The Electrical program's primary mission is to keep Washington's citizens safe, by ensuring that:

• All electrical professionals who operate in Washington State are adequately trained and licensed to do safe and secure electrical work.
• All electrical work done in Washington is inspected for quality and safety to keep Washington's citizens safe.

What we do

We keep Washington safe by…

• Licensing electrical contractors and certifying electricians, trainees, master electricians and electrical administrators to ensure installation competency and professionalism.
• Reviewing electrical plans for schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons to ensure they meet appropriate safety standards.
• Inspecting all types of electrical installations and maintenance to ensure public safety standards are met.
• Requiring amusement rides to be inspected and insured for electrical and mechanical safety.

Why we do it

• Injuries – Coming in contact with electricity can be dangerous, both at work and in our personal lives.
• Fire hazards – Improperly installed electrical wiring and equipment are a leading cause of fires in the state.
• Unsafe electrical installations are costly - There are great costs associated with fire damage, personal injuries and potentially death.

How we’re doing

• Increased public outreach – Newsletters, public forums and the Internet have allowed us to better inform our customers of our services and their responsibilities.
• Improved technology – Inspectors are equipped with on-site mobile computing devices for quicker more accurate inspections.
• Streamlined processes – Streamlined plan review processes have eliminated backlogs and enabled projects to move forward in a more timely manner.
• Reduced inspection time – 95% of our electrical inspections are completed in 48 hours and 83% in 24 hours.

Where we’re going

• Inspection processes improved even more – Goals: 89% of inspections within 24 hours. Requests for inspections can be requested online, by fax, or phone.
• Online permitting services improved – Not only can customers purchase permits online and request inspections; they can now pay any outstanding fees using a credit card or contractor accounts on a permit using our online services.
• Providing more online license capabilites – Provide the ability to pay renewal fees, reinstatement fees and/or update address online.
• Education and outreach emphasized – Homeowners and contractors will be targeted to emphasize the need for safe electrical installations and maintenance.
• Strategic use of technology – Hand-held computers will help inspectors in the field to immediately identify illegal contractors statewide and improve customer service.
• Enhanced public/private partnerships – Enhanced stakeholder involvement, including more interaction with the Electrical Board and industry representatives will ensure a collaborative policy-making process.