Low voltage is the trade where “do I need a license?” has the most answers. Pull network cable in Texas and you’re exempt from the electrician law. Pull the same cable in Nebraska and you need an electrical license. Add a camera to it in Alabama and you need a security license. Add a smoke detector to it almost anywhere and you’ve entered fire alarm territory, which is its own licensing world.
The reason is that states regulate low voltage from three different directions: electrical boards (limited energy and low-voltage licenses), security boards (alarm company licenses, often with background checks) and fire marshals (fire alarm certifications). Which ones apply depends on what the wire does, not what voltage it carries.
This guide sorts out all 50 states and DC: which have a true low-voltage or limited energy license, which license only alarm work, which leave it to cities, and the exemptions (50 volts, 91 volts, Class 2/3 circuits) that decide where you fall. Checked against licensing boards, statutes and industry guides, current as of November 2026.
Quick answer: 27 states plus DC have a statewide low-voltage, limited energy or specialty electrical license that covers general low-voltage work (data, AV, controls, security). 16 states license only alarm or fire alarm work and leave data and AV cabling unlicensed at the state level. 7 states (Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin) have no statewide low-voltage license and rely on cities. Fire alarm work is regulated separately in nearly every state.
On this page
The Three Licensing Systems
Every low-voltage rule in the country comes from one of these:
- Electrical boards: limited energy and low-voltage licenses. California’s C-7, Nevada’s C-2d, Arizona’s CR-67, Georgia’s LV classes, Florida’s ES, Washington’s (06), Oregon’s LEA/LEB, Minnesota’s Power Limited Technician, North Dakota’s Power Limited Electrician, New Mexico’s ES-3, Connecticut’s L-5/L-6. These cover the work itself (data, AV, controls, intercom, CCTV, access control) regardless of whether it’s a “security” job, usually with a voltage ceiling (48, 50, 91, 98 or 100 volts) and an experience requirement.
- Security boards: alarm company licenses. Texas DPS, New York Department of State, Tennessee’s Alarm Systems Contractors Board, New Jersey’s Alarm Business license, California’s BSIS, Alabama’s AESBL, Oklahoma’s alarm program, Utah’s burglar alarm license. These regulate who can sell, install and monitor alarm systems, and they come with background checks, training hours and employee registration. In 16 states this is the only statewide license, and data or AV work without an alarm function is unlicensed.
- Fire marshals: fire alarm certifications. Separate in nearly every state: Texas SFMO registration, Ohio’s fire protection certificate, Florida’s EF license, Oregon’s Class A technician, New Hampshire’s fire alarm technician licenses, Utah’s fire marshal certification. Fire alarm work is never “just low voltage.”
A full-service integrator in a state like Texas can need all three: a DPS company license for the access control, an SFMO registration for the fire alarm, and nothing at all for the network cabling. Knowing which bucket each job falls into is the whole game.
States With a Statewide Low-Voltage License
The 27 states plus DC where general low-voltage work (not just alarms) requires a statewide license or specialty. Voltage ceilings and requirements vary, so read your state’s block.
| State | License | Scope / Voltage | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | CR-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems | 91V class not stated; $1,000+ or permit | 2 yrs experience; ROC bond |
| California | C-7 Low Voltage Systems (+ BSIS alarm license) | Energy-limited, up to 91V; fire alarm excluded | 4 yrs; $25,000 bond |
| Connecticut | L-5/L-6, C-5/C-6, T-1/T-2 | Up to 48V / 8A | 2 yrs journeyperson |
| Florida | ES Limited Energy; EF/EG Alarm | Up to 98V RMS | 3–4 yrs; $806 to get licensed |
| Georgia | LV-A, LV-T, LV-G, LV-U | Alarm, telecom, general systems | 1 yr; $30 exam |
| Hawaii | EJS / ESS specialty electricians | 50V or less | Exam $95; license $306 |
| Idaho | Limited Energy electrical contractor | Limited energy class | 2 yrs; $75 exam |
| Louisiana | LSLBC low-voltage + Fire Marshal technician licenses | Life safety and security | Security tech exam $250 |
| Maine | Limited Electrician (low energy) | Incl. fire alarm | 2 yrs; $150 exam |
| Maryland | Security Systems Agency + Technician | Security systems | Exams $100 / $15 |
| Massachusetts | Systems Contractor / Technician; S-License | Systems and security | Exams $226–$276 |
| Minnesota | Technology Systems Contractor + PLT | Class 2/3/4 circuits | 36 months; W-2 crews |
| Mississippi | Alarm Class A + electrical specialty | Alarm and communication | Exams $450 / $400 |
| Nebraska | Electrical license (no LV exemption) | All low-voltage work | Fire Alarm Installer for 50V |
| Nevada | C-2d Low Voltage Systems | Fiber or up to 91V | 4 yrs; $300 exam; $600 license |
| New Mexico | ES-3 Low Voltage Special Systems | Under 50V | 2 yrs; $10,000 bond |
| North Carolina | SP-FA/LV + Alarm Systems license | Fire, burglar, limited energy | Broad Class 2/3 exemption |
| North Dakota | Power Limited Electrician | Below 100V | 6,000 hours; exam |
| Oregon | CLE contractor + LEA/LEB technicians | Protective signaling (A) or other (B) | 4,000 hrs + 288 class hrs |
| Rhode Island | Telecom / fire alarm / burglar alarm licenses | Limited energy | Plus contractor registration |
| Vermont | Type S specialty electrician | Specialty low-voltage | Fire alarm TQP |
| Virginia | Contractor license + ESC / FAS specialty | Jobs over $1,000 | QI exam $85 |
| Washington | (06) Limited Energy; (09) Telecom | Line voltage capped at 120V/20A | $4,000 electrical bond |
| West Virginia | Specialty Low-Voltage Electrician | Low voltage | 1 yr; exam |
| Wyoming | Low Voltage Technician / contractor | Low voltage | ~$100 initial |
| Alaska | Security Systems Contractor | Security; 48V signaling exempt from admin | $10,000 specialty bond |
| Arkansas | Electrical license covers LV; Class E alarm | Alarm, sound, data | State Police alarm license |
| District of Columbia | Low-voltage specialty; alarm dealer license | Security and fire alarm | Exam ~$52 |
Alarm-Only States
In these 16 states, the statewide license covers alarm (and often fire alarm) work only. Data, AV and controls cabling without a security function has no state license, though cities may require one.
| State | Alarm / Fire License | Details | Non-Alarm LV Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | DPS Private Security company license + registered installers | 16-hr Alarm Level I; $100K/$200K liability | Class 1/2/3 circuits exempt from TDLR |
| New York | DOS Security or Fire Alarm Installer license | $185 license, $100 renewal | NYC licenses locally |
| Tennessee | Alarm Systems Contractor license | $500 + $50/class; employees $100 | Other LV: local |
| New Jersey | Alarm Business license | $150, renewed every 2 years | Telecom and under 10V exempt |
| Illinois | Private Alarm Contractor (IDFPR) | 3 yrs + exam | Chicago licenses LV locally |
| Michigan | Security alarm contractor (PA 330); fire alarm licenses | $300 initial (fire alarm) | Telecom exempt |
| Oklahoma | Alarm company, manager, technician licenses | Covers burglar, fire, CCTV, access | Data/AV cabling unlicensed |
| Utah | Burglar alarm company + qualifying agent | 6,000 + 2,000 hours | Class 2/3 circuits exempt |
| Alabama | AESBL electronic security license | Alarm, CCTV, access control | Cabling/AV unlicensed |
| Iowa | Alarm System Contractor / Technician | $200 / $125 | CCTV, access, data exempt |
| Delaware | Security Business license (State Police) | Employee licenses | Communication/LE exempt |
| Montana | Electronic security company license | Board of Private Security | 90V or less exempt from electrical |
| South Carolina | Alarm business license (LLR) | Exam | Cabling unlicensed |
| Kentucky | Fire alarm via fire marshal | — | Telecom 50V or less exempt |
| New Hampshire | Fire alarm technician licenses | Limited / unlimited | No LV license |
| Ohio | Fire Marshal certificate for fire protection work | R.C. 3737.65 | Under-50V systems exempt from OCILB |
The Exemptions: 50 Volts, 91 Volts, Class 2/3
Most states carve low-voltage work out of the electrician’s license with one of three tests, and the test decides whether your work is exempt:
- A voltage ceiling. Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and Georgia use 50 volts; California and Nevada define their low-voltage classes at 91 volts; Florida uses 98; Montana exempts 90 volts or less; North Dakota’s power limited license runs below 100 volts. Alaska’s signaling exemption is 48 volts to ground. New Jersey exempts anything under 10 volts.
- NEC circuit class. Texas, Utah, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin and North Carolina exempt Class 2 and Class 3 (power-limited) circuits by name. That’s a function of the power supply’s listing, not a voltage you measure, so a 24-volt circuit fed from an unlisted supply may not qualify.
- What the system does. Alarm states license by function: Iowa licenses only systems that annunciate an alarm, so CCTV and card access that send no notification are exempt. Texas licenses alarm and access control regardless of voltage.
Two states have no exemption at all: Nebraska requires an electrical license for all low-voltage work, and Minnesota requires a Technology Systems Contractor license for any Class 2, 3 or 4 technology circuit work done for others. And exemptions from the electrician law never exempt you from permits, inspections or local contractor registration.
Recent Changes
If you only read one section: Washington’s bonds and Oregon’s fees went up, Florida’s alarm CE now includes false-alarm prevention, and several states have tightened background check rules for alarm employees. Fire alarm certification is being enforced more aggressively in no-license states like Ohio.
Washington: contractor bonds doubled (2024)
Low-voltage contractors register with L&I as specialty contractors ($15,000 bond since July 1, 2024, up from $6,000) in addition to the $4,000 electrical contractor bond for the (06) license.
Oregon: CCB fee to $400 (2025)
Limited Energy Contractors also hold a CCB license, which rose to $400 for two years on July 1, 2025. The BCD limited energy licenses themselves stayed cheap: $50 for an LEB technician, renewed every three years.
Tennessee: employee registration enforcement
Tennessee requires alarm companies to register every employee with access to system records within 30 days of hire, with an IdentoGO background check. The board has been auditing registrations at renewal.
Florida: continuing education content
Alarm contractors renew every two years with 7 hours of CE, two of which must cover false-alarm prevention.
State-by-State Breakdown
Every state and DC: the licenses, the voltage or circuit exemptions, and what’s left to cities. Red chips in the jump bar are states with a statewide low-voltage or limited energy license; amber chips are alarm-only states.
Jump to your state
Alabama Alarm/CCTV License Only
Issuing Agency: Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL)
What you need: Companies installing alarm, CCTV or access control systems are licensed by the Electronic Security Board, with individual licenses for installers. Structured cabling and AV work with no security function have no state license, though the Electrical Contractors Board’s license applies to line-voltage work.
Exemptions: Licensed general and electrical contractors are exempt from the alarm license for some work, and companies operating only in counties under 30,000 people were historically exempt.
Alaska Security Systems Contractor
Issuing Agency: Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
What you need: A Security Systems Contractor license for security work, and a Signaling Device Contractor license for fire alarms, on top of general contractor registration (specialty bond $10,000).
Exempt: Fire, intrusion and limited-energy signaling systems operating at 48 volts to ground or less don’t need an electrical administrator.
Arizona CR-67 License ($1,000+)
Issuing Agency: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
What you need: The Low Voltage Communication Systems classification (C-67 commercial, R-67 residential, CR-67 dual) for alarm, intercom, telephone, TV, data and similar limited-energy systems. Like every ROC license it applies at $1,000 in labor and materials or whenever a permit is needed.
Requirements: Two years of experience, the ROC business exam (the trade exam can be waived for recent qualifying parties), and a license bond set by volume.
Arkansas Electrical License Covers LV
Issuing Agency: Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners / Contractors Licensing Board and Arkansas State Police (alarm)
What you need: Arkansas treats communication, sound, computer and burglar alarm wiring as electrical work, so an electrical contractor license covers it. Alarm companies also hold a Class E Alarm Systems Company license from the State Police, with licensed technicians.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
California C-7 License ($1,000+)
Issuing Agency: CSLB (C-7 Low Voltage Systems) and BSIS (alarm companies)
What you need: A C-7 Low Voltage Systems license for communication and low-voltage systems that are energy-limited and don’t exceed 91 volts: telephone, sound, cable TV, CCTV, satellite, controls and low-voltage landscape lighting. Fire alarm systems are specifically excluded (that’s C-10 territory). The $1,000 small-job exemption applies.
Alarms: Companies that sell, install or monitor alarm systems also need an Alarm Company Operator license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and each installer needs an alarm agent registration.
Requirements: Four years of journey-level experience, the Law & Business and C-7 exams, and a $25,000 bond.
Colorado No State LV License
Issuing Agency: Colorado State Electrical Board
What you need: No statewide license. Security, sound, remote-control and communications work at 50 volts or less is outside the electrical licensing law. Denver and other cities license low-voltage contractors locally, and alarm permits are municipal.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Connecticut L-5/L-6, C-5/C-6, T-1/T-2
Issuing Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
What you need: Connecticut licenses low-voltage work through limited electrical licenses: L-5 (contractor) and L-6 (journeyperson) for low-voltage and alarm/signal work up to 48 volts and 8 amps, C-5/C-6 for alarm and signal systems, and T-1/T-2 for telephone interconnect. Contractors need two years as a journeyperson or six years of equivalent experience and pass a $150 exam.
Exempt: Residential security installers employed by a licensed contractor, and irrigation control wiring at 24 volts or less.
Delaware Security Business License
Issuing Agency: Delaware State Police, Professional Licensing Section
What you need: A Security Business license for alarm companies, plus employee licenses. Communication and limited-energy work (telephone, sound, CCTV, data) doesn’t need an electrical license; fire alarms do.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
District of Columbia Low Voltage Contractor
Issuing Agency: DC DLCP, Board of Industrial Trades
What you need: DC issues a low-voltage specialty under its electrical licensing, and security and fire alarm dealers need a district license from the Board of Industrial Trades (exam about $52, license about $133). Public-utility telephone lines are exempt.
Florida ES / EF / EG Licenses
Issuing Agency: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board
What you need: The Limited Energy Specialty (ES) license covers low-voltage systems up to 98 volts other than alarms. Alarm System Contractor I (EF) covers all alarm systems including fire; Alarm System Contractor II (EG) covers alarms other than fire. Alarm agents who sell or install need 14 hours of training and a DBPR ID card.
Requirements: Three years of trade-management or four years of supervisory experience (EF applicants need 40% fire alarm experience), a two-part exam ($247.50) and a $296 license, renewed every two years with 7 hours of CE.
Exempt: Cable TV, radio and telecom work covered by NEC Articles 725, 770, 800, 810 and 820 (Fla. Stat. 489.503).
Georgia LV-A / LV-T / LV-G / LV-U
Issuing Agency: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (SOS)
What you need: A statewide low-voltage contractor license in one of four classes: LV-A (alarm and general systems), LV-T (telecommunication and general systems), LV-G (general systems only) or LV-U (unrestricted). One year of low-voltage wiring experience (up to six months can be trade-school coursework) and a $30 exam per class.
Exempt: Wiring at 50 volts or less and Class 2/3 power-limited systems are exempt from the electrical license but, in practice, most alarm and telecom companies hold the LV license because permit offices and customers ask for it.
Hawaii EJS / ESS Specialty
Issuing Agency: Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers (DCCA)
What you need: Hawaii licenses low-voltage installers as Journeyworker Specialty (EJS) and Supervising Specialty (ESS) electricians for burglar and fire alarm and communication/signal work at 50 volts or less, under a licensed contractor (the C-15 Electronic Systems class). Exam $95, license $306, no reciprocity.
Idaho Limited Energy License
Issuing Agency: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
What you need: A Limited Electrical Contractor license in the limited energy class, with limited energy installers working under it. Two years of experience and a $75 exam for the contractor license.
Illinois Alarm License + Local
Issuing Agency: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Private Alarm Contractor)
What you need: No statewide low-voltage license. Alarm companies hold a Private Alarm Contractor license from IDFPR (three years of experience and an exam), and Chicago and many suburbs license low-voltage and electrical contractors locally, with Chicago’s alarm contractor license about $500.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Indiana No State LV License
What you need: No statewide low-voltage, alarm or electrical license. Indianapolis and other cities license contractors for permitted work, and some require low-voltage registration.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Iowa Alarm License; Data Exempt
Issuing Agency: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
What you need: Alarm System Contractor ($200) and Alarm System Technician ($125) licenses for fire, security and nurse-call systems that annunciate an alarm, plus general contractor registration ($50) for the business.
Exempt: Monitoring-only firms, CCTV and card-access systems that send no notification, licensed electricians installing alarm wiring, and Class 2/3 and communications cabling.
Kansas No State LV License
What you need: No statewide license. Johnson County, Wichita and other local jurisdictions license alarm, electrical and low-voltage contractors.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Kentucky Fire Alarm; Telecom Exempt
Issuing Agency: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
What you need: Telecommunications and data systems at 50 volts or less need no statewide license. Work that falls under the electrical license (EL-2 contractor) requires it, and fire alarm work is regulated through the state fire marshal.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Louisiana LSLBC + Fire Marshal
Issuing Agency: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and Office of State Fire Marshal
What you need: Low-voltage work falls under the LSLBC’s electrical classifications (a low-voltage subclassification) at the board’s dollar thresholds, and the State Fire Marshal licenses the people: CCTV Alarm Specialist, Fire Detection Technician, Security Technician and Locksmith Technician (security technician exam $250).
Exempt: Primary power sources of 100 volts or more installed for limited-energy systems are electrical work, not low-voltage.
Maine Limited Electrician (Low Energy)
Issuing Agency: Maine Electricians’ Examining Board
What you need: A Limited Electrician license in the low-energy category covers low-voltage work, including fire alarms. Two years of experience and a $150 exam.
Maryland Security Systems License
Issuing Agency: Maryland State Board of Electricians
What you need: Security systems work requires a Security Systems Agency license (exam $100) with Security Systems Technician licenses for installers ($15 exam), both under the Board of Electricians. Other low-voltage work falls under the master electrician license unless exempt; confirm your scope with the board.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Massachusetts Systems Contractor / Technician
Issuing Agency: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
What you need: Massachusetts licenses low-voltage work through the electricians’ board: Systems Technician (Class D) and Systems Contractor (Class C) licenses, plus the S-License for security system work ($250 exam). Exam fees run $226 to $276 by class, and Massachusetts has reciprocity with New Hampshire.
Michigan Security Alarm Contractor
Issuing Agency: Michigan LARA
What you need: Security alarm businesses are licensed under Public Act 330 (the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act), and fire alarm specialty technicians and contractors are licensed through LARA ($300 initial). Telecom-industry work other than fire alarms is exempt from electrical licensing.
Minnesota PLT + Technology Systems Contractor
Issuing Agency: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
What you need: Companies doing Class 2, 3 or 4 technology circuits (signaling, alarm, audio, antenna, communications, some low-voltage lighting) hold a Technology Systems Contractor license with a designated Power Limited Technician (PLT). The PLT needs 36 months of acceptable experience or a four-year electrical degree, plus the exam ($50). Installers must be W-2 employees of the licensed contractor.
Mississippi Alarm + Electrical Specialty
Issuing Agency: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
What you need: Alarm contracting companies hold a Class A license (exam $450) with licensed technicians (Class B), salespeople (D) and helpers (H). Other low-voltage work falls under the electrical classification’s alarm and communication specialties (exam $400). Reciprocity waives the trade exam for a $50 fee.
Missouri No State LV License
Issuing Agency: Missouri Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (optional license)
What you need: No statewide low-voltage or alarm license. Class 2/3 remote-control, signaling and power-limited circuits and voice, video, audio and data communications circuits are exempt from the optional statewide electrical license. Kansas City, St. Louis and St. Louis County license locally.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Montana Security Alarm License
Issuing Agency: Montana Board of Private Security
What you need: Electronic security companies are licensed by the Board of Private Security. Electrical work of 90 volts or less is exempt from the State Electrical Board’s license, so structured cabling and AV need no electrical license.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Nebraska Electrical License Covers All LV
Issuing Agency: Nebraska State Electrical Division
What you need: Nebraska requires an electrical license for all low-voltage work, with no voltage exemption. Fire alarm installers hold a separate Fire Alarm Installer license for components at 50 volts or less. Contractors also register with the Department of Labor ($40 a year).
Nevada C-2d License ($1,000+)
Issuing Agency: Nevada State Contractors Board
What you need: The C-2d Low Voltage Systems subclassification covers systems that use fiber optics or don’t exceed 91 volts. Four years of experience, a $300 exam and a $600 license, renewed every two years, plus a bond set by the board. Fire alarm work is licensed separately.
New Hampshire Fire Alarm Only
Issuing Agency: New Hampshire OPLC, Electricians’ Board and Division of Fire Safety
What you need: No mandatory low-voltage license. The Division of Fire Safety licenses fire alarm technicians (limited and unlimited). Irrigation controls at 30 volts or less are exempt from electrical licensing.
New Jersey Alarm Business License
Issuing Agency: New Jersey Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee (DCA)
What you need: An Alarm Business license for burglar and fire alarm companies (exam $100, license $150, renewed every two years at $150), with a licensed business qualifier. Telecommunications wiring that meets the statutory criteria and anything under 10 volts is exempt. Data and AV contractors without alarm work don’t need the license.
New Mexico ES-3 License
Issuing Agency: New Mexico Construction Industries Division
What you need: The ES-3 Low Voltage Special Systems classification for systems under 50 volts. Two years of experience, an exam (about $69), and the $10,000 CID bond. Satellite dish installers at single-family homes that don’t need 120-volt tracking are exempt.
New York Alarm Installer License
Issuing Agency: New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
What you need: A Security or Fire Alarm System Installer license from the Department of State (exam $15, license $185, renewed every two years at $100) for alarm businesses. General low-voltage and data work has no state license, but New York City and many counties license electricians and alarm installers locally, and NYC fire alarm work runs through the FDNY.
North Carolina SP-FA/LV License
Issuing Agency: NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and Alarm Systems Licensing Board
What you need: A Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage (SP-FA/LV) electrical contractor license for fire alarm, burglar alarm and limited-energy wiring, and an Alarm Systems Licensing Board license for the alarm business itself.
Exempt: Systems not required by the building code, Class 2 or 3, at 50 volts or less, current-limited, outside hazardous areas and posing no shock or fire hazard in the inspector’s opinion. Most structured cabling and AV work fits, most fire alarm work doesn’t.
North Dakota Power Limited Electrician
Issuing Agency: North Dakota State Electrical Board
What you need: A Power Limited Electrician license for systems below 100 volts (security, fire alarm, data, communications, controls), in contracting or non-contracting form. Register as an apprentice, then 6,000 hours over at least 2.5 years, and an open-book exam (4.5 hours, 70% to pass).
Ohio Fire Alarm Cert Only
Issuing Agency: Ohio State Fire Marshal
What you need: No statewide low-voltage license. Work limited to listed systems under 50 volts (alarm, cabling, tele-data, sound, communication, landscape lighting and irrigation) doesn’t make you an electrical contractor under R.C. 4740.13(D). Installing, servicing or testing fire protection equipment for profit needs a State Fire Marshal certificate (R.C. 3737.65), and cities like Cincinnati require contractor registration.
Oklahoma Alarm Technician Licenses
Issuing Agency: Oklahoma Department of Labor (Alarm, Locksmith and Fire Sprinkler program)
What you need: Alarm companies hold a company license with a licensed manager, and installers hold technician or salesperson licenses, covering burglar, fire, CCTV and access control. Data and AV cabling with no alarm function has no state license. Electrical work beyond Class 2/3 circuits falls under the CIB electrical license.
Oregon Limited Energy (CLE, LEA, LEB)
Issuing Agency: Oregon Building Codes Division
What you need: The business holds a Limited Energy Contractor (CLE) license (plus a CCB license), and each installer holds a Limited Energy Technician license: Class A (LEA) covers protective signaling such as fire and security alarms; Class B (LEB) covers other limited-energy work like data, AV and controls.
Requirements (LEB): An Oregon apprenticeship, or 4,000 hours of work plus 288 classroom hours and a 32-hour training program, or 8,000 hours gained out of state. A 28-question open-book exam, a $50 license, renewed every three years with 8 hours of CE.
Pennsylvania No State LV License
What you need: No statewide low-voltage, alarm or electrical license. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many municipalities license electrical and low-voltage contractors locally, and residential work under HICPA needs registration at $5,000 a year.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Rhode Island Telecom / Alarm Licenses
Issuing Agency: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and Contractors’ Registration Board
What you need: Rhode Island licenses limited-energy work through telecommunications, fire alarm and burglar alarm licenses, with the business also registered with the Contractors’ Registration Board ($500,000 liability). Industry guides list a $10,000 bond; confirm with the Department of Labor and Training.
South Carolina Alarm Business License
Issuing Agency: South Carolina LLR, Contractor’s Licensing Board
What you need: Burglar and fire alarm businesses are licensed by the Contractor’s Licensing Board, with an exam. Structured cabling, data and AV work has no specific state license, and the general contractor license applies only above $10,000 for commercial work.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
South Dakota No State LV License
Issuing Agency: South Dakota Electrical Commission
What you need: No statewide low-voltage contractor license. Class 2 and 3 power-limited work generally falls outside the Electrical Commission’s licensing, but fire alarm and anything tied to line voltage may not, so confirm your scope with the Commission.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Tennessee Alarm License + Local LV
Issuing Agency: Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board
What you need: Selling, installing, servicing or monitoring fire, burglar or CCTV systems requires an Alarm Systems Contractor license ($500 plus $50 per classification) with a qualifying agent (exam, background check, degree or certification plus three years’ experience) and registered employees ($100 each, background-checked within 30 days).
Other low-voltage work: No statewide license; the state points contractors to local codes offices, and some cities issue low-voltage contractor licenses. Jobs of $25,000 or more need a state contractor license.
Texas DPS Alarm + Fire Marshal
Issuing Agency: Texas DPS Private Security, State Fire Marshal’s Office and TDLR
What you need: No single low-voltage license. Alarm and access control companies hold a DPS Private Security company license (Class B, $412, renewed every two years) with registered installers (16-hour Alarm Level I training, then 8 hours of CE per cycle) and $100,000 / $200,000 liability coverage. Fire alarm companies register with the State Fire Marshal ($500, $1,000 renewal) with licensed technicians and planning superintendents.
Exempt: Work on Class 1, 2 and 3 remote-control, signaling and power-limited circuits is exempt from TDLR electrician licensing (Occ. Code 1305.003), so data, AV and controls cabling need no TDLR license, though cities may still require permits and registration.
Utah Alarm Company License
Issuing Agency: Utah DOPL (Burglar Alarm licensing)
What you need: Utah has no stand-alone low-voltage contractor class, and installing NEC Class 2 and 3 power-limited circuits is exempt from contractor licensing (R156-55a). Alarm companies need a DOPL burglar alarm company license with a qualifying agent (6,000 hours with an alarm company plus 2,000 managerial hours, fingerprints and exams), and installers register as alarm company agents. Fire alarm testing is a State Fire Marshal certification.
Vermont Type S Specialty License
Issuing Agency: Vermont Division of Fire Safety
What you need: Vermont licenses low-voltage work through Type S specialty electrician licenses (with journeyman and master electrician licenses above them), and fire alarm work requires a technically qualified person credential.
Virginia ESC Specialty ($1,000+)
Issuing Agency: Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors
What you need: A contractor license (Class C, B or A by job size, from $1,000) with the Electronic/Communication Service (ESC) specialty for low-voltage systems, or Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) for fire alarms. Each specialty needs its own qualified individual who passes the specialty exam ($85), and the business designee completes 8 hours of pre-license education. Alarm companies also register with the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Washington (06) Limited Energy
Issuing Agency: Washington Department of Labor & Industries
What you need: A (06) Limited Energy specialty electrical contractor license with a $4,000 electrical bond, an administrator, and (06) certified electricians or trainees doing the work. The specialty covers signaling and power-limited circuits (telecom, HVAC controls, fire and intrusion alarms, energy management, lighting controls, PA), with line-voltage connections capped at 120 volts / 20 amps and a disconnect. A (09) Telecommunications license covers cabling-only work.
Plus: General contractor registration ($15,000 specialty bond) and, for alarm companies, local permits.
West Virginia Low Voltage Electrician
Issuing Agency: West Virginia Division of Labor
What you need: West Virginia issues a Specialty Low-Voltage Electrician license (one year of experience and an exam), and the business needs the state contractor license above $5,000 residential / $25,000 commercial.
Wisconsin No State LV License
Issuing Agency: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
What you need: No statewide low-voltage license. Wisconsin’s electrical licensing exempts most Class 2 and 3 low-voltage work, and municipalities set local rules. Fire alarm work follows DSPS fire protection rules.
Fire alarm: Fire alarm work is regulated separately almost everywhere; check the state fire marshal’s rules before you touch a fire system.
Wyoming Low Voltage Technician
Issuing Agency: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
What you need: Wyoming licenses Low Voltage Technicians and low-voltage contractors through the state electrical licensing program (about $100 initial). Confirm the scope and exam with the department, and check city rules in Cheyenne and Casper.
Checked November 2026 against licensing boards, statutes and the NSCA Guide to State Licensing. Fees are the most recent published figures and change often. Local licensing (Chicago, Denver, NYC, Philadelphia and many counties) is noted where it matters but not catalogued. Confirm your exact scope with the board before you bid.
Fire Alarm Is Always Separate
Whatever your state does with low voltage, assume fire alarm work needs something more:
- A different license or certificate. Florida’s EF, Oregon’s Class A technician, Texas SFMO registration, Ohio’s fire protection certificate, New Hampshire’s fire alarm technician license, Louisiana’s Fire Detection Technician, Nebraska’s Fire Alarm Installer, Utah’s fire marshal certification, Vermont’s TQP.
- NICET or equivalent. Many states accept or require NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification for the person designing or supervising the work: Level III for Texas planning superintendents, Level III or IV for Ohio designers, Level III as a substitute for experience in Florida’s EF license.
- Plan review and permits. Fire alarm installs almost always need permits and inspections even where the low-voltage work itself is exempt.
Integrators who don’t want the fire alarm overhead usually sub it to a fire alarm contractor and keep their own license focused on security, access and data.
Running a Low-Voltage Business
- Neighboring licenses: Electrician license requirements by state covers the line-voltage side, and locksmith licensing covers access control companies that also do doors and locks.
- Alarm-specific: Security alarm installer license requirements by state goes deeper on the alarm company licenses and background checks, and access control jobs: alarm or electrical license? covers the gray zone.
- Bonds: Contractor license bond requirements by state.
- Service calls pay the bills. Installs are lumpy; service, monitoring and recurring maintenance are what smooth out cash flow.
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FAQ
Do I need a license to install low-voltage wiring?
In 27 states plus DC, yes: a statewide low-voltage, limited energy or specialty electrical license covers data, AV, controls and security wiring (for example California’s C-7, Nevada’s C-2d, Arizona’s CR-67, Georgia’s LV classes, Florida’s ES, Washington’s 06 and Oregon’s limited energy licenses). In 16 states only alarm and fire alarm work is licensed, and 7 states leave low voltage to cities. Fire alarm work needs a separate credential almost everywhere.
What is the 50-volt rule for low voltage?
Many states exempt wiring at 50 volts or less from the electrician’s license (Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Georgia). Others use different lines: 91 volts in California and Nevada, 98 in Florida, 90 in Montana, 100 in North Dakota, 48 volts to ground in Alaska. Texas, Utah, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin exempt by NEC circuit class (Class 2 and 3) instead of voltage. Nebraska has no exemption at all.
Is a low-voltage license the same as an alarm license?
No. A low-voltage or limited energy license (from an electrical or contractor board) covers the wiring work. An alarm company license (from a security board like Texas DPS, New York DOS or Tennessee’s Alarm Systems Contractors Board) covers selling, installing and monitoring alarm systems and usually requires background checks and employee registration. Full-service integrators in states like California (C-7 plus BSIS) and Virginia (ESC plus DCJS) need both.
Do I need a license to run network cable in Texas?
Not from the state. Work on Class 1, 2 and 3 remote-control, signaling and power-limited circuits is exempt from TDLR electrician licensing (Occupations Code 1305.003). Alarm and access control work needs a DPS Private Security company license with registered installers, fire alarm work needs State Fire Marshal registration, and cities may still require permits.
Does low-voltage work include fire alarms?
Almost never for licensing purposes. California’s C-7 specifically excludes fire alarms, Florida splits them into the EF license, Oregon puts them in the Class A technician license, and states with no low-voltage license at all (Ohio, New Hampshire) still certify fire alarm work through the fire marshal. Plan on a separate credential, often with NICET certification for the designer.
Which states have no low-voltage license?
Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin have no statewide low-voltage or alarm license; cities like Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Philadelphia license locally. Sixteen more states (including Texas, New York, Tennessee, New Jersey, Illinois and Utah) license alarm work only, leaving data and AV cabling unlicensed at the state level.
Bottom Line
Figure out which of the three systems your work falls under. If you’re in one of the 27 states plus DC with a low-voltage or limited energy license, get it: it covers your data, AV and controls work and usually your security work too. If you’re in an alarm-only state, you need the alarm license the moment a system detects intrusion or fire, and nothing for cabling. If you’re in a no-license state, your city is the regulator.
And in every state, treat fire alarm as its own trade with its own paperwork. The wire looks the same, but the license never is.
