SB 6112

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