Permits, Approvals and Inspections
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Electrical Inspections

Ed Riesner, Chief
County Office Building
Room G21
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-3960
Fax: 410-887-8081
eriesner@baltimorecountymd.gov

**Important Notices**

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Inspection Procedure | Electrical Licensing | District Inspection Map | Current and Local Codes | Forms/Applications / Information |
Electrical Board |Electrical Inspections FAQ | Inspection Connection | Plumbing Inspections | Licensed Contractors

Primary Functions

  • inspect work performed by licensed contractors to ensure conformity with all current electrical codes
  • investigate electrical complaints
  • interact with contractors, engineers and property owners and answer code compliance questions
  • issuance of electrical licenses
  • administer electrical testing for licensing new applicants in compliance with the Baltimore County Code Regulations.

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Procedures for Inspections

  • All types of electrical installations, including low voltage wiring, are required to be installed by a contractor licensed in Baltimore County. 
  • Permits are not required for ordinary maintenance of existing electrical systems
  • Proper permits must be obtained prior to the commencement of any work.
  • Electrical permits are required for all new installations.

Electrical Inspection Fee Schedule (PDF)

Electrical permit applications (PDF) may be downloaded, filled in, and printed for processing in person or by mail, and /or obtained and processed by visiting:

Room 100, Permit Processing
County Office Building
111 W. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-3900

Additional information required for permit application: building permit number for residential or commercial building's Use & Occupancy. Check with your builder for the correct building permit number.

BGE Meter Releases (PDF) - Review this important information to expedite meter releases.

Inspection Connection - Schedule an inspection. (The following information must be provided to schedule an inspection)

  • permit number
  • type of inspection necessary

 All electrical installations should be inspected.

  • Inspection requests can also be scheduled with the secretary between 8 a.m. and 3:25 p.m. by calling 410-887-3960.
  • All appointments must be scheduled directly with the district inspector. Inspectors are in the office Monday through Friday between  7:30 - 8 a.m. and between 3 - 3:30 p.m.

Electrical Inspectors' District Map (PDF)

For information / questions regarding permit fees (PDF) or inspections and code regulations, contact: Vince Metallo at 410-887-3960.

Please direct questions regarding licensing, license renewal and reciprocal letters to the Electrical Administrative Board at 410-887-3636. No inspections are to be called in at this number.

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Electrical Licensing

Licenses will expire on June 30, 2012. (every two years)

Active License holders reciprocating to another county from Baltimore County will need:

  • $60 fee each, effective December 6, 2010
  • reciprocal letter
  • license number
  • license holder name
  • name of the county you are reciprocating to

Exam Information - Examinations are based on the 2008 National Electric Code.
                               Fee: $25, effective December 6, 2010
                               Test Location: Room G21, 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, Md.

Master General License | Master Limited License | Restricted License | Electrical License Application (PDF) |Examination Application (PDF) | Maryland Licensed Electricians 

Master General License

Authorizes the holder thereof to install, repair, maintain or erect any kind of electrical wiring, conduits, machinery, appliances, motors, fixtures, signs, electrically operated heating equipment, elevators, or any other electrical apparatus of device in or about any premises in Baltimore County.

  • Examination - Master General License
    March and September (only)
     Four hours 
    Open Book      

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Master Limited License - Limits license holder to represent and perform work in one industrial type building in Baltimore County (no work for the public at all).

Authorizes the holder thereof to install, maintain and repair or erect any kind of electrical wiring, conduits, machinery, appliances, motors, fixtures, signs, electrically operated heating equipment, elevators, or any other electrical apparatus or device but only on the premises of his employer in Baltimore County (no work for the public at all). 

  • Examination - Master Limited License
    March and September (only)
    two hours

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Restricted License - Separate examinations given for specialties listed below

Authorizes the holder thereof to install, maintain, and repair and, except with respect to electrical household appliances, radio and television sets, to make installation of electrical wiring from the point of distribution to the equipment being installed in or about any premises in Baltimore County. The following lists the types of electrical equipment for  which a restricted license is required:

  • RA - Radio, TV, Cable TV
  • RB - Antennas
  • RC - Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning
  • RD - Appliances, Tool, and Motor Repairs
  • RE - Elevators
  • RF - Low Voltage Alarm and Signal Systems
  • RG - Signs
  • RH - Installation and Maintenance of Traffic Equipment
  • RK - Intercom, Communication Equipment, Sound Systems
  • RL - Water Pumps
  • RM- TV Electronic Surveillance Systems
  • RN - X-Ray Equipment

Examination

  • Restricted Tests
    • Low Voltage & Intercom Communications
              RF & RK  (Only) - Open Book
              Monthly
              three hours
  • All other Restricted Test
                              Monthly
                          two hours                         

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Current and Local Codes

All permits issued after September 1, 2008 will follow the 2008 N.E.C. regardless of when the permit is mailed or applied for. Review some important changes.(PDF) 

The following codes are PDF documents and will open in a new window.

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Revised October 21, 2011

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