Electrical permits are required whenever new electrical equipment or systems are installed. Electrical permits are not required for any electrical installation that meets all four of the following criteria:
1. The installation is to be legally performed by a State of Iowa licensed journeyman or master electrician or by a licensed apprentice electrician under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
2. The installation does not involve work within a new or existing switch board or panel board.
3. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 30 amperes.
4. The installation does not involve any electrical line-to-ground circuit of more than 277 volts single phase.
Electrical permits are usually done by an electrical contractor performing the installation. There are some exceptions to Iowa Chapter 103 that allow the Homeowner/Farmer to perform the electrical installation, but the other requirements for electrical permits and inspections still apply.
The application for an electrical permit is usually completed online at iowaelectrical.gov, which uses a secured program to accept payment by credit card, debit card or electronic check (ACH). This format is available 24 hours a day and the payment and submission are instantaneous. For those without internet access or who prefer paper forms, the Manual Permit Application can be filled out and submitted by mail with an accompanying check or money order. Naturally, this option is slowed by using the postal service. Contact your area electrical inspector using the Inspectors by County web page and they can assist you with the Manual Permit form.