2002 National Electrical Codes To Take Effect

Sep. 9, 2002
No. 02-46

New regulations become effective September 25, 2002, adopting the 2002 National Electrical Code and the 2002 National Electrical Safety Code as the minimum electrical standards in the State of Alaska. Projects that have progressed beyond the "Request for Proposal" stage may continue to use the older version of the codes, while new projects must be performed to the standards of the new codes.

Also contained in the regulations is an amendment allowing the use of corrugated stainless steel tubing as an alternate material for gas installations. This new product will be accepted in installations performed after September 25.

The regulations also require that, after October 1, 2003, all electrical and plumbing trainee applicants seeking their first trainee certificate must be enrolled in a training program accredited by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

"This will help insure the trainees are provided adequate training designed to prepare them for becoming a journeyman in their chosen trade," Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Ed Flanagan said.

Finally, effective September 1, 2002, the reciprocal licensing agreement between the States of Alaska and Oregon is no longer in effect. The practical impact of this is that Journeyman Electricians licensed in Oregon will have to prove up their qualifications and take the test in order to obtain an Alaska electrical certificate of fitness. Oregon now requires licensed Alaska journeymen electricians to prove up their hours and take the written exam to obtain a license to work in Oregon. Oregon no longer recognizes the Alaska license; therefore, under the terms of the reciprocal agreement it ceases to operate.

Alaska still has reciprocal licensing agreements with Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
 

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