November 8, 2013
| Contact: | Doug Dunbar, Legislative Liaison |
| Phone: |
Augusta -
The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is outlining the installation process for mini-split heat pumps (MSHP) and highlighting a recent change that will permit licensed oil burner technicians to perform the electrical portion of the installation, in addition to licensed electricians. The Department is also offering assistance to consumers. This outreach effort is being conducted as a result of the increasing use of MSHPs.
MSHPs are electrical appliances capable of providing both heating and cooling. The system transfers the heat energy from outside air into a home through the refrigeration process. MSHPs are highly efficient because the primary fuel resource is outside air and therefore free. The system consists of both an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit is typically attached to an outside wall on the warm side of the building. The indoor unit is usually mounted near the top of an outside wall, at a back-to-back location from the outdoor unit. Alternatively, the indoor unit can be located on an inside wall. An installation could consist of multiple indoor units.
Anyone may install a heat pump, but an occupational license is required by state law for performing the electrical wiring of MSHPs. The electrical portion of the installation must be performed by a licensed electrician or, as the result of a recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Electricians Examining Board and the fb88 Fuel Board, a licensed oil burner technician is also now permitted to perform the electrical portion. A general contractor may install the system components, but is not permitted to perform the wiring.
The following licensees, licensed by the Departments Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, are permitted to both install and wire mini-split heat pumps in the sizes and occupancies listed below:
Mini-Split heat Pumps rated below 36,000 BTU installed in one- and two-family dwellings, and in existing multifamily dwellings with electric heat:
-- Master electrician, or Journeyman electrician in the employ of a master electrician -- Master Oil Burner Technician -- Journeyman Oil Burner Technician
Any size heat pump in any occupancy:
-- Master electrician, or Journeyman electrician in the employ of a master electrician -- A Limited Electrician in Refrigeration -- A Limited Electrician in House Wiring (*limited to one- and two-family dwellings)
Additionally, a homeowner is permitted to install and wire a heat pump in his/her own single-family dwelling, but the homeowner must comply with all relevant requirements of the National Electric Code.
Licenses can be verified online at www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions.htm. Consumer questions should be directed to Patrick Ouillette, Senior Electrical Inspector, by e-mail at patrick.s.ouillette@maine.gov or by calling 624-8640.
Last Updated: April 17, 2019 8:43 AM