Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - ELECTRICAL BOARD
Background
The Nebraska Electrical Board is responsible for:
Licensing electricians, electrical contractors, and apprentices
Establishing standards for safe electrical work
Conducting inspections and investigations
Enforcing compliance and imposing disciplinary actions
Reviewing complaints related to unsafe practices
NAC rules provide the framework for licensing requirements, continuing education, disciplinary procedures, and penalties for violations.
Case 1: Unlicensed Electrical Work
Issue
An individual performed electrical work without a valid license.
Facts
Complaint filed after homeowner reported unsafe wiring installation.
Investigation confirmed individual was not licensed in Nebraska.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 1, Section 005 – Licensing requirement for electricians
NAC Title 158, Chapter 2, Section 010 – Prohibition against unlicensed practice
Board’s Analysis
Performing electrical work without a license violates public safety and regulatory requirements.
Unlicensed individuals lack verified qualifications.
Outcome
Individual fined and ordered to cease all electrical work immediately
Required to apply for license before performing any further work
Repeat violations could result in criminal charges
Key Lesson
Licensing ensures competency and public safety; unlicensed work is strictly prohibited.
Case 2: Unsafe Electrical Installations
Issue
Licensed electrician installed wiring that failed inspection due to code violations.
Facts
Inspector identified improperly grounded circuits and exposed wiring.
Work was performed in a residential property.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 3, Section 020 – Compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards
NAC Title 158, Chapter 4, Section 015 – Board authority to enforce safety standards
Board’s Analysis
Even licensed electricians must adhere strictly to the code.
Violations pose risks of fire, electrocution, or property damage.
Outcome
Electrician required to correct all violations under supervision
Formal reprimand added to license record
Mandatory continuing education on NEC updates
Key Lesson
Licensing does not excuse unsafe work; adherence to code standards is mandatory.
Case 3: Failure to Maintain Proper Records
Issue
Electrical contractor failed to keep project documentation and inspection records.
Facts
Contractor could not provide receipts, inspection approvals, or wiring diagrams for multiple projects.
Investigation triggered after homeowner complaints.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 2, Section 025 – Recordkeeping requirements for licensed contractors
NAC Title 158, Chapter 4, Section 020 – Compliance audits and documentation
Board’s Analysis
Proper records are essential for accountability and safety verification.
Lack of documentation constitutes a regulatory violation even if work appears satisfactory.
Outcome
Contractor issued warning and required to establish recordkeeping system
Future inspections monitored closely
Noncompliance could result in suspension of license
Key Lesson
Accurate records are legally required; failure to maintain them risks license penalties.
Case 4: Substandard Apprentice Supervision
Issue
Master electrician failed to adequately supervise an apprentice.
Facts
Apprentice performed complex electrical tasks unsupervised.
Violations detected during inspection, including incorrect wiring methods.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 5, Section 010 – Supervision requirements for apprentices
NAC Title 158, Chapter 5, Section 015 – Liability of master electricians for apprentice work
Board’s Analysis
Licensed electricians are responsible for oversight of apprentices.
Failure to supervise can result in unsafe installations and regulatory violations.
Outcome
Master electrician reprimanded and placed on probation
Required to provide documentation of supervision for six months
Apprentice received retraining under proper supervision
Key Lesson
Supervision of apprentices is a critical responsibility; failure endangers safety and violates NAC.
Case 5: Misrepresentation on Licensing Application
Issue
Electrician provided false information when renewing license.
Facts
Claimed completion of continuing education hours that were not actually completed.
Verification revealed discrepancies with course providers.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 2, Section 030 – Truthful representation in license applications
NAC Title 158, Chapter 4, Section 025 – Disciplinary actions for misrepresentation
Board’s Analysis
Misrepresentation undermines the integrity of the licensing system.
Licensees must provide accurate and verifiable information.
Outcome
License suspended until continuing education completed and verified
Formal reprimand added to record
Repeat violations could lead to permanent revocation
Key Lesson
Honesty in licensing and renewal processes is mandatory; misrepresentation carries serious consequences.
Case 6: Failure to Correct Violations
Issue
Electrician failed to correct previously identified code violations within the required timeframe.
Facts
Inspector cited issues in commercial wiring installation.
Contractor ignored correction notice for several months.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 3, Section 025 – Enforcement of correction notices
NAC Title 158, Chapter 4, Section 030 – Disciplinary action for noncompliance
Board’s Analysis
Timely correction of violations is essential to maintain safety and compliance.
Ignoring notices shows disregard for public safety and board authority.
Outcome
License suspended until violations corrected
Additional fines imposed
Monitoring required on all subsequent projects
Key Lesson
Timely correction of violations is legally required; noncompliance results in suspension and fines.
Case 7: Performing Work Beyond License Scope
Issue
Master electrician performed specialty electrical work not covered under their license.
Facts
Licensed for residential work but performed industrial high-voltage installation.
Board inspection revealed lack of proper qualifications.
Rules Applied
NAC Title 158, Chapter 2, Section 035 – Scope of license limitations
NAC Title 158, Chapter 4, Section 035 – Enforcement for out-of-scope work
Board’s Analysis
Licenses define the type of work a professional may legally perform.
Work outside scope poses safety hazards and violates regulations.
Outcome
Work stopped immediately and required licensed specialist for correction
Licensee issued formal reprimand
Required additional training before performing specialty work in future
Key Lesson
Electricians must only perform work within the scope of their license; violations risk disciplinary action.
Overall Themes from Nebraska Electrical Board Cases
Licensing is mandatory: Unlicensed work is prohibited.
Safety compliance is critical: NEC standards must be strictly followed.
Recordkeeping and supervision: Documentation and apprentice oversight are legally required.
Honesty and integrity: Misrepresentation on applications is a serious violation.
Scope of work: Electricians must work within their licensed specialties.
Timely correction of violations: Ignoring notices or delays in correction triggers penalties.
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