Delaware Electrical Inspection Agencies — Third-Party Inspection Requirements

Why Delaware Uses Private Inspection Agencies

Delaware does not employ state inspectors for electrical work. Instead, the state delegates all electrical field inspections to licensed private third-party agencies. This is a fundamental structural difference from states that use municipal or county inspectors, and it trips up electricians who move to Delaware from states with public inspection systems.

The Board of Electrical Examiners maintains a list of approved inspection agencies. Only agencies on this list can perform the inspections that satisfy Delaware's legal requirements. Using an unapproved inspector — or skipping the inspection entirely — is a compliance violation that can trigger Board disciplinary action.

The 5-Day Filing Mandate

Board regulations require every licensed Master and Limited electrician to file an inspection application with an approved third-party agency within five working days of starting any electrical work. This is not limited to new construction or large commercial projects — it applies to all electrical work, including maintenance installations and residential modifications.

After you file, the inspection agency is required to perform the inspection within five working days of receiving your application. This creates a relatively predictable timeline: file on day one of the project, and the inspection should be completed within two weeks of your start date.

Journeyperson and Apprentice licensees are not responsible for filing inspections because they work under the supervision of a Master or Limited electrician who holds that responsibility.

Approved Inspection Agencies

Three primary agencies serve the Delaware market:

First State Inspection Agency

Based in Milford, First State operates statewide and serves as the exclusive inspection provider for several Delaware municipalities. They handle both residential and commercial electrical inspections and also provide training programs. Their office can be reached at (302) 422-3859, and inspection permit applications are available through municipal offices that contract with them.

American Inspection Agency

American Inspection Agency serves multiple counties across Delaware. They are fully insured and licensed, handling residential and commercial electrical permits. Their inspection scope covers all standard electrical work including new installations, modifications, and service upgrades.

Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA)

MDIA is a regional inspection organization that has operated since 1883. They provide inspection services across Delaware with scheduling based on project location and scope. Their rates are set on a case-by-case basis depending on whether the project is residential or commercial.

How Inspections Interact With County Permits

The relationship between county building permits and electrical inspections is a common source of confusion, particularly in New Castle County.

New Castle County issues building permits for construction projects and accessory structures over 200 square feet, but the county does not issue electrical trade permits and does not perform electrical inspections. That responsibility falls entirely to the state-approved third-party agencies. So a project in New Castle County may require both a county building permit (from the Department of Land Use) and a third-party electrical inspection filing — two separate processes with two separate agencies.

As of July 1, 2026, New Castle County applies a 3% service fee to all credit card transactions for permit payments. Using ACH, electronic checks, or cash avoids this surcharge.

City of Wilmington operates differently. Wilmington issues its own electrical trade permits ($20 per permit) and a $75 city business license through the Department of Licenses and Inspections, in addition to requiring state-level third-party inspections. So contractors working in Wilmington handle three overlapping systems: state Board licensing, city trade permits, and third-party inspection filing.

Kent and Sussex County requirements can vary by municipality; confirm local permit and inspection rules before starting work.

Homeowner Permits and Inspection Limits

Owner-occupants can apply for homeowner electrical permits to do work on their primary residence, but strict limitations apply:

• The permit is valid only for owner-occupied primary residences — not rentals, multi-unit buildings, commercial properties, or homes listed for sale
• Homeowners cannot install internal wiring or equipment for hot tubs or swimming pools
• Before a permit is issued, the homeowner must submit a detailed blueprint plan to a licensed inspection agency for approval
• The completed work is still subject to third-party inspection

These limits exist because the homeowner exemption bypasses the professional licensing requirement. The inspection mandate ensures the work still meets code even when a licensed electrician is not involved.

Choosing and Working With an Agency

Agency choice depends on the project jurisdiction. Where the local jurisdiction allows a choice, you can choose an approved agency; some municipalities have exclusive arrangements. Factors to consider:

• Coverage area: Some agencies have stronger presence in certain counties
• Response time: While the five-day inspection window is standard, some agencies schedule faster than others depending on their current workload
• Municipal agreements: Several municipalities have exclusive arrangements with specific agencies, which can simplify the permitting process if you work frequently in those areas

Building a working relationship with one or two agencies streamlines the process over time. Regular contractors who file consistently and keep clean documentation tend to get faster scheduling and fewer surprises during inspections.

For a complete county-by-county breakdown of which permits and inspections are required in each jurisdiction, plus an inspection filing tracker, the Delaware Electrician License Guide maps out the exact overlap between state licensing, county permits, and third-party inspection requirements.

See more Delaware guides →