Restricted Energy

1. Q. When is it necessary to take out an all encompassing restricted energy permit? Can a number of contractors all use minor labels instead?
A. An all encompassing restricted energy permit is not a requirement, it is an option. By rule, a general contractor, electrical contractor or an individual contractor can take out an all encompassing permit. On the other hand contractors who are allowed to use minor labels can do so. As long as the work meets the requirements of the rules, a minor label may be used.
(Tri-County Electrical Code Forum April 19, 2001)

2. Q. We have a number of instrumentation technicians who have restricted energy licenses, but the limitations, particularly the 100 VA, are so severe that they can't work on their equipment as everything they have is greater than 100 VA.

A. Gather a group of people together and work with the electrical board to change the definition of limited energy activity. (Tri-County Electrical Code Forum April 19, 2001)

3. Q. OAR 918-309-0400 states that restricted energy permits for residential can be taken out by the property owner. The problem arises when a person comes in and states he is the owner of the building, when if fact a general contractor is building the home. The applicant is not technically the owner since escrow has not closed. The actual owner is the builder. I have talked with several jurisdictions about this and most of them said that they take the applicant's word of ownership. In my jurisdiction we do not issue a permit to someone who is not the legal owner and require the person or firm that is identified as the owner on the application to take out the permit. I think the OAR is clear that you have to be the legal property owner. This is a consistency issue that I believe needs to be addressed. (OAR attached to Agenda)

A. OAR 918-309-0400 is clear: only a property owner may take out a permit to make an installation on his or her property. Some panel members expressed the concern that applicants who were in the process of closing could not get a permit for a simple stereo installation and suggested that the standing committee of the electrical board review this rule for possible rewrite or reconsideration. However, until the rule is changed or the Electrical and Elevator Board issue an interpretative ruling that states otherwise, jurisdictions should issue restricted energy permits only to contractors or homeowners.
(Tri-County Electrical Code Forum, November 15, 2001)