Michigan Electrical Code Rules: PA 407, NEC Adoption, and Part 8 Explained

Michigan's electrical regulations come from three layers of authority that interact in ways that are not immediately obvious — state law, the adopted national code, and Michigan-specific amendments. When someone references "Michigan electrical code," they could be talking about any of these three, and the distinction matters for licensing exams, code compliance, and permitting.

Here is how the regulatory framework fits together.

The Skilled Trades Regulation Act (PA 407 of 2016)

This is the foundational state law governing all skilled trades in Michigan, including electricians. Article 7 of PA 407 covers electricians and electrical contractors specifically, establishing:

• License levels (apprentice, journeyman, master, contractor)
• Experience and education requirements for each level
• Supervision ratios (currently 1:2 under PA 172 of 2024)
• Examination requirements and authority
• Contractor licensing and Master of Record provisions
• Enforcement powers and penalties

PA 407 replaced the previous Electrical Administrative Act and consolidated skilled trades regulation under a single statute. When you see references to MCL 339.5701 through MCL 339.5739, these are the specific electrician sections of PA 407.

This is one of the three references you can bring into the PSI licensing exam, and questions about administrative law (who can pull permits, supervision requirements, licensing prerequisites) draw directly from it.

The National Electrical Code (NEC)

Michigan adopts the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association. The state periodically updates which edition is in effect — the current adoption is the 2023 NEC.

The NEC covers the technical requirements for electrical installations: wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, branch circuits, feeders, services, and equipment specifications. It is the primary technical reference for both the journeyman and master electrician exams.

When Michigan adopts a new NEC edition, licensed journeymen and master electricians must complete continuing education covering the changes within twelve months. This code update cycle drives the CE requirement for license renewal.

Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8

Part 8 is where Michigan departs from the base NEC. These are state-specific amendments and administrative rules adopted by the Bureau of Construction Codes that modify, supplement, or interpret the national code for Michigan conditions.

Part 8 covers areas like:

• State-specific inspection procedures
• Permit requirements and exemptions
• Local enforcing agency authority and jurisdiction boundaries
• Administrative rules for license applications and renewals
• Michigan-specific installation requirements that differ from or add to the NEC

For the licensing exam, Part 8 questions test whether you understand how Michigan's rules differ from the national code. The Part 8 document must be bound with exactly three staples along the left edge to be admitted into the testing room — the same binding rule applies to your printed copy of PA 407.

How the Three Layers Interact

On a jobsite, all three apply simultaneously. The NEC tells you how to wire a panel. Part 8 tells you whether Michigan has a specific amendment to that NEC section. PA 407 tells you who is legally authorized to do the work and pull the permit.

Recent Regulatory Changes

Two significant changes in the current regulatory cycle:

PA 172 of 2024 amended Section 717 of PA 407, tightening the on-site supervision ratio from 1:3 to 1:2 (one journeyman or master per two apprentices). Violations now carry escalating penalties: $5,000 for the first offense, $10,000 for the second, and a minimum 90-day license suspension plus re-examination for the third.

LARA's 2025 "Cutting Red Tape" report led to the elimination of the separate Electrical Contractor exam at the state level. Since all electrical work is performed under licensed journeymen or masters, the state removed the redundant business-level trade test.

Staying Current

Code awareness is an ongoing obligation, not a one-time licensing requirement. When Michigan adopts a new NEC edition, a 15-hour CE code update course is mandatory for journeyman and master renewal. Approved continuing education providers report completed hours to LARA, and you can process your renewal through the Accela online portal.

The Michigan Electrician License Guide organizes the regulatory framework in plain language, connecting the administrative rules in PA 407 to the practical steps in the licensing process.

See more Michigan guides →