Is a low voltage licence needed to install network cable? [closed]

Solution 1:

The best and easiest thing to do for your area is talk to a local building inspector for the proper information.

From my experience -- no license is needed and no one pays attention to it (unless you're wiring a new building). I've done professional wiring in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. I make sure to use quality products, avoid wiring through ducting at all costs, and never attach to anything electrical or hot.

Obviously, I'm not a professional inspector nor do I have specific legal information for your area, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Solution 2:

I realise you're asking this about the USA but this might help anyway:

In Australia it can depend on the classification of the building. In your home, you don't need a license to run data cables, but in a commercial building, depending on local council laws, you may be required to be a licensed electrician to install the cabling.

That said, I don't know anyone who would "Pay Attention" to it here, apart from my wife who's afraid I'm going to get electrocuted every time I crimp a CAT5 cable.

Solution 3:

I'm a licensed low volt contractor in Oregon and hold a Washington license as well. Both states require permits for most low volt cabling including network (cat5/6), audio, video, HVAC, alarm, etc and the installer must carry a low volt or electrical license. While many network techs are perfectly capable of installing and terminating Cat5, they usually aren't aware of all applicable codes. Even though Ethernet carries 5 or less volts there are life-safety issues with the installation itself such as using Plenum rated cable where required, not laying wire on a ceiling grid, supporting cables, seismic support for racks, speakers, etc.

Some installations have special concerns such as hazardous locations, hospitals and schools.

Many states don't have these requirements but following the NEC code is still agood idea.

Solution 4:

I have a company in Utah that provides low voltage cabling, networking, telephone systems and paging. Utah does not require any licensing to provide this service to our customers.

I have also had the same experience in Texas.

Currently, I am investigating Oregon and have found that several licenses are needed to provide the same service. First, each individual must have a LEB license. Second, one person must have a LEC license. Third, a CBC license is also required.