NJ S2148

Licensed master plumbers would be exempt from electrical contractor business permit requirements for replacing electric water heaters with similar units (not exceeding 240 volts) that have a disconnecting means at the load side of the distribution board

The exemption also covers replacement of service disconnects and whips serving replacement air conditioning condensing units (not exceeding 240 volts) with similar size and voltage requirements

The bill takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment and applies to contracts initiated on or after the effective date

Proponents argue licensed master plumbers already possess necessary skills for these tasks, and the exemption would increase competition and reduce costs for consumers

Currently, master plumbers would need a separate New Jersey master electrician's license to perform this electrical work on water heaters and AC units