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Low Voltage License Kansas

January 15, 2023
04:18 AM

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Complete guide to Kansas low voltage licensing requirements and KDHE regulations

Kansas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

⚠️ Local Jurisdiction Required: Kansas has NO statewide electrical contractor licensing. All requirements are determined by individual municipalities and counties.

Current Requirements (2024)

No Statewide License System

Kansas is one of the states that does NOT require statewide electrical contractor licensing. Instead, electrical licensing is handled entirely at the local municipal and county level, with each jurisdiction responsible for:

  • Setting license requirements (beyond state minimums)
  • Administering examinations
  • Issuing licenses and permits
  • Conducting enforcement
  • Regulating low voltage work

State Minimum Requirements

The Kansas State Legislature sets minimum standards that each municipality must follow for journeyman electrician licenses:

Required Minimums for Journeyman License:

  • Experience: Minimum 2 years (4,000 hours) under licensed electrician supervision
  • Education: 240 hours of classroom instruction
  • Examination: Based on current National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old

Local Jurisdiction Examples

Kansas City (Wyandotte County):

  • Master Electrical Contractor License required
  • Master Residential Electrical Contractor License available
  • 2 years journeyman experience minimum for Master
  • Specific insurance requirements

Sedgwick County (Wichita):

  • Class A, B, and D electrical contractor licenses
  • Only Class A authorized for commercial properties
  • Special certificates for alarm wiring installers
  • Building permits required for each project

Low Voltage and Specialty Work

Requirements for low voltage work vary significantly by municipality:

  • Alarm Systems: Some jurisdictions require Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1 certification
  • Security Systems: May require specialized licensing or registration
  • Class 2/3 Circuits: Local jurisdiction determines if electrical license required
  • Communications Wiring: Requirements vary by municipality

Insurance Requirements

Most Kansas counties require electrical contractors to maintain:

  • General Liability: Minimum $300,000 coverage typical
  • Workers Compensation: As required by Kansas law
  • Automobile Insurance: Adequate coverage for business vehicles

How to Determine Local Requirements

Steps to Find Your Requirements:

  1. Identify Work Location: Determine specific city/county for project
  2. Contact Local Building Department: Each has different requirements
  3. Review Municipal Codes: Check online city/county websites
  4. Verify Current Requirements: Regulations change frequently
  5. Obtain Required Permits: Before starting any electrical work

Major Kansas Jurisdictions

Contact Information for Major Areas:

Kansas City (Wyandotte County)
Unified Government Building Department
Website: wycokck.org

Wichita/Sedgwick County
Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department
Website: sedgwickcounty.org

Overland Park
Building and Inspection Services
Website: opkansas.org

Topeka
Building Inspection Department
Website: topeka.org

Important Kansas-Specific Considerations

  • No Statewide Reciprocity: Each jurisdiction issues separate licenses
  • Varying Requirements: What is legal in one city may not be in another
  • Local Code Adoption: NEC adoption dates vary by municipality
  • Permit Requirements: Always check local permit requirements
  • Contractor vs. Technician: Some areas distinguish between contractor and employee licenses

Research Resources

Kansas State Legislature
Electrical statute information
Website: kslegislature.gov

Municipal Research and Services Center
Local government information
Website: ksbiz.kansas.gov

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most current local requirements. Kansas electrical licensing varies dramatically by municipality. Always verify current requirements with the specific city or county licensing authority where you plan to work before beginning any electrical projects. Requirements, fees, and procedures change frequently at the local level.

Last updated: January 2025

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