Administrative powers and duties

1. The executive director, under the direction of the board, shall administer laws, rules, and wiring standards of this state, the electrical requirements of the NFPA 70 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025) and NFPA 72, 101, 110 2024 edition Life Safety Code®, and applicable articles in locally adopted codes or North Dakota State Building Code pertaining to fire detection, fire alarms, fire communications, and smoke detectors. Whenever any action is taken by the executive director to enforce the provisions of any sections contained in these electrical regulations, the NFPA 70 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025) and NFPA 101 2024 edition Life Safety Code®, such acts must be done in the name of and on behalf of the state. 2. The electrical regulations of these standards, the NFPA 70 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025) and NFPA 101 2024 edition Life Safety Code®, may be modified or waived by special permission in particular cases when such modification or waiver is specifically permitted or in particular cases when an advancement in the technology of electricity makes such modification or waiver advisable in the best interest of the people of North Dakota. Such "special permission", in all cases, must be obtained from the executive director in writing before the commencement of the work. 3. Whenever the board is authorized or mandated by law to inspect an electrical installation, the inspector may enter upon land for the purpose of conducting the inspection. Except in emergency circumstances, the inspector shall request permission from the property owner or agent before entering a dwelling, other building, or other place so enclosed as manifestly to exclude intruders. If the landowner refuses to give permission, the board may request the district court of the district containing the property for an order authorizing the inspector to enter the property to conduct the inspection. Emergency circumstances include situations presenting imminent danger to health, safety, or property.