What's new
By:
Filters

NM Homeowner Electrical exam

Duc

Red Skull Member
Joined
May 30, 2020
Member Number
1679
Messages
396
Loc
ABQ NM
Has anyone taken the electrical exam offered thru the state to allow for pulling a permit as a home owner?

HOMEOWNER'S ELECTRICAL PERMIT EXAM:
1. EXAMINATION INFORMATION
a. Exams are scheduled for every Monday of the month
b. The exam starts promptly at 8.30am
c. We DO NOT PROVIDE CODE BOOKS FOR THIS EXAM.
d. The only books allowed for the exam are (2017 N.E.C., 2017 N.M.E.C., and the
Bernalillo County Ordinance).
e. This is an open book test.
f. This is a timed exam, with a 2 hour time limit.
g. A score of 75% is required to pass the exam.
h. If failed, the exam may be retaken in 30 days, under the same conditions as the
first exam.
2. REQUIREMENTS:
a. Take and pass the Homeowners exam.
b. Pay the exam fee of $25.00.
c. Obtain an electrical permit for all work that is to be done
(HOMEOWNER 'S PERMITS ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL WORK.)

I'm looking to install ground mounted solar panel array on the new property that will require a permit from PNM and Bernalillo to tie the system full together. Unless someone here is a electrician in ABQ area. Normally I wouldnt care about pulling a permit to run electrical stuff but PNM hook up requires it.
 
I hope but I do plan on printing out the nm codes then marking those sections in the N.E.C so I don't need to cross reference during test.


I need to email them to figure out where the fuck the test is. Info is lacking about this test.
 
Sorry my 2017 code book was lost in the fire or I would loan it to you.
Unfortunatly I let my contractors license lapse in 2022, or I would help you out with permiting.
 
Duc said:
I hope but I do plan on printing out the nm codes then marking those sections in the N.E.C so I don't need to cross reference during test.


I need to email them to figure out where the fuck the test is. Info is lacking about this test.
Click to expand...
Probably PSA testing in Alb
 
Duc said:
I hope but I do plan on printing out the nm codes then marking those sections in the N.E.C so I don't need to cross reference during test.


I need to email them to figure out where the fuck the test is. Info is lacking about this test.
Click to expand...
Make sure they allow highlighting and notes in the margins before you ruin a good code book!
 
Umm. You realize who I work for, the resources that I have, and I'm pretty sure you still have my number...
 
I put all my own shit in as a homeowner

Got a picture of what it was supposed to look like, and made mine look like that
think it took me three tries
400A-2/200A panels

it isn't that hard, you can do it
get a 'electrician friend' to coach you, you know with cash:grinpimp:
 
I thought that shit was reserved for the prk...:eek:
Get a license to fix yer home:shaking:
Does this just make you capable of hiring the work out or carrying out the work?
 
Just to pull a permit man, I'm from the nanny state, and we can pull permits for the slushfund fees( permit cost) only.
 
Clb said:
Just to pull a permit man, I'm from the nanny state, and we can pull permits for the slushfund fees( permit cost) only.
Click to expand...

For real. Even in this half commie state I can just go down and pull a permit for anything I want. Pulled 2 of them, one for each 100A panel I put in.

They don't even care really how much you pay. Fees are based on value of the work and no one checks that. I paid $25 for each permit. Figure it should look reasonably right, can't put $1 on there.
 
NM fees are based on the size of the panel and number of plugs, switches and lights, as a contractor we figured as long as it was around $200, they were happy. I never had an inspector count everything and tell me I was short, or had paid to much.
For the most part the state inspectors have so much area the have to cover if they know you or you have a good file they just look around here is where " a clean workman fashion" in the code works for you, if the look up and all your overhead runs are straight with 90* turns and stapled tight, the same with all the inside the wall stuff , don't come through the stud then 45 down to the box on the next one use the extra few inches to 90* degree it down to the box. Get your stapling right especially 6 inches from the box, also leave a minumum of 6 inches "out" of the box don't measure from the back of the box, you'll have an easier time when trimming it out and you can always cut off the excess. Try to get your holes drilled in as close to level line it looks better and makes pulling your wire easier, plus if you ever have to open the wall knowing that all the wire is about at the same height.
Bernillio county used to be the strictest especially when they took over from the state, we did a lot of work there. Helped us out on an out of town job, inspector was supposed to be in the area Tuesdays and Thursdays I called for a Thursday inspection found out he was only inspecting on Tuesday, everything was run sub panel was set power run to it and cut in my brother and I were cutting in boxes as fast as we could when the inspector came in asked where the subpanel was general's super showed him, then took him upstairs showed him where I had tied into the main. Inspector came down slapped a green tag on the sub and headed out, super followed him out said. "I have never seen you green tag without everything cut in, plus you usually spend a half hour on the job" "They pass Bernillio county inspections with no problem was his answer.
 
Last edited:
Clb said:
I thought that shit was reserved for the prk...:eek:
Get a license to fix yer home:shaking:
Does this just make you capable of hiring the work out or carrying out the work?
Click to expand...
this one is just to connect the system to the grid, California wants you to pull a permit to replace your own countertop in your kitchen :flipoff2:
 
Firstram said:
Make sure they allow highlighting and notes in the margins before you ruin a good code book!
Click to expand...

Plan on emailing the section today to make sure of the rules and where the testing is.

Briansc33 said:
Umm. You realize who I work for, the resources that I have, and I'm pretty sure you still have my number...
Click to expand...

Not really sure but its not hard to get when the time comes. Still in the early planning stages since my old house is still on market. Fucking housing market tanked right as I put it on.

SomeGuyFromOlympia said:
I put all my own shit in as a homeowner

Got a picture of what it was supposed to look like, and made mine look like that
think it took me three tries
400A-2/200A panels

it isn't that hard, you can do it
get a 'electrician friend' to coach you, you know with cash:grinpimp:
Click to expand...

Normally I am the same but hooking to the power grid changed that. Figure beer, food and some cash if someone had a license.

bigun said:
NM fees are based on the size of the panel and number of plugs, switches and lights, as a contractor we figured as long as it was around $200, they were happy. I never had an inspector count everything and tell me I was short, or had paid to much.
For the most part the state inspectors have so much area the have to cover if they know you or you have a good file they just look around here is where " a clean workman fashion" in the code works for you, if the look up and all your overhead runs are straight with 90* turns and stapled tight, the same with all the inside the wall stuff , don't come through the stud then 45 down to the box on the next one use the extra few inches to 90* degree it down to the box. Get your stapling right especially 6 inches from the box, also leave a minumum of 6 inches "out" of the box don't measure from the back of the box, you'll have an easier time when trimming it out and you can always cut off the excess. Try to get your holes drilled in as close to level line it looks better and makes pulling your wire easier, plus if you ever have to open the wall knowing that all the wire is about at the same height.
Bernillio county used to be the strictest especially when they took over from the state, we did a lot of work there. Helped us out on an out of town job, inspector was supposed to be in the area Tuesdays and Thursdays I called for a Thursday inspection found out he was only inspecting on Tuesday, everything was run sub panel was set power run to it and cut in my brother and I were cutting in boxes as fast as we could when the inspector came in asked where the subpanel was general's super showed him, then took him upstairs showed him where I had tied into the main. Inspector came down slapped a green tag on the sub and headed out, super followed him out said. "I have never seen you green tag without everything cut in, plus you usually spend a half hour on the job" "They pass Bernillio county inspections with no problem was his answer.
Click to expand...

I was a little shocked of the stuff that requires a permit to do work according to the state.
 
Is grid tie required if one wants to install solar ?

In a northern state I have plans to install off grid panel system but still have power company juice.
 
Duc said:
I was a little shocked of the stuff that requires a permit to do work according to the state.
Click to expand...
I have been looking into buying a 14x40 building and turning it into a house, I was told by the county, that the state passed new regs because of stuff that happened down in SE NM during the oil boom that some people died because they weren't very smart, I was also told I couldn't live on my 5th wheel on my property for more than 6 months that one is because there was a bunch of property sold cheap in the early 90s in the northern part of the county and people moved in all kinds of junk to live in, I told the county guy it seems like you are trying to force me into buying another mobile home! Which ain't happening one on fire was enough for me
Upshot of it all there is no one living in my grandparents house since my aunt died it needs a bunch of work because she didn't keep up on the maintenace and was to stuborrn to let anyone in to help (they pulled three big dumpsters of junk out) most of the work needed is plumbing grandpa used galvanised pipe back in the early 60s and I know the cast iron is rotting. I have asked my uncle to get with my two remaining aunts to come up with a price
 
Heck, I'd be happy to have that option.... can't do shit legally as a homeowner here other than pay the 'licensed contractor' to pull a permit for you. :flipoff::mad3:

Ironically, this is the one thing where CA was actually fairly lenient and made it simple (Monterrey country)
 
Provience said:
this one is just to connect the system to the grid, California wants you to pull a permit to replace your own countertop in your kitchen :flipoff2:
Click to expand...
You forget / forgot / didn't know, I'm a retired B general contractor in the P.R.K.:lmao:
Taking a test to pay for a permit:lmao::lmao::lmao:
OyeVey
 
I thought about getting local guy to pull permit for my power pole, but know as soon as the inspector looked at it he would know it wasn't built by him, becuase I have seen his while legal they are minimal. I over engineer and use larger lag bolts on my two hole straps to hold the riser...
 
Last edited:
Hey OP. Were you able to confirm that a homeowner is not allowed to install solar in NM even under the homeowner permit?
 
Rob hunter said:
Hey OP. Were you able to confirm that a homeowner is not allowed to install solar in NM even under the homeowner permit?
Click to expand...

The bernco office stated they would not give me a permit. I also dropped it for now after I bought 43 acres next to me.
 
Last edited:
Duc said:
The bernco office stated they would not give me a permit. I also dropped it for now after I bought 43 acres next to me.
Click to expand...
What was the reasoning behind the refusal? Also, did you take the Homeowners Electrical exam?
 
Duc said:
She refused. Didn't matter she would not issue a permit nor could she till me how long my exam would be good for. Overall just a bitch
Click to expand...
Sounds like the woman I spoke on the phone with. I'm fairly certain if you have all of the requirements (docs and plans), apply and pay the fee, they can not legally refuse to issue the permit. It sounds like a potential law suit brewing if they're refusing permit issuance just because they decided so. They are not the law.
 
Hey look Mike, you've attracted your own Fed...

I'm telling you man, it's much easier..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Back Refresh