9) "Primary residence" means an unattached single-family dwelling used as the person's primary place of residence; (10) "Residential journeyman electrician" means the classification by which the licenses and electrical work of journeyman electricians may be limited to the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, or renovation of electrical facilities for: (A) Single family dwellings; (B) Duplexes or two-family dwellings; (C) Triplexes or three-family dwellings; and (D) Quadraplexes or four-family dwellings; (11) "Residential master electrician" means the classification by which the licenses and electrical work of master electricians may be limited to planning and supervising the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical facilities for: (A) Single family dwellings; (B) Duplexes or two-family dwellings; (C) Triplexes or three-family dwellings; and (D) Quadraplexes or four-family dwellings; and (12) "Specialist sign electrician" means an individual who is limited to a license classification possessing the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge for: (A) Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrically illuminated or electrically operated signs and gaseous tubing for illumination; (B) Making all connections to an approved outlet of sufficient capacity within twenty-five feet (25') of the sign to be connected; and (C) (i) (a) Maintaining and repairing parking lot lights, upon successfully passing a separate examination approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. (b) A specialist sign electrician may obtain a parking lot light endorsement upon passing a separate examination approved by the board. (ii) However, maintenance and repair under subdivision (12)(C)(i) of this section shall be limited to work from the ground up to a lighting fixture that is being maintained or repaired and shall not include work underground or work to an electrical panel inside or outside of a building. Amended by Act 2023, No. 318,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 318,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2017, No. 766,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 1; 1983, No. 866, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5301; Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 1; 2009, No. 1188, § 1.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-102

(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: (1) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation by any public utility, as that term is defined by § 23-1-101(9)(A) , by any rural electric association or cooperative, or by any municipally owned utility, of any transmission or distribution lines or facilities incidental to their business and covered under other nationally recognized safety standards or to any other such activity when performed by any duly authorized employee, agent, contractor, or subcontractor of any such public utility, association, cooperative, or municipally owned utility; (2) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation by any industry, as that term is defined in subsection (f) of this section, of any electric conductors or equipment or facilities incidental to their business and covered under other nationally recognized safety standards or to any other such activity when performed by any duly authorized employee of any such industry; (3) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of telephone equipment, computer systems, or satellite systems by a person, firm, or corporation engaged in the telecommunications or information systems industry when such activities involve low-voltage work exclusively for communication of data, voice, or other signaling purposes, including fire alarm systems, security systems, and environmental control systems that are not an integral part of a telecommunications system; (4) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure; (5) The construction and manufacture of manufactured homes covered by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq.; and (6) Any industry, as that term is defined in subsection (f) of this section, or group of industries under common ownership or control, with assets in this state of one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) or more, provided that the exemption provided in this subdivision (a)(6) shall only apply to projects commenced between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003. (b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an individual to hold a license before doing electrical work on his or her primary residence except as otherwise required by state law, rules, regulations, or local ordinances. The exemption from compliance with the licensing standards shall not be referred to in any way and shall not be any evidence of the lack of negligence or the exercise of due care by a party at a trial of any civil action to recover damages by any party. (c) (1) Any holder of a state-issued heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, or HVACR, license may run line voltage power wiring in compliance with the state electric code from a disconnect box to an outdoor HVACR unit within a distance not to exceed ten feet (10') from any point of the HVACR equipment without obtaining an electrician's license as required by this chapter. (2) Any person licensed by the Commission on Water Well Construction pursuant to the provisions of the Arkansas Water Well Construction Act, § 17-50-101 et seq., and subject to that commission's rules and to the National Electrical Code may run power and control wiring from an existing disconnect box to water well equipment without obtaining an electrician's license as required by this chapter. Nothing in this subdivision (c)(2) shall be construed to allow a licensed water well installer or contractor to alter the existing electrical service to any building or structure. (d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as repealing, modifying, or affecting in any way the provisions of § 17-25-101 et seq. (e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an employee of a hospital to hold a license in order to perform minor repairs or make minor alterations to existing electrical facilities during the normal performance of his or her duties with a hospital licensed by the Department of Health. (f) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "industry" means manufacturing, processing and refining facilities, warehouses, distribution facilities, repair and maintenance facilities, agricultural facilities, and corporate and management offices located on industrial sites. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1392, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1391, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5312n; Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 2; 1999, No. 493, § 1; 1999, No. 894, § 1; 2001, No. 1776, § 1.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-103

All funds received by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited as special revenues into the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Labor and Licensing Special Fund, there to be used by the Division of Labor in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties as set out in this chapter and to defray the costs of the maintenance, operation, and improvements required by the division in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties otherwise imposed by law on the division or the Director of the Division of Labor. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5419, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 3; 2001, No. 577, § 5.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-201

(a) There is created a Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. (b) The board shall consist of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing or his or her authorized representative and eight (8) other members who shall be residents of this state appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) One (1) member shall be the chief electrical inspector of a municipality within the state; (2) One (1) member shall be a licensed professional engineer as defined in § 17-30-101 engaged primarily in the design or maintenance of electrical installations; (3) One (1) member shall be an electrical contractor operating in this state; (4) One (1) member shall be a master or supervising electrician; (5) One (1) member shall be a representative of a public electric utility operating in this state; (6) One (1) member shall be a representative of a private electric utility operating in this state; (7) One (1) member shall represent the public and shall not be affiliated with any of the other groups represented on the board; and (8) One (1) member shall represent the elderly, shall be sixty (60) years of age or older, and not actively engaged as or retired as an electrician. This member shall be appointed from the state at large, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall be a full voting member but shall not participate in the grading of examinations. (c) The same person may not be both the public representative and the representative of the elderly. (d) Each appointment shall be for a term of four (4) years or until a successor is appointed. (e) In the event of a vacancy during a term, the Governor may appoint a replacement to fulfill the unexpired portion of the term. (f) The board shall elect one (1) of its members to act as its chair for a term of one (1) year, and he or she shall have a vote on all matters before the board. (g) For cause and after a hearing, any appointed member may be removed from office by the Governor. (h) Each appointed member may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5420, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 2; 1983, No. 131, §§ 1-3, 5; 1983, No. 135, §§ 1-3, 5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 6-623 -- 6-626, 71-5302; Acts 1997, No. 250, § 135; 2011, No. 897, § 13.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-202

(a) It shall be the duty of the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas to: (1) Adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this chapter and § 17-55-101 et seq.; (2) At least every six (6) months, conduct examinations of persons who apply for an electrician's license and grant licenses to qualifying applicants who have paid the prescribed fee; (3) Grant licenses to qualifying applicants for an electrical inspector's license under § 17-55-101 et seq.; and (4) Revoke or suspend the license of any licensee or the certification of any electrical apprentice for cause. (b) (1) It shall be the duty of the Department of Labor and Licensing to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. (2) For the enforcement of this chapter, the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing or his or her designated employees shall have the authority to enter, during normal business hours, upon any private or public premises with right of access, ingress, and egress for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person has performed electrical work or installed or repaired electrical facilities in accordance with this chapter, the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, § 20-31-101 et seq., and the rules and standards adopted pursuant thereto. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1393, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5421, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 3; 1981, No. 701, § 1; 1983, No. 866, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5303; Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 4.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-203

(a) The Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas is authorized to conduct examinations of persons applying for a license as a master electrician, journeyman electrician, industrial maintenance electrician, residential master electrician, air conditioning electrician, specialist sign electrician, or residential journeyman electrician. These persons shall pay fees established by the board, but in no event shall such examination fees exceed the following: (1) Master electrician ............... $100.00 (2) Journeyman electrician ............... 100.00 (3) Industrial maintenance electrician ............... 50.00 (4) Residential master electrician ............... 100.00 (5) Residential journeyman electrician ............... 100.00 (6) Air conditioning electrician ............... 100.00 (7) Specialist sign electrician ............... 100.00 (b) Any applicant who shall fail to pass the examination shall be permitted to take the next scheduled examination upon payment of the required fees. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 4; 1983, No. 866, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5304; Acts 1993, No. 831, § 1; 1997, No. 1289, § 5; 2009, No. 1188, § 2.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-301

(a) Individuals passing the master, journeyman, residential master, residential journeyman, air conditioning electrician, specialist sign electrician, or industrial maintenance electrician's examination as specified in § 17-28-203 shall be issued a license of the same class as that of the examination upon payment of the following fees: (1) Master electrician ............... $50.00 (2) Journeyman electrician ............... 25.00 (3) Industrial maintenance electrician ............... 25.00 (4) Residential master electrician ............... 50.00 (5) Residential journeyman electrician ............... 25.00 (6) Air conditioning electrician ............... 25.00 (7) Specialist sign electrician ............... 25.00. (b) (1) Licenses shall expire on the date indicated on the licenses. (2) The license may be renewed for a period of one (1), two (2), or three (3) years with the fee to be as follows: (A) Master electrician ............... $50.00 per year (B) Journeyman electrician ............... 25.00 per year (C) Industrial maintenance electrician ............... 25.00 per year (D) Residential master electrician ............... 50.00 per year (E) Residential journeyman electrician ............... 25.00 per year (F) Air conditioning electrician ............... 25.00 per year (G) Specialist sign electrician ............... 25.00 per year. (3) A licensee may renew his or her license within thirty-six (36) months following the expiration date on the license by paying: (A) The renewal fee under subdivision (b)(2) of this section; (B) A late fee equal to one (1) year of the renewal fee plus ten dollars ($10.00) for each calendar month between the expiration date indicated on the license and the date of application for renewal; and (C) Any outstanding monetary civil penalty. (4) If a licensee shall fail to renew his or her license within thirty-six (36) months after the expiration date on the license, the licensee may reinstate his or her license by paying: (A) The fees and any applicable penalty under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) An additional penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (5) (A) The Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas may, after hearing, deny renewal or reinstatement of a license for cause. (B) The applicant for renewal or reinstatement of a license may obtain a temporary license to expire on the date of his or her hearing before the board. (6) If a person simultaneously holds an electrical inspector license and a license as a master electrician or a journeyman electrician, the person, when renewing his or her master electrician or journeyman electrician license, shall be exempt from the: (A) Renewal fee under this section; and (B) Continuing education requirements for master electricians and journeyman electricians under § 17-28-311 . (c) The registration fee for an electrical apprentice shall be ten dollars ($10.00) annually. Apprentice registration certificates shall expire on the last day of the month, one (1) year following the date of original registration. (d) (1) The board may issue a temporary license as a master electrician or journeyman electrician that is valid for no more than six (6) months and renewable one (1) time only for industry projects as defined in this chapter, upon submission by the applicant of the following: (A) A temporary license fee in the amount established by subsection (a) of this section; (B) A completed application on a form furnished and approved by the board; and (C) Evidence that the applicant: (i) Holds a current license of the same classification issued by another state; or (ii) Meets the experience qualifications required under rules promulgated by the board for a temporary master electrician or a temporary journeyman electrician. (2) The Director of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions may renew a temporary license as a master electrician or journeyman electrician issued by the board for more than one (1) additional period of six (6) months, if: (A) The renewal is for work to be performed on a specific industry project as defined in this chapter; (B) The director determines that the additional renewal is necessary because: (i) Actual construction will exceed one (1) year; and (ii) An insufficient number of licensed electricians is available to perform the necessary work; (C) The temporary license is restricted to the industry project for which it is issued; and (D) A temporary license fee in the amount established in subsection (a) of this section is paid. (3) (A) The board may issue and renew a temporary license as a master electrician or journeyman electrician for regularly scheduled or emergency maintenance work or shutdowns of not longer than six (6) weeks on industry projects as defined in this chapter. (B) An applicant for a new or renewed temporary license under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section shall submit the same items as are required in subdivision (d)(1) of this section. (e) A specialist sign electrician under § 17-28-101 shall qualify for an endorsement on his or her license authorizing the licensee to maintain and repair parking lot lights upon successfully passing a separate examination as approved by the board. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5422, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 766,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 476,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 476,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 381,§ 1, eff. 3/6/2017. Amended by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1979, No. 870, §§ 5, 6; 1983, No. 866, § 4; 1985, No. 355, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 71-5305, 71-5306; Acts 1993, No. 831, § 2; 1997, No. 1289, § 7; 1999, No. 894, § 2; 2007, No. 495, §§ 1, 2; 2009, No. 312, § 1; 2009, No. 1188, § 3.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-302

(a) Any person, member, or employee of a firm, partnership, or corporation desiring to engage in the business of electrical contractor may apply for and be issued a license upon satisfying the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas that he or she or it is either a master electrician or employs a master electrician as its superintendent or manager and shall pay a license fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per year. (b) Any electrical contractor having met the requirements of this chapter may work in any municipality in the state without further examinations after first showing evidence of state license as described in this chapter and paying such fees as required by the municipality in which the work is to be performed. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5307.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-304

No person shall perform electrical work in this state or display or use any title, sign, card, advertisement, or other device to indicate that the person performs electrical work or is an electrician unless the person has first obtained a license to perform electrical work pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or the individual is exempted from licensing pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5309; Acts 1993, No. 1076, § 1; 1997, No. 1289, § 8.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-305

Next (a) Any individual licensed or registered under this chapter shall not be subject to examination or licensing by any city or county in order to perform electrical work. (b) (1) A city or town may by ordinance, rules, regulations, or contract prescribe rules, regulations, and standards for the materials used in the construction, installation, and inspection of all electrical work in the city or county, provided the rules, regulations, or standards are not in conflict with the standards prescribed by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas under § 17-28-202 , § 17-55-101 et seq., and § 20-31-104 . (2) A city or county may by ordinance require a person, before doing electrical work on his or her primary residence, to demonstrate a technical competency to comply with the city or county standards. (3) If the city has adopted an ordinance to exercise its territorial planning jurisdiction, the city may exercise jurisdiction over the construction, installation, and inspection of electrical work within the city's territorial planning jurisdiction under § 14-56-413 if the city and county agree to the exercise of jurisdiction by the city over electrical work within the city's territorial planning jurisdiction. (c) Any city or county may establish by ordinance, rules, and regulations a system of permits and inspections for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical facilities and electrical work. (d) An electrical inspector shall be licensed by the board under § 17-55-101 et seq. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1156,§ 5, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5308; Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 9. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-306

Next The Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas shall be authorized to issue licenses to those applicants holding equivalent licenses in other states, upon payment of the required fees and submission of proof of license in that state, provided an agreement has been reached with that state to recognize the electrical licenses held by Arkansas residents. Acts 1979, No. 870, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-5311; Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 10. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-307

Next (a) (1) Upon reaching the age of sixty-five (65), or any time thereafter, any person who has been a licensed master electrician or a licensed journeyman electrician licensed by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas for not less than twelve (12) years may apply for a restricted lifetime master electrician license or a restricted lifetime journeyman electrician license. (2) This license shall be issued upon satisfactory proof of age and upon payment of a fee prescribed by the board. (b) Any individual issued a restricted lifetime electrician license after July 28, 2021, shall complete continuing education hours as required by rule of the board for any period in which electrical work is performed for remunerative purposes, whether as an employee or an independent contractor. (c) The board shall promulgate rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 720,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1394, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1995, No. 1121, § 1. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-308

Next (a) Upon proper application and payment of the fee, the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas shall register as an electrical apprentice and issue a certificate of registration to any person who furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant is enrolled in a school or training course for electrical apprentices certified by the United States Office of Apprenticeship. (b) The board shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary or appropriate to supervise and enforce apprenticeship supervision ratios established by the board by rule. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, an apprentice who has successfully completed a certified school or training program and has been released for testing may continue to renew his or her apprentice registration card, if otherwise qualified, without enrolling in a school or training program. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1395, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 11; 2001, No. 1776, § 2; 2007, No. 495, § 3. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-309

Next (a) The Director of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions is authorized to petition any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin or restrain any person who performs electrical work without a license or who otherwise violates the provisions of this chapter. (b) (1) A civil penalty may be assessed against any person, firm, or corporation by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions and subject to appeal and hearing before the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas according to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., if it is determined that the person, firm, or corporation has violated any: (A) Provision of this chapter; (B) Provision in the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, § 20-31-101 et seq.; (C) Rule or order issued or promulgated by the board; or (D) Condition of a license, certificate, or registration issued by the board. (2) For each violation, the penalty shall not exceed the following: (A) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense; (B) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) for a second offense; or (C) One thousand dollars ($1,000) for a third offense. (3) Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation for purposes of penalty assessment. (4) Assessment of a civil penalty by the board shall be made no later than two (2) years after the date of the occurrence of the violation. (5) If any person, firm, or corporation against whom a civil penalty has been imposed fails to pay the penalty within sixty (60) days of the board's decision, the director may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to collect the civil penalty without paying costs or giving bond for costs. (6) Any penalties collected under this section shall be deposited as special revenues into the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Labor and Licensing Special Fund, there to be used by the Department of Labor and Licensing in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of this chapter. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1396, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5423, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 12; 2003, No. 1055, § 1; 2005, No. 1230, § 1. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-310

Next (a) Applicants for a license under this chapter shall be exempt from the examination requirement of § 17-28-203 , provided that the applicant: (1) Is qualified by experience requirements to take the examination for a particular license classification under the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas; (2) Has not had a municipal electrician's license or a state electrician's license of any classification revoked or suspended for cause; (3) Submits the appropriate fee; and (4) Applies for a license before July 1, 1998. (b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, an applicant for a license under this section shall be exempt from the journeyman electrician examination requirement of § 17-28-203 if he or she has completed electrical apprenticeship training and education under a bona fide apprenticeship program registered with the United States Office of Apprenticeship and he or she meets the requirements of subdivisions (a)(2)-(4) of this section. (c) An applicant for a specialist sign electrician license under this chapter shall be exempt from the examination requirement of § 17-28-203 if the applicant: (1) Is qualified by experience requirements to take the examination for a particular license classification under this chapter and the rules of the board; (2) Has not had a municipal electrician's license or a state electrician's license of any classification revoked or suspended for cause; (3) Submits the appropriate fee; and (4) Applies for the specialist sign electrician license before September 1, 2009. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1397, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1289, § 13; 2009, No. 1188, § 4. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-311

Next (a) A journeyman electrician licensee or master electrician licensee shall complete at least eight (8) hours of continuing education for each National Electrical Code cycle before renewing his or her license. (b) If a licensee fails to obtain the required continuing education hours within a National Electrical Code cycle under subsection (a) of this section, the licensee may not renew his or her license until the licensee: (1) Obtains the required continuing education hours and submits proof of completion of the continuing education hours to the Department of Labor as required by the rules of the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas; and (2) Pays all fees and penalties required under § 17-28-301 . (c) The board shall promulgate rules to set standards for continuing education for licensees under this section. Amended by Act 2017, No. 381,§ 2, eff. 3/6/2017. Acts 2005, No. 2291, § 1. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-312

Next (a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that an apprentice electrician should be trained in a manner that: (1) Develops the skills of the apprentice electrician; (2) Ensures the safety of electricians and the public; and (3) Guarantees that the work of the apprentice electrician complies with legal requirements and meets industry standards. (b) (1) An apprentice electrician shall not engage in electrical work unless he or she is supervised by a master electrician or a journeyman electrician. (2) The work done and the tools and methods utilized by the master electrician, journeyman electrician, and apprentice electrician in the course of supervision shall comply with legal requirements and meet industry standards. (3) (A) The master electrician or journeyman electrician shall observe the work of an apprentice electrician in person at regular and reasonable intervals. (B) The Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas shall promulgate rules which determine the regular and reasonable intervals under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section in consideration of the: (i) Nature of the work; and (ii) Skill and experience of the apprentice electrician. (4) (A) The supervising master electrician or journeyman electrician shall remain within reasonable proximity of the apprentice electrician while work is being performed. (B) The proximity of the supervising electrician to the apprentice electrician is reasonable if: (i) The supervising electrician is: (a) Within the line of sight of the apprentice electrician; or (b) At the same street address at which the apprentice electrician is working; or (ii) The job site is not a single-family residence, requires a contractor's license, and the supervising electrician is within the line of sight of the apprentice electrician. (c) One (1) master electrician or journeyman electrician may supervise up to three (3) apprentice electricians on a single electrical job. Added by Act 2015, No. 1122,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-313

Next The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall have the following powers: (1) To ensure that all persons working as apprentice electricians are properly registered; (2) To adopt rules as to the qualifications, training, and supervision of apprentice electricians subject to the approval of the Department of Labor and Licensing; and (3) To adopt rules establishing the roles and duties of the following organizations or officials in the electrical apprenticeship program in compliance with the Revised National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for electrical training as approved and registered with the United States Office of Apprenticeship: (A) The Office of Skills Development; and (B) The State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee. Added by Act 2021, No. 647,§ 14, eff. 7/28/2021. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-28-314

(a) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall appoint a State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee consisting of seven (7) voting members as follows: (1) One (1) member shall be an Arkansas state-licensed journeyman electrician; (2) One (1) member shall be an engineer, professional or registered, with knowledge of the electrical trade; (3) Four (4) members shall be Arkansas state-licensed master electricians; and (4) One (1) member shall be an employer representative who employs electrical apprentices in the State of Arkansas. (b) One (1) of the voting members shall be appointed from each congressional district, and three (3) of the voting members shall be appointed from the state at large. (c) The Director of the Office of Skills Development or his or her designee shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member of the committee. (d) Voting members shall serve four-year terms. (e) The members of the committee may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. (f) The board shall prescribe committee members' qualifications and duties. (g) The board may remove a member for cause. Added by Act 2021, No. 647,§ 14, eff. 7/28/2021. Previous

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-30-106

A professional engineer who voluntarily, without compensation other than expense reimbursement, provides architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, or other design professional services related to a declared national, state, or local emergency caused by an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, explosion, collapse, or other similar disaster or catastrophic event shall be subject to the provisions and protection of § 17-15-106 . Added by Act 2015, No. 534,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Previous

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-33-103

Next (a) Any individual licensed or registered to perform HVACR work may perform HVACR gas fitting work without obtaining any other license to perform the work. HVACR gas fitting work shall be performed in accordance with the appropriate standards for gas fitting work. (b) Any individual licensed or registered to perform HVACR work may perform electrical connections to heating and air conditioning units without obtaining any other license to perform the work, so long as the connection is made to a disconnecting means suitable in capacity for the equipment to be served and is provided by others within ten feet (10') of the unit. (c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as allowing an HVACR licensee to perform electrical work without complying with any applicable local code, city code, state code, or national code pertaining to electrical work. Acts 1991, No. 277, §§ 13, 21; 1995, No. 442, § 1. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-52-319

Next (a) It is the duty of all home inspectors doing business in the state to conduct home inspections with the degree of care that a reasonably prudent home inspector would exercise. (b) All home inspections conducted for compensation in this state shall be conducted according to the standards of practice and code of ethics set forth by the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. (c) If agreed, between the home inspector and his or her client, a home inspection of lesser scope and detail may be conducted. (d) Copies of all standards of practice and code of ethics set forth by the board shall be filed with the Secretary of State and made available at cost to anyone requesting the rules. (e) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to allow home inspectors who are not registered as professional architects or engineers to perform any analysis of the systems, components, or structural integrity of a dwelling that would constitute the practice of civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Amended by Act 2023, No. 628,§ 64, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2003, No. 1328, § 1. Previous Next

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-55-101

(a) A person employed as an electrical inspector in the State of Arkansas shall hold an electrical inspector license issued by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. (b) (1) A person shall apply for licensure as an electrical inspector on a form approved by the board within thirty (30) days of employment as an electrical inspector. (2) Applications shall be made to the board and shall contain: (A) Proof of employment with the state or a political subdivision of the state as an electrical inspector in the State of Arkansas; (B) (i) Verification of work experience as required by rule of the board. (ii) Work experience shall include without limitation demonstrated knowledge of: (a) The standard materials and methods used in the installation of electric equipment; (b) Approved methods of construction to ensure the safety of persons and property; and (c) The requirements of the statewide standards for the construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical facilities and the performance of electrical work under § 20-31-104 ; and (C) Payment of a license fee as established by rule of the board that shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (c) An electrical inspector license: (1) Shall expire on January 1 of each year; and (2) May be renewed upon application to the board and submission of the following information: (A) Proof of continued employment as an electrical inspector in the State of Arkansas; (B) Payment of a renewal fee as established by rule of the board that shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00); and (C) (i) Proof of completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of continuing education. (ii) The board shall promulgate rules to set standards for continuing education for licensees under subdivision (c)(2)(C)(i) of this section. The rules shall include without limitation continuing education on the statewide standards for the construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical facilities and the performance of electrical work under § 20-31-104 . (iii) The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions may conduct or sponsor continuing education classes for electrical inspectors. (d) (1) The board may revoke or suspend an electrical inspector's license for just cause subject to appeal and hearing before the board according to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. (2) (A) A civil penalty may be assessed against an electrical inspector by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions and subject to appeal and hearing before the board according to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., if it is determined that the electrical inspector has violated a: (i) Provision of this chapter; (ii) Rule or order issued or promulgated by the board; or (iii) Condition of a license issued by the board. (B) For each violation, the civil penalty shall not exceed the following: (i) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense; (ii) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) for a second offense; or (iii) One thousand dollars ($1,000) for a third offense. (C) Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation for purposes of penalty assessment. (D) Assessment of a civil penalty by the board shall be made no later than two (2) years after the date of the occurrence of the violation. (E) If an electrical inspector against whom a civil penalty has been imposed fails to pay the penalty within sixty (60) days of the board's decision, the Director of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to collect the civil penalty without paying costs or giving bond for costs. (F) Any penalties collected under this section shall be deposited as special revenues into the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Labor and Licensing Special Fund, there to be used by the Department of Labor and Licensing in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of this chapter. (e) If a person simultaneously holds an electrical inspector license and a license as a master electrician or a journeyman electrician, the person, when renewing his or her master electrician or journeyman electrician license, shall be exempt from the: (1) Renewal fee under § 17-28-301 ; and (2) Continuing education requirements for master electricians and journeyman electricians under § 17-28-311 . Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1498, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5443, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5442, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5441, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-55-102

(a) (1) Licensure as an electrical inspector does not qualify a person to act as an electrician under § 17-28-101 et seq. (2) (A) This chapter shall not require an individual to hold a license before doing electrical work on his or her primary residence except as otherwise required by state law, rules, or local ordinances. (B) The exemption from compliance with the licensing standards shall not be referred to in any way and shall not be evidence of the lack of negligence or the exercise of due care by a party at a trial of any civil action to recover damages by any party. (b) A person licensed as an electrical inspector under this chapter shall not inspect electrical work that he or she: (1) Installed; or (2) Supervised. (c) (1) Except as provided in subdivisions (c)(2) and (3) of this section, a person licensed as an electrical inspector shall conduct inspections only within the political subdivision employing the inspector. (2) If a person licensed as an electrical inspector is employed by more than one (1) political subdivision, he or she may conduct inspections within any of the political subdivisions employing the person as an electrical inspector. (3) A person employed by the state as an electrical inspector may conduct inspections anywhere within the State of Arkansas. (d) This chapter and § 17-28-202 , § 17-28-301(b) , and § 17-28-305 shall not prohibit a person licensed as an electrical inspector or an electrician from performing work free of charge on his or her own properties, properties of family members, or for a nonprofit charity if the person holds the requisite license for the work performed free of charge. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1499, eff. 7/24/2019. Added by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-55-103

(a) A person employed as an electrical inspector as of August 16, 2013, shall be issued a temporary electrical inspector license upon submission of the following information to the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas: (1) Proof of employment with the state or a political subdivision of the state as an electrical inspector in the State of Arkansas; (2) Verification of work experience as required by rule of the board; and (3) Payment of a license fee as required by rule of the board. (b) (1) A temporary license issued under this section shall expire on January 1, 2014. (2) A recipient of a temporary license shall be eligible to apply for an electrical inspector license under this chapter. Added by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-55-104

All funds received by the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas under this chapter shall be deposited as special revenues into the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Labor and Licensing Special Fund, there to be used by the Department of Labor and Licensing in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties as set out in this chapter, § 17-28-101 et seq., and the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, § 20-31-101 et seq., and to defray the costs of the maintenance, operation, and improvements required by the department in carrying out the functions, powers, and duties otherwise imposed by law on the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5444, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-55-105

(a) The Department of Labor and Licensing may charge fees for continuing education classes that it conducts or sponsors for electrical inspectors. (b) Fees under subsection (a) of this section shall be established by rule of the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5445, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2013, No. 756,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)