Electrical Laws & Rules
Current electrical laws (RCW)
Chapter 19.28 RCW: ELECTRICIANS AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (wa.gov)
Before printing, select PDF.
Exam friendly version: F500-143-000
Valid for current 2020 NEC exams. Updating exams to the 2023 NEC in 2025. Date TBD.
Current electrical rules (WAC)
Chapter 296-46B WAC: ELECTRICAL SAFETY STANDARDS, ADMINISTRATION, AND INSTALLATION
Before printing, select PDF.
Exam friendly version: F500-142-000
Valid for current 2020 NEC exams. Updating exams to the 2023 NEC in 2025. Date TBD.
NFPA codes and standards
Visit the website of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for read-only access to the NFPA codes and standards adopted by L&I in Chapter 296-46B-010 WAC.
2023 rulemaking #2
Fee increase
L&I has adopted a fee increase to cover operating expenses, electrical inspections and other program public safety activities for the agency’s Electrical Program.
L&I adopted the rules on March 19. The changes also include removing a fee for printed copies of the electrical laws and rules. The fee increase will take effect July 1.
Rulemaking documents
Notice of Intent (10/31/2023)
Proposed Rule Language (12/19/2023)
Final Adoption (03/19/2024)
2023 rulemaking #1
L&I has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and other rule changes. L&I filed a CR-103 Rulemaking Order to adopt the changes on February 21. The changes take effect April 1.
The changes would affect WAC 296-46B, Electrical Safety Standards, Administration, and Installation, excluding WAC 296-46B-945, Qualifying for master, journey level, specialty electrician examinations.
Rulemaking documents
Notice of Intent 4/04/2023
- CR-101 Preproposal.
- Second Draft WAC 296-46B Proposed Amendments.
- Second Draft Supplement - 06A Work Scope Amendments.
- Second Draft Supplement – Reorganized Scope of Work for 06A & 06B.
Proposed Rule Language (12/19/2023)
- CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking.
- CR-102 Proposed Rule Language.
- Preliminary Cost Benefit Analysis.
- Public Hearing Information Packet.
Final Adoption 2/20/2024
- CR-103 Adoption.
- CR-103 Adoption Language.
- Concise Explanatory Statement.
- Final Cost Benefit Analysis.
Related resources
- Trades & Licensing Rules Under Development (listed alphabetically) to find electrical safety standards, administration, and installation.
- Current electrical rulemaking.
- Join the Electrical Bulletin to get email notices with important dates and other information about rule changes.
As new policies are approved, they will be posted here. Please check back on a regular basis.
| Policy Number | Effective Date |
| none current or pending | None as of 10/1/2013 |