The Tacoma Power Electrical Inspection Department enforces several codes and policies for practical safeguarding of persons and property from electrical hazards. The Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 2.04 Electrical Code is formally adopted by the Tacoma Public Utility Board and the Tacoma City Council. The Tacoma Power Service Area and Electrical Inspection Area maps can be viewed by clicking on the links provided.
The current Electrical Code of the City of Tacoma adopted the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) in its entirety. The NEC includes most requirements for an electrical installation and is available at most technical book stores or a public library. The City of Tacoma Electrical Code also adopts the WAC 296-46B and RCW 19.28, but some rules from these documents are amended as outlined in the code. The Tacoma Power Customer Service Policies and Tacoma Municipal Code 12.06 include requirements for supplying electrical service. Tacoma Power Transmission and Distribution Electrical Construction Standards and the New Electric Service Handbook provide more detail about the requirements for specific portions of the service system we supply.
An Application for Electrical Permit must be submitted before any electrical work begins. If the electrical work is performed by a homeowner, a signed and notarized Affidavit of Ownership and Residency is required with the permit application. All fees must be paid before a permit can be processed. All forms required for the inspection process can be found on the Policies, Forms, Maps link. To contact a Tacoma Power Electrical Inspector visit our Inspection Contacts page.
Electrical services of 400 amps or more require submission of electrical drawings for plan review. An Electrical Plan Review Application must be filled out according to the outline of the Electrical Plan Review Applications Instructions. Plans must be delivered to the inspection office giving sufficient time for review. Educational, institutional and health care facilities require the drawings be stamped by a Professional Electrical Engineer. See WAC 296-46B-900 for additional requirements.