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NEWS RELEASE

September 30, 2008

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Howard County Reminds Residents of Updated Electrical Code Compliance

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits would like to remind residents and business owners that electrical permit applications submitted to the County are now required to comply with the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The code is not new, but rather an update from the 2005 edition; the updated code went into effect on September 9, 2008.

“The County recognizes the state-of-the-art latest industry standards with respect to electrical installations,” said Bob Frances, Director of the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits. “The major focus of these updates is safety, and that’s our main focus too.”

Significant differences from the previous edition of the NEC, also known as the National Fire Protection Association publication NFPA 70, include:

• Arc-Fault Circuit Interruption Protection throughout all new homes (the previous edition only required such protection in bedrooms)
• Child Tamper Resistant Electrical Outlets
• Additional Clarifications and Guidelines Relating to the Installation and Construction of Low Voltage Wiring

Also, installation of low voltage wiring, which includes communications wiring, security wiring, typical outdoor landscape lighting and similar electrical systems that operate on 50 volts or less, require an electrical permit from the Department of Inspections, Licenses, & Permits. This permit must be obtained by a contractor who holds at least a “Restricted Electrical” license in Howard County. While this is not new, the new edition of the NEC provides additional clarifications for the installation of low voltage wiring.

The Department would also like to warn consumers that it has found that contractors without the proper license and permits are providing services that do not meet the minimum code requirements. This can lead to a system that may not perform as intended, or worst, someone could receive an electrical shock due to improper installation and failure to meet the code. To report non-permitted and possibly unsafe installations, or possible unlicensed contractors, contact the Inspection and Enforcement Division at 410-313-1823.

For more information or general licenses and permitting questions, contact the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits at 410-313-2455. For questions related to code compliance or interpretation of the code, contact the Plan Review Division at 410-313-2426.