HVAC scope/electricians

AN ACT Relating to directing the department of labor and 1
industries to adopt rules clarifying the scope of work for HVAC/2
refrigeration specialty electricians for ductless mini-split systems; 3
adding a new section to chapter 19.28 RCW; and creating a new 4
section. 5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:6
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the 7
installation of mini-split heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 8
systems has increased significantly across the state as consumers 9
seek efficient, zonal heating and cooling options. State and local 10
energy codes and electrification policies have further accelerated 11
the adoption of these systems.12
The legislature further finds that electricians holding the HVAC/13
refrigeration specialty certification are trained and qualified to 14
safely perform electrical connections between outdoor and indoor 15
units of mini-split systems when those connections are made in 16
accordance with manufacturer specifications. These connections 17
involve standardized wiring methods, clearly identified terminals, 18
and equipment certified as a system by accredited electrical product 19
testing laboratories. 20
S-3886.1
SENATE BILL 6112
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Senators Nobles, Chapman, and J. Wilson
Read first time 01/14/26. Referred to Committee on Labor & Commerce.
p. 1 SB 6112
The legislature also recognizes the need to ensure efficient, 1
cost-effective installation of residential and light commercial HVAC 2
systems. Allowing HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians to 3
perform this limited electrical work reduces construction delays and 4
costs while maintaining safety standards. 5
Therefore, the legislature intends to direct the department of 6
labor and industries to adopt rules clarifying that the scope of work 7
for HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians includes specified 8
electrical connections between indoor and outdoor components of mini-9
split HVAC systems. 10
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 19.28 11
RCW to read as follows: 12
(1) The department of labor and industries shall adopt rules 13
under this chapter to clarify and define the scope of work for the 14
HVAC/refrigeration specialty electrician certification as it applies 15
to mini-split HVAC systems. 16
(2) The rules adopted under this section must allow individuals 17
certified in the HVAC/refrigeration specialty to install, repair, 18
replace, and maintain electrical connections between outdoor 19
compressor or condenser units and indoor evaporator or air-handling 20
units of mini-split HVAC systems, when: 21
(a) The work is performed in accordance with the manufacturer's 22
installation instructions; 23
(b) The equipment is certified for use as a system by an 24
electrical product testing laboratory accredited by the department; 25
and 26
(c) The electrical work is limited to circuits, wiring methods, 27
and equipment integral to the operation of the mini-split system.28
(3) The department may, by rule, establish reasonable limitations 29
on voltage, amperage, building occupancy, construction type, and 30
installation conditions consistent with public safety and existing 31
electrical code requirements. 32
(4) Nothing in this section limits the department's authority to 33
regulate electrical work, issue specialty certifications, or enforce 34
compliance with the national electrical code and state electrical 35
standards. However, rules adopted under this section may not prohibit 36
p. 2 SB 6112
HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians from performing the work 1
authorized by subsection (2) of this section. 2
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p. 3 SB 6112