Appliance Installer Application

Appliance Installer Contractor Application

APEC News

Electrical Licensing Update Part 1
March, 2010

 

Why do I need this license?-

What do I do first?

The Test

Residential Appliance Installer's CONTRACTOR's License

Texas Pool and Spa Service Businesses-

This an an update on the Texas Residential Appliance Installer's License as it applies to the Swimming Pool and Spa Industry. For a more complete account of the process that we have gone through and the progress that we have made, please go to the APEC website(www.APECTexas.org). The website has previous emails that describe each step of the process as we have gone through them. If you have not read the emails, I strongly suggest that you read the history of this issue. It will help you understand the situation we are in and why the license is set up this way. Look to the right hand side of the website.

If you:
1) work on existing Pools and Spas.
2)  connect wires to pool or spa equipment(other than plugging in a plug).
3) are not a master electrician, Journeyman electrician working under a Master. or an Apprentice electrician working under a master.
Then you need this license to do electrical service and maintenance on Pools and Spas.

There is an exemption for warranty work providing that you are replacing identical equipment and that you are certified by the manufacturer. For more information, please go to the www.APECTexas.org website and refer to past emails. Or go to the FAQ on the TDLR website

http://www.license.state.tx.us/ .

Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License
If you invoice for electrical work performed on pools and spas- then you will also need a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License. This license does dot require a test- however, someone who is licensed must apply their Residential Appliance Installer's License number to the Contractor's License for it to be issued.

For example-
#1 If you are a one person company that does pump repairs, etc. you must have a Residential Installer's License AND a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License.  

#2 If you work for a Pool and spa service company, you will need a Residential Appliance Installer's License. You will not need a Contractor's License- But the company that invoices the customer Must have a  Contractor's License.

#3 If you are a Pool and Spa Service Company owner. If you invoice for electrical work, then you will have to have a contractor's license- and your employees that do the work must have Appliance Installer's License- AND- One of your Licensed employees must agree to have their license number applied to your contractor's license. If that employee leaves your company, you must contact TDLR within 30 days with the license number of the replacement employee. You are not supposed to do electrical work until the change is made with TDLR. As the owner, you can become licensed as a Residential Appliance Installer and use your license number on the Contractor's License.

#4 If you have subcontracted out the electrical work in the past and invoiced your customer for the work- You can no longer invoice for electrical work unless you are an electrical contractor or a General Contractor. If you have a customer that needs a pump replaced-for example- you cannot offer to do the work. You can offer to have someone that you trust do the work-but that person must be a Residential Appliance Installer and they must have a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's license and They must invoice the customer. They can pay you a referral fee.

For more information on the Residential Appliance Installers Contractor's License see near the bottom of the page-

Where do I find information?

Hopefully, you find information from APEC helpful. Please be sure that you are signed up for automatic emails. You can sign up for these at the www.APECTexas.org website- you can stop the emails at any time.

Most importantly, you need to find information from the TDLR(Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) website. http://www.license.state.tx.us/

The TDLR website will provide information that you need.
  
Testing Centers-
PSI offers the exam at 24 Test sites around the state. The schedule and test site information is available on their website listed below.
http://candidate.psiexams.com/index.jsp
http://candidate.psiexams.com/catalog/fti_agency_license_details.jsp?testid=1688

When do I need this License?

ASAP. Unfortunately, if you are familiar with the origination of this issue, you know that we have been attempting to come into compliance with a 2003 regulation. Please apply for your license As soon as possible. A demonstration of good faith and an effort to comply may help you if you are face to face with an inspector from TDLR. If you are found to not be in compliance, then a typical fine starts at $500.00 per incident per day.  


What do I do first? 
First- and right away, please apply for the Texas Appliance Installer's License.
1) Print the form- http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/applications/Residential%20Appliance%20Installer.pdf

2) Fill it out and mail the form to TDLR with $35.00 for the license application Fee.
          It may take a couple of weeks to get the application back with your information for taking the test.

3) Buy a softbound copy of the 2008 NEC Code Handbook. This book is black with red and white writing on it. See notes on the book below.

4) Study...You may want to take a preparation class. See below...
5) Contact PSI exams to take the Test- you must make an appointment either online or on the phone.

6) Go rested and ready to take the test.

The Test 
The test has changed dramatically over the last few months-according to reports from people that have taken the test. The test will probably not change much more for the next year. The test is openbook- but the requirements are very specific for the book. You can take the test as many times as you want to- but it is $63.00 each time that you take the test.

Please watch for the next email with more details on the test, preparing for the test and taking the test.
The test is a test over the NEC code. It is NOT a test over your knowledge of pool and spa service work or troubleshooting. Every answer on the test is either taken directly from the NEC code book- often almost word for word- or it is a calculation that you need to make based on Ohm's Law and related formulas.

When you send in your application, you will receive a packet from PSI. PSI administers the exam in 24 exam sites around the state. You can see a list of test sites on the PSI website.
http://candidate.psiexams.com/catalog/fti_agency_license_details.jsp?testid=1688#
Application and packet- http://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes&actionname=83&bulletinid=350&bulletinurl=.pdf

When you go to take the test-
Be sure to show up early. They will need to check you in, take your picture, and ask a few questions. They will not allow a cell phone or most anything into the test center. You will not be able to take in extra paper(except the one sheet that they give you), You will only be allowed to use the pencil that they give you. You may bring a basic calculator-but it must not have a memory.
It must not be programmable. They have a few calculators that you may be able to use. They will look through your book- although it is an open book test- if you follow their rules- see the book, below.

Ask for the Electrician's packet. They will have a packet of information for tests for electricians. Most of the packet includes building plans, etc. that you do not need. However, the power wheel with Ohm's law is very helpful for the calculations that you may need to do.

What is on the test?
The test is 80 questions plus 5 extra questions- for a total of 85 questions. (This is one of the recent changes- it was 80 with 10 extra questions). The extra questions do not count against you for score or time.  As you are taking the test, when you come to a question that is one of the extra questions, then the computer test clock stops. If you notice that you have been on a question for a few minutes and the clock has not changed- it might be good to note that question number on your scratch paper. Some test preparation classes are suggesting that you can go back to that question while you research another question to save the test clock time. Personally, I found that it is too distracting to try to check the clock that often while I am concentrating on finding answers. Please use the strategy that works best for you.

RESIDENTIAL APPLIANCE INSTALLER


Total Questions 80
 Passing Score 75
 Cost $63
Time Allowed 240 minutes
CONTENT OUTLINE
Subject Area # of Items
Definitions, Calculations, and Theory    
12 questions
GFCI Protection and Equipment Grounding and Bonding   
15 questions
 Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials   
10 questions
Electrical Equipment and Devices   
15 questions
Motors     
5 questions
Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means    
5 questions
Swimming Pool, Spas and Fountain Equipment   
18 questions

The test is a hard test. Please underline and highlight your NEC codebook as you study it.

As you see above, there are only 18 questions specifically about pools and spas. However, many- if not most of the other questions do apply. For example, if you have a question about the proper wire size for a 10kW oven- wouldn't the same information apply to a 10kW spa heater?

Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License
If you invoice for electrical work performed on pools and spas- then you will also need a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License. This license does dot require a test- however, someone who is licensed must apply their Residential Appliance Installer's License number to the Contractor's License for it to be issued.

For example-
#1 If you are a one person company that does pump repairs, etc. you must have a Residential Installer's License AND a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor's License.  

#2 If you work for a Pool and spa service company, you will need a Residential Appliance Installer's License. You will not need a Contractor's License- But the company that invoices the customer Must have a Contractor's License number of the replacement employee. You are not supposed to do electrical work until the change is made with TDLR. As the owner, you can become licensed as a Residential Appliance Installer and use your license number on the Contractor's License.

What is required?
1) Please fill out an application and submit it to TDLR with a check for $115.00( this amount was lowered within the last couple of months.)
http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/forms/Appliance%20Installer%20Contractor%20App.pdf
The application form has the information required by the contractor. They require $300,000/$600,000 liability insurance, for example.
TDLR has said that they want the application, even if you don't have your Residential Appliance installer's License, yet. They suggest that if you get the application in the system, then when you have the "technician's" license number, it will be easier and faster to get the Contractor's License issued.
#3 If you are a Pool and Spa Service Company owner. If you invoice for electrical work, then you will have to have a contractor's license- and your employees that do the work must have Appliance Installer's License- AND- One of your Licensed employees must agree to have their license number applied to your contractor's license. If that employee leaves your company, you must contact TDLR within 30 days with the license number of the replacement employee. You are not supposed to do electrical work until the change is made with TDLR. As the owner, you can become licensed as a Residential Appliance Installer and use your license number on the Contractor's License.

APEC News

Electrical Licensing Procedures 
10/15/2009

in this issue

How did this happen?

Watch for updates

Greetings!

We have made progress on the Limited Electrical License for Pool and Spa Service people. Even this week, our lobbyists are working with TDLR to clarify some of the regulations. TDLR (Texas Department of License and Regulation) has asked for public comment. For a brief overview of the process that we have been working through, please go to the bottom of this email for additional Information.

The following process may change. However, it appears that this is the process that we need to follow to become licensed in the state of Texas. Thanks to Donny Greenway of Austin and Doug Dinkins of Houston for helping to find the following information from TDLR.

One person that we are aware of took the exam on October 9th. Although he is a very knowledgeable service person, he did not pass. Most (probably all applicants) will need to study to prepare for the test. Some organizations are suggesting that the preparation class will take 2 full days and a great deal of study.

The test is an open book test using a soft cover copy of the 2008 NEC code. This book is available from many sources for $65.00-$100.00. You can have no notes in the book during the test.

Some topics that we believe will be on the test from the NEC code book are-GFCI installation

Proper wire size

Proper breaker size,

Ohm's Law

Calculations based on Load and Ohm's Law.

This test will only ask questions that can be answered by the 2008 NEC code book. If you take the test, please help us determine how to best prepare other people for the test.

Watch for upcoming announcements for exam preparations. A preparation class has already been announced for the Southwest Pool and Spa Show in San Antonio in February, 2010.

Texas Residential Appliance Installer License Info (Read the article at the end of this email for a history of this License)

A license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. Our understanding is that the test will not be required annually, just the license renewal fee and application.

1. Prior to taking the exam, everyone must submit an application to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). 

Please go to the following website for an application and the description of the requirements.

 http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/applications/ResidentialApplianceInstaller.pdf

or (http://www.license.state.tx.us) prior to taking exam.

An applicant must:

- Be at least 16 years old;
- Pass the residential appliance installer examination.

2. The TDLR Application fee is $40.00.
3. You must pass the test and meet all of the TDLR requirements within 12 months of filing date.
4. After your application has been approved by TDLR, sign up for your exam at: www.psiexams.com
    or by phone at (800)733-9267

5. The Exam fee is $63.00 for each time that you take the exam.

6. There will be training courses offered-

One is currently planned for the Southwest Pool and Spa Show, February, 2010

and others to be announced.

 

Why did we have a Limited Electrical License proposal in 2009?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following is a very brief overview of the process that leads us to the Limited Electrical license for Swimming Pool and Spa service people in 2009:

In 2003 the Texas Legislature adopted the NEC Code as it was revised. At that time, this adoption made it illegal for service people to remove and replace pool and spa electrical equipment- like pumps, motors, lights, heaters, timers, etc. unless they were licensed electricians. This change also affects remodelers, painters and many other businesses. The regulation became effective September 1, 2004. APEC, IPSSA or APSP did not ask for or push this legislation. We did not realize that it would apply to our industry.

APEC was formed in 2005.

In 2007, another bill was introduced by appliance retailers. This was the Appliance Installers License bill. It was passed and signed by the governor. Later in 2007, when we inquired with TDLR, we found that according to TDLR(Texas Department of License and Regulation), this bill did not cover the repair, replacement or installation of pool or spa equipment. This bill became effective March 1, 2008.  

In the fall of 2007, TDLR decided that the Pool and Spa service people were a danger to consumers. On their website, TDLR said that they intended to set up "stings" beginning in the San Antonio area and extending around the state. There were pool service people in the San Antonio area that were cited and others that were questioned before APEC was aware of the problem and before APEC contacted TDLR to find a solution. Through our discussions with TDLR, we were able to determine that the current regulations would not benefit the Texas consumer or the Texas pool and spa industry. APEC was able to come to an interim agreement with TDLR.

APEC worked closely with APSP, IPSSA, others in the swimming pool and spa industry, and TDLR to create a proposed Bill for the 2009 Legislative Session.

Our original proposal was for a stand alone Limited Electrical License for Pool and Spa Service people. Our objective was to try to satisfy TDLR and the members of the legislature that were concerned about consumer safety. If you followed the process. through our emails earlier this year, you know that we had a huge fight on our hands. There were literally hundreds of bills that made it through most of the legislative process, but were not passed and signed by the Governor. Our APEC lobbyists were immensely important in the process as we tried to save the pool and spa service industry in the state of Texas.

We had very good support from the industry, but we also had an enormous fight with 2 electrician's unions and the AFL-CIO. All of these organizations have a long history of lobbying. They all have a much larger membership and they are a very powerful force in the halls of the Capitol. They are funded with thousands of dollars for every dollar that APEC has.  

Consequently, APEC was forced to compromise on the proposed bill. We accepted a bill that broadened the definition of the Appliance Installers License to include the maintenance and repair of pool and spa electrical equipment. This was not our preferred solution, but given a choice between this compromise or all pool and spa companies hiring or becoming master electricians, we chose the changes in the Appliance Installer's License.

Today, until a pool and spa service person receives their license, they are in danger of fines from TDLR. The typical fine for a first time offense is $500.00 per incident.

The Texas Pool and Spa Service Industry owe many thanks- and much of their livelihood- to the efforts of APEC and especially the APEC lobbyists. We can not emphasize enough how incredible it was to have the Governor sign both a Senate Bill and a House Bill that each assured the opportunity for the pool and spa industry to grow.

If you read the newspaper during the first six months of 2009, you understand that the passing of any bill was a huge accomplishment. There were many good bills with the support of huge organizations and huge war chests that were not passed in 2009.

Since the signing of the bills by our Governor, TDLR has asked for input from the industry to try to develop a balanced and realistic test. Some electricians in Texas are still creating obstacles for this program.  

Our industry has many more battles to fight in Austin. APEC needs your support and help. When you realize how much of your business could have been destroyed by this and other potential legislation, then help us in 2 ways:

1. Please send a donation to APEC- a few dollars or a large check, we are very frugal with these funds to help protect the Texas pool and Spa Industry and the Texas Pool and Spa Consumer, but we must have your support.

2. Please tell everyone that you know in the industry- including subcontractors- about APEC- we are trying to protect their business and payroll, as well. This is just the beginning 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please watch for updates to the current licensing process.

This process is a process. Everything is not yet carved into stone.

We will try to pass along information and we ask that you please contact us with questions or issues that we need to watch for. 

We also believe that we will need to network as we try to prepare the industry service people for their exams. Please share with us your experiences as you take the exam. We need to share input.

In addition, we are already working on issues that we believe will surface in the 2011 session- issues like Fencing, Energy Conservation, Drowning prevention, Builder and Industry Licensing, Environmental issues, and many that we cannot even guess- During the next 6 months, we will need your feedback to determine which, if any bills we need to prepare and support. Please watch for meetings and surveys. 

We need your help and support. Your APEC board is made up of dedicated volunteers- with businesses just like yours. 

 
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