# Subtitle 17 – Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 17-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-1 (2026)

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Master electrician” means any person, firm, and corporation engaged in the business of, or holding themselves out to the public as engaged in the business of, installing, erecting, or repairing, or contracting to install, erect, or repair electric wires or conductors, to be used for the transmission of electric current for electric light, heat, or power purposes, or moulding, ducts, raceways, or conduits for the reception or protection of such wires or conductors, or to any electrical machinery, apparatus, devices, or fixtures to be used for electric light, heat, or power purposes.

(c) “Master electrician, restricted” means any person holding a license limited to servicing and installing electrical services and allied components no larger than 150 amperes-110/220 volt capacity restricted to a single phase operation to be used for electric light, heat, or power purposes in dwellings that do not contain more than 3 dwelling units.

(d) “Restricted electrician” means any person holding a license, or applying for a license, entitling such person or applicant to install, maintain, and repair the particular type or types of electrical equipment specified in the license.

(e) “Maintenance electrician” means any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the work of maintaining, servicing, and/or repairing any kind of electrically operated or controlled apparatus, device, equipment, appliance, or machinery, after the original electrical installations have been made by a master electrician licensed by the Board and approved by inspection authorities.

(f) “Board” means the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors of Baltimore City.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-2 Board.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-2 (2026)

(a)

  (1) The Board shall be composed of 6 members and shall be a part of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

  (2) Of the 6 Board members:

    (i) 1 shall be the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development or his representative, ex officio;

    (ii) 3 shall be practicing master electricians licensed in the City of Baltimore, 1 of whom shall be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 24; and

    (iii) 2 members shall be from the general public.

  (3) The Commissioner or his representative shall not have a vote.

  (4) All appointments to the Board shall be made without regard to political affiliation.

(b) Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor under the provisions of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the Baltimore City Charter</cite>.

(c) Each member shall be a resident of Baltimore City during his entire term.

(d)

  (1) The term of the members is 4 years concurrent with the Mayor’s term of office.

  (2) Should any vacancy occur from any cause during the term of any member, the Mayor shall appoint a person from the categories above provided, to fill such vacancy.

  (3) In no event shall any member of the Board be appointed for more than 2 consecutive full terms.

(e) The Mayor has the power to remove any member of the Board under the provisions of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the Baltimore City Charter</cite>.

(f)

  (1) The Mayor shall appoint one member of the Board to act as chairperson to serve as chairperson at the pleasure of the Mayor.

  (2) The members of the Board may elect other officers and adopt such rules and bylaws for the transaction of business of the Board as they may deem expedient.

(g) Each member of the Board shall receive compensation as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates.

(h)

  (1) The Board shall meet at least twice a month and shall hold special meetings as frequently as the proper and efficient discharge of its business shall require.

  (2) Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, the Board shall adopt rules and regulations for:

    (i) the examination of master or maintenance electricians as herein defined; and

    (ii) the maintaining or servicing or the placing, installing; and operating electrical wires, appliances, apparatus, or construction in, upon, and about buildings in the City of Baltimore.

  (3) The Board shall give timely notice of meetings.

  (4) The Board shall give in writing to the chief of the municipal electrical inspectors of Baltimore City a detailed statement of all the licenses issued, renewed or revoked at any meeting of the Board.

  (5) Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, the Board may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 99-526*

*History: Text Conformed 02/19/21*

## § 17-3 Licensing required.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-3 (2026)

(a) Before any person, firm, or corporation shall hereafter engage or continue to engage in the work or business of a master or maintenance electrician in Baltimore City, as defined in this subtitle, such person, firm or corporation shall apply to the Board for a license, and the Board shall provide the applicant with the prescribed forms.

(b) This section shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation engaged in the repair and maintenance of electrical appliances and electrical home utilities insofar as making minor adjustments and repairs necessary in connection with the installation and repair of electrical appliances and utilities.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-4 Qualifications of applicants.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-4 (2026)

(a) Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

(b) An applicant for examination for a master electrician license shall have been regularly and principally employed or engaged in electrical construction, maintenance, installation and repair of all types of electrical equipment and apparatus, all coming within the purview of and subject to all provisions of this subtitle, for a period of not less than 7 years preceding the date of his application, under the direction and supervision of a master electrician, 3 years of which he supervised or was actively in charge of the electrical installation work.

(c) The Board may credit the maximum of 3 years for formal course study or professional training in electrical installation which, in the opinion of the Board, provided comparable experience in training otherwise attainable under the supervision of a master electrician or while employed by a government agency.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-5 Applications for license.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-5 (2026)

(a) The application shall be filed with the Board at least 30 days prior to the examination months.

(b) A false, erroneous, or misleading statement made in an application is cause for rejection of the application or revocation of a license issued to the applicant.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-6 Appeal to board of arbitration.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-6 (2026)

(a) Any person whose application for license shall have been rejected by the Board shall have the right to appeal to a board of arbitration, which shall consist of 1 person selected by the person making the appeal, 1 person selected by the Board herein created, and these 2 to select a 3<sup>rd</sup> person.

(b) The decision of said board of arbitration or a majority of them shall be final and binding upon all parties to said appeal.

(c) A reasonable fee toward covering the cost of arbitration shall be paid by the appellant but shall be refunded if the appellant prevails.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-7 Examinations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-7 (2026)

(a) The applicant shall pay the prescribed examination fee and shall appear before the Board at the time and place fixed by the Board.  Any applicant who fails to appear for a scheduled examination is subject to filing a new application and the payment of the fee.

(b) Examinations for master, master restricted, or maintenance electricians shall be held on or about the 2<sup>nd</sup> Saturday of April and October.

(c)

  (1) The examination will consist of written questions in practical electricity and the Baltimore City and <cite data-path="|building-codes|III">National Electric Code</cite>s.

  (2) A grade of 70% is required for passing.

(d)

  (1) An applicant who fails to pass an initial examination is eligible for any succeeding examination.

  (2) An applicant who fails to pass 2 or more examinations is not eligible for another examination within 12 months from the date of the last failed examination.

  (3) Separate applications and examination fees are required for each examination.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-8 Maintenance electricians.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-8 (2026)

(a) Any person, firm, or corporation who does not hold a master electrician license and rendering a service to the public to maintain, service, and/or repair any kind of electrically operated or controlled equipment, etc., must have at least 1 representative licensed as a maintenance electrician who is responsible to the Board for all employees under his supervision.

(b)

  (1) Any person, firm, or corporation doing its own maintenance, service, and/or repairs, on its own premises, must have at least 1 representative so licensed who is responsible to the Board for all employees working under his or their supervision.

  (2) Premises requiring a licensed representative unless they hold a master electrician license are: factories, industrial plants, department stores, theatres, public halls, office buildings, apartment houses, schools, arenas, and any other occupancy (other than private dwelling houses, doing their own maintenance service, and/or repairs) doing its own maintenance, service, and/or repairs.

  (3) Each license so issued shall designate which kinds of apparatus or equipment the licensed representative is qualified to maintain, service and/or repair.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-9 Surety bond.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-9 (2026)

(a) Every person, firm, or corporation before receiving a master electrician’s license shall make, execute, and deliver to said Board a good and sufficient bond to be approved by said Board, in the name of the City of Baltimore, in the sum of $2,500, the bond to be conditioned upon the faithful performance of any and all work entered upon or contracted for by said master electrician, and to save harmless the owner, or real party in interest in the property for which any such material is furnished, or services performed against loss, damage, and injury which shall arise through want of skill, or through the failure to use suitable or proper material in the performance of any work contracted for or undertaken by said master electrician, or his or its agents or employees.

(b) An action may be maintained thereon in the name of such owner or real party in interest only if commenced within 1 year from and after the date of the installation of the materials furnished or performance of such work or service.

(c) Those licensees who are automatically “grandfathered” into City licensing from state licensing have 10 days from the date thereof (May 1, 1983 or July 1, 1983) within which to file the required bond, and their City license is valid during this period.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 84-010*

*History: Ord. 90-628*

## § 17-10 License issuance, renewal; fees.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-10 (2026)

(a) The first master, master restricted, or maintenance electrician’s license will be issued to a successful applicant upon payment of the proper license fee and receipt of a signed license application form.

(b)

  (1) Renewals may be obtained by an application to the Board and payment of the renewal fee during a period of 3 months preceding the expiration of the license.

  (2) All persons registered as electricians in Baltimore City on April 30, 1983, and on June 30, 1983, are automatically licensed under this subtitle for the period May 1, 1983, or July 1, 1983, through December 31, 1983, without payment of a fee, and are subject to all its applicable provisions.

(c)

  (1) A licensee who holds a valid electrical license from the Board may be classified as inactive status, during which time he shall not install, maintain, service, or repair electrical wires, conductors, or apparatus for heat, light, or power purposes.

  (2) The licensee may retain his license on an inactive basis upon payment of an annual renewal fee.

  (3) A bond must be secured in order for the licensee to return to active status.

(d)

  (1) All licenses expire as of January 1 of each year, and are subject to a renewal fee.

  (2) Any person, firm, or corporation who desires to renew a license after the expiration date but prior to March 1 will be subject to a payment of a delinquent fee of $35.

  (3) Any person, firm, or corporation who fails to renew a license by March 1 of any year shall be treated as a new applicant and will be subjected to the same exam as new applicants and be required to pay the same fees.

  (4) Any person, firm, or corporation which renews its license between January 1, 1984 and March 1, 1984 shall not be subject to a renewal fee and shall not be required to take the same examination as a new applicant.

(e) The following charges shall be made:

            <table class="layout-table">
              <tbody>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(1)  Examination</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$35</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(2)  New Master and Master Restricted License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(3)  New Restricted License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(4) New Maintenance License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$50</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(5)  Renewal of Master and Master Restricted License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(6)  Renewal of Restricted License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(7)  Renewal of Maintenance License</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$50</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td colspan="2">
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(8)  Reciprocal License:</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(i)  Master</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(ii)  Master Restricted</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(iii)  Restricted</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$75</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(iv)  Maintenance</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$50</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td colspan="2">
                    <p class="text-indent-2">(9)  License Transfer:</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(i)  Master</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$35</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(ii)  Master Restricted</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$35</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(iii)  Restricted</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$35</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
                <tr>
                  <td>
                    <p class="text-indent-3">(iv)  Maintenance</p>
                  </td>
                  <td>
                    <p>$25</p>
                  </td>
                </tr>
              </tbody>
            </table>
          

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 84-010*

*History: Ord. 90-628*

## § 17-11 Display of license.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-11 (2026)

Any and all persons granted a license or renewal of same shall display the same in a conspicuous place in the office or place of business of such licensee.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 84-010*

*History: Ord. 90-628*

## § 17-12 License not assignable.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-12 (2026)

No license or renewal of same granted or issued under the provisions of this subtitle shall be assignable or transferable, and every license and renewal of same shall specify the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom it is issued, and in the case of a corporation, the principal officer or the designated representatives of said corporation, through whom the application for the said license was made.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 84-010*

*History: Ord. 90-628*

## § 17-13 Suspensions and revocations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-13 (2026)

The Board shall have full power to suspend for not more than 90 days or revoke for proper cause any license or renewal of the same after a full hearing of all parties in interest.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

*History: Ord. 84-010*

*History: Ord. 90-628*

## § 17-14 Application of subtitle.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-14 (2026)

(a) Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent any person from doing or performing the kinds of work of master, master restricted, or maintenance electrician, as herein defined, provided that such work is performed under the direction and supervision of a duly licensed master or maintenance electrician; but no such work shall be performed excepting under such direction and supervision of a duly licensed master or maintenance electrician, and the said licensed electrician shall be responsible for any and all work so done under his direction and supervision.

(b) The provisions of this subtitle shall not apply:

  (1) to journeymen electricians or apprentices while such journeymen or apprentices are practicing their trade of journeymen electrician or apprentice; nor

  (2) to any public service companies subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission.

*History: Ord. 83-931*

## § 17-15 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 17-15 (2026)

Any person, firm, or corporation who shall practice or engage or continue in the work of a master or maintenance electrician without having complied with all the provisions of this subtitle, and any person not licensed as master or maintenance electrician who shall do or perform any such work except under the direction of a master or maintenance electrician, and any person having been licensed as a master or maintenance electrician and who shall fail to renew his license as herein provided and shall do or perform any such work, or who shall violate any of the provisions of this subtitle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500 or to an imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both, in the discretion of the Court, and any such conviction shall ipso facto revoke and annul any license that may have been issued to such person.

*History: Ord. 83-931*