Can I file an anonymous complaint and how can I do so?
In order to hold licensees accountable for possible violations, the investigator assigned to the filed complaint would need to gather information, testimony, and evidence which the Board would use in reviewing the complaint, before making a decision to send to the Office of Prosecutions. With an anonymous complaint, the ability of the prosecutor to use credible testimony might be lost. Also, any complaint filed against a licensee must follow due process, meaning that the accused must be notified of the complaint filed and by whom. Staff cannot file a complaint on behalf of the Board with third-party hearsay, as this could make the case nearly impossible to prove at potential hearing.
Those who wish to file an anonymous complaint, visit the File a complaint against an occupational board licensee page. Download the form at the bottom of the page; complete it and mail it in without your name.
Can a Journeyman own/operate an LLC or corporation for the purpose of electrical work?
Per the Statutes and regulations (examiners of electricians), only a Master can get a business license (A1), and a Journeyman practicing by themselves can only practice via the name on their license and CANNOT use a DBA or a business entity (like a corporation, LLC, or LLP.) As with many inquiries as to how Journeymen can protect themselves from liability of their work, since regulations preclude them from forming and working under an LLC/LLP/Corp., the suggestion is to consult their insurance carrier for additional liability protection.
Please also bear in mind, Journeymen attempting to operate an LLC, LLP, or corporation run the risk of being in violation of M.G.L. c. 112, §65A, M.G.L. c. 141, §1A, 237 CMR 16.03 & 18.01.
How do I satisfy a DOR hold to renew/reinstate my license?
If there is a stay of your right to renew, what we refer to it as a DOR Hold, the process of holding up renewal or even suspensions due to non-compliance with DOR is handled directly with our Office of Investigations. Investigations receives the hold notice electronically from DOR, then executes the action at DOL. The only way for the hold to be removed is outlined in the steps below. One thing to note also, is that the hold will be removed after the licensee requests a specific certificate (Certificate of good standing-Professional License Renewal) which is then sent to our Office of Investigations who verify and then remove the hold.
The process to remove said hold is as follows:
1. Visit the Massachusetts DOR MassTaxConnect.
2. For Individual Select Request a certificate of good standing.
3. IMPORTANT: On the application page, for Application Type, click the drop-down arrow and select the Professional License Renewal option. The Division of Occupational Licensure needs the letter directly from the Department of Revenue. The Occupational License Renewal option tells the DOR to send it to DOL.
4. Continue and submit the application.
Are Inspectors of Wires required to sign a Certificate of Completion (CoC) for solar/PV installations?
No, per MGL 143 3L, the Inspector of Wires is not obligated to complete said Certificates of Completion (COC) for solar/PV installations as part of the permit and inspection process. Those certificates may be required in order to provide the utility company authorization to complete the customer connection agreement. The COC agreement is between the customer and the serving utility.
The Inspector of Wires (IOW), through the municipal inspection process per the statute listed above, has completed their duties as to the installation being code and public safety compliant.
How do I appeal the decision of a wiring inspector?
Download, complete and submit the Provisions for Inspector Appeals form with the approved documents.
How do I go about getting a code interpretation?
The Board of Fire Prevention Regulation (BFPR) interprets the electrical code via the Interpretations Committee. Please write your question- to elicit a yes or no response- to the committee at:
Board of Fire Prevention Regulation (BFPR)
Department of Fire Services (DFS)
PO Box 1025
State Road
Stow MA 01775
Can an electrical company subcontract work under an electrical business license?
The statutes and regulations pertaining to electrical work in MA require that any work done, be properly permitted, and inspected. The permit application process requires that the persons and/or firms doing the work are licensed in MA to do so. The Board recommends consulting with the local IOW in the city or town the work is to be done. They are the authority having jurisdiction by law and can advise you on how to properly file the application for permit.
What type of license is required to do commercial telecommunications projects.
Any individual, firm, or corporation seeking to perform electrical work as defined in In Massachusetts, See M.G.L. c. 141, s. 1A, requires a license to install “wires, conduits, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat, power, fire warning or security system purposes.” . There are some limited exceptions to this found in M.G.L. c. 141, s. 7. There is no generic exception for “low voltage” wiring, as depending on its use it may be subject to licensing requirements. We advise installers to coordinate with their local inspector of wires to ensure full compliance with these requirements.
Journeyman and Master electricians can do all electrical work as defined in M.G.L. c. 141, s. 1A, if said work is to install “wires, conduits, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat, power, fire warning or security system purposes.”
Visit Apply for an individual electrical or systems license for more information.
Once licensed, an individuals can do all work in their own name.
As for companies doing work, the company will need to have a business license, with either a Master Licensee of Record (LOR), for an A1 Electrical Business license, or a Systems Contractor Licensee of Record, for a C1 Systems Business license.
Visit Apply for an electrical/systems business license for more information.
How do I acquire a List of Licensees?
DOL has a portal for public use where you can search for licensees. Visit the Accela Citizen Access portal.
If you are looking for a comprehensive list, select the fields for license type as well as the Board (Board of State Examiners of Electricians), and submit. When the results populate, there is a clickable blue link to “Download results” which will bring up the list of all licensees. Bear in mind, the list will include both current and expired licensees, so using excel you’ll need to sort the data whichever way you’d like to view it.
What is an S-License, and how to obtain one?
The S-License is required of anyone who wishes to engage in the business of installing, repairing, or maintaining security systems. Visit the S-License and Certificate of Clearance page for more information on obtaining a certificate.
Please note that to obtain an S-license, a person must first hold a valid electrical or systems license issued by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians and only then may complete the application process for the S-License.