Still sounds like you cannot remove a panel cover.
What was reversed? The prohibition of “testing wires” was already a law. The letter appears to be clarifying a misinterpretation of the law.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-6/5-6-2_5-6-2.htm
I do not see this prohibition in the code. Can you show me how this can be interpreted?
§ 5-6-2. Work for which license required. [Effective January 30, 2025.]
(a)(1) No person, firm, or corporation shall enter into, engage in, solicit, advertise, bid for, or work at the business of installing, maintaining, servicing, and testing wires, conduits, apparatus, which includes support systems specifically for electrical equipment and devices, fixtures, electrical signs, lightning-protection equipment as defined in § 5-6-1, lighting, control of electrical devices, handling and removal for installation or re-installation of all electrical equipment, devices, apparatus, and similar items provided in this subsection within the confines of the jobsite, and other appliances for carrying or using or generating electricity for light, heat, fire alarms, as defined in chapter 28.25 of title 23, entitled “Fire Alarm Systems,” or power purposes, exclusive of low-voltage wiring for heating/refrigeration equipment, or work at the business of removing and reattaching existing electrical meters, unless that person, firm, or corporation shall have received a license and a certificate for the business, issued by the state board of examiners of electricians of the division of professional regulation of the department of labor and training in accordance with the provisions set forth in this chapter.
Personally, I think this is a gigantic hoax perpetrated by the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS with the attention grabbing headline “New Law Prohibits Home Inspectors from Opening Electrical Panels Effective on January 30, 2025”. They are the ones telling their brokers and their clients this. Someone with deep pockets who represents the industry should file an injunction against them to stop them from spreading false information targeting home inspectors in RI.
