ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Licenses Classification

In the state of GA we have 2 classes for electrical licenses, Class 1 is 200 amps or less residential only and Class 2 is EVERYTHING else including class 1

Currently I hold a class 1 licenses and have been wiring only 1 200 amp panel per house but the houses are starting to get bigger and will require 2 400 amp panels. The GA sos web page has this clause in their Rules for electrical licensing
(Statewide classI electrical contractor licenses are restricted to electrical contracting involving single-phase electrical installations which do
not exceed 200 amperes at the service drop or the service lateral. Class II electrical contractor licenses are unrestricted.)

I have had several other electricians to tell me that if the panels are only 200 amps then I am covered under the class 1 license.
Any Thoughts on this?
Chris Simms
Georgia

Chris, I'm a GA class 2 EC. I have heard what you're sayig about being allowed to do the 400 amp houses with a class 1. I personally don't see why not, it's just 2 - 200 amp services in 1. However, my opinion is not the 1 that counts, you need to call the cheif electrical inspector for the county where the job is and ask for permission. I have heard that most of the time they will let you, especially if you regularly work in that area and they know you.

Personally, I think they need to change the classifications in Georgia to all residential and unrestricted. When they started licensing 99% of residential work was under 200 amps, now 400 and 600 amps are more common than 200 in my area.

I will try to talk to the CBO in Dalton and see if they will grant the permission to do 400 amps. I plan to talk to our congressman about how to go about getting these 200 amp restrictions changed
Chris