Obtaining permits is a crucial part of an electrical contracting business, as most electrical work needs a permit. States and municipalities require permits for electrical work to ensure the work that a technician completes follows current safety codes. When you work with multiple customers at a time, keeping track of permits may seem like a challenge. By knowing what types of jobs require a permit and using field management software, managing important job requirements and keeping track of the details will become more simple.

Electrical Job Management: When You Need a Permit

In general, electrical work related to travel trailers, plug-in household appliances, lamp installations, heat cable repair, and the replacement of dimmers and receptacles do not require a permit.

Jobs that do require a permit include:

  • Panelboards
  • Motors larger than 10 horsepower
  • The installation, change or repair of all circuit wiring
  • Thermostats and thermostat wiring
  • Fire alarms
  • Burglar alarms
  • Wiring in outbuildings
  • Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas
  • Meterbases
  • Intercoms
  • Generators
  • Septic pumping systems
  • HVAC systems
  • Permanent home stereo systems
  • Telecommunication systems
  • Batteries larger than 150 amp hour
  • Adding additional outlets in a dwelling or building
  • Central vacuum systems
  • Replacing or adding electrical heating systems, such as baseboard heaters
  • Adding lighting fixtures
  • Changing fuse box circuit breakers

To learn exactly what types of jobs require an electrical permit, refer to your respective state’s contracting board or department of labor and industries for a full list. Keep in mind that municipalities may have additional permit requirements.

Consequences of Not Obtaining a Permit for Relevant Electrical Work

  • The building owner may not be able to insure the property.
  • If the unpermitted work causes damage, the property owner may not be able to collect on an insurance claim.
  • Your business or the building owner may incur a fine of hundreds or thousands of dollars for each day unpermitted work violates a safety code.
  • You may be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars for each day that you worked on a job if you didn’t obtain a permit before starting the project.
  • Officials may disconnect power to the building.
  • Not obtaining a permit for electrical work may reduce a property’s value or make the property unsellable.
  • Professional inspection after completing a job helps identify minor problems that could have dangerous or expensive consequences. Without a permit and inspection, you have an increased liability risk.
  • If you’re caught doing electrical work without a permit, you may hurt your professional reputation.
  • You may be subject to additional civil penalties.

As a contractor, you are responsible for buying and obtaining permits, not the client.

Field Management Software to Tract Permits

Logging permit requests, keeping workers updated with the latest permit statuses, and storing permits in a way that makes it simple for technicians to access the document is possible with software that is designed for electricians.

When you begin a job using 360e’s software, you will be sent an alert if you haven’t secured a permit. Its document management capabilities allow you to record information, such as permit numbers, the dates that you requested and obtained permits, and the licensing board’s website so you can easily check a permit’s status. Once you receive a permit, scan and upload it to the system. Now your workers will have instant access to it to show a client or inspector.

360e’s intuitive design makes managing all the aspects of your electrical contracting business simpler and more efficient. Contact us to schedule a demonstration to see how it will enhance your operations.