FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowner and Farmer Information
Electrical Inspectors by County
Members, Meetings, and Agendas
Post Secondary Electrical Program (PSEP)
Contact Us
Electrical Licensing and Permit/Inspection Program
Licensing Questions Email: elecinfo@dps.state.ia.us
Permitting/Inspection Questions Email: einspinfo@dps.state.ia.us
State Fire Marshal's Office
Electrical Examining Board
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines IA 50319
Phone: 515.725.6147
Fax: 515.725.6151
New or Updated Licensing Information
The Iowa Electrical Examining Board/Code Adoption Subcommittee has been reviewing the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and they would like to have input from all interested parties on the adoption of the 2023 NEC. Please submit your input in writing. After the information is reviewed, the Board will hold a public meeting for input, as well as during the Administrative Rule making process.
The Board is considering having the 2023 NEC go into effect on or around Jan. 1, 2024.
Please feel free to forward this information to anyone else that might want to provide input to the Board on this subject matter.
Input can be mailed to:
Electrical Examining Board
215 E 7th St.
Des Moines, IA. 50319
Or email to:
byoung@dps.state.ia.us
ATTENTION: The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) went into effect on April 1, 2021.
The amendments in Chapter 504 – Standards for Electrical Work shall not expire, and shall remain in effect until, at minimum, the effective date of rules adopted by the board adopting either of the following;
1. A subsequent edition of the National Electrical Code.
2. Subsequent amendments, issued and adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, to the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code.
To view the amendments to the 2020 NEC, click on Chapter 504 - Standards for Electrical Work.
Please seek training from a Board approved continuing education provider over the changes that took place in the 2020 NEC. This will ensure your electrical installations will meet the minimum safety standards. Hours taken over the 2020 NEC can be applied towards renewing your electrical license, as long as the course was approved by the Board. We encourage all electricians to ask their continuing education provider, prior to taking a course, if it is approved by the Board.
PSI testing over the 2020 NEC began on 1/1/2021.
• Discipline and Public Actions
• Amendments to the 2020 National Electrical Code.
• On April 1, 2021, the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) went into effect. Any permit purchased after April 1, 2021, will be inspected to the 2020 NEC.
Main Website: iowaelectrical.gov
GENERAL INFORMATION, RESOURCES:
During the 2006-07 legislative session, the Iowa General Assembly enacted legislation (Iowa Code 103) which established a statewide electrical licensing and inspection program. The responsibility of this program was given to the Fire Marshal Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and is overseen by the Electrical Examining Board (EEB). View Adopted Administrative Rules.
One provision of the law required state licensing of all electricians and electrical contractors by January 1, 2008. Several categories of electrical licenses have been established and thousands of electrical licenses have been issued since. License applications continue to be submitted daily as more individuals qualify for their specific license.
The second provision of the law required inspections of all new electrical work done within the state unless it was specifically exempted in the legislation. Installers apply for electrical permits through an online program developed specifically for the EEB. These inspection requests are responded to quickly by the State Electrical Inspector assigned to that area. The inspector’s other duties include: Electrical education, answering code related questions, and investigating any customer complaints about the program.
Main Website: iowaelectrical.gov