Electricians are the key to installing power systems in homes and businesses, maintaining public utility grids, and repairing connections in a wide range of settings. With access to a myriad of lucrative opportunities in the industry, a state-issued license allows individuals to enjoy a long and rewarding career. However, a single violation or consumer complaint can put the time, effort, and money it took to obtain credentials at risk.
Professional electricians can face punishment for a variety of reasons. From working outside the scope of their license and misrepresenting services to employing unlicensed personnel and failing to adhere to state and federal electrical codes, any allegations must be taken seriously. Delaware state authorities, such as the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) and the Board of Electrical Examiners (Board) have a relatively low burden of proof to establish when investigating claims, which can easily lead to the following sanctions:
- Fines that place significant financial burdens on businesses and individuals
- License probation with restrictions that damage professional reputations
- License suspension or revocation that completely stops the ability to work as an electrician
When the Board moves forward with investigations, electricians can find themselves navigating complex processes, including formal hearings, negotiating settlement agreements, and appealing punishments. After receiving a notice from authorities—whether due to consumer complaints, regulatory violations, or unprofessional conduct—licensees require a quick, strategic approach to defense that gets them back on the job.
The Lento Law Firm is well-known throughout Delaware for protecting license holders in numerous professions. Our firm stands prepared to support electricians responding to allegations and the Board's disciplinary process. Our Professional License Defense Team understands how state agencies manage consumer complaints, investigate regulatory infractions, and discipline other work-related violations. Call us at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
Delaware's Board of Electrical Examiners
In Delaware, DPR serves as the centralized authority responsible for the oversight and administration of professional licensing across a wide range of trades, including the electrical industry. However, when it comes to the specific standards and practices governing electrical work, the DPR relies heavily on the Board's expertise. The seven-member board licenses numerous types of individual professionals, seven to be exact: Master, Master Special, Limited, Limited Special, Journeyperson, Residential, and Apprentice. Even if individuals don't qualify as Master Electricians, they may gain a special license in one of the following areas:
- Electrical signs
- Elevators
- HVAC
- Primary distribution systems
- Pools
- Refrigeration
The Board has the discretion to provide license reciprocity to electricians in states that have "substantially similar" licensure standards to those of Delaware. Among those are Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and the District of Columbia, out of nearly a dozen.
One of the Board's core responsibilities is interpreting and applying the National Electrical Code (NEC) within the context of Delaware's regulatory environment. While the NEC is a nationally recognized standard, states often adapt or clarify portions of the code to reflect local construction practices and enforcement priorities. In Delaware, it is the Board—not the DPR—that provides critical technical guidance and recommends updates to rules and licensing requirements based on changes to the NEC.
The Board also advises on the scope of practice for various electrical license types, clarifies supervision requirements for apprentices, and determines the acceptable content and duration of continuing education. Meanwhile, the DPR provides the infrastructure—handling applications, investigations, and enforcement logistics—based on the agenda the Board helps develop.
Electrician Professional Standards of Conduct and Competency
Governing authorities expect licensed electricians to uphold high professional and ethical standards to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the trade. Prohibited conduct includes both technical violations—such as unsafe or unlicensed electrical work—and ethical lapses, such as dishonesty or misconduct in business practices.
Electricians are also responsible for supervising apprentices properly, ensuring accurate reporting of continuing education, and maintaining professional behavior in the workplace. A violation does not need to result in injury or damage to warrant disciplinary action; even a pattern of poor judgment or failure to comply with legal standards may trigger a formal investigation. Any action that compromises safety, involves fraud, or reflects negatively on the profession can be grounds for disciplinary review. It's not an exhaustive list, but some examples of prohibited conduct include the following:
- Performing electrical work without a valid or active license
- Working outside the authorized scope of one's license classification
- Violating provisions of the NEC
- Falsifying license applications or continuing education records
- Failing to supervise apprentices or unlicensed workers
- Practicing while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in business dealings
- Failing to maintain appropriate general liability insurance coverage
- Illegally, incompetently, or negligently providing electrical services
- Being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or fraud
- Crimes "substantially related" to the profession (perjury, theft, adulteration, etc.)
- Failing to cooperate with a DPR investigation or Board action
Some issues with prohibited conduct can arise when individuals renew their credentials every even-numbered year before their July 1 expiration date. For instance, electricians could be cited for lapsed insurance policies, failing to complete continuing education requirements, or withholding pending criminal action. Nevertheless, misconduct allegations normally begin with the state's official consumer complaint process.
Filing Complaints and Initial Review
It isn't just customers or clients who may take issue with a licensee. Anyone can report an alleged violation to DPR in Delaware, from coworkers and supervisors to neighbors and community members—even anonymously. However, there are some issues the department doesn't handle. DPR will not investigate complaints where the sole concern is billing or insurance issues and may forward the matter to the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division or the state's Department of Insurance.
To initiate the process, complainants must complete a form through the DELPROS portal, providing detailed information about the alleged violation, including the names of the individuals involved and any supporting documentation, such as contracts, text messages, invoices, and other relevant information. Once a complaint is received, DPR's Enforcement Team reviews the submission to determine if further investigation is warranted by the department's Investigative Unit. Depending on the types of allegations named in the complaint, the Board's Complaint Officer may act as a liaison with DPR. The Complaint Officer reports findings to the Board and is recused from participating in disciplinary hearings involving matters they have reviewed.
The investigation process spans approximately 90 days, though this duration can vary based on the complexity of the case and the nature of the alleged violations. Therefore, your particular case may have a unique timeline.
Temporary Suspension
If the Investigative Unit has knowledge that the activity of a licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, the Board may temporarily suspend the individual's license pending a hearing. However, electricians must receive notice at least 24 hours prior to the suspension.
Licensees may respond within 24 hours, and the decision as to whether to issue the temporary order of suspension will be decided on the written submission. An order (pending a hearing) may remain in effect for no longer than 60 days from the date of issuance unless the licensee requests a continuance.
Investigations and Informal Adjudication
Once it receives a complaint, DPR's Investigative Unit will conduct a review of the matter immediately. Investigations often include an interview with the electrician (respondent) to hear their account of the events. Personnel will issue a final written report after the investigation, and the Board will review the findings and schedule a hearing where the licensee will appear. The notice must be sent at least 20 days in advance and will include the following:
- A description of the subject matter of the proceedings
- The rules or regulations allegedly violated
- An option to choose an informal means of adjudication
- An explanation of the right to representation during the hearing
An informal hearing will act like a settlement conference. The meeting gives the respondent a chance to voluntarily accept responsibility for the violations and then for subsequent enforcement actions. While some may think that admitting responsibility may lead to less severe sanctions, think again. An informal agreement gives state agencies the authority to impose enforcement actions without respondents mounting a challenge.
Formal Hearings
When the Board conducts a formal disciplinary hearing, it follows the state's Administrative Procedures Act. Before proceedings, Board members may schedule a pre-hearing conference in an additional effort to resolve the matter between the parties. The Board also has the authority to:
- Issue subpoenas for witnesses or evidence, with its initiative or at the request of any party
- Administer oaths to witnesses
- Compel the issuance of depositions
- Exclude plainly "irrelevant, immaterial, insubstantial, cumulative, and privileged" evidence
- Limit unduly repetitive proof and cross-examination
DPR's prosecuting attorney represents the Board and will present evidence in an effort to substantiate the charges against the electrician. Evidence can include documents, records, witness testimony, or expert opinions. Respondents are entitled to the same opportunity and may also cross-examine witnesses and testify against submitted evidence and testimony.
The Board evaluates the evidence based on a "preponderance of the evidence" standard, meaning the violation is more likely than not to have occurred. After hearing both sides, the Board deliberates—in closed session—and issues a written decision.
Sanctions for Delaware Electricians
Final decisions are based on the entire record of the case, including summaries and recommendations of DPR and others used during the grievance process. Written orders, which include a summary of the evidence, fact-based findings, and a statement of the Board's determination, are mailed to the respondent no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing.
Sanctions depend on a myriad of factors. Often, the Board can base its decision on aggravating and mitigating factors, including but not limited to risk to the public and the likelihood of future violations to the respondent's cooperation during the grievance process and self-rehabilitative measures taken.
The Board has the following sanctions at its disposal:
- A letter of reprimand or an official censure
- Period of probation, which requires meetings with the Board or a limitation of professional responsibilities
- Fines that may not exceed $1,500 for minor violations and no less than $4,500 for major violations
- License suspension without the ability to reapply until a determined period of time has passed
- License revocation, with or without the ability to apply for reinstatement
During the disciplinary period, the Board may withdraw or reduce conditions of probation when the deficiencies that led to sanctions are remedied. Those who do not agree with the Board's decision may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of receiving the final order.
No matter if a licensee is placed on probation or has their credentials suspended or revoked, any form of discipline is a serious matter. For electricians working in reciprocal states, it can trigger grievance procedures with their respective boards. Moreover, sanctions are publicly available through DPR's website, meaning customers, clients, and employers could have second thoughts about hiring certain individuals. Therefore, the need for professional help is vital to protecting a career.
Defend Your Delaware Electrician License with the Lento Law Firm
An electrician license of any caliber represents more than technical knowledge; it shows the public that they are trusted professionals with dedication to the highest standards. Disciplinary action can quickly do irreparable damage to one's personal and professional reputation, but our firm is well-versed in the steps to take to mitigate the cost of allegations.
Whether complaints or violations originate from allegations of fraudulent practices, safety concerns, or building code violations, it demands attention from the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team uses its extensive experience working with Delaware's state agencies to give electricians peace of mind during the disciplinary process.
Before allegations arise, know where to turn when complaints or a notice of violation threaten a lucrative career and a professional future. Our team stands prepared to help you remain a licensed electrician working in Dover, Wilmington, Lewes, Milford, Rehoboth Beach, Newark, and elsewhere throughout the state. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
