As a licensed electrician working in North Carolina, the last thing you want is to find notice of a complaint or violation in your mailbox. The grievance process for licensees can present a great cause for concern, given the time, money, and education you dedicated toward obtaining and maintaining state-mandated credentials.
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) enforces strict regulations to ensure that electrical contractors meet safety, workmanship, and ethical standards. Any alleged violation—whether due to code noncompliance, fraudulent permitting, or consumer complaints—can lead to disciplinary action, causing the following:
- Loss of income from prohibitions on conducting electrical work
- Ongoing monitoring for compliance issues
- Career instability from license suspension or revocation
- Persistent issues repairing your professional reputation
Defending yourself before the NCBEEC during disciplinary proceedings requires a strategic and proactive approach. The board acts quickly to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and enforce sanctions, meaning your situation commands attention the moment allegations arise.
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense is well-known in North Carolina for preparing individuals for how the NCBEEC manages breaches of its standards, consumer complaints, and violations of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Whether potential sanctions warrant fines or adverse action on a license to conduct electrical work in the state, we can provide the assistance needed to protect your livelihood. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
In North Carolina, the term "electrical contracting" refers to engaging or offering to install, maintain, alter, or repair wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment in relation to electrical systems. Any individual or business performing such activities must obtain the appropriate license from NCBEEC. Based on education and competency, the state issues licenses in the following three classifications:
- Limited: approved to engage in a single electrical contracting project of a value not more than $100,000 and on which the equipment or installation is rated at 600 volts or less.
- Intermediate: permitted to contract an electrical project of no more than $200,000.
- Unlimited: authorized to engage in any electrical contracting project regardless of value.
NCBEEC can also grant applicants a residential dwelling license. It permits electrical contractors to work in single‑family detached homes, where the value may not exceed $100,000—similar to a limited license.
Critically, all electrical work in North Carolina—including that with low-voltage systems—must be completed by a licensed electrician. Subsequently, there are further "special restricted licenses" pertaining to narrow phases of electrical contracting work, such as:
- Fire alarm/low voltage wiring license
- Elevator license
- Plumbing, heating, and air conditioning license
- Groundwater pump license
- Electric sign license
- Swimming pool license
Special restricted licenses do not authorize individuals to engage in or offer electrical contracting services in general. It only permits the licensee to work within the scope of the specialty. The limitations concerning the dollar value of projects for a limited or an intermediate licensee do not apply to special restricted licensees.
Exemptions to NCBEEC Regulations
Although North Carolina requires licensed individuals to install, maintain, or disconnect electrical systems and the equipment they're attached to, there are exemptions. Replacing lamps and fuses, as well as the installation and servicing of cord-connected appliances and equipment, do not require a licensed professional.
Homeowners are exempt when working on electrical systems in the buildings they inhabit. The same does not apply to landlords or those renting, leasing, or intending to sell their property. Exemptions also apply to state and private educational institutions that maintain a private electrical department, as well as utility workers.
North Carolina Electrician Prohibited Conduct
To promote high standards of integrity and professionalism in the electrician trade, NCBEEC established conduct guidelines for licensees. From adhering to the NEC and obtaining proper permits to providing accurate estimates and industry-standard workmanship, licensed electricians must follow a comprehensive code of conduct to maintain their credentials. Failure can lead to consumer complaints and board investigations, and eventually disciplinary action.
Among NCBEEC provisions for prohibited conduct include the following:
- Engaging in fraud or misrepresentation
- False or misleading advertising
- Malpractice, unethical conduct, gross negligence, or gross incompetence
- Conducting electrical contracting without being licensed
- Failure to provide employee supervision
- Selling or transferring a license to someone else
- Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to engage in electrical contracting
- Being convicted of a crime involving fraud or moral turpitude.
When gauging violations related to competency, NCBEEC asserts that malpractice may consist of a lack of knowledge of the NEC and industry standards or undertaking a project that the licensee may not reasonably expect to complete in a timely manner. Gross negligence is a "lack of due care" creating a "clear and present danger" of personal injury or property damage. Gross incompetence implies a lack of knowledge, supervision, or technical competence that creates risks similar to that of gross negligence.
Importantly, licensed electricians—in North Carolina and otherwise—are required to display their credentials (such as certification or listing as a qualified individual) in advertisements, on vehicles, and in any office or location they use in connection with electrical work. State regulations mandate the display of the license certificate at the principal place of business. However, unlike electricians in other states or other types of contractors and tradespeople in North Carolina, NCBEEC does not explicitly require the inclusion of the license number in advertisements, vehicles, websites, or anything else.
Complaint Investigations
NCBEEC has a structured process for identifying, investigating, and adjudicating violations. Although the board may cite a licensee for misconduct, allegations typically arise from consumer complaints.
Upon receiving a complaint, the board's Executive Director evaluates its validity and whether it falls within NCBEEC's jurisdiction. Typically, field investigators conduct inquiries into allegations, performing on-site checks and interviews with parties involved. Representatives are split between NCBEEC's three regions and include the following metropolitan areas:
- Eastern Region: Rocky Mount, Raleigh, Greenville, Goldsboro, Fayetteville, New Bern, Jacksonville, Wilmington
- Central Region: Durham-Chapel Hill, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point
- Western Region: Asheville, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia
Following an investigation, the Executive Director may recommend dismissal without a hearing if the allegations are unsubstantiated. If the complaint warrants action, the board issues a written notice to the accused licensee (respondent) detailing the alleged violations and any proposed sanctions, including a request for a written response within 20 days. The Executive Director then turns the matter over to the board's Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC).
Disciplinary Review Committee
The DRC reviews the case findings from the Executive Director and field investigators and schedules a conference with the respondent to discuss the allegations. During the conference, respondents are allowed to have an attorney present as they respond to queries from DRC members. They may also submit evidence to support their case, including requesting witness testimony.
After deliberation, the DRC issues its findings in the form of a Recommended Order. It outlines the committee's decisions and proposed disciplinary actions, if any. The Recommended Order is then provided to the respondent and to the board to vote on as a Final Order. The order becomes final if the electrician does not object within 20 days.
Formal Administrative Hearings
Licensees may request a formal administrative hearing to seek further review of the DRC's determinations. Before an administrative hearing is held, the board may direct the DRC to meet with the respondent again in a final effort to negotiate a settlement.Nevertheless, within five days of filing a petition to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is assigned to the case.
Within 10 days, the ALJ must notify the licensee and the board to schedule a settlement conference. The meeting between the parties assists in resolving disputes and narrowing the issues to be adjudicated during the hearing. The ALJ may also schedule a pre-hearing conference, which works as another attempt to settle.
OAH procedures are conducted similarly to court trials. Both parties have the right to submit evidence and testimony in an effort to compel the ALJ's decision in their favor. Within 45 days of the beginning of proceedings, the ALJ will issue a decision, such as:
- Affirming the board's determination and sanctions imposed
- Reversing or modifying the board's punitive actions
- Remanding the case back to the board for further adjudication
After the ALJ's decision,each party has the right to file an appeal. Electrical contractors must petition the Superior Court of the county in which they reside.
Consequences of License Discipline
Punishments levied by NCBEEC will depend on the violations substantiated by the DRC. Sanctions go into effect when the board adopts the committee's Final Order and can include one or more of the following:
- Formal reprimand
- License suspension for no more than 12 months
- Exclusion from serving as a listed qualified individual
- Revocation of certifications or license
In addition to administering adverse action on an individual's license, NCBEEC may assess civil penalties. Fines may not exceed $1,000, and the board will consider the following in determining the amount assessed.
- The degree and extent of harm (or potential harm) to public safety or to property
- The duration and gravity of the violation
- Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally or reflects a continuing pattern
- Whether fraud or deception was involved
- The licensee's prior disciplinary record
- Whether the licensee profited from the violation
While some North Carolina electricians may believe that once the board levies sanctions, they can work elsewhere through the state license reciprocity, think again. Disciplinary action in one jurisdiction affects the status of a license in another. Therefore, electrical contractors will not be able to work in the following states if their license is suspend or revoked:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Aside from licensure implications, probationary periods, suspension, or revocation can severely harm a business as it could lead to contractual breaches with residential or commercial consumers. When barred from pulling permits or even a specific type of electrical work, individuals can be forced to transfer work to other businesses. The shuttering of a company can put a strain on subcontractors and put employees out of their jobs.
Public records of disciplinary actions can also tarnish an electrician's reputation, even after discipline is served. It can be difficult to regain the trust of clients, employers, and contractors, and a history of violations may also prevent electricians from reinstating their licenses, severely limiting future career opportunities.
Since the effects of the board's punitive measures are so great, it's imperative that North Carolina electricians seek assistance when allegations arise. While it may seem like an aggressive step to pursue legal professionals to protect their credentials, it can be the single decision that helps maintain a license in good standing with the board.
Defend Your North Carolina Electrician License with the Lento Law Firm
Throughout North Carolina, a license to conduct electrical work shows potential consumers that you are a trusted member of the public with top-tier industry knowledge. As a symbol of professionalism and dedication to the highest safety standards, a license is more than just an authorization to work but a point of personal pride. When NCBEEC levies disciplinary action, however, a long, rewarding career can be at risk, and the damage it can do to your reputation can seem irreversible.
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team understands that every allegation deserves legal assistance to protect your ability to work and provide for your family. Whether complaints or violations originate from malpractice, safety concerns, or building code violations, it demands our attention, and nothing is outside of redress.
Our team uses extensive experience with the grievance processes North Carolina's government agencies use to manage violations of its rules and regulations. We ensure you respond to all opportunities to defend yourself before the NCBEEC and the OAH and will take the matter to the Superior Court if necessary. Building a robust strategy with our team ensures you remain a licensed electrician whether you are in Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, or the Outer Banks. 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.
