Proposed Electrical Regulation Could Hike Costs, Trigger Layoffs, and Delay Projects

A proposed rule in the recent State Register of Regulations would require any contractor installing a low-voltage system to have the work performed by a licensed electrician. Currently Delaware does not require special licensing or certification for low-voltage techs and these installations are exempt from requiring a licensed electrician. If approved, this proposal would eliminate that exemption. Low-voltage wiring is typically under 50 volts and is used in many applications – including phone systems, satellite dish antennas, landscape lighting, communications systems and cable TV. Hiring a licensed electrician to do this type of work could be difficult as they may be unavailable or unwilling to do low-voltage work.

A public meeting on the proposal scheduled for September 3^rd has been canceled – but it’s expected to be rescheduled at a later date.

Additional information from the Delaware House Republican Caucus:

Low-voltage systems are also low-amperage, a combination that creates little to no risk of shock or fire. While some states require special licensing or certification for low-voltage technicians, many, like Delaware, do not.

Charles Williams, owner of Creation Audio, emphasized that all of his company’s work, from audio systems to networking and Wi-Fi, falls under the low-voltage category.

“It’s a solution to a problem that does not exist,” he said, adding that their work is more akin to handling data than distributing power.

“Most companies that do what we do have four or five people on staff,” Mr. Williams said. “If this change were to take effect, I would be completely unable to do everything I do day-to-day. In practice, we’d cease to exist.”

Mr. Williams also noted the broader impact the regulation could have. “Theoretically, Mediacom (cable TV) would not be able to run a cable from the pole to the house. That’s low voltage. HVAC companies wouldn’t be able to run a wire for a thermostat. That’s low voltage, too.

“There is no justification for this,” he continued. “I’m really curious as to the ‘why’ behind this, because nobody has given us an answer,” he said.

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