Plain Text Law

Division 1. Electrical Code

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

Division 1. Electrical Code

Subdivision 1. Adopted by Reference

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-101 (2026)

Sec. 9-101. Code—Adopted by referenceCopy Citation

The National Electrical Code (NEC), 2020 Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this Subtitle with the same force and effect as though set out in full herein as the Official Electrical Code of Prince George's County, together with the changes, deletions, or modifications prescribed in this Subtitle. All electrical work performed or contracted to be performed in the County shall be included within the authority of this Subtitle.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-101.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-101.01. Article 90 Introduction 90.1(B) AdequacyCopy Citation

This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use. The authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of this Code has the responsibility for making the determination as to whether or not an installation and/or equipment is efficient, convenient, safe, or adequate.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-102 (2026)

Sec. 9-102. DefinitionsCopy Citation

(a)
The term "the authority having jurisdiction for enforcing this Code" as used in the National Electrical Code shall mean the Director and/or representative of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Where the name of the jurisdiction is to be indicated in any Section of the Code, the name to be substituted therein shall be "Prince George's County, Maryland."
(b)
For the purposes of this Division, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the meaning given for them in Section 2-253.50 of this County Code:
(1)
Board;
(2)
Department;
(3)
Director;
(4)
Electrical Contractor;
(5)
Electrical Contractor, Limited;
(6)
Electrical work;
(7)
Master Electrician;
(8)
Master Electrician, Limited;
(9)
Journeyman Electrician;
(10)
Apprentice Electrician;
(11)
Electrical Subcontractor;
(12)
Electrical Subcontractor, Limited.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-103 (2026)

Sec. 9-103. ReservedCopy Citation

Subdivision 2. Amendments to the National Electrical Code

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-104 (2026)

Sec. 9-104. GeneralCopy Citation

Any provision of the National Electrical Code adopted by Section 9-101 of this Subtitle shall be subject to change, modification, addition or omission as set out in Subdivision 2, and such change, amendment, addition or deletion shall be deemed to supersede the text of the Electrical Code in any case where the provisions of this Subtitle are interpreted.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-104.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-104.01. Same; Article 110 — Requirements for Electrical InstallationsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Section 110.26 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
Section 110.26(D), "Illumination," is amended to read as follows: In addition to Article 110.26(D) and Emergency Illumination, Section 700.16, in all commercial occupancies, a wall mounted battery pack operated emergency illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, load centers and motor control centers installed indoors. The battery shall be of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain the total load for a minimum period of 2 hours.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-105 (2026)

Sec. 9-105. Prevent Physical DamageCopy Citation

For residential and commercial applications, in locations where electrical equipment is likely to be exposed to physical damage by vehicles, electrical equipment shall have vehicle impact protection per 2021 International Building Code ("IBC") 1607.10, or as per 2021 International Residential Code ("IRC") E3404.10.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-106 (2026)

Sec. 9-106. Same; Article 250 — GroundingCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 250 of the National Electrical
(1)
Section 250.52(A)(1) Metal Underground Water Pipe. A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 3.0 m (10 ft) or more (including any metal well casing bonded to the pipe) and electrically continuous (or made electrically continuous by bonding around insulating joints or insulating pipe) to the points of connection of the grounding electrode conductor and the bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s), if installed. Grounding electrode conductor shall be bonded to water pipe within 5 feet of where cold water pipe enters the structure.
(2)
Section 250.52(A)(2) Metal In-ground Support Structure(s). One or more metal in-ground support structure(s) in direct contact with the earth vertically, with or without concrete encasement. If multiple metal in-ground support structures are present at a building or a structure, it shall be permissible to bond only one into the grounding electrode system. Informational Note: Metal in-ground support structures include, but are not limited to, pilings, casings, and other structural metal.
(3)
Section 250.52(A)(3), "Concrete - Encased Electrode," is amended to read as follows: All new structures, both residential and commercial, require a concrete encased electrode to be used as the principal grounding electrode system.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-107 (2026)

Sec. 9-107. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-107.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-107.01. Wiring Methods and Materials; Article 310 — Conductors for General WiringCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 310 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
The following paragraph is added to Section 310.10, "Uses Permitted:" (C) Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors. Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors shall be permitted only for service and feeder use and shall not be smaller than #2 AWG.
(2)
The following exception is added to Section 310.10, "Uses Permitted:" Listed Cable assemblies #2 aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors AWG and larger installed in single-family and multifamily dwellings, having grounding conductors sized in accordance with Section 250.122, "Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors," shall be excluded from the requirements set forth in (a)(l), above.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108 (2026)

Sec. 9-108. Add-On SMA Secure Power Supply Module Not Approved for InstallationCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, addition, and/or deletion are made to National Electrical Code article 110.3, 110.3(B).
(1)
The use of the Non-UL listed SMA and any other manufacturer Power Supply/PV Inverters is NOT approved for installation in Prince George's County. This determination has been made after working with Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Until acceptable evidence that overcurrent protection of the circuit is provided, as required by UL 1741 and UL1699B, Section 30.3, as well as with articles of NFPA 70, including Article 110.3(B).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.00.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.00.01. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.01. Same; Article 408 — Switchboards and PanelboardsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 408 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
All commercially owned occupancies including dwelling units having electrical equipment with a capacity of eight hundred (800) amperes or larger, shall undergo maintenance, cleaning and inspection as described by the manufacturer: every three (3) years by a master electrician licensed by Prince George's County. The master electrician must promptly prepare a written maintenance report identifying the equipment inspected and cleaned including any conditions to be corrected and or repaired. A copy of the report shall be delivered to the owner within in 10 days of the inspection. Any deficiencies noted thereon must be corrected or repaired. Moreover, a copy of the "Maintenance/Cleaning Inspection Report shall be made available to the Department of Permitting and Inspections upon request. If such maintenance or cleaning requires a coordinated shut down with the servicing utility company, an electrical permit shall be required. The maintenance and cleaning includes but is not limited to the following:
(a)
Vacuum entire interior of electrical equipment;
(b)
Clean busbars and contacts with a suitable nonconductive solvent;
(c)
Lubricate and exercise all moving mechanisms; apply anti-oxidizing agents as warranted;
(d)
Check all conductors for abrasions;
(e)
Busbars and busbar connections shall be subjected to thermographic testing, if corrective action is warranted, repair shall be made in accordance with recommended manufacturer specifications;
(f)
Replace worn, damaged, or deteriorating components; and
(g)
Test ground-fault protective device.
(h)
Testing and cleaning records shall be kept and made available upon request and proper antioxidizing agents shall be used after each cleaning.
(2)
On all new and renovated installations requiring service and distribution electrical equipment, Electrical Contractor shall provide a Letter from utility company stating the short circuit available interrupting current (SC AIC) rating required for the service equipment to inspector at the TPF inspection. Upon final inspection of all electrical work the electrical contractor shall provide letter certification of electrical connection tightening per manufacturer requirements and recommendations.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.01.1 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.01.1. Article 408 Switchboards and PanelboardsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 408 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
Article 408.36, "Overcurrent Protection," Exception No. 2 is amended to read as follows:
(a)
For existing installations, split-bus panelboards shall be required to be replaced by a main over-current protective device panelboard when replacement of service entrance conductors occurs.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.02 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.02. Equipment for General Use; Article 410 — Luminaires, Lampholders, and LampsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 410 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
The following addition is made to paragraph (B) of Section 410.36: All "lay-in" luminaires will require independent suspension to ensure that the luminaire will not drop more than nominally two (2) or three (3) inches when the framing members no longer provide the support. Number 12 WG wire firmly secured to the building structure and the luminaire is required for this purpose. Two (2) restraining wires (one (1) at each opposite end of the luminaire) are required for luminaries smaller than 2×4 and four (4) restraining wires (one (1) at each corner) are required on all luminaries 2×4 and larger. Other types of lay-in fixtures and surface mounted fixtures mounted on drop ceiling shall be support based on the fixture area to preclude the danger of falling when the framing members fail or are removed (e.g., hi-hat luminaire).
(b)
A state certified modular building is subject to comply with MPC (Model Performance Code), COMAR 09.12.50 only and is not subject to local ordinances. The installation of the luminaires and inspection of same shall be completed at the factory and shall be done in accordance with the MPC therefore it would not be subject to local amendments.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.02.1 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.02.1. Article 410 Luminaires, Lampholders, and lampsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 410 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
The following addition is made to paragraph (B) of Section 410.36: All "lay-in" luminaires will require independent suspension to ensure that the luminaire will not drop more than nominally two (2) or three (3) inches when the framing members no longer provide the support. Number 12 WG wire firmly secured to the building structure and the luminaire is required for this purpose. Two (2) restraining wires (one (1) at each opposite end of the luminaire) are required for luminaries smaller than 2×4 and four (4) restraining wires (one (1) at each corner) are required on all luminaries 2×4 and larger. Other types of lay-in fixtures and surface mounted fixtures mounted on drop ceiling shall be support based on the fixture area to preclude the danger of falling when the framing members fail or are removed (e.g., hi-hat luminaire).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-108.03 (2026)

Sec. 9-108.03. Same; Article 450 — Transformers and Transformer VaultsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 450 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
The following paragraph is added to Section 450.14: A means of disconnecting the primary shall be located "within sight" of any dry-type transformer meeting the requirements of 450.21(A), (B), and (C).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-109 (2026)

Sec. 9-109. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-109.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-109.01. Special Conditions; Article 700 — Emergency SystemsCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Article 700 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
Section 700.5(A) is amended by the addition of the following sentence:
(A)
All Emergency Systems such as panelboards, motor control centers, load centers, disconnects, transformer and Transfer equipment shall be separated from normal power distribution system by a wall or wall(s) with a minimum fire rating of two (2) hour(s).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-109.02 (2026)

Sec. 9-109.02. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-109.03 (2026)

Sec. 9-109.03. Emergency and Power SourceCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments and/or additions are made to Article 700 of the National Electrical Code.
(1)
A connection ahead of service disconnecting means is not permitted as an emergency circuit except as permitted by Section 9-109.01 of this Code.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-109.04 (2026)

Sec. 9-109.04. Fire PumpCopy Citation

(a)
The following amendments, and/or additions are made to Article 695 of the National Electrical Code:
(1)
A fire pump shall be supplied by a separate service from the utility transformer.
(2)
A fire pump shall be permitted to be supplied from a connection located ahead of the service disconnecting means when a back-up on-site generator is used as an alternate power source to feed the fire pump.
(b)
Electrical requirements for Diesel Fire Pump Controller Power Source per NFPA20:
(1)
Diesel Fire Pump controller shall be connected to the emergency power source such as standby emergency generator.
(2)
If there is no Standby Emergency Generator, Diesel Fire Pump Controller shall be permitted to be supplied from the battery. There are two storage battery units shall be provided and rack-supported above the floor, secured against displacement, and located where they are readily accessible for servicing and not subject to excessive temperature, vibration, mechanical injury, or flooding. Storage battery units shall be provided with battery chargers specifically listed for fire pump service, arranged to automatically charge at the maximum rate whenever required by the state of charge of the battery, and arranged to indicate loss of current.
(c)
For diesel driven fire pumps, verify that the following alarms related to battery are provided on the controller and operative:
(1)
Battery failure/battery missing;
(2)
Battery charger failure.

Subdivision 3. Administration

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-110 (2026)

Sec. 9-110. Official recordsCopy Citation

An official record shall be kept of all business and activities related to the Electrical Code and enforcement thereof including permits, fees and inspection reports, and all such records shall be open to public inspection at all appropriate times.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-111 (2026)

Sec. 9-111. ReservedCopy Citation

Subdivision 4. Enforcement

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-112 (2026)

Sec. 9-112. Electrical permits; requiredCopy Citation

No person shall perform electrical work until a permit has been obtained and a copy has been posted at the job site or presented to the owner or occupant. The work must be done under the personal and technical supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or Master Electrician, Limited, or a licensed Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and/or Heating Contractor. No permit shall be required for in-kind/in-place replacement of existing receptacles, switches or lighting fixtures not exceeding a combination of five (5) devices per structure.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-113 (2026)

Sec. 9-113. Permit applicationCopy Citation

(a)
All applications for permits shall be in writing, on such form as may be prescribed by the Department, and shall describe the work to be done and the location thereof. All applications for permits shall be accompanied by plans and specifications as specified in Section 9-115 and the fee set forth by the Director and/or representative.
(b)
Electrical permits shall only be issued to a duly licensed Master Electrician, or Master Electrician, Limited, or a duly licensed Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and/or Heating Contractor, except as provided in Section 9-117.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-114 (2026)

Sec. 9-114. Approved plansCopy Citation

Approved plans are plans which have been reviewed by the Director and/or representative and have been found to be consistent with Code requirements and accepted practices. Approved plans shall be stamped "Approved" and at least one (1) set of such approved plans shall be retained by the Department and the other set shall be kept at the building site, open to inspection of the Director and/or representative at all reasonable times.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-115 (2026)

Sec. 9-115. Plans and specificationsCopy Citation

An application for a permit shall be accompanied by specifications and of plans which use symbols and notations commonly accepted by the electrical industry to show the nature and character of the work to be performed. The Director and/or representative may waive the requirement for filing plans when it is determined that the work is of a minor nature. No plans shall be required when a building permit application has been filed in accordance with Subtitle 4 of this County Code.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-116 (2026)

Sec. 9-116. ExceptionsCopy Citation

When temporary emergency repairs necessitate replacement or alterations to an electrical installation in residential or small industrial uses, such work may be commenced by a properly licensed Master Electrician or Master Electrician, (Limited), without a permit; provided, that the person doing the same shall first inform the Department, if the Department's office is open, giving name and address and the address where the work is to be done, the nature thereof, and the appropriate time of commencement of the work. In each case, such person shall file an application for a permit covering the work no later than the following business day.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-117 (2026)

Sec. 9-117. Right of property owner to perform work on own premisesCopy Citation

(a)
Except as restricted to the type of work as delineated below, the property owner is permitted to perform electrical work on his or her own premises; and the work is limited to a in kind, in place replacement of lighting fixtures, receptacles and switches combination of five (5) devices or less. Provided, that such premises are used only for a single-family residential dwelling.
The owner shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
The owner shall apply for, pay the required fee, and secure an electrical permit required by this Subtitle.
(2)
The owner shall do such work in accordance with the provisions of this Subtitle and work description narrative submitted with the permit application.
(3)
The owner shall apply for all inspections required by this Subtitle.
(4)
The owner shall be living on the premises, or declare an intention to occupy the premises for a minimum of one (1) year.
(5)
The owner shall receive a final certification of inspection.
(b)
Personal installation by an owner, other than by a licensed electrician, shall be by the owner on his own premises and without compensation from or to any other person for such labor or installation. The owner exercising this privilege shall conform to all requirements of this Subtitle.
(c)
The following electrical work is not permitted to be performed under a homeowners permit:
(1)
Installation of New Service;
(2)
Service Heavy-Up;
(3)
Service Panel Change;
(4)
Relocation of Service Panel and/or Meter;
(5)
Relocation of Service Drop or Lateral; or
(6)
Installation of subpanels.
(d)
Personal installation by an owner, other than by a licensed electrician, shall be by the owner on his own premises and without compensation from or to any other person for such labor or installation. The owner exercising this privilege shall conform to all requirements of this Subtitle.
(e)
Requirements affecting the 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code section 408, "Switchboards, Switchgear, and Panelboards."
(1)
For an existing installation of a split-bus panelboard it shall be required to replace the split-bus panelboard with a main overcurrent protective device when replacement of service entrance conductor occurs.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-118 (2026)

Sec. 9-118. Permits; terms and conditionsCopy Citation

(a)
Each electrical permit issued pursuant to this Subtitle shall describe the installation to be done thereunder. Except as provided by Section 9-116, no person shall install or repair any electrical equipment other than in accordance with the permit. Except as provided by Section 9-117, all work done under such permit shall be performed under the technical supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or Master Electrician, Limited, as identified on the permit. All permits shall expire and be void unless the work authorized thereunder is either commenced within six (6) months from the date of issuance or there are no inspections made in a six (6) month period.
(b)
Any permit issued with administrative errors which are the result of information provided by the applicant, such as incomplete listing of work accomplished, wrong address, or wrong owner, shall be revised prior to a final inspection. A fee of Fifty-Four dollars, plus a 10% Technology fee, as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table, is imposed for a permit revision in addition to the increased scope of work.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-119 (2026)

Sec. 9-119. Request of permit numberCopy Citation

The Electrical Contractor or employees shall provide, at the job site, the number(s) of any permit(s) issued, upon request of the Department.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-120 (2026)

Sec. 9-120. Revocation of permitsCopy Citation

The Director shall revoke, without refund of the permit fee, an electrical permit which is issued on an application or plans containing any false statement or misrepresentation of fact immediately upon discovery of such false statement or misrepresentation of fact therein.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-121 (2026)

Sec. 9-121. Fee for permits and inspectionsCopy Citation

The fees for electrical permits and inspections of electrical installations pursuant to this Subtitle shall be adopted by resolution. The County Executive shall propose and recommend to the County Council a schedule of fees that reflects the actual costs associated with administering and inspecting work performed pursuant to permit. The Council shall conduct a public hearing prior to adopting the schedule of fees and may amend the schedule of fees prior to adoption.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-122 (2026)

Sec. 9-122. Unused Permits and InspectionsCopy Citation

(a)
Whenever a change of electrical contractor occurs, the property owner, developer, or general contractor must inform the County by letter of such change. The letter should be addressed to the Director and/or representative and should include the following: electrical permit number(s), addressee(s), the last type of inspection if any, the reason for changing contractor, and the new contractor if selected. A copy of this letter should also be sent to the utility providing electric power when service work is included on the permit(s). Subsequent to receipt of this letter a "change in contractor" type of inspection will be made. When the inspection is completed and before resuming work, the new contractor must obtain a new permit at a cost to be determined by the Director and/or representative.
(b)
Whenever any electrical work for which a permit is required has been started prior to obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before an application may be filed to request the required permit. In addition to the filing fee and regular permit fee, an investigation fee of One Hundred Eighty Dollars, plus 10% technology fee as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table for residential work and Three Hundred Dollars, plus 10% technology fee as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table for commercial work shall be paid at the time of filing the application for the required permit. Whenever work under a permit has been placed, partially completed, or concealed without first obtaining the required inspection approval, the Director and/or representative shall cause a special investigation to be made. The fee for the special investigation shall be One Hundred Eighty Dollars, plus 10% technology fee as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table for residential and Three Hundred Dollars, plus 10% technology fee as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table for commercial and shall be payable before further inspections will be provided.
(c)
Whenever an inspection is requested which cannot be rendered because the work has not been completed, a reinspection fee of Sixty-Six Dollars plus 10% technology fee as amended in Subtitle 2-253.63 Fee Table will be assessed against the contractor.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-123 (2026)

Sec. 9-123. InspectionsCopy Citation

A rough-wiring inspection is required before concealment. Upon completion of an electrical installation, a request for final inspection shall be made to the Department within seventy-two (72) hours of completion. The Department shall complete any commercial electrical inspection within three (3) working days of such request.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-124 (2026)

Sec. 9-124. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-124.01 (2026)

Sec. 9-124.01. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-124.02 (2026)

Sec. 9-124.02. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-125 (2026)

Sec. 9-125. ReservedCopy Citation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 9-126 (2026)

Sec. 9-126. Special requirements for power companiesCopy Citation

No electric light or power company shall energize any customer's electric lines, outlets or devices within the County until a temporary or permanent meter cut-in certificate has been issued by the Department. This Section does not apply to facilities of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission that are used to dispense their services to the public.
Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 9-127–9-129 (2026)

Sec. 9-127 through 9-129. ReservedCopy Citation