HB 1681
In CommitteeHouse
HVAC electrical work
Allowing HVAC/refrigeration electricians to perform certain electrical work on ductless mini-split HVAC systems.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill expands the legal scope of work for HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians to include specific electrical wiring tasks on ductless mini-split HVAC systems in homes and certain multifamily or commercial buildings. The change aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and address electrician shortages by allowing trained HVAC electricians — not just fully licensed electricians — to perform this specialized work.
- Allows HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians to install, repair, replace, or maintain branch circuits between the outdoor and indoor units of ductless mini-split HVAC systems in eligible residential and multifamily buildings.
- Limits the work to single-phase circuits of up to 250 volts or 20 amps, supplied from supplementary overcurrent devices in the outdoor unit.
- Includes wiring for condensate pumps, disconnect switches, boxes, conduit, and raceways — but only when installed outdoors or for short indoor runs (no more than 6 feet).
- Requires that the HVAC system be certified by an accredited testing lab and that the manufacturer provides detailed wiring specifications.
- Applies to one- and two-family homes, multifamily buildings of types III, IV, or V with no more than 6 stories above grade, and other nonresidential buildings with no more than 3 stories above grade, unless otherwise designated by the Department of Labor & Industries.
Who is affected
- HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians — HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians gain the legal authority to perform specific electrical wiring work on ductless mini-split systems, expanding their scope of practice without needing full electrician certification.
- Homeowners and residential builders — Homeowners and builders benefit from faster, more affordable installation of ductless mini-split systems, as this work can be done by a broader pool of trained technicians.
- Multifamily property managers and developers — Multifamily property managers and developers can more easily comply with new energy efficiency requirements by using ductless mini-split systems installed by qualified HVAC electricians.
- Department of Labor & Industries — The Department of Labor & Industries gains authority to define and update the scope of work for HVAC/refrigeration specialties and ensure safety standards are met.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
By allowing HVAC electricians to perform limited electrical work on ductless mini-splits, the bill reduces installation time and cost for homeowners and builders, making energy-efficient heating/cooling more accessible—particularly for low- and middle-income households seeking to decarbonize their homes without the high cost or wait times associated with full electrician services.
HousingPeopleRef: Sec. 2(2)(a)-(d)Expanding the scope of practice for HVAC electricians addresses the state’s electrician shortage by enabling a broader pool of trained technicians to meet growing demand for heat pump installations, supporting job growth in the HVAC sector and helping contractors fulfill increasing electrification mandates under state energy codes.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (Findings)By lowering barriers to installing high-efficiency ductless mini-splits—especially in multifamily and small commercial buildings—the bill supports Washington’s climate goals under the Clean Energy Law and Electrification Roadmap, reducing reliance on fossil-fueled heating systems and associated emissions.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Sec. 2(2)(a)-(d)Requiring equipment certification by an accredited lab and manufacturer-provided wiring specifications adds a layer of quality control, ensuring that only standardized, pre-engineered systems are installed—reducing variability and potential for unsafe custom wiring.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(3)The bill implicitly supports workforce development by validating HVAC electrician training pathways as sufficient for specific, standardized electrical tasks—encouraging more individuals to enter and remain in skilled trades, and potentially reducing barriers to apprenticeships in this growing niche.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (Findings)
Potential Concerns (3)
Expanding electrical work authority to non-fully-licensed personnel increases the risk of improper wiring on HVAC systems, potentially leading to fire hazards, electrical faults, or improper grounding—especially if HVAC electricians lack comprehensive training in NEC-compliant residential wiring practices. While the work is limited to low-voltage, pre-specified circuits, real-world installation conditions (e.g., retrofit scenarios, nonstandard structures, or DIY modifications) may require judgment beyond the scope of HVAC electrician training.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(2)(a)-(d)Reliance on manufacturer-provided wiring specifications and third-party lab certification creates a dependency on accurate documentation and consistent product quality; if manufacturers omit critical safety details or if testing labs approve systems with substandard wiring practices, the resulting installations may pose hidden risks to occupants and first responders.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(3)While the bill explicitly preserves DLI’s authority to modify scopes, it does not require additional funding or staffing to support expanded oversight of HVAC electricians performing electrical work—potentially straining local inspection resources, especially in jurisdictions already facing electrician shortages or high demand for HVAC retrofits.
Local GovernmentLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(4)
Who Is Most Affected
HVAC electricians gain legal authority to perform a growing segment of residential/commercial electrical work, increasing their marketability and income potential without requiring full electrician licensing. This is especially valuable in rural or underserved areas where licensed electricians are scarce.
Homeowners—especially low- and middle-income households—benefit from lower installation costs and faster turnaround for ductless mini-split systems, enabling faster adoption of energy-efficient heating/cooling and helping meet state decarbonization timelines.
Multifamily property managers and developers gain flexibility in meeting new energy codes (e.g., Seattle’s Climate Action Plan, state energy codes) without relying on scarce licensed electricians—though they may face increased liability if improper installations occur.
Licensed electricians may face increased competition in the HVAC electrical niche, potentially pressuring wages or causing confusion among consumers about service boundaries; however, the bill’s narrow scope limits direct displacement to a small subset of tasks.
Local governments (building departments, inspectors) may experience reduced permitting volume for this specific subset of work, but must invest in training or oversight to ensure compliance—especially if DLI expands the scope without corresponding budget increases.