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FLOOD INFORMATION

POLICY NUMBER 33

Subject: INSPECTION OF FLOODED PROPERTY

Purpose: To establish a consistent policy for post flood inspections per 81-2104(7)(8).

Procedure: Inspection of property involved in flooding shall be as follows: Electrical equipment and devices from the highest flood water line down shall be replaced. Electrical equipment located in the interior of buildings, in areas above water, that has been present for an extended amount of time shall be judged on a case by case basis as to the extent of damage, if any, from the humid conditions. Repairs shall meet the current National Electrical Code in force per 81-2104(5).

FREQUENTLY ASKED FLOOD QUESTIONS

  1. Is an electrical permit required on all flood inspections?
    No, as a courtesy the State Electrical Division will inspect flooded property and complete a disaster report, the report will state if a permit is required. A list of state electrical inspectors can be found at; www.electrical.nebraska.gov/inspect/state.html If you are under the jurisdiction of a county or municipal electrical inspection program you will need to contact that jurisdiction. A list of these can be found at; www.electrical.nebraska.gov/inspectmunicipal.html
  2. Does the State Electrical Division have the authority to enter the flood area?
    The State Electrical Division can not enter any area if it has not been released from the flood area, or approved to enter by the proper authority. We can not pass road closed signs or enter the water in any way.
  3. Can a homeowner perform the required electrical repairs?
    If the property is the homeowner’s principal residence then the answer is yes. When filing for a permit the homeowner will need to complete the homeowner verification form and send it in with the permit. If the property is a weekend home or rental property a Nebraska licensed electrical contractor will have to perform the work and file the necessary permit application.
  4. When a permit application is submitted to the electrical division how long does it take for processing?
    Electrical permits are processed the day they come in and unless there is a problem with the application it is issued the same day.
  5. Can the homeowner apply for these permits online?
    The web site home page is www.electrical.nebraska.gov. and the direct link to the homeowner application www.electrical.nebraska.gov/pdf/inspectionapp.pdf the homeowner verification form direct link is http://www.electrical.nebraska.gov/pdf/1fmlyvrf.PDF
  6. How long will it take for an inspector to get to the property to make the inspection?
    The inspector will respond within 5 days from the date the permit holder requests the inspection, this can be a shorter time if there is good communication provided to the inspector so he can plan the inspection. Remember everyone wants to be first so the key is good communication. Also be patient the inspectors will have a large work load and will do their best to keep up with requests.
  7. Water has been in my home how much electrical wiring has to be replaced?
    Electrical equipment and devices that were below the high flood water line will need to be replaced. NM Cable will need to be replaced or cut back to a point that the interior paper is dry.Omaha Public Power District requires an inspection to re-energize the flooded property does this mean I have to get a permit. Refer to question #1. OPPD will accept our disaster report to verify the property was inspected, the disaster report may require a permit and additional wiring.
  8. How much do electrical permits cost?
    It varies by the amount of electrical work that is performed, it could range from $30 for a minor repair to $235 if you have to replace a 200 amp service and repair 40 circuits. If you have a huge building it could be much higher, it all depends on the amount of work being done.

 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards

Visit the web site of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for read-only access to the NFPA codes and standards referenced in our state's statutes and/or regulations.

 

Online Inspection Requests

Contractor online inspection requests are now available through the e-permit system (only for permits obtained online (e-permits). After Online Permits for Contractors log-in, click on Request Inspection pick your permit that needs inspected from the scroll down box, enter a date you would like to obtain an inspection, inspection type and a comment if you would like. The Inspector will get an email with the inspection information.

Also new, is the ability to view inspections under View Permits & Inspections.

 

All License/Registration Holders of Nebraska

On May 26, 2011 the Governor approved Legislative Bill 56 (LB56) which will update 81-2104(5) to reference the minimum standards for electrical wiring to be the 2011 National Electrical Code. This change will go into effect August 27, 2011; any electrical permit received by the division on or after August 27, 2011 will be on the 2011 NEC existing permits will remain on the 2008 NEC. Electrical Exams will be on the 2011 NEC beginning with the Norfolk exam on September 20, 2011.

Omaha Electrical Licenses will reciprocate to a Nebraska State license if they were obtained by electrical exam through the City of Omaha.  Omaha licenses reciprocated from other jurisdictions will not reciprocate to a State of Nebraska license.

On April 8, 2009, the Governor signed into law Legislative Bill 403 (LB 403), which will require the verification of lawful presence in the United States for recipients of public benefits, public contractors and public employees as of October 1, 2009.

The new law impacts the Electrical Division's licensing procedures. All applicants for electrical apprenticeship and license will need to complete the United States Citizenship Attestation form and submit it with their applications. Exam applicants must complete this form to prevent any delay in issuing licenses after passing the examination.

>> United States Citizenship Attestation form PDF File
>> Read entire Legislative Bill (LB 403)

 

The State Electrical Division Is Now Across The Hall

The State Electrical Division has moved to a new location in the same building.

Our new address is 800 South 13th Street, Suite 100.

About the Division

800 S 13 Street, Ste. 100 - PO Box 95066
Lincoln, NE 68509-5066
PH: 402.471.3550     -     FX: 402.471.4297
Email: Office Staff
More Info: Staff - Board Members - Division History

  Main Office| Exam Locations

 
 

Licensing Exams

Click on the appropriate license type to go to the examination application form.

>> More licensing exams